Summer 2011 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,

There are as many definitions of success as there are people on the earth. To "be" or "feel" successful is measured by matrix that are as unique as snowflakes; no two are the same.

When we "feel" successful in our jobs, or careers, our community service, our relationships with family, friends, colleagues and neighbors we feel more whole, more valuable, more valued and more alive.

And, when we pause to consider and measure the true meaning of success, we often relegate the professional variables from the complex equation and focus on the constants; our family, our friends and our health. No surprise.

And when we as individuals, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and friends and colleagues arrive at that plateau we have self-defined as "success", draw into our lungs the crisp, clean air found only at that level, we begin to thrive; in the areas mentioned earlier and in areas we have yet to explore.

Therefore, if we are to become, remain and sustain a thriving community, let us remember the important elements of the success equation - our family, friends and health. Let us take care of each other, keep an eye on each other, support each other and, when necessary, tend to each other.

This is not to say that we must forgo our desire to achieve economic success. Not at all. For economic success often helps us thrive in so many other areas of our lives. But it's wise - as history has proven time and time again - to not use economic success as the sole arbiter of a thriving existence.

We are all capable of achieving success, because we all have the ability to define success as we see fit. And, we are all capable of establishing a thriving environment for ourselves and others because doing so proves, without any doubt in my mind, to be one of the most selfless acts we can commit.

I look forward to working with each and every one of you in the weeks and months ahead to achieve success and create a thriving community for this and future generations to enjoy and celebrate.

Kevin Burns
Mayor

Important Dates

July 1

First Friday Art Gallery Walk

downtown Geneva

www.artgalleriesgeneva.com

July 4

Non-Emergency City Offices Closed

for Independence Day Holiday.

July 9

International Cycling Classic

downtown Geneva

http://www.internationalcycling.com/

July 10

RiverPark Concert Series

Prairie Brass Band

Peyton & North River Lane

http://www.genevadowntown.org

July 16

Shakespeare in the Park

"Loves Labours Lost"

http://www.genevadowntown.org

July 17

RiverPark Concert Series

VanderCook Drum Circle/Third Street Jazz

Peyton & North River Lane

http://www.genevadowntown.org

July 23-24

Geneva Arts Fair

downtown Geneva

www.genevachamber.com

July 24

RiverPark Concert Series

Live Radio Theater

Peyton & North River Lane

http://www.genevadowntown.org

July 31

RiverPark Concert Series

Jim Green/Wandering Endorphins

Peyton & North River Lane

August 28

Concours d'Elegance

Third Street

http://www.genevaconcours.net/

Sept. 9-11

Festival of the Vine

downtown Geneva

www.genevachamber.com

Sept. 18

Fox Valley Marathon

downtown Geneva

http://www.foxvalleymarathon.com/

Brush and Yard Waste Pickup Schedule

The City's brush schedule and program details are posted at the following link: http://www.geneva.il.us/departments/publicworks/2011%20Brush%20Program%20Notice.pdf
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 yard waste 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

Allied Waste

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 $3.05 per sticker. Stickers are available to City residents at the City of Geneva Finance Office, 15 S. First Street; City Hall at 22 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

Citizens Urged to Use WebQA to Report City Issues, Concerns

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Residents are offered a quick and easy way get answers to many questions or report a problem. Click "Request a City Service" on the City's home page of its website: http://www.geneva.il.us, simply click on "request a city service" to access the Geneva Support Center. From this page you can:

· View "Frequently Asked Questions" about a variety of city-related topics

· Report a problem or file a complaint

· Search an information database for an answer to your question

· Ask a question directly to one of our staff members.

All of these functions allow us to provide the best service possible to our residents in Geneva at all hours of the day.

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".

