Summer 2010 City Newsletter

Residents can watch Comcast Cable Ch. 10 for City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings (broadcast live on Monday nights at 7:00pm and rebroadcast daily on the 7s & 1s) as well as 'on demand' at

http://tinyurl.com/yelcngj
If you don't have Comcast cable, you can check out a DVD of meetings at City Hall. Call (630) 232-7494 for more info.

Mayor's Message

Dear Neighbors,

A new word was coined during the last year that called on most Americans to practice the fine art of parsimony; that word is "staycation". Instead of packing up the car, piling the kids in the back, and heading yonder for a few days away, we as a people choose to preserve our resources (financial and otherwise) and hang around at home enjoying each other's company and explore the neighborhoods close to home.

While some in the travel industry may be disappointed in this behavior, the folks in Geneva who operate the restaurants, shops, entertainment destinations and the like are, or should be, very pleased with the opportunity to capture or recapture the attention of their closest customers. Heck, as far as I'm concerned, there's no better place to "hang out" and "soak up the fun" than Geneva. And here's why:

On July 10 the City is hosting the inaugural Mill Race International Cycling Classic through the streets of downtown Geneva. Hundreds of professional cyclists (some from countries as far away as Brazil) will descend upon our town to compete in a criterium course sure to test their metal and showcase our community.

RiverPark plays host to a concert series July 11, 18 and 25 featuring a brass band, jazz band, and radio mystery theatre - all along the banks of the beautiful Fox River.

On July 24 & 25 the Geneva Arts Fair brings many of the nations finest artists to downtown Geneva. One of my favorite events all year, the quality and breadth of the art available is extraordinary.

On August 22 Geneva's very own Concourse d' Elegance returns to downtown Geneva. More than 200 unique and beautifully restored automobiles (with a total value exceeding $250,000,000) park themselves throughout the downtown for car enthusiasts and dreamers alike to admire and enjoy.

And, on August 14th, the City of Geneva in cooperation with the Geneva History Center officially celebrates its demisemisepcentennial - in other words, its 175th Anniversary with an ice cream social on Third Street.

You can find out more about all of these events by clicking the links on the calendar section just below this article.

So, you see, there's plenty to do this summer right in your own back yard. Save on gas money, save on tolls, preserve your sanity and reduce your carbon footprint by staying put this summer and enjoy everything Geneva has to offer.

A "staycation" in Geneva is everything you're looking for, and free of hassle. I look forward to seeing you in downtown Geneva.

Kevin Burns
Mayor

Important Dates

July 2

First Friday Art Gallery Walk

downtown Geneva

www.artgalleriesgeneva.com

July 5

City Offices Closed

July 10

International Cycling Classic

downtown Geneva

http://www.internationalcycling.com/

July 11

RiverPark Concert Series

Prairie Brass Band

Peyton & North River Lane

http://www.genevadowntown.org

July 17

Viking Visitors Day

Good Templar Park

www.vikingship.us

Shakespeare in the Park

"As You Like It"

http://www.genevadowntown.org

July 18

RiverPark Concert Series

Night of Jazz

Peyton & North River Lane

http://www.genevadowntown.org

July 24-25

Geneva Arts Fair

downtown Geneva

www.genevachamber.com

July 25

RiverPark Concert Series

Radio Mystery Theater

Peyton & North River Lane

http://www.genevadowntown.org

August 14

City of Geneva 175th Anniversary

Ice Cream Social

Kane County Courthouse Lawn at

Third & James Street

http://www.genevahistorycenter.org

August 22

Concours d'Elegance

Third Street

http://www.genevaconcours.net/

Sept. 10-12

Festival of the Vine

downtown Geneva

www.genevachamber.com

Sept. 19

Fox Valley Marathon

downtown Geneva

http://www.foxvalleymarathon.com/

Work to Begin on New Master Plan for Downtown Geneva

West State retail courthouse clock Geneva has a rich heritage. The character of downtown Geneva is shaped by older houses that have been converted to business uses, turn of the century storefront commercial buildings, and adjacent residential neighborhoods. Downtown Geneva is a local historic district comprising 700 buildings. The district is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Recent commercial redevelopment featuring small shops and boutiques augment the downtown's historic character.

Originally, Geneva was a free-standing satellite city, but over the past 20 years it has been enveloped by the growing Chicago metropolitan region. The City is nearing the limits of outward residential subdivision growth. What will be the future of downtown? How can we direct the future of downtown to meet needs five, ten and fifteen years from now? The city has decided to prepare a master plan to address these and other questions including:

-How can we enhance opportunities for retail business success?

