Lawn cleanup rules revised

During their meeting the evening of Tuesday, July 14, Geneva city council members heard from maintenance department leader Mike Wacholz, who requested a new or used Bobcat side by side for various jobs. The council approved a purchase for up to $25,000. Wacholz was also approved for up to $4,500 to rent a dump trailer. The West Ball Diamond gazebo had a cottonwood tree branch pierce through the roof. There is also damage from a camper that backed into the downtown park pavilion. Both will be fixed by city maintenance staff, not insurance.

 

There are nine properties in Geneva that will be receiving nuisance letters because of yard clutter, uncut lawns, non-licensed vehicles, and the like. Some of the properties have begun cleanup work, but if they do not continue, the Albert Lea police department has recommended Elliot’s Yard Cleaning Service because they do not need a warrant, and know how to handle potentially confrontational situations. Elliot's will be contacted to deal with four of those properties within the next month. The bill for these cleanings will be invoiced against the owner’s property taxes and will start at $200.

 

The Geneva National Night Out will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4. People attending will receive free hot dogs, chips and ice cream, while having the chance to meet local police, fire and emergency medical services staff. The “Night Out” event is meant to help children recognize that emergency response personnel are friendly and trustworthy, so it is hoped people will attend as families.

 

City resident Beth Radke’s house suffered siding damage from a rock that hit while maintenance was mowing the lot near the fire department. She submitted a bill to the city for $535.63. Mayor Steven Bailey recommended, “Just pay it.”

 

Election judges are in place for this year’s elections. Individuals interested in running for city office must file between July 14 and 28. The four-year terms of two city council members end in 2026 for upcoming council positions, which are four-year terms and have two openings.

 

A resolution to allow Sunday liquor sales in Geneva will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. The issue has gone before voters four times in the past 30 years, and Geneva voters have rejected it each time.

 

The dangerous dog owned by Dillon Roberts is no longer on his property. The council continues to make efforts to ensure Roberts is in compliance with city requirements. Freeborn County has completed its investigation of all matters related to Dillon Roberts’ dogs and no criminal charges have been recommended or filed. Roberts has been charged $1,000 by Geneva and has requested an itemized billing statement before he pays.

 

The population estimates from the State Demographic Center for the city of Geneva is 507 residents, with total households 211.

 

Mayor Bailey said there will be a mud bog race on Saturday, Sept. 19, but they weren’t able to have the mud bogs this weekend for insurance reasons.