[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6266565,"mediaKeyId","3087058-27209b1b27a1e13a4967169df9c47a8e","parentId",3087058,"title","Council approves $215,000 amendment for wastewater treatment plant design; CDM Smith contract rises to $2.144M","audioSeconds",248,"startMs",3480000,"endMs",3728000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3087058-27209b1b27a1e13a4967169df9c47a8e&start=3480&end=3728","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3087058-27209b1b27a1e13a4967169df9c47a8e/thumbnail_3480000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6266565/Geneva-City/Kane-County/Illinois/Council-approves-215000-amendment-for-wastewater-treatment-plant-design-CDM-Smith-contract-rises-to-2144M","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6266565-b329538a26bbd099d0a68924a85d7880/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085570&Signature=e26zGx3oHznucW3xYgrrmTRxKwXr2ABGMdC0KLX~-DW3WR7RJXLzFUOs1QDMEBWa-OgCUJs8jXxDZxutDntZppvdxRvsFCMXPzIGZF7tCyjOvJtlifmoovw2wHlFzB1zJuFHmenRQzKjgapEd2TVJIYBkHqWPGlOQ-DiFNHMXy91AmQnvUp6obD0G2~RpqZRSXxRK~AEETmQNQe1FagpGQYo8-GGePymfBhoGhlRxyDUZgBjWq6VfuKfgq59q6ouGa7Ae5e42ASob7yS5QVnrEDOu8iPXr70bFQbkSoNDzflS1PLGAQ-UwSqe5KjvON8YXlzOwNW5NfzhxHQO7ltQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Geneva, IL","date","2025-04-23T00:21:58.817Z","article","The Geneva City Council approved an amendment to the city's professional services agreement with CDM Smith for additional engineering and administrative work tied to Phase 2 improvements at the wastewater treatment plant. The council approved Amendment No. 1 in a 9-1 vote.

Why it matters: The amendment funds additional work required after design development identified items outside the original scope, including tasks to support a special use zoning permit, environmental checklist required for State Revolving Fund or other grant applications, and related administrative activities.

What the amendment covers: CDM Smith requested additional compensation primarily to cover paperwork and analysis related to zoning and stormwater management tied to a reconfigured site and to support grant applications and public-notification tasks. Staff said the amendment will be accommodated within the existing project budget and reflected in any future budget amendment if necessary. CDM Smith's Amendment No. 1 is for $215,000, bringing the contract ceiling to $2,144,719.

Discussion highlights: Alderson Swanson asked specifically about a $15,000 line item for the city special-use permit; CDM Smith's representative said that amount covered both administrative public-notice tasks and stormwater/environmental analyses that accompany a zoning change and certain grant submittals. Several council members requested a written breakdown of additional tasks and cost detail prior to further work.

Vote and next steps: The resolution authorizing the contract amendment passed 9-1. Staff and CDM Smith will provide the requested itemized documentation to council and ensure the additional scope aligns with the SRF/environmental checklist and the city's permit process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council & Committee of the Whole Meetings, April 21, 2025 - City of Geneva, IL.","oneSentenceSummary","Council authorized Amendment No. 1 to the CDM Smith contract for Phase 2 improvements at the wastewater treatment plant in the amount of $215,000, bringing the total maximum contract value to $2,144,719. The amendment covers additional tasks including zoning and environmental analyses tied to grant applications.","taxTitle","Geneva City, Kane County, Illinois","taxId",56193,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6266571,"Geneva council postpones \"Destination Geneva\" grant program until May 19 after council debate",744,8709000,9453000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3087058-27209b1b27a1e13a4967169df9c47a8e&start=8709&end=9453","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3087058-27209b1b27a1e13a4967169df9c47a8e/thumbnail_8709000.jpg","/articles/6266571/Geneva-City/Kane-County/Illinois/Geneva-council-postpones-Destination-Geneva-grant-program-until-May-19-after-council-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6266571-c595e2598a4720a10475286142385d5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085570&Signature=KBwhl3679qYDmEIyhwcg0EJiDiEwpwxs3opCvb1bI8KiPDnvts8Csvn-z1IJEutctmmDBsHmdkYaL~vOp5Q0-RY35A-HUUn-~RCiuEDOe-KczjPiR6HgneS4QMLziZDOihcY13C2irXE4G7xhw1IwKpx~c2W2rokyECVSMdIhh10oFowlLLfOdYQlm8bfrByPlINjEsrY4y~bp20VJavO-2NVqvRhXJl1dwOqDY4mSQx0r8s1WDKWKCi7PbGLRJh1KXgFw3T7ajHvcxrgSbDnBGxswClGIYVQaIEAMdKfqBs8uhSApmme-3f5rI~TphsvXG6vdSZImtB1I5XTIofNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Geneva City Council on April 21 voted to postpone consideration of the proposed \"Destination Geneva\" grant program to the May 19 meeting. The measure would have established a two-part grant program funded from hotel-operator occupancy tax revenue: $50,000 for Chamber-managed festival support and a special-event grant stream with awards up to $2,500 per event, with an FY26 budget of $76,000.