-How we can accommodate more business expansion without threatening downtown's historic character?

-What are the best approaches for meeting existing and future off-street parking demand?

-Where can more housing be provided; with more diversity in terms of its type, cost and density?

-How and where will the future needs of governments/facilities be met downtown?

-How can the safety and convenience needs of motorists, transit users, pedestrians and bicyclists be more effectively met?

-How can more open space and civic space be created?

-What urban design principles should the city use to ensure compatibility between the historic-built environment and new development?

South Third Street retail Work on the plan will start this month. Most of the plan's cost will be paid for through a Regional Transportation Authority Community Planning Grant.

Houseal-Lavigne Associates, a planning consulting firm, has been selected to assist the recently formed Downtown Master Plan Committee, residents, downtown property owners, business owners, local government representatives, advisory commissions, and city staff in analyzing existing conditions, gathering community ideas and concerns, formulating plan alternatives and building consensus around a recommended plan for the future. There will be numerous opportunities for Genevans to present plan ideas and offer comments on the plan during its formulation. Updates and additional information can be found on the city's website.

Brush and Yard Waste Pickup Schedule

The City's brush schedule and program details are posted at the following link: http://tiny.cc/wDfAS

Collection dates are as follows:

EAST SIDE OF FOX RIVER (1ST & 3RD WEEK/MONTH)

WEST SIDE OF FOX RIVER (2ND & 4TH WEEK/MONTH)

All brush must be placed on the parkway by 7:00am on the Monday of your scheduled collection week. Crews will not return until the next scheduled date. In addition, yard waste collection continues weekly. Residents must place a refuse sticker on all yardwaste bags that are to be put out on your regular refuse collection days. Questions? Call the Public Works Dept. at (630) 232-1501.

New Refuse Sticker Rates Effective July 1

As a part of the contract with Allied Waste approved by the City Council in 2008, new rates for waste stickers took effect July 1. While any stickers purchased prior to July 1 will remain valid for waste pickup, stickers purchased

after that date will carry the new rate of $2.92 per sticker. Stickers are available to City residents at the City of Geneva Finance Office, 15 S. First Street, as well as numerous other locations throughout the Tri-Cities.

To view complete details, click here.

In addition, refuse will be picked up one day later than your regular pick-up day for the following holidays:

Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas
New Year's Day

City Asking Residents to Check Their Indoor & Outdoor Water Meters

The City's Water Division would like to request residents and businesses to compare the outside remote meter with the inside water meter to ensure that accurate readings are obtained. The remote that is attached to the side of your home or business is there so our meter readers do not have to enter the home or business to obtain a reading. Extreme weather and the age of the meters can cause them to malfunction at times. If the outside remote register does not read the same as the inside meter, please contact the City's Water Division at (630) 232-1551. We will make arrangements to check your water meter and remote. The customer is responsible for the amount of consumption registered on the inside meter. Below are examples of the remote and indoor meters.

indoor meter outdoor meter

Participate in the City's Electric Load Reduction Program

Interested in promoting energy conservation while helping keep Geneva electric rates down? Sign up to follow the City's Twitter account and receive timely information on reducing your home or business electric load during peak power days. To sign up, click the Twitter link near the top of this email, or visit www.twitter.com and follow "cityofgeneva".

Mulch Available to City Residents

Residents may pick up woodchips and mulch at the Public Works Department located at 1800 South St. for home use only. The pickup area at Public Works will be secured and only accessible Monday through Friday from 7:00am - 3:00pm. No equipment is allowed on City property for the purpose of loading mulch. Residents must shovel the mulch into their vehicle or containers. This material is for City of Geneva residents only and not landscape contractors.

Due to the high cost of fuel and the City's attempt to conserve funds, home delivery of the mulch is not available.

Emerald Ash Borer Update

Since the first detection of EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) was discovered on the westside of the community in 2008, more than 178 confirmed trees have been uncovered throughout the entire community. The EAB can be present in an ash tree for more than five years before the tree starts to demonstrate signs of the infestation. The City developed an action plan in 2008 that complies with Illinois Department of Agriculture recommendations. The City doesn't have the resources to annually chemically treat the 2500 ash trees located on the City right of ways. The City's plan is to remove and replace ash trees that develop into a hazard due to die back.

Residents can perform chemical treatments to privately owned trees and if so desire they may also treat ash located on the City of right of ways. If a resident does treat an ash tree on the City right of way, they must contact the Public Works Department to report their efforts with address locations.

