The Kane County Health Department announced it is offering free COVID-19 saliva testing twice a week at the county's Batavia Vax Hub.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported June 17 that Kane County is now rated at medium transmission for COVID-19. The elderly and immunocompromised should consider wearing masks in indoor community settings regardless of vaccination status.

The City encourages everyone to continue following health and safety recommendations issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC, including staying home when sick, testing when recommended, and being vaccinated.

Geneva residents can report standing water issues or high mosquito population levels to the City's abatement contractor from the convenience of their laptop or phone. Visit Clarke's website and submit your information.

Do you want to be notified of nighttime adult mosquito spraying applications?

People can sign up to receive alerts from Clarke or the City of Geneva. When a spraying has been scheduled, subscribers will be the first to know.

After moving to Geneva in 2001, Vicki Kellick has volunteered countless hours to serve her community. Now, she is dedicating her talents as Geneva’s new City Clerk.

Mayor Kevin Burns brought forward Kellick’s nomination, which was unanimously approved at the May 2 City Council meeting. Kellick’s appointment fills the vacant seat previously held by Roger Godskesen, who announced he was stepping down in April after serving in the position for five years.

“Geneva has been my family’s home for just over 20 years, and I can’t imagine living elsewhere,” Kellick said. “There is a deep sense of community here that can’t exist without involvement from our citizens. I care deeply about giving back to our incredible community, and I am honored to be able to do just that as City Clerk.”

The City Clerk attends all City Council meetings and prepares full records of those meetings. The term of the appointment runs through May 2025.

Serving on the City’s Strategic Plan Advisory Committee from 2005-10, Kellick recorded and published meeting minutes, co-organized annual committee town hall meetings, and helped revise Geneva’s strategic plan. She also has been a member of the City’s Natural Resources Committee.

Outside of the City, Kellick has volunteered with the Geneva Beautification Committee, the Williamsburg School PTO, Cub and Girl Scouts, and at her church. Kellick has experience working in the private and non-profit sectors, where she wrote contracts and maintained a wide variety of records.

The City Clerk’s annual salary is $3,600.

Maddy Cooper graduated from Geneva High School this spring and is planning to study environmental sciences at the University of California Santa Barbara as well as possibly studying abroad. Wanting to get more involved in the community, Cooper served as the student liaison for the City’s Strategic Plan Advisory Committee (SPAC) for the past two years. She shared her experiences, the senior class gift idea and her passion for trees in a Q&A with the City.

Maddy Cooper: Thirteen trees. They are spread out all over campus mostly on Gray Street and a few on McKinley Avenue.

Cooper: I really think my generation has been defined by climate change and global warming. With the media coverage and access to the internet and social media, I feel a lot of us have anxiety and almost have an obligation to help save the earth. While we wanted to do something to give back to the community, trees were a really good middle ground…to help contribute to the long-term sustainability of Geneva. The trees that we plant right now may seem really meager, but when we come back in 25 to 50 years, they will be vital to the ecosystem and almost monuments to Geneva. Investing in sustainability and long-term goals were important.

Cooper: I have lived here pretty much my whole life. I live on a little cul-de-sac that has so much tree coverage. It is gorgeous just driving through the neighborhoods, especially in the spring when everything is in bloom. I’ve learned throughout high school about the importance trees play with wildlife and plants in Geneva.

Cooper: I really did not know much about the tree program before serving on SPAC. I got to learn about so many other things too. I have toured the Geneva Police Department and City Hall. Sitting in City meetings, I have learned more about local regulations on businesses and commerce. We have recently been working on updating the City's bike plan. I definitely learned way more than I ever thought I would about Geneva.

Cooper: You get such an intimate and inside view of Geneva. During the past two years, I have got to witness a lot of change and participate in a lot of hands-on community initiatives. In my first year, we focused on starting the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force. This year, we have worked on recycling, environmental sustainability and the bike plan. As a high schooler, it is easy to observe and not take action. But to sit on a board where you have complete and equal votership, contribute to the conversation, and serve in committees, is super valuable, especially if you are interested in government. I highly recommend it. This experience definitely makes your people skills better too. It has been a wonderful experience, and I’m sad to go.

The City’s Natural Resources Committee is hosting the International Dark Sky Association to present and discuss ideas regarding the Dark Sky Initiative.

The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh St.

Not long ago, it was easy to walk outside at night and see a spectacular starry night sky. Today, views of the night sky can sometimes be compromised by an increase in light that comes from our homes, buildings and other sources. Large amounts of artificial light also can have an adverse effect on the environment, birds, and nocturnal animals.