Why it matters: The program was pitched as a way to support festivals and events that drive overnight stays and visitor spending in Geneva while providing accountability for spending of hotel-operator tax revenues. Council members split on timing and process: some urged immediate adoption to enable events this season, while others sought more time to review the proposed program and to allow newly elected council members to participate.

Key points from staff: City Administrator Dawkins and Director Timoshenko said the program aims to reimburse festivals and special events that demonstrably increase visits and overnight stays. Funding priorities include events that support the city's strategic plan goals for economic vitality and purposeful growth. The proposed program includes reporting and eligibility criteria to provide oversight of how hotel-operator funds are spent.

Council response and vote: Some members argued that Chamber and community stakeholders had already collaborated with staff and that delays would hinder event planning; others noted the Chamber's prior agreement with the city had been terminated and that the new council should have input. After debate, the council voted 7-3 to postpone the item to May 19 to allow additional discussion between staff, the Chamber and council members.

What was postponed: The program design, eligibility rules, reporting requirements and FY26 funding ($76,000) were held over for further consideration. Staff said they would continue discussions with the Geneva Chamber and return with any clarifications requested by council.","Council voted 7-3 to postpone consideration of the proposed Destination Geneva grant program, which would use hotel-operator tax revenue to support festivals and special events. Staff had proposed $76,000 in FY26 with $50,000 earmarked for Chamber festival support and up to $2,500 per special event.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6266575,"Geneva advances East State Street project: joint funding agreement and construction-phase engineering approved",1473,3723000,5196000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3087058-27209b1b27a1e13a4967169df9c47a8e&start=3723&end=5196","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3087058-27209b1b27a1e13a4967169df9c47a8e/thumbnail_3723000.jpg","/articles/6266575/Geneva-City/Kane-County/Illinois/Geneva-advances-East-State-Street-project-joint-funding-agreement-and-construction-phase-engineering-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6266575-591a7e04061ac5b80915e113a7affff1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085570&Signature=gVkDd5YBcGq61HU1esAeK7gkuu8Lb6PqNWPwtKeabs6MmBeW6kRU8nN5XiLXirMpmk6Bu7aoELlVpRdUpuhNWRiScKTpTPkWIelI3yNAmj6cetV5c6mxtP2DrCfzkAczdkcsHAcz18rnW9ZVf2bb66s9OWdbe59aEHHErVtiuZXF9hMfLgEFky7X5QkQUfaGkqK0jmAYO-FPNf2ECi~wLoCMIPTpl24g2WTobTiU23SVcFb6ZWMoJTeXFXzFzjHaHP2gHmBOHGutOCGvrXpEkoTjxy8z9CVXghj3C2u7Omy1nLAhMFw6zaTXsymFd7eCFpwGV3sT3lGe1rGRZa7usw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Geneva City Council on April 21 moved forward on the long-running East State Street reconstruction by approving a joint funding agreement (JFA) with the State of Illinois and by authorizing a professional services agreement with Bollinger, Lock & Associates (BLA) for Phase 3 engineering.

Why it matters: The East State Street project is a major multi-year corridor reconstruction funded by federal, state and local sources. Council members heard that bids exceeded the engineer's estimate by several million dollars, prompting discussion about additional grant applications and budget strategies to close the shortfall without unduly burdening Geneva taxpayers.

What the council approved: A JFA enabling federally funded construction work was approved; the JFA currently reflects engineer estimates and will be amended as final unit prices become available. Council also voted to award Phase 3 engineering to BLA in the amount of $2,265,474 to support construction through anticipated three-year work (2025-27). Votes were unanimous.

