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| | Channel 10 Info. |
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. |
| Daylight Savings Ends Nov. 7 |
Daylight Savings Time ends at 2am on Sunday, November 7th. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour when you retire on Saturday, November 6th. |
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| Mayor's Message |
Dear Neighbors,
'Tis the season!
No, not "that season" but the season defined by debate, discussion, disagreement and bumper-sticker platitudes. Yep, it's Election Season!!!!
Don't panic, this column is not intended as a partisan rant. My only mission in writing this particular column is to encourage all of you - my neighbors - to consider carefully the opportunity, privilege and right to participate in the electoral process by casting your ballot on November 2nd to determine our state, county and federal representatives.
And, just when you thought electioneering was behind you for another couple years, a new election season kicks off for representatives on the City Council, School Board, Park Board, Library Board and Geneva Township in April of 2011. Repeat after me, "Calgon, take me away!!"
All kidding aside, to serve in public office is exhilarating and, sometimes, exhausting. It's fun, challenging and rewarding and, sometimes - overwhelming and surprising.
But, in the final analysis, it's an honor like no other. So, when considering your vote on November 2nd and again on April 5th, 2011 remember, you're doing much more than simply fulfilling your constitutional right to vote. You're granting, for a set period of time, the honor of allowing someone to lead, govern and shape your state, county, city, schools, parks, library and community.
To all the candidates who stand for election this fall and next spring, I offer them my sincere thanks for sharing their thoughts and ideas. And, to all of you - my neighbors - I thank you in advance for the important role you'll soon play by voting for the next generation of leaders who will be given the honor of working with all of us in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.
Kevin Burns
Mayor |
| Important Dates |
Geneva Green Market Geneva French Market Sundays through Oct. 31
First Fridays Gallery Walk
First Friday each month www.artgalleriesgeneva.com Oct. 20 Town Meeting 7-9pm Oct. 23 Black Hat Day downtown shopping specials www.genevadowntown.org
Oct. 28
Downtown Trick-or-Treating 2-5pm www.genevadowntown.org Oct. 31
Citywide Trick-or-Treating 3-7pm Nov. 25 & 26 City Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday Dec. 3 & 4 Christmas House Tour 11am - 8pm/11am - 4pm www.genevachamber.com Dec. 4 Christmas Walk 6pm www.genevachamber.com Dec. 5 Steeple Walk 1-2pm www.genevadowntown.org Dec. 23 & 24 City Offices Closed for Christmas Holiday Dec. 31 City Offices Closed for New Year's Holiday |
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| 2010 Leaf Collection Program | |
The City will provide THREE pickup events in late October/November and a bag collection program in late November/December. The community is divided into three geographic zones. Each zone will be collected three times during the six-week program using leaf vacuum equipment. Every street will be collected one time during each of the three separate pickup events. Residents are required to rake leaves to the parkway prior to their scheduled pickup date.
PARKWAY LEAF COLLECTION
Zone A (East Side of River) 1st Pickup: Tues, Nov. 2 2nd Pickup: Fri., Nov. 12 Final Pickup: Wed., Nov. 24
Zone B (West of River, North of Rte. 38, North of Kaneville Rd., North of Keslinger Rd.) 1st Pickup: Mon., Oct. 25 2nd Pickup: Thurs., Nov. 4 Final Pickup: Tues., Nov. 16
Zone C (West of River, South of Rte. 38, South of Kaneville Rd., South of Keslinger Rd.) 1st Pickup: Thurs., Oct. 28 2nd Pickup: Tues., Nov. 9 Final Pickup: Fri., Nov. 19
Each zone requires approximately three full days to complete.
LEAF BAG COLLECTION
The leaf bag collection program runs Nov. 30 - Dec. 31, 2010. Residents should place the bags out for their normal refuse collection day. Stickers are NOT required for yard waste bags containing leaves only.
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| Brush and Yard Waste Pickup Continues Through Week of Nov. 22 |
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)
October 4 & 18
November 1 & 15
WEST SIDE OF FOX RIVER (2ND & 4TH WEEK/MONTH)
October 11 & 25
November 8 & 22
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. |
| Winter 2010/11 Snow & Ice Control Information |
WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS/FACTS:
- Parking on all snow routes is prohibited when there is a snowfall of 2 inches or more.