Changes to Senior RTA Free & Reduced Fair Programs

RTA Senior Circuit Ride Free Permit

Low income seniors age 65 and older who are enrolled in the Illinois Circuit Breaker Program administered by the Illinois Dept. on Aging (DOA) may apply for a "Ride Free Circuit Permit" for free rides on RTA fixed route bus and rail services provided by CTA, Pace, and Metra. You must be enrolled in the Circuit Breaker Program before you will be approved for a "Ride Free Circuit Permit". For more information about the DOA Circuit Breaker Program, call 1 (800) 624-2459 or visit http://www.cbrx.il.gov/.

Senior Reduced Fare Permit

Seniors age 65 and older who are not qualified for the low-income Circuit Breaker Program are eligible to ride RTA fixed route bus and rail services provided by CTA, Pace, and Metra at a reduced fare with a valid "Reduced Fare Permit".

Applications are available at City Hall reception at 22 S. First Street. Hours are M-F, 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Questions? Call (630) 232-7494. Eligible residents can also download the application and find more info at http://www.rtachicago.com/.

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 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. Additional information can be found at http://www.geneva.il.us/BulletinBoard/emeraldashborer.htm.

2011-12 Budget Approved April 18

The City's 2011-12 fiscal year budget was approved by the 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 2010-11 Annual Report

The City is proud to present its Annual Report to the City Council and Community for Fiscal Year 2010-2011. 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.

City Welcomes Third Ward Alderman Dean Kilburg

Kilburg The City welcomed Dean Kilburg on May 2nd as he was sworn in as the City's new Alderman in the Third Ward (Alderman Dawn Vogelsberg als serves as Third Ward Alderman). Kilburg, a 24-year resident in Geneva's Third Ward, was sworn in by Judge Mark Pheanis at the City Council meeting that evening.

Kilburg is no stranger to public service. He has previously served on the Geneva School Board, Fermilab Citizen Advisory Board, Geneva Community Chest, and Geneva Academic Foundation to name just a few.

In a recent interview, Kilburg summed up his desire to serve with the following: "Serving the City Council is important because you have a responsibility to all our residents. the office requires a dedication to service, a commitment to good communication and hard work. My involvement in the community has helped me gain an understanding of the various needs and complex issues impacting Geneva's future.Whether it is our city, school, parks, all public bodies in Geneva face the same challenges relating to the growth of the community and the funding to support the needed infrastructure for that growth. Community service has been a rewarding life experience for me. I have the desire, passion and needed optimism to effectively represent the Third Ward as our community works to addresses the challenges ahead." (Daily Herald, Feb. 23, 2011)

Welcome aboard Ald. Kilburg!

Constituents may reach Ald. Kilburg at (630) 208-1682 or via email at aldkilburg@geneva.il.us.

History and New Technology Meet

405 S. First Street prior to renovation

Have you noticed the transformation of the historic Tudor Revival home at 405 South First Street? It is an excellent example of how historic preservation and energy efficiency objectives can be met.

The hard work of the property owners, Geneva residents Ernie Mahaffey and Sheila Penrose, caught the eye of the editors of Old House Journal, and the rehabilitation of the home is featured in the upcoming August/September issue.

The house, built in 1930, was in deteriorating condition with major structural defects. The property owners were concerned about the home's future and interested in performing an energy efficient upgrade. To learn more abou the rehab, visit the Old House Journal website at http://www.oldhouseonline.com/an-energy-efficient-tudor-retrofit/.

405 S. First Street after renovations

Summer Fire Safety

GFD logo

Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to outdoor cooking and recreational fires. Annually, there are almost 3,800 Americans injured by gas or charcoal grill fires.

Summertime should be a time of fun and making happy memories. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following safety instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.

Residential Grill Fire Facts

An estimated 5,700 grill fires occur on residential properties each year in the United States.
Almost half (49 percent) of grill fires on residential properties occur from 5 to 8 pm.
Over half (57 percent) of grill fires on residential properties occur in the 4 months of May, June, July, and August.
Thirty-two percent of grill fires on residential properties start on patios, terraces, screened-in porches, or courtyards.