Funding questions and context: Staff reported that the project's low bid to the Illinois Department of Transportation came in at roughly $30.16 million versus an engineer estimate near $24.2 million. Current federal and state grants secured total roughly $15 million, leaving Geneva with an estimated local share of about $9.1 million before any additional awards. Geneva has applied for an additional $3 million in grant funding (ITEP) and is pursuing other sources, including residual land-acquisition funds and potential additional STP allocations, to reduce the city's local obligation. Staff noted negotiations with IDOT and other agencies remain ongoing.

Project scope and schedule: The corridor is an FAU route connecting Route 38 to Randall Road; planned improvements include upgraded bicycle facilities, sidewalk and ADA work, and utility relocations. Staff said the work was expected to begin with utility relocations and that construction will likely stretch over three seasons, which can help spread costs across budget years.

What council asked staff to do: Members requested additional detail on funding scenarios, unit prices once IDOT releases bid tabs, and specific prioritization of elements such as streetscape amenities vs. utilities. Staff said they would return with a refined financial plan and continue negotiations with IDOT and other grant providers.

Outcome and next steps: The council's approvals allow engineering work to proceed into construction oversight, and staff will continue pursuing additional grant funding and bring updated budget recommendations to council as unit prices and partner commitments are finalized.","Council approved a Joint Funding Agreement to proceed toward construction and authorized Bollinger, Lock & Associates for final phase engineering for the East State Street corridor project; council discussed bid results and a funding gap and heard staff outline multiple funding sources under negotiation with IDOT.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6266579,"Council approves special-use permit and parking variance for Honeybird restaurant at 427 E. State St.",168,3369000,3537000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3087058-27209b1b27a1e13a4967169df9c47a8e&start=3369&end=3537","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3087058-27209b1b27a1e13a4967169df9c47a8e/thumbnail_3369000.jpg","/articles/6266579/Geneva-City/Kane-County/Illinois/Council-approves-special-use-permit-and-parking-variance-for-Honeybird-restaurant-at-427-E-State-St","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6266579-b29676e5759c0cf65f96e7939fc5e8b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085570&Signature=Th4L8rU8m6y6m9pF6AfsMYMBqKaqBhEJ8aXIafMLsUDk4XEWF9H4VR2PN-VnDt6tXiwil9NqItS82ZmeHbUOUoJACc1SNWRXIC3jq8JcPPmLm3Z9BCLf3BDi7q99EIXQ9wOga9o0Rv~lQzOG9pSv6V6yzoHU-ILKxpw8K75yoBkaNA9MdSAEMfEXNblffozCZtZCSOMno~QP3mpAdHLWMnH~Sx2I2w-NAYuum5WVOLJTo0P36OHbsAVED-De1NtKxSojDpnwFbLVlbkPFeCCT-QGuRfVy1tSknAhHxeQsxogGV7tPqhl6XzvyHhCjsNz8Q-g~815Ad6unB703pe8yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Geneva City Council approved two land-use ordinances on April 21 to allow a new restaurant, Honeybird, to occupy 427 East State Street. The applicant, local restaurateurs Nick and Jimmy Nicolau of Reganados, proposed converting a one-story vacant commercial building into a takeout/dine-in roast-chicken concept.

Why it matters: The approvals remove zoning and landscaping barriers to reusing a long-vacant building in the B-3E business district and add six on-site parking spaces to a narrow 60-foot-wide lot. The Planning & Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended the council approve the requested variations, special-use permit and landscaping relief.

What council approved: Ordinance 2025-12 grants a variation reducing the Woodlawn Street street-yard parking setback from 30 feet to 11.1 feet to enable an expanded on-site parking area and a 24-foot two-way drive aisle. Ordinance 2025-13 grants the special-use permit for a restaurant use and waives a portion of the interior parking-lot landscaping requirements.

Applicant presentation and details: The applicants told the council the concept will be a smaller, roast-broasted (pressure-fried) chicken operation with takeout and limited dine-in seating, different from their existing Reganados operation. They said the venture requires specialized equipment and the planned parking layout is intended to keep cars off the adjacent streets. Staff noted the expanded parking will create six on-site spaces, space for a dumpster enclosure, and a drive aisle necessary for operations.

Votes and process: Both ordinances were approved unanimously, 10-0. The council recorded that the requested alterations were consistent with staff recommendations and the Planning & Zoning Commission's unanimous recommendation.