There are many links for information on the City's website and should be visited periodically for updated information. Please contact the Public Works Department (630) 232-1501 to report all concerns regarding the EAB infestation.

2010-11 Budget Approved April 19

The City's 2010-11 fiscal year budget was approved by City Council in April. Residents interested in viewing a copy of the budget may review a copy at City Hall or the Geneva Public Library. You can also download a copy by clicking here. A brief Budget Summary in hard copy format is also available at City Hall or by clicking here. Anyone with questions regarding the Budget may contact City Administrator Mary McKittrick at (630) 262-8495.

View the City's 2009-10 Annual Report

The City is proud to present its Annual Report to the City Council and Community for Fiscal Year 2009-2010. The City's fiscal year runs from May 1 to April 30 of each year. The Annual Report is a tool for providing information about how the City delivered public services, through the prioritization of goals set by the City Council for the past year. The report highlights many of the significant accomplishments throughout the past year and is presented in an effort to provide more information to our citizens about what and how their City government is doing. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained at City Hall or online by clicking here. Anyone with questions regarding the Annual Report may contact City Administrator Mary McKittrick at (630) 262-8495.

Geneva Giving Program

Helping Geneva retain its beauty and accessibility with the addition of trees, benches, bike racks and more.

What better way is there to create a memorial than to help beautify our surroundings? The Geneva Giving Program is an endeavor by the City of Geneva to improve public areas with functional amenities while supporting the various and valuable activities of our volunteer groups. Individuals and corporations have the opportunity to donate trees, benches, bike racks or contribute financially to the City of Geneva. Potential donors can pick up a brochure at City Hall (22 S. First Street) and the Finance Office (15 S. First Street) or call (630) 262-8495 with questions.

City Recognizes Local Volunteer Efforts

The City would like to recognize and thank the following groups for volunteering their time in caring for the new butterfly and gazebo gardens at City Hall:

-Sebert Landscaping

-Mimer No. 33 Lodge Independent Order of Vikings

-Geneva Girl Scout Troops 4057, 4232, 4281, 4807, and 4857.

Volunteers recently helped to plant & maintain the butterfly garden and landscaping around the Lincoln Highway gazebo located on the northeast lawn of City Hall.

Want to join the list of volunteers? Call (630) 232-7494 to learn of upcoming opportunities.

Public Works Summer Project Update

The City's Public Works Dept. has been very busy this summer overseeing several improvement projects throughout the City.

The Kaneville Road resurfacing project is underway and due for completion in late August.

The Water & Sewer Division has been busy with the sewer lining project. With the installation of lining, corrections to pipe defects will prohibit groundwater as well as tree roots from infiltrating the system.

The City's Electric Division is hard at work with its underground electric cable replacement project. A backhoe is ready to be put into action as the first section of electric conduit is pulled near the Pepper Valley and Northampton intersection.

The Dunstan Road Storm Sewer project improved the detention basin along Western Avenue. Lowering this pond and installing storm sewer along Dunstan has already shown to have minimized flooding in the area.

Residents can find more information on all of these projects and more at http://www.geneva.il.us/Departments/PublicWorks/Construction%20Projects/Construction_Projects.htm

2009 Water Quality Report

Click here

to read the City's 2009 Water Quality Report as required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Sign Up for Public Safety Text Messages

The Geneva Police Department will utilize a new communications service that allows us to send important, valuable community information directly to residents using the latest technology.

The Nixle Community Information Service allows us to create and publish messages to be delivered to subscribed residents instantly via cell phone text message and/or email. Notifications can also be accessed online at Nixle's web site at www.nixle.com.

Messages may include notification of special events, missing persons, traffic congestion, road closures as well as other relevant safety and community event information.

The service is reliable and free for our agency to use.

The messages can be sent specifically to registered residents, giving them the opportunity to receive trustworthy information relevant only to their neighborhood. Residents decide from which local agencies they want to receive information. Subscribers can also choose the way in which alerts are received, whether it is by email, text message, or over the web.

There is NO spam and no hidden cost. Standard text messaging rates do apply.

Nixle builds on the foundations of other public-to-public communication services, such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace, but adds a key component: security. When citizens receive information from our agency via Nixle, they know it can be trusted.

"Nixle is a first-of-its-kind tool for communities that need to provide critical information to their residents," said Craig Mitnick, Founder and CEO. "In today's world, you have to trust the source of your information."