- Parking is prohibited on secondary streets when there is a snowfall of 3 inches or more.
- De-icing applications will be modified to ensure there is enough material to last through the entire winter season.
- Contrary to some opinions, the idea that mixing sand with salt to extend the volume of salt is false.
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| You're Invited to a Town Meeting Oct. 20 |
The City's Strategic Plan Advisory Committee will present its annual Town Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 20th at 7pm in City Hall Council Chambers located at 109 James Street. The City's Downtown Master Plan will be discussed. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Stephanie Dawkins, Assistant City Administrator, at (630) 938-4540 or sdawkins@geneva.il.us. |
| 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 |
| How to Avoid Estimated Utility Bills | |
The City of Geneva will estimate a monthly utility bill if the City meter reader cannot access/read your meter. When this occurs, the meter reader will leave a door-hanger meter card for you to fill out and return (no postage necessary). When filling out the card, you are required to provide:
- account number (found on your monthly utility bill)
- date (enter the date you are completing and returning the card)
- reading (take reading from Electric and Water meter and enter on appropriate line provided) - for water usage, please read the inside water meter, not the outside meter.
- date read (enter the date meter was read)
- customer signature
If you have any questions, contact the Public Works Dept. at (630) 232-1501. 
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| City Receives "Distinguished Budget Presentation Award" |
 The City recently received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its FY 2010-11 budget document from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. Its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a governmental entity. The GFOA rates a budget's proficiency in four major categories: as a policy document, an operations guide, a financial plan, and a communications device.
The GFOA established the Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program (Budget Awards Program) in 1984 to encourage and assist state and local governments to prepare budget documents of the very highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA's best practices on budgeting and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.
Top-quality budget documents are essential if citizens and others with an interest in a government's finances are to be fully informed participants in the budget process. Better budget documents contribute to better decision making and enhanced accountability. This recognition can also be viewed as a positive factor by credit rating agencies and by others interested in the professionalism of a government's finance function.
The City's budget is on the City's website at http://www.geneva.il.us/Departments/administrator.htm
A presentation of the award by the GFOA is scheduled for the October 25, 2010 Committee of the Whole meeting at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. |
| City Seeks Housing Task Force Members |
Interested in serving on the Geneva Housing Task Force?
Mayor Kevin Burns is seeking Geneva citizens who are interested in serving on a new seven member housing task force that will explore options and develop recommendations on how housing affordability might be advanced in Geneva. The task force is being created to start work on one of the goals in the adopted City of Geneva Strategic Plan for 2017, which calls for the creation of a Geneva Housing Commission to address housing affordability issues. Before establishing a commission there is a need to 1) gather information on resources that are currently available to support affordable housing, 2) identify/define Geneva's affordable housing needs, 3) consider alternative approaches that might be used to address affordable housing needs, and 4) review requirements of the State of Illinois Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act as they apply to Geneva. Persons who have backgrounds in finance, real estate, development, or housing law, or persons who are simply interested in working to enhance housing affordability in Geneva are encouraged to apply. Applicants must reside within the corporate limits of Geneva.
Applications are available at http://www.geneva.il.us/appboards/Board%20Application.pdf and must be received by the City by November 1st. Contact Community Development Director Dick Untch with questions at duntch@geneva.il.us. |
| Geneva Downtown Master Plan In Progress |
 Two months ago the City's Downtown Master Plan Committee, downtown planning consultant, Houseal-Lavigne Associates, and city staff started work on the initial information gathering and data analysis phase of the planning process. Four downtown plan workshops were held for residents, downtown business owners, downtown property owners, and city advisory commission members. The workshops included a review of the plan's purpose, the process being used to create the plan, and an opportunity for participants to share their views on the problems, issues and potentials within the downtown. Also, 24 one-on-one interviews were conducted with Geneva stakeholders who are considered to have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Geneva. Finally, information has been gathered from on-line resident and business surveys. Literally hundreds of issues, concerns, and ideas on the future of downtown have been gathered from the workshops, interviews and surveys.