Next steps: Applicants may proceed with building permits and required inspections; staff and the applicant will coordinate final site and stormwater details under the approved variation and special-use permit.","The City Council approved a zoning variation and special-use permit to allow a takeout/dine-in restaurant called \"Honeybird\" at 427 East State Street, including a reduced street-yard parking setback and relief from interior parking-lot landscaping requirements.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6266586,"Geneva council adopts ordinance clarifying liquor-license recusal rules after heated debate",3319,2106000,5425000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3087058-27209b1b27a1e13a4967169df9c47a8e&start=2106&end=5425","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3087058-27209b1b27a1e13a4967169df9c47a8e/thumbnail_2106000.jpg","/articles/6266586/Geneva-City/Kane-County/Illinois/Geneva-council-adopts-ordinance-clarifying-liquor-license-recusal-rules-after-heated-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6266586-4c8fa04ff29ae4e4b0d08e00f45720ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085570&Signature=VDDhO2FjI7sYa5bosMgw7VrtJH7RW0qBgyPXwhjGukEZvyWlGrSt3PeAIJR1gJgj2OLY9zlcQ63GwiE07N2UfCxIuVmJ83QPDrjSr18HsKvmq8DhWY0e2NrQZQNkUgqNUosTuTECoOUGYtpBgMlQfWi0rojPItKz9Z-TWTJHYQxTjDiF4YYct2He46HT8qY~94ZMocL89oeSxv5RGjbH33BGAHnMBTxOd1hqsMuvLUqntMCgbLtV~HUZCvrZWsUrz0Xd1Xu32qjnAb4weP4sneCHY7zzm8gp8vew-QFlWQb2dHAy8cdgALZekeSZ2OmG3SWhv0mAeEIIhM8yONZTSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Geneva City Council on April 21 adopted Ordinance 2025-07 as amended, replacing the city's prior local exception and attaching language from state statute to allow elected officials to hold an interest in the sale or distribution of alcoholic liquor provided they \"shall not participate in any meetings, hearings, or decisions on matters impacting the manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcoholic liquor.\" The council approved the ordinance as amended by a 10-0 vote.

Why it matters: Council members and staff said the change balances two concerns: avoiding actual or perceived conflicts of interest where city officials oversee liquor enforcement, and preserving voters' ability to elect business owners. The issue drew extended debate about enforcement, recusal mechanics and whether the city should adopt a more restrictive rule than the state.

At the Committee of the Whole meeting, several alderpersons urged reverting to the pre-2016 language banning liquor-license holders from council, citing potential conflicts for police and the Mayor's role as Liquor Commissioner. Alderson Bruno said the change would return the city to \"original standards pre 2016\" and argued it would reduce any public perception of political influence over license enforcement. Alderson Bowring and Alderson Malachy echoed concerns about placing police in an uncomfortable position prosecuting license matters involving sitting officials.

Other council members argued differently. Alderson Kilberg said a person deemed fit to receive a liquor license should not automatically be disqualified from holding office. Alderson Casarach and others favored leaving the broader eligibility to the voters. The council also considered, and later passed, an amendment to the proposed ordinance that explicitly incorporates the state statutory language requiring recusal from liquor-related matters.

How it will work: Under the amended language the elected official with a direct interest in liquor \"shall not participate in any meetings, hearings, or decisions on matters impacting the manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcoholic liquor.\" The ordinance does not create a specific administrative enforcement mechanism for recusal; the city attorney said compliance would be handled case-by-case and could involve points of order if a colleague challenges participation.

Outcome and votes: The council first adopted an amendment to attach Illinois statutory language on recusal (mover: Alderson Swanson; second: Mayor Mayer). That amendment passed 7-3. The main ordinance as amended was then approved 10-0. The ordinance is recorded as Ordinance No. 2025-07.

What's next: Council members debated whether additional cleanup language should be drafted to reflect other state provisions; several members suggested returning with a more comprehensive code cleanup at a later date.","The Geneva City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 2025-07 as amended, replacing local language with statutory language from Illinois to allow elected officials to hold liquor licenses so long as they do not participate in meetings, hearings or decisions affecting the manufacture, sale or distribution of alcoholic liquor.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves $215,000 amendment for wastewater treatment plant design; CDM Smith contract rises to $2.144M

Geneva council postpones "Destination Geneva" grant program until May 19 after council debate

Geneva advances East State Street project: joint funding agreement and construction-phase engineering approved

Council approves special-use permit and parking variance for Honeybird restaurant at 427 E. State St.

Geneva council adopts ordinance clarifying liquor-license recusal rules after heated debate