Residents of Geneva and those in neighboring communities can immediately begin receiving pertinent information via text message, email, and web by registering at www.nixle.com.

We are very excited to have you experience it for yourself. If you have any questions please contact Commander Eric Passarelli at (630) 232-4736.

Take an Audio Walking Tour - "The River & Beyond"

River Park The City has created an audio walking tour entitled "The River & Beyond" that residents and visitors alike can take advantage of free of charge. The files, along with a route map can be downloaded from the city's website at the following link: http://www.geneva.il.us/audio/walkingtour.htm.

Cultural Arts Commission Seeking Applicants

The City's Cultural Arts Commission is seeking to fill one vacancy on their board. Interested persons are encouraged to fill out an application and submit to the City no later than August 16th. The commission meets on the first Thursday of each month and sponsors a variety of cultural art programs throughout the community. Applicant must reside within the corporate limits of Geneva and be able to work well with others and be an active volunteer. Applicants may contact commission chairman Tim Vetang with questions at (630) 232-4051.

CAC logo

Mayor & Council Honor Preservation Month Winners

On May 24, nine properties/projects were awarded 2010 Historic Preservation Awards by Mayor Burns. A jury of preservationists from the cities of Aurora, Plainfield, Chicago and Oak Park, IL selected the winners. Preservation awards recognize meaningful achievements in historic preservation and seek to increase public awareness, appreciation, and support for preservation efforts in the City. The theme of this year's awards, in the words of one of the judges was 'small changes make a big difference!", as this year's awards reflect the continued efforts and improvements (big and small) of properties by dedicated property owners in Geneva.

Mayor Burns presents a preservation award to Mike & Joy Abts.

To learn more about the awards and the 2010 recipients, visit http://www.geneva.il.us/CommunityDevelopment/HistoricPreservation/PDF/2010COGHPAwards.pdf

News & Notes from Economic Development

Enjoying All The Summer Fun Geneva Has To Offer?

What's happening in downtown Geneva? Where's a quick list of all the restaurants throughout the city? Check out the newly-designed www.genevadowntown.org website!

Online Business Resources

Thinking about opening your own business in Geneva? Need statistics for your business plan or a list of available sites? Check the recently updated Economic Development Department website at http://www.geneva.il.us/EconomicDevelopment/economic_development.htm.

Geneva - Best of the Fox Award

The City of Geneva was recognized by the Kane County Chronicle as having the "best" Downtown Shopping District! and "best" Shopping Center was Geneva Commons. Numerous Geneva businesses were also honored. Support your local businesses. These businesses are the best!

