Winter 2011 City Newsletter

Live Christmas tree collection will occur on your regular refuse collection day the weeks of January 10 & 17. Residents must place the tree at the edge of the pavement or near the curb for collection no later than 7:00am on their collection day. Remove all hard materials, ornaments, nails, stands, etc. All wreaths and roping must be placed out with normal trash on your collection day.

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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.

"City Stuff" Store

City-inspired merchandise/gifts are available for sale at City Hall Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm. Stop in to see the assortment of gifts and trinkets. Items range from stadium cushion, pens, mugs, and baseball caps.

Mayor's Message

Dear Neighbors,

During a forum held recently on the past, present and future of Geneva, a great deal of energy (let alone words) was expended to describe the evolution of our community, the challenges we've overcome, the opportunities we've embraced and the future we expect to encounter.

The common thread woven throughout the forum, and the question and answer period that followed, was both instructive and inspiring:

Geneva is, if nothing else, a community that doesn't rest on its laurels, we build upon them when possible, amend them when necessary and forever examine them because it's in our best interest to do so. In other words, we are not a community that is satisfied with "good" because we always strive for "better".

This coming year we will face uncertainties; we will battle unexpected situations; we will stumble, fall and - as always - get up again and carry on because that's who we are and that's what we must do.

As 2011 unfolds, let us all resolve to be proud of what we've accomplished but never satisfied that we've accomplished all we can. Together, let us celebrate our successes with humility, accept sacrifices with dignity, and work at every level with appreciation and respect for each other.

One hundred seventy-five years and counting and the story of Geneva is still being told. Please lend your time, talent and voice to the next chapter in this great American novel about a small midwestern town that we call home.

I look forward to serving along side of you this year and thank you in advance for your participation in helping shape our community and adding narrative to the story we call Geneva.

Happy New Year...

My best,

Kevin Burns
Mayor

Important Dates

Live Christmas Tree Collection

Weeks of Jan. 10 & 17 on resident's regular refuse day.

(see article at left for complete details)

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

January 17, 2011 - CITY OFFICES CLOSED

Sno Sculpting Exhibition

January 19-22, 2011

Geneva Commons

(see article below)

Dancing With The Geneva Stars Benefit

February 5, 2011 at Eagle Brook Country Club

(see article below)

Presidents Day Holiday

February 21, 2011 - CITY OFFICES CLOSED

Fall in Love with Downtown Geneva

Month-long in February - promotions with downtown merchants

(see article below)

Geneva Wedding Walk

February 27, 2011

(see article below)

Snow & Ice Control Information

The Public Works Department's primary objective during the winter storm season is to perform snow and control operations on the City's street system during adverse weather conditions. The City cannot guarantee the streets will be free of all snow and ice during the winter season. With your cooperation and assistance the Public Works crews will be able to maximize effectiveness of snow and ice operations.

Visit http://tinyurl.com/yh69jppfor complete details on the City's program and regulations.

Geneva Water Voted "Best in Kane Co."

For the second straight year, the City of Geneva has been awarded "Best Drinking Water" in Kane County. On December 17, 2010, seven municipal water supplies competed for the best tasting drinking water in the county. Four independent judges picked Geneva as the Best for 2010!

WATER IN THE NEWS....A recent article in the Chicago Tribune and other media reported that high levels of chromium had been found in Chicago area tap water. This prompted several calls to the City's Water Department. The City, like other communities in the state, is not required to test for hexavalent chromium by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The Tribune article stated that results of lab tests from Lake Michigan water had tested positive for this substance. Geneva treats its water from deep and shallow wells located within the City. Because of the concern raised in the article, the City decided to test for hexavalent chromium in its own drinking water supply. No hexavalent chromium was detected in the City of Geneva tap water. Many of these unregulated substances including pharmaceutical drugs and industrial chemicals, could pose challenges for communities in the future. The decision by City staff and elected officials to treat the City water with reverse osmosis technology through the City's new drinking water treatment plant is an investment seen today as well as the ability to meet future regulations.