Additionally, the consultant team is gathering information and conducting background research on various aspects of downtown including past plans/studies, zoning, residential and commercial markets, land use, community/government facilities, parking, access and circulation, transit, cultural and historical resources, parks and open space, streetscapes, and urban design. The consultant team is also preparing assessments of the downtown's growth potential and level of activity at different hours and days of the week, along with identification of potential sites that might serve as catalysts for new development. Next month, a comprehensive Synthesis Report will be completed highlighting the key issues, opportunities, conditions and trends that should be addressed in the downtown plan.
You can follow the progress on the plan by visiting the City's website and clicking the"City of Geneva Downtown/Station Area Master Plan Project Website" link on the homepage. If you have any questions or comments on the downtown plan, please contact Mr. Dick Untch, Director of Community Development for the City of Geneva, at (630) 232-0818, or duntch@geneva.il.us. |
| South Geneva Historic District - A Second Historic District? |
 On September 27, 2010 Geneva City Council directed a study group led by Karla Kaulfuss, the City's Preservation Planner, to review the potential of establishing a new historic district in Geneva. The area being considered for the new historic district is shown on the map (left).
The area contains many fine examples of Geneva's historic and architecturally significant structures. A variety of architectural styles and building types are present from the high style Italianate and Queen Anne to the more humble bungalow and very hip mid-century modern. Historic structures in the area are unprotected from extensive modification, demolition, and subdivision development.
The review will include compiling a detailed survey of properties; drafting a historic district report; conducting neighborhood outreach activities and convening a public hearing. The City's outreach efforts will consist of the following:
· Two workshops with property owners and interested parties.
· Informational updates in City newsletters and social media.
· Email updates to property owners on project status.
· An opinion survey of neighborhood property owners regarding the establishment of a historic district.
· Notification of the public hearing date, time and place.
· And, when the process is completed, the City will send a letter to each property owner reporting the outcome of the historic district application review process. If the historic district is approved by City Council the letter will include a survey form with detail information on each property.
Look for more information on the City's website soon!
Contact the Preservation Planner at 630-938-4541 or kkaulfuss@geneva.il.us if you have questions. |
| 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. |
| Public Works Project Update |
The City's Public Works Dept. has been very busy this past summer overseeing several improvement projects throughout the City. Photos for many of the projects can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofgeneva/sets/72157624943808965/
Anderson Road Resurfacing:
The City also received federal dollars to resurface Anderson Blvd. This project is starting Mon., Oct. 4 and is expected to last one or two months depending on the weather. The road should be open to through traffic for most of the duration of the project. There could be times during paving or grinding when traffic disruptions might occur.
Manchester Alley Reconstruction:
Beginning Mon., Oct. 4, the City will close the east half of the alley off of Manchester Course in East Geneva to begin reconstruction of the pavement. During construction, no traffic will have access into this portion of the alley. The project is expected to last one or two months depending on the weather conditions.
Dunstan Road Drainage Improvements:
This project involved the installation of a storm sewer and a reconstruction of the City's detention pond on Western Avenue. All work has been completed.
Kaneville Court Water Main Replacement:
This year, crews completed the replacement of the water main along Kaneville Court to eliminate the occurrence of frequent water main breaks in this area. The remaining work includes patching the asphalt pavement. This is expected to be completed in late October/early November.
McKinley Drainage:
A storm sewer will be installed this month in the McKinley Ave. area to eliminate area drainage problems.
Kaneville Road Resurfacing:
This year the City received federal monies to resurface Kaneville Rd. This work is substantially complete with minor punch list items to be completed this month.
Sewer Lining:
Earlier this year, the City lined several sanitary sewers in an effort to decrease infiltration of ground water into the city sewers. This project has been completed.
2010 Street Improvement:
This year the City resurfaced the following roads. All work was completed in August of this year:
· Blackberry Dr.
· Bloomfield Cir.
· Dempsey Cir.
· Stratford Dr.
· Regency Ct.
· Harrison St.
· Whitfield Dr.
· Hill Rd.
· Glengarry Dr.
· Cheever Ave.