Best Art Gallery - Proud Fox Gallery

Best Appliance Store - Plass Appliance

Best Auto Repair Facility - Ron's Automotive Services

Best Baby Boutique - Cradles and All

Best Bakery - Cocoa Bean

Best Banquet Facility - Riverside Receptions

Best Beauty Salon - Cornerstone Hair Studio

Best Bed & Breakfast - Oscar Swan

Best Breakfast - Egg Harbor

Best Brewery - Stockholm's

Best Bridal Shop/Wedding - Crystal Bride

Best Candy/Popcorn Shop - Kernal Fabyan's

Best Car Wash - Fullers

Best Carpet Cleaners - Marberry

Best Chinese Restaurant - Gen Hoe

Best Coffee Shop - Starbuck's

Best Cosmetics/Skin Care - About Face Plus Body

Best Deli - Josef's

Best Dentist - Geneva Family Dental

Best Disc Jockey - Music By Design

Best Dry Cleaners - Geneva Cleaners

Best Electronic Store - Best Buy

Best Eye Doctor/Vision/Optometrist - Geneva Eye Clinic

Best Financial Advisor - Blue Haven Capital

Best Fine Dining - Niche

Best Fish Fry - Little Owl

Best Flooring Store - Carlson's

Best Florist - Town & Country Gardens

Best Framing Shop - Proud Fox

Best Furniture Store - Strawflower Shop

Best Hardware Store - Ace Hardware

Best Health Club/Fitness Center - Delnor

Best Health Food Store - Soup to Nuts

Best Home Builder - Shodeen

Best Home Decor - Janeen's Home Decor

Best Hospital - Delnor

Best Ice Cream or Custard - Graham's

Best Interior Designer - Lifestyle Designer Bobbi Alderfer

Best Italian Restaurant - Villa Verone

Best Janitorial/Home Cleaner - Dawn's Domestics

Best Jewelry Store - State Street Jewelers

Best Kids Clothing Store- Good Cents Children

Best Men's Clothing Store - Erday's

Best Mexican Food - Bien Trucha

Best Music Store/Instructions - Kiss the Sky

Best Paint/Wallpaper Store - JC Licht

Best Pet Groomer - PetSmart/Geneva

Best Pet Store - PetSmart

Best Pharmacy - Walgreens

Best Photographer - EB Creative Photography

Best Pilates - Fox River Pilates

Best Pizza - Charlie Fox's Pizza

Best Preschool/Day Care - Faith Christian Beginner School

Best Produce/Farm Stand - Geneva Green Market

Best Show Repair - Greg's Shoe Repair

Best Shoe Store - Giesche Shoes

Best Sporting Goods Store - Dick's Sporting Goods

Best Stationery/Invitations - The Paper Merchant

Best Steak - Wildwood Restaurant

Best Sushi - JuRin Japanese Restaurant

Best Tavern/Pub - Old Towne Pub & Eatery

Best Travel Agency - Cole Travel Services

Best Wine Shop - Gibby's Wine Den

Best Women's Clothing - Sandra Webster

Best Women's Health Center - Delnor Health & Wellness Center

3rd Annual Film Festival Results

The Third Annual Geneva Film Festival was held April 15-18, 2010 in downtown Geneva. The event started with a kick-off party at Wildwood Restaurant which featured clips of the upcoming films, great hors d'oeuvres, and musical entertainment. Film screening took place on Friday and Saturday at Mill Race Inn and Riverside Receptions. An awards dinner was held on Saturday night at Mill Race Inn. Approximately 200 people attended this year's Film Festival. For a list of winners and more information, visit: http://genevafilmfestival.org/

RiverPark Concert Series in Full Swing This Summer

Summer evenings in Geneva will now give residents even more to look forward to. The RiverPark Amphitheater with the support of the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission is holding several events in July. These concerts are free (although a donation is appreciated) and will offer a variety of experiences, all tied in with Geneva's history, from the sounds of a 30 piece brass band to the lively sounds of jazz. One new experience will be a show bringing back the old days on radio via a live mystery theater. All shows will start at 7:00 pm. The RiverPark Amphitheater is located two blocks north of State Street on North River Lane. For more info visit the genevadowntown.org website.

Shakespeare in the Park

The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission presents "Shakespeare in the Park" on Saturday July 17, 2010 at Island Park in Geneva, IL. The show will start at 6:00 pm. And seating will begin at 5:00 pm. The park is located on the Island in the Fox River at the intersection of State Street (Route 38) and Bennett Street (Route 25) in Geneva. Free parking is available at the government center on First Street. It's just a short walk across the covered bridge across the Fox River to Island Park. You can also take the Metra Union Pacific West Line to the Geneva station and walk across the bridge to the Island. This year's presentation is "As You Like It" by the Midsummer Theater Troupe. Admission is free; a $5 donation is suggested. Seating will be Ravinia-style; audience members are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics. Food will be available for purchase from Mill Race Inn and Graham's. For more information contact the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission at (630) 938-4530 or visit the web site at www.genevarts.org

Welcome to these new Geneva businesses:
El Molcajete, 113 W. State St., restaurant
Fresh Gift Outlet, 8 Richard St., jewelry & accessories
Becky's Best, 11 E. State St., restaurant
Hot Heads Salon, 507 S. Third St., salon
Valley Acupuncture, 321 James St., medical
FV Natural Medicine, 410 E. State St., specialty retail
Jersey Mike's Sub, 1700 S. Randall Rd., restaurant
Plato's Closet, 1900 S. Randall Rd, apparel resale
Circle K, 1491 E. State St, convenience store
Galena Garlic Company, 318 W. State St.
Sofa Solution, 1772 S. Randall Rd.
Bali Imports, 204 W. State St.
Geneva Running Outfitters, 221 W. State St.
Preservation Bread & Wine, 513. S. Third St.

Congratulations to these Geneva Businesses on their new locations:
Miscella, 200 Campbell St.
US Bank, 808 W. State St.
Farmers Insurance Co, 322 Hamilton St.
About Home Accessories & Gifts, 426 S. Third St.
Denim Loft, 206 W. State St.
Cradles & All, 205 W. State St.
All About You Dental Care, 2631 Williamsburg Ave.

Coming Soon:
Fresh D-lite, 1402 Commons Dr.
Morrison Gallery, 223 W. State St.