ESDA Looking for Volunteers

The Geneva Emergency Management and Disaster Agency (ESDA) is seeking new volunteers. The mission of ESDA is to provide assistance in man made and natural disasters and be prepared to support the City public safety agencies in the event of an emergency. Members are trained in emergency management, storm and weather reporting, crowd control, security for police and fire situations and communications. ESDA also provides crowd control support during City festivals. If you are interested in supporting the citizens of Geneva as an ESDA member, fill out an application at the following link http://www.geneva.il.us/LivingInGeneva/appboards/board_application.pdf and email it to volunteer@geneva.il.us.

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 City Administrator Mary McKittrick at (630) 262-8495 with questions.

New EPA Laws on Lead-Based Paint

house painting Are you considering a construction project on a building built before 1978? Lead poisoning is a serious health and safety issue. As of October 1, 2010, federal law requires the compliance with the EPA's Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rule (RRP).

The RRP rule applies to the renovation, repair, or painting of housing, child care facilities and schools built before 1978. The City of Geneva has created a "Guide to Lead Paint in Historic or Older Properties" to assist contractors and property owners in the requirements of the RRP rule.

To view the guide, visit http://tinyurl.com/2dyxbmu. To read more information about the EPA RRP rule, visit http://www.epa.gov/lead/.

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.

News & Notes from Economic Development

Sno Sculpting Returns Jan. 19-22

The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission is proud to once again present "Sno Sculpting" at Geneva Commons Jan. 19 - 22. Watch as professional artists and three high school teams (Batavia, Kaneland and Marmion) take blocks of snow and turn them into amazing sculptures. The artists will begin work on January 19 and complete their sculpting by noon on January 22. Vote for your favorite exhibit from noon to 3pm on January 22. An awards celebration is planned for 4pm on January 22. Geneva Commons merchant goodie bags will be given out to all exhibit visitors while supplies last. For complete details, visit http://tinyurl.com/266c2jw.

Dancing With the Geneva Stars Returns Feb. 5

Calling All Brides! Geneva Wedding Walk Feb. 27

The downtown Geneva Wedding Walk is the perfect time to see all Geneva has to offer to plan a unique wedding. Brides will have a chance to meet with representatives from local venues, boutique shops, and visit some of the top wedding businesses in the Chicago area - right here in Geneva! Each bride that registers to attend this event will receive a wedding planner book. The cost is just $25 for the bride and two of her guests or $30 at the door. The event will begin at 11am at the Herrington Inn & Spa, 15 S. River Lane. The walk will continue around town and end at Riverside Receptions for a vendor reception full of ideas, goodies and dresses. For more information, visit http://www.genevabride.com.

This February, Fall In Love with Downtown Geneva

The City of Geneva will be hosting the 3rd annual "Fall in Love with Downtown Geneva" promotion during the month of February. Residents are encouraged to shop and dine in downtown Geneva. Last year over 60 shops and restaurants participated by offering dinner or lunch for two or a $50 gift certificate. Even more businesses are expected to participate this year. Winners are drawn on a weekly basis so there are multiple chances to win. To register, simply visit participating businesses and complete a registration form. A complete list of businesses will be available at http://genevadowntown.org beginning January 16.

Live Mannequins Grace Downtown Storefronts During Christmas Walk

For the 2nd year, many downtown businessed featured 'live' windows after the tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3. Geneva High School students Melissa Barber and Megan Rush helped to recruit fellow students to model at the following locations: Town & Country Gardens, Good Cents Children, Crystal Bride, Anew, Strawflower Shop, Proud Fox, Merra-Lee Shops, Wild Roots, Cradles and All, Geneva Jakes and State Street Jewelers.

Thanks to all the participating stores and our volunteer models!

Welcome to the Following New Businesses:

Aazure Salon & Spa at 1115 S. Randall Rd.

BB Interiors at 600 S. First St.