This informative seminar will be a chance to hear about light pollution, what steps people can take, and why it is important to act locally toward this global phenomenon.

The good news is that light pollution, unlike many other forms of pollution, is quickly and easily reversible. Just being aware that light pollution is a problem is a good start; the need for action is the next step. By minimizing the light from their own homes at night, Geneva residents can make a difference and bring the stars back to life for backyard adventures.

Geneva City Administrator Stephanie Dawkins and Human Resources Generalist Mera Johnson were both recognized by the Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA) with the Gregory J. Bielawski award for service to the profession. The award honors individuals who have gone above and beyond in the local government management profession.

Dawkins (left) was honored for her service to the profession through mentoring and teaching young people, supporting colleagues, and actively participating in professional and community organizations.

Johnson was recognized along with nine of her colleagues for the formation of the Legacy Project in 2011. This organization’s purpose is to advance women in local government by helping them succeed by enhancing career-building models that develop leadership skills and by providing an opportunity to network with female government professionals. In 2012, the Legacy Project was formally granted affiliate member status with ILCMA, and the group continues to make an impact on the profession today.

The Association handed out the awards during its annual banquet June 9.

This was the second honor this year for Dawkins. On May 13, Northern Illinois University recognized her with an honorary membership in Pi Alpha Alpha for her outstanding public service. Pi Alpha Alpha identifies those whose careers have best advanced the ideals of "integrity, professionalism, and creative performance" in public service as individuals who are considered for honorary membership.

Congratulations to both Dawkins and Johnson on their success.

Shopping in downtown Geneva is always enjoyable, and it becomes even better on First Fridays.

Mark your calendars for the first Friday of each month when Downtown Geneva stores offer specials and giveaways for those who shop local. Participating stores vary from month to month and some have extended business hours, so follow the ExperienceGenevaIL Facebook page for the latest information.

The next First Friday is Aug. 5. Thank you for supporting our local Geneva merchants, who organize First Fridays.

The weather has finally turned for the better, and it is nice to see so many residents and visitors out and about enjoying the many amenities the City of Geneva has to offer.

Summer also brings an increase in both pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic to many areas within our community. This is a good time to remember some basic safety tips as we head into the summer driving season.

Following these common-sense safety tips can go a long way towards assisting us in assuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer.

Thank you and please be safe.

Geneva residents will be able to save some money during their next visit to the grocery store and when purchasing school supplies later this summer.

The State announced this spring that it is suspending the 1% “sales and use tax” for groceries, over-the-counter medication, and other qualifying purchases from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

The tax relief includes food to be consumed off the premises where it is sold. Items not included, other than alcoholic beverages, are food consisting of or infused with adult-use cannabis, soft drinks, candy, and food that has been prepared for immediate consumption.

Additionally, the State created an Illinois sales tax holiday from Friday, Aug. 5 to Sunday, Aug. 14, just in time for back to school. Qualifying items include most school supplies, clothing and footwear. For a comprehensive list, see the Illinois Department of Revenue’s website (page 3). This reduces the sales tax rate from 8% to 3% for purchases made in Geneva.

Although residents will be spending less from their checkbooks due to the tax holidays, there will be no impact on City services. While Geneva counts on sales tax revenue to help fund police, fire, road maintenance, and other critical municipal services, the State has promised to pay the difference in taxes that the City normally would have received without the tax holiday.

So get out there and shop locally! The City will still provide outstanding municipal services, and we always appreciate it when you support our Geneva business community.

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks. The Geneva Fire Department advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals and not to use any fireworks at home.

Fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays. The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show. It is important to know that fireworks are not safe in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year.

There are no kinds of fireworks that are legal in Illinois.

While items such as sparklers, some small-cap guns, snake or glow worm pellets, smoke devices; trick noisemakers (known as party poppers), snappers, and trick matches are legal, many of these devices can burn extremely hot. Adults should always provide supervision, and these devices should not be used by young children. Even sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees.

Other safety tips include:

Thank you and have a safe summer.

The City of Geneva keeps our streets looking nice throughout the year, and residents can lend a helping hand in this effort.

The City contracts with LRS (Lakeshore Recycling Systems) to sweep streets eight times in 2022. The next sweeping is scheduled to start in mid-August and may take up to several days to complete the entire City. Street sweepers can more effectively and efficiently clean the roadways if residents move their parked cars off the street during daytime hours.

The full 2022 schedule can be found on the City's website. The City appreciates everyone's voluntary cooperation in helping keep Geneva looking beautiful.