"Geneva City Stuff" Gift Shop Open at City Hall

Looking for that perfect Geneva gift for your favorite Genevan? Look no further - City Hall has it all. Stop by City Hall at 22 S. First Street to purchase gifts such as a limited edition commemorative Geneva 175th anniversary pewter ornament, mugs, lapel pins, stadium cushions, pens, and tote bags all adorned with the Geneva city logo. City Hall hours are Mon. - Fri. 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Geneva "Green" Tip

A clean and shiny car is a pleasure to behold. But, are you concerned about the amount of water used or the impact of detergents on the environment? Here are a few tips to exercise environmental conservation while cleaning your car.

Wash your car on the grass. This will give the grass a drink and the soil will help break down impurities in the water as it enters stormwater drains.

Be hose-wise. Use an adjustable trigger nozzle to improve pressure while reducing water consumption.

Detergents. Use an earth-friendly detergent or none at all. If detergent is used, use only the amount that the manufacturer recommends.

Use a bucket. Only use the hose for the final rinse. Blasting off dirt and grime with the hose may be easier but it uses a ton of water. A little bit of elbow grease with a sponge and bucket is good exercise too!

Wash in the shade. Or, wait for a cloudy day. Hot metal quickly evaporates water requiring more water to be used.

Automatic Car Wash. Is an automatic car wash greener? It depends. Is a car wash on your route to and from work, or during regular driving? Then, it may be a more environmentally friendly alternative. Modern car washes use far less water (20-40 gallons) than washing at home (50 gallons) while recycling water.

Waterless Car Wash. New products are on the market which claim to be waterless car washes and environmentally friendly. Made primarily from vegetable extracts and silicone they are said to attract dirt via electrostatic means and then coat it where it can be wiped away. These eliminate the need for water, but be sure to spot test the product first as wiping off dirt may scratch paint.

Practicing conservation in our daily and weekly routines can help to save water and reduce environmental impacts.

Be Prepared for Severe Weather Season

Severe weather in the form of tornadoes, deadly lightning, flash floods, damaging winds, and destructive hail strike Illinois each spring, summer and fall - sometimes with incredible violence. The Geneva Fire Dept. urges you to develop a safety plan for use at your home, workplace, school, vehicle, and for outdoor activities. Be aware of severe weather safety rules. Planning ahead and knowing what to do might save your life.

Tornado Watches & Warnings

A TORNADO WATCH means severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in your area. Be prepared.

A TORNADO WARNING means a tornado has been sighted by a trained spotter or intense cloud rotation that could produce a tornado has been detected by Doppler Radar. Get to a place of safety immediately.

News from the Geneva Mental Health Board

In 1989, voters passed a referendum to fund the newly created Geneva Mental Health Board. By every Geneva household contributing $ 0.14305 of the rate per $100 of assessed value of their home per year (about $360 for a $250,000 home), they are contributing to enhancing the lives of many of its fellow citizens who are affected by developmental disabilities, mental illness, and substance abuse.

Twenty-one years later, the Geneva Mental Health Board is proud of its stewardship of these taxpayer funds. Most of the funds are distributed annually to agencies that provide services to these Geneva residents. Over the years, a small percentage of funds have been set aside for a group home for adults with developmental disabilities. The home, Bethany House, was opened in 2009 through the Association of Individual Development.

The Geneva Mental Health Board continues to meet monthly and welcomes your ideas and suggestions. Please see the city's website for a list of Mental Health Board contacts, or to confirm meeting dates and times.

City Customer Service Survey Online

The City offers an online customer service survey for our residents.

Please visit http://mygovhelp.us/GENEVAIL/takeSurvey.asp?surveyID=6 to view and/or submit a form.

Geneva Beautification News

The Geneva Beautification Committee is a volunteer group of residents and businesses that plant and maintain over 50 gardens in the historic business district of Geneva. While local businesses have generously donated many of our needs, a majority of the plant material and some gardening items still need to be purchased. The committee relies solely on volunteers to plant and maintain the gardens. Visit our web site at www.PlantGeneva.org to find out more about what you can do to help.

About Geneva

The City of Geneva, population 21,901, is located 40 miles west of Chicago in the Fox River Valley. Geneva's character is found in its historic architecture, adaptive re-use of historic buildings, mature landscapes and open space with over 700 acres of park land. With festivals and events year-round, Geneva is a place to connect with others for shopping, dining, or browsing art galleries. Home to excellent schools, library, and parks, it continues to be one of the premiere cities in the Chicago area to live, work, play, and raise a family.