Core Fusion Studio at 129 1/2 W. State St.

DeMarco Designs at 127 S. Third St.

Denisa's Crepes & Fondues at 227 S. Third St.

Table 38 Restaurant at 330 W. State St.

Flip Hair Salon at 500 Lark St.

Home Court Real Estate at 15 S. Sixth St.

Jack N Jill at 227 S. Third St.

Linda Lydon & Associates Travel at 1144 E. State St.

Liquor n Wine at 1144 E. State St.

Monterey Place at 7 W. State St.

Pet Pals at 500 S. Third St.

Plasencia Group Realty at 5 N. Third St.

Randallwood Radiology at 1416 S. Randall Rd.

Silver and Gems Inc. at 227 S. Third St.

Spice Curls at 11 N. First St.

Split End Hair Salon at 27 N. Second St.

Stone Tower Properties at 325 South St.

Strut In Style at 207 S. Third St.

The Walking Company at 206 Commons Dr.

Tom & Eddies Better Burgers at 1040 Commons Dr.

New Location:

Baubles by Maclyn now at 1514 Commons Dr.

La Toccata d'Italia now at 101 S. Third St.

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.

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.

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 Committee is also gearing up to host its annual spaghetti fundraiser "Pasta for Posies" on Wed., March 2, 2011 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at Riverside Banquets in Batavia, IL. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children age 10 and under if purchased prior to the event ($12/adult $6/child at the door). The dinner features all-you-can-eat spaghetti, crisp tossed salad, Italian bread and an assortment of desserts. Coffee, tea, water and millk will be provided and a cash bar will be available. A 50/50 raffle will also take place that night. Winners need not be present. For ticket information, contact Sherri Weitl at (630) 232-8171 or Jeni Russo at (630) 715-6178.

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.

Geneva "Green" Tips

Window Coverings - Put window coverings to work! Remember that drapes and shades provide window insulation. Use them to let warming sunlight in and during the evening to retain heat in your home.

Heating - Use your heat sensibly! Set your thermostat to a normal level of comfort. Keep heating ducts and equipment clean. Replace furnace filters regularly.

Thermostat - Get a "smart" thermostat! Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat to raise or lower temperature while you are asleep or at work.

Weather Proofing - Get rid of drafts! Install weather stripping around doors and window frames.

Clothes Washing - Wash and dry wisely! Wash and dry only full loads. If possible, line dry your clothes - it not only saves energy but adds moisture in the house on dry winter days.

New Appliances- Shop for ENERGY STAR models! Energy Star appliances, heating equipment, computers and consumer electronics use much less energy than standard models.

Lights & Appliances - Turn off when not in use! Turn off lights, TV, DVD, video games, and computers when not in use.

Student Government Celebrates 10 Years!

This past November, the Student Government program celebrated its tenth anniversary. The program is a collaborative effort with the City of Geneva (through the Strategic Plan Advisory Committee) and Geneva High School to promote civic pride, create learning opportunities for Geneva youth, and provide a forum for City Officials to interact with Geneva students. The alliance promotes Geneva's student involvement in local government, thereby heightening their awareness of community responsibility. Furthermore, elected and appointed officials have the opportunity to develop sound relationships with community youth, while gaining valuable insight regarding community needs and values from students' perspectives. Elected and appointed officials, students and the community as a whole, have benefited from the learning experience. By "partnering" students with government officials, our community's quality of life will continue to be enhanced and preserved.

Our gratitude goes to all of the program participants throughout the past ten years for their community spirit and pride. They are the pioneers of this program who had the insight to invest in a unique partnership, to build bridges between students and local government, and the wisdom to ensure the quality of Geneva's future.

The program will continue this spring when the students pick a topic of discussion for their mock city council meeting. Tune in and see our future at its finest.

Students share ideas with elected officials at City Hall this past November as part of student government 'shadowing' day.

Student government members and City staff/elected officials enjoy a luncheon at the Mill Race Inn this past November.

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.