Council addresses workers, water quality

Finding city employees was a major item of discussion during the Geneva city council meeting held the evening of Feb. 10. The City is seeking a full-time individual to manage public works and maintenance. Needed for the summer is a manager for the city pool; the council is also seeking applications for lifeguards (who must be at least 15 years old), a swim instructor and concessions manager. Interested applicants are asked to reach out to the city clerk at 507-456-5946 for position duties and responsibilities, salary range and how to apply.

 

A recent notice sent to Geneva residents reports that testing reveals a “gross alpha” count higher than the Minnesota Department of Health’s maximum standard of 15 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the city’s water. Online sources explain alpha particles are produced when radioactive substances decay, and are an indicator radioactive elements may be present.

 

The notice states “results show that the average level of gross alpha was above the standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 15 pCi/L. An MCL violation was issued for this system on 1/15/2026. Testing will continue until the violation is resolved. The most recent results were 6.7 pCi/L with an annual average of 17.7 pCi/L.”

 

The notice also states “Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.”

 

The city offers that water treatment units which can help mitigate gross alpha count include water softening, reverse osmosis, and distillation, but, “It is recommended that these home water treatment units be certified to ensure radium removal. The use of carbon filters is not recommended for removal of radium, as radium may accumulate in the filter over time.”

 

Jim Beenken, city maintenance man, said city systems did not experience any problems over the cold snap. Two ash trees have been removed and four more were found that need removal. Beenken reported, “Woodpecker Tree Service said they would remove those four trees for $2,500.” Once the snow is gone and the curbs can be cleaned up, the council would like the curbs painted.

 

The Lakeshore Addition replat of lots was rejected by the council when it was learned that, if they don’t vote on it, it will eventually be approved if the council never addresses it. They voted to reject it, but that doesn’t mean it can’t easily be revisited at a later date.

 

Geneva Celebration, which will take place in 2030, is having a fundraising Bingo event at the Community Center on Friday, April 17. This will include a cash bar from George's and door prizes, but it needed a signature from Mayor Bailey.

 

The Twin Lakes Fireman’s Relief Association requested a permit for a meat raffle at George’s Bar and Grill.

 

Dave Schmidt, Regional Manager of Southern Minnesota for the Community Economic Development Authority, (CEDA), who provides fractionalized economic development services to smaller communities, has offered his services, such as grant writing, and the council said they would take that under consideration.