· Lincoln Ave.
2010 Sidewalk and Curb Project:
The majority of the City's sidewalk trip hazard elimination and curb replacement project was completed in September of this year. Most of the work took place on Third Street and in the Randall Square neighborhoods. Over the next month or so, the City's contractor will return to complete any remaining areas needing repair.
2010 Crackfilling and Sealcoating Project:
This project involves the filing of cracks in roadways and sealcoating of the City's parking lots. This year, nine parking lots were sealcoated. A map of all areas crackfilled and sealcoated is posted on the City's website at: http://www.geneva.il.us/Departments/PublicWorks/Construction%20Projects/Engineering_Projects/2010_CrackSeal_8.5X11.pdf
2010 Parking Lot Resurfacing Project:
The City resurfaced two parking lots this year: the Fire Department No. 2 lot and the Hamilton North Parking Lot. All work at both sites was completed in September.
2010 Pavement Striping:
Many pavement areas throughout the City were restriped in August and September. Due to a shortage in thermoplastic paint, the city focused on the restriping of centerlines, stop bars, and crosswalks. All work related to this project is now complete.
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| 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" |
 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.
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| News & Notes from Economic Development |
Mill Race Cyclery Classic Bike Race
 Geneva hosted a professional bike race on July 10. Bruce Heidlauf of Mill Race Cyclery worked with Break Away Productions to bring the bike race to Geneva. The bike race was a lap race or critierium which went along Third Street from Campbell, Third, Fulton and Sixth Streets. Seven races were held throughout the day in a variety of skill levels. The races lasted from 50 minutes to 2:20 minutes as bikes speed around the course at up to 40 miles per hour. Overall, as judged by letters, notes and comments sent to the City Council, it appears Geneva residents embraced the race. Many invited guests over and enjoyed the activities on their lawn. Unfortunately, not all businesses adjacent to the race course saw a lot of business. Staff is evaluating the race and will make a recommendation to the City Council on whether to hold the race again, and where. Your input, comments, and suggestions are welcome. Please send them to Paul Evans at pevans@geneva.il.us.
Black Hat Days - October 23
 Black Hat Day will be Saturday, October 23, 2010. Dust off those black hats hiding in your closet, purchase a new black hat or decorate an old hat! All black hat wearers will have a chance to win on Black Hat Days in downtown Geneva. The day will feature prizes for the best adult and kids black hat, parades, pumpkin decorating contest, story telling, healthy food demos, and other promotions by participating stores. Participating businesses will also decorate as part of a fundraiser for Juvenile Diabetes Research.
Live Windows On State - Calling Geneva High School Students!
 Last year, during Christmas Walk, downtown State Street businesses hosted Geneva High School students in "live window" displays. The windows were an instant hit. The students drew attention to State Street and earned service credits from the High School. If your high school student is interested in participating this year, please contact Ellen Divita at (630) 232-7449. Windows will "go live" on Friday, December 3, 2010 from 6 - 9pm. Participants will work with the businesses to develop a theme that matches the business.
Development in the Geneva Business Park
Roquette America Inc. Research and Development Facility
Work continues on the new 32,000 square foot research and development facility under construction at 2211 Innovation Drive. Roquette will be located just west of Kautz Road and north of State Street/Rte. 38. Roquette moved to Geneva in 2009 and is currently renting at 2000 S. Batavia Ave. More information is found at http://www.roquette.com/.
Northern Illinois Food Bank Warehouse and Community Nutrition Center
A ground breaking was held in July for the new Northern Illinois Food Bank which will be constructed on 10.83 acres of property located at 273 Dearborn Court in the Geneva Business Park (south of Averill Road and immediately west of FONA). NIFB will construct a 147,000 square foot food distribution, community nutrition center and warehouse food storage facility. Food is delivered to a thirteen (13) county network through NIFB's current facility. NIFB has raised over $4.6 million dollars for the project. In the past twelve years the number assisted by the Food bank has increased fourfold. More information on the project and the NIFB is found at http://www.northernilfoodbank.org/.
