Geneva City Council

The City of Geneva met in a regular session on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Steve Bailey at 6:30 p.m. at the Geneva Community Center. Present were Council members Phillips, Wayne, Bartsch and Worrell. Clerk Tufte, Treasurer Mattson, and Maintenance Jim Beenken were also in attendance. There were seven guests.   

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

Phillips/Worrell moved to approve the Minutes and Agenda from previous meeting held August 7, 2024. Motion carried.

 

Beenken reported that McCarthy Well had been to Geneva and replaced a check valve that had failed on one of the wells. The hope is this will now solve the rusty water problems throughout Geneva.

 

The Fire Department will hold their annual pancake breakfast at the Community Center on August 15 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.   

 

The Council briefly discussed the ordinances that have now been provided to us by our City Attorney, specifically regarding nuisance lawns and properties as well as farm animals that are not allowed in Geneva. With the lawn mowing season almost behind us, we will start enforcing lawn ordinances next Spring.

 

November 12, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. the City will hold its budget meeting, followed by the Regular City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

 

Motion by Worrell/Phillips to approve a proposed 10% tax levy increase for 2025. The City will issue its final increase, if any, after their November budget meeting. Motion carried.

 

City Engineer Cory Beinfang from Bolton & Menk updated the Council on the Downtown Sidewalk Project. Initial steps will be to hold a workshop to include members of Council and staff as well as Engineer Bienfang and Freeborn County Engineer Phil Wacholz. Following the workshop there will be public informational meetings, preparation of plans and specs, submit plans to MnDOT, advertise for bids, open bids and submit to MnDOT for review, award bids, finalize grant agreement and begin construction.

 

Bienfang also stated that the Lead Water Service Line Inventory has been completed and submitted to MDH who will in turn review and notify the City that their inventory has been approved. Once approved, we will have 30 days to notify residents who have lead, galvanized or unknown materials. To date we are aware of eight galvanized, one lead and 19 unknowns. We will have 10 days to complete the notification and future steps.

 

Treasurer Mattson shared that she was informed of a grant opportunity for park equipment, and, after applying for the grant, the City was awarded several pieces of equipment for both the downtown park and also the park area behind the Community Center. The city would have to approve receiving the equipment yet this Fall/Winter and store within the City as part of the grant. Motion by Phillips/Bartsch to approve that the equipment be stored until such time as the installation can be done. Motion carried.

 

Dan and Donna Kuntz were in attendance to notify the City that the storm sewer drain between their home and the neighbor to the north continues to fill with sand and gravel after rain and they have for years cleared that area of debris, but would now like the City to look into it.   Beenken indicated he would reach out to MN Rural Water to have the line scoped to see where it leads and will update the Kuntz’ after results.

 

Josh Cornelius was in attendance to merely listen to updates on the sidewalk project.   

 

Bartsch shared that the bell from the old school in Geneva has been delivered and will be placed at the Geneva Community Center.   

 

Bartsch further requested that the City move forward with installation of the door/sidelight in the back of the Community Center to help with deliveries now that the new access is in place.   The cost to do the installation is $5489. Motion by Phillips/Bartsch. Motion carried.  

 

Tufte read a thank you card that was received on behalf of Keith Hagen for keeping the Center in nice condition for use with family events and other community events throughout the year.

 

Option Green Light will be held this year from November 4 – 11. Any new resident will be given a green lightbulb to be used for future dates.

 

Motion by Phillips/Worrell to approve the Financial Report as presented by Mattson. Motion carried.

 

Motion by Worrell/Phillips to approve the Bills Payable. Motion carried.

 

Motion by Wayne/Bartsch to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.