Business Retention Survey
In preparation for a City of Geneva Economic Development Commission, the City of Geneva Economic Development Department asks the business community to participate in a business survey. The survey seeks to identify:
1. the business's experience operating here in Geneva
2. economic development ideas
3. business perception of the community's strengths and weaknesses
4. business plans for expansion
5. business operating needs
A copy of the survey can be downloaded from the internet at http://tiny.cc/ol4nm
Economic Development Programs- business recruitment ideas sought
Do you have a business you frequently visit that is outside of Geneva? Do you think they'd like to open an additional location here in Geneva? Do you operate a business here in town and have a supplier who may be interested in locating in Geneva? Please contact Ellen Divita with any ideas you have at (630) 232-7449. Thanks for your consideration! And, thanks for supporting the Geneva business community.
Thinking of opening a business in Geneva?
Many people out of work are considering their options. One option you may want to consider is starting your own business. While it does bring risk in this economy, many people find it rewarding to run their own business and make their own decisions. If you are thinking about starting a business, give the Economic Development Department a call. They can advise you as to available locations, access to capital and free business counseling. The Economic Development Department (EDD) recently updated their Business Resource Guide, which is filled with lots of resource information for starting your business. The EDD office can also provide background statistics and demographics which can helpful when completing your business plan. If we can assist you, please contact us at (630) 232-7449.
Welcome to these new Geneva businesses:
Bali Imports, 204 W. State St, home interior design
Carlucchi Brothers, 705 E. State St, pizza restaurant
De esse/Shoppes at 127, 127 S. Third St., specialty retail
Dene Gallery, 201 S. Third St., custom jewelry
Dr. Jeffery Soldati, 1000 S. Randall Rd, medical services
Dr. Mychty, 2171 Blackberry Dr., podiatrist
Enye Restaurant, 330 W. State St., restaurant
Eugene Thomas, 127 S. Third St., home accessories
Floral Wonder, 310 Campbell St., florist and home accessories
Fresh D-Lite, 1402 Commons Dr., restaurant
Geneva Pain Clinic, 1000 S. Randall Rd., medical services
Geneva Running Outfitters, 221 W. State St., sporting goods & lessons
Jane Pabon Boutique, 220 S. Third St., women's apparel
Jst4U/Shoppes at 127, 127 S. Third St., specialty retail
Morrison Gallery, 223 W. State St, art gallery
Preservation Bread and Wine, 513 S. Third St, specialty food & wine
Quest Diagnostic, 302 S. Randall Rd, Ste 307A, medical services
The Walking Company, 206 Commons Dr., specialty shop
Big Fish Grille, 1602 Commons Dr., restaurant
Congratulations to these Geneva Businesses on their new locations:
Prana Yoga, 321 Stevens St., specialty service
Geneva Eye Clinic, 1000 S. Randall Rd., medical service
Temporary and seasonal businesses:
Marta's Ice Cream, 200 S. Third St., specialty foods
Savings Hearts Charity, 507 S. Third St., fundraising display
Coming Soon:
Silver & Gems, 22 7 S. 3rd St, jewelry
Spice & Curls, 11 N. First St., salon
Flip Hair Salon, 500 Lark, salon
Monterey Place, 7 W. State St., restaurant
Tom & Eddies, 1042 Commons Dr., restaurant
Downtown Trick or Treating - October 28
Trick or Treating will take place on Thursday, October 28 from 2 pm until 5 pm at participating stores in the downtown. Look for the orange trick or treating sign at the front of each building. |
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Don't Delay! Purchase Your Limited Edition City Ornament in Time for the Holidays! |
 In recognition of the City's 175th anniversary, the City Store at City Hall is offering the first in a series of collectible pewter holiday ornaments for sale. Each year, the City will have a limited number of beautifully-crafted holiday ornaments which will reflect a nostalgic Geneva design. This year's ornament depicts the City's official logo on one side, the year and "175 Anniversary" on the other. This ornament makes a wonderful gift for friends and family and represents an opportunity to start a collection. Ornaments are $12.00 each and can be purchased at City Hall, 22 S. First Street between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. The City Store also offers other promotional items bearing the City logo. Be sure to stop in before the holidays to purchase your ornament while supplies last!
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| News from the Geneva Mental Health Board |
The seven members of the Geneva 708 Mental Health Board, which awards grants to providers of services for alcoholism, drug rehabilitation, and developmental disability, are soliciting opinions on whether current programs are adequate or need improvement via a random survey in U.S. mail. The board will also provide these surveys to local key informants, including public safety officials (police and fire); school personnel; medical professionals; and clergy. The board wishes to identify the mental health needs of the community and obtain information for planning future projects. Community members who do not receive a survey but wish to provide information to the board are encouraged to send a letter to the Mental Health Board Chair Victoria Davidson-Bell, no later than Oct. 15 care of: City of Geneva at 22 S. First St., Geneva, IL 60134. |
| City Customer Service Survey Online |
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| | Geneva Beautification News |
 The Geneva Beautification Committee is selling firewood by the bundle or by the face cord to benefit the gardening work that the group performs in the downtown Geneva gardens.
Bundles of mixed firewood will be available for purchase behind Geneva City Hall on the south side of the parking lot between City Hall and the Public Library beginning October 25. Bundles cost $5.00. Firewood bundles will be available as supplies last. If you'd like to order enough firewood for the entire winter, a face cord of firewood could be delivered to your home. For home delivery (8' L x 4' H x 18" D) of mixed firewood, the cost is $90 plus a $30 delivery fee. The wood can be stacked for you for an additional $20. Face cord orders can be placed by calling Jim Gehring at (630) 208-9453.
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. The Committee relies solely on volunteers to plant and maintain the gardens. Visit their web site at www.PlantGeneva.org to find out more about what you can do to help. |
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Geneva "Green" Tips
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Back to School
Although school's already started, instilling new habits is easiest when kids are young. More and more parents and educators are working to make kids aware of the importance of caring for our planet.
Here are some simple tips to encourage sustainable habits and support a healthy environment:
Start with the basics. Remind kids to turn off the lights in the bathroom or any unoccupied room at home and at school. Encourage kids to use both sides of their notebook paper and suggest that they save unused art supplies.
Lunch break. Pack your kids' lunches in reusable lunch pails or canvas bags instead of throwaway containers or paper bags. Consider re-using plastic sandwich bags or using only durable plastic containers. (Be sure containers are safe from PVCs).
School Recycling Programs. Check out the recycling programs at school and ask whether recycling bins are accessible and if the kids are encouraged to use them. Be sure your child knows which items can be recycled and where plastic and glass bottles go versus paper recycling.
Make smart shopping decisions. Buy supplies with less packaging or consider those made from organic materials or which have been recycled. Consider investing in sturdier products which can last years.
Re-use school supplies. Inventory your supply of items at home which may still be in good working condition. Save money and resources by buying only what's needed.
Carpool. If you live where bus service isn't provided, or have after-school activities to attend, start a carpool and take turns with other neighborhood parents to drop off and pick up the kids. This will save time, energy, and fuel.
Stay in touch with nature. Explore the neighborhood! After school time has changed dramatically in the digital age and kids are less connected to the natural environment which can cause them to care less about its condition. Take a family walk after dinner, devote some of your weekend time to outdoor-only activities like biking and hiking.
Spread the word. Encourage your kids to spread their environmental consciousness. They can suggest that their friends pack lunches, or encourage recycling.
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| Volunteer Spotlight - Shaun Berendt |
 | | l to r: Geneva Beautification representative Sherri Weitl, Ald. Dorothy Flanagan, Shaun Berendt, Mayor Burns |
The City of Geneva would like to thank Eagle Scout candidate Shaun Berendt for his volunteer efforts this past summer in preparing and constructing the planter boxes that hang along the State Street bridge in downtown Geneva. Shaun was able to secure nearly $700 in donations and materials to complete his project. Mayor Burns and the City Council officially recognized Shaun for his efforts at the September 7th City Council meeting. This project was one of the final requirements in obtaining an Eagle Scout status. Thank you Shaun for your time and talent to help make Geneva beautiful! Want to join the list of volunteers? Call (630) 232-7494 to learn of upcoming opportunities. |
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| About Geneva |
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 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. |
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