Grill Safety

Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
Position the grill well away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
Keep children and pets from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when cooking.
Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

Charcoal Grills

Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

Propane Grills

Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.
If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is no flame:

Turn off the propane tank and grill.
If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.

If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.
Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside

First Aid for Burns

For minor burns, take the following action:

Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 or 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cool water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn.
Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, or other material that may get lint in the wound. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burn reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen. Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin.

Talk to a doctor if you have concerns.

News & Notes from Economic Development

2011 Geneva Cycling Grand Prix

bike race The 2011 Geneva Cycling Grand Prix presented by Bicycle Heaven will take place on Saturday, July 9, 2011. This year the race route has been changed slightly in response to concerns voiced by downtown businesses; the race has been moved one block west. Click here for a map of the race route. The starting line for the race has also moved from Franklin and Third to Franklin and Seventh. Race organizers will be coordinating with surrounding businesses and residents to discuss access issues -- if you would like to talk with race organizers, contact Rob Kelley at (630) 232-9288 or robkelley@strategysales.net.

The first of seven bike races is scheduled to start at 10:00 am and build to the pro race at 5:45 pm. Racers go around the track 20 to 80 times depending on the event at speeds up to 35-40 mph. Residents pack the sidewalks, lawns and parkways to watch the race. The race organizers are also working with surrounding businesses to have some food or services available on the 6th Street School site. During the race, vehicle traffic will be restricted and no parking will be allowed on the actual race course but local traffic moves in and out of the area after the bikers have safely passed. Race patrons will be directed to park in the Metra parking spaces near the Metra station. Residents within the course will be directed to reserved parking lots if they need to move a car off of the street. Residents desiring to leave their neighborhood during the race will need to contact a race Marshall who will assist with getting them past the riders within a couple of minutes.

If you have any comments about the race, please email Paul Evans at pevans@geneva.il.us or call at 630-845-9654.

RiverPark Series Back 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, the sounds of a 30 piece brass band to the lively sounds of jazz and drum circle. By popular request, radio theater will return. This show will relive the old days of radio theater. All shows will start at 6:30 pm. The RiverPark Amphitheater is located two blocks north of State Street on North River Lane. For more info go to: www.genevadowntown.org/?cat=89 The schedule is as follows:

July 10 - Prairie Brass Band Concert
July 17 - Vandercook Drum Circle/3^rd Street Jazz Quartet
July 24 - Radio Theater

July 31 - Wandering Endorphin

Shakespeare in the Park

The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission presents "Shakespeare in the Park" on Saturday July 16, 2011 at Island Park in Geneva, IL. Seating begins at 5:00 pm with the show to start at 6:00pm. 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 "Loves Labours Lost" 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, drinks and ice cream will be available for purchase from Stockholm's 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

4^th Annual Film Festival Results

The 4th Annual Geneva Film Festival was held April 14-16, 2011 in downtown Geneva. Film screening took place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Riverside Receptions. An awards ceremony was held on Saturday night. Approximately 200 people attended this year's Film Festival. Below are the award winners. For more information go to: http://genevafilmfestival.org/

· Best Narrative Feature - "The Desire: A Journey of a Woman" Submitted by: Sunanda Shetty

· Best Male Performance - Robert Wisdom for "Bright"

· Emerging Narrative Feature Filmmaker (1st time Feature Director) "Neander-Jin: The Return of the Neanderthal Man", Directed by: Florian Steinbiss

· Best Documentary Feature - "One Revolution" Directed by: Amanda Stoddard

· Emerging Documentary Feature Filmmaker (1^sttime Feature Director)- "Boys of Bonneville: Racing on a Ribbon of Salt" Directed by: Curt Wallin

· Best Documentary Short - "Burma: An Indictment" Directed by: Jeremy Taylor

· Best Narrative Short - "Bright" Directed by: Benjamin Busch

· Student Visionary Award- "Two Lives for Antonio Espinosa" Directed by: Rodrigo Fonseca and Caio D'Andrea

· Best Animated Short - "Swing", Directed by: Yen-Ting Kuo

Welcome to these new Geneva businesses:

4M Supplies & Installation, 2202 Gary Ln

Aggati, Minta's division of fine women's accessories from famous Italian design house called Gattinoni- 500 S. Third St, Suite 117

A New Dog Daycare, 2540 Kaneville Rd

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses Inc, 1415 S Randall Rd #A

Bet Electric, 204 Dearborn Ct

CG Cookies, 65 N. River Ln

Chelio's Bar & Grille, 1996 S. Kirk Road

Eco Shield Pest Control, 204 Dearborn Ct

Elegant Nail Spa, Inc., 810 Commons Dr

Five Below, 1900 S Randall Rd

Five Guys, 1314 Commons Dr

Forever Vogue Vintage Jewelry, 313 W State St #2B

Mossy Twig, 31 S Third St

Nora's Shoe Shop, 12 N Second St

Pink Hippo, 500 S 3rd St (children's accessories)

Stand Off Computers 823 W State St

The Purple Toad, 1410 Commons Dr #9005

Unique Rug Gallery, 715 E State St

Sephora, 406 Commons Dr.

Yogen Fruz, 1502 Commons Dr

Vivid Systems, 1141 Commerce Dr

Congratulations on your new location:

Bicycle Heaven, 124 W State St

Minta Interiors, 500 S 3rd St, #105

All Chocolate Kitchen, 35 S Third St

Coming Soon:

Art Box, 514 W State St, Unit A

Charming Charlies, 202 Commons Dr

Cotto A Legna, 500 S. 3rd Street

Fuschia Style (woman's boutique), 9 N Third St

HH Gregg, Commons Drive

LeLa (woman's boutique), 211 W State

Murano's Pizza, 417 Hamilton

Prairie Path Podiatry & Spa, 4 S 6th St

Sound Sculptor Recording, 126 ½ W State

Vargo Dance Studio, 113 W State

Welcome a New Owner:

Bob's Cleaners, 1416 E State St

French Market Open

The Geneva French Market is located at South Street and 4^th Street in the Commuter Parking Lot and operates every Sunday through October from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Customers can find an array of products from fresh produce to fine french linens and custom made jewelry. For more details, visit www.bensidoun-usa.com.

Geneva Green Market Open

The Geneva Green Market will be open every Thursday from June through October from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and is located at 75 N. River Lane in downtown Geneva. The Geneva Green Market features locally-grown minimally processed produce and products for chefs or everyday people who really care about the quality of the foods they eat. Mark Weaver, of Geneva's Inglenook Pantry is actively involved in getting local chefs to support the Geneva Green Market and buy fresh, locally grown product, as well as offering the public educational information and demonstrations on cooking with fresh product. For more information on the Geneva Green Market, please visit them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Geneva-Green-Market-NFP/85326673757

South East Master Plan

Work continues on the City's South East Master Plan. This is a "subarea plan" amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan, the document that guides land use decisions. The Plan considers undeveloped properties within the City's planning jurisdiction, looking at land use and an initial consideration of the engineering and routing of costs (for utilities and roads)needed to develop the property. In the study area is approximately 300 undeveloped acres just west of the Kane and DuPage county line, south of IL Route 38, and north of Fabyan Parkway.

An information letter was sent to property owners in May. An information page and online survey is found at http://www.geneva.il.us/EconomicDevelopment/southeast_masterplan.htm. A meeting was held with residents in the area in May and a public meeting was held on June 16, 2011 at Cougar Stadium. Questions and comments may be directed to Economic Development Director Ellen Divita at (630) 232-7449, or edivita@geneva.il.us.

City Special Event Application

Beautiful Geneva is an ideal location to hold a special event or festival. Centrally located as the Kane County seat of government, the City is home to pleasing neighborhoods, short walkable city blocks, the Fox River and Fox River Bike trail, many non-profit agencies, a vibrant Chamber of Commerce, a strong business community, and active citizens.

Since 2002 the number of events held in the City has increased with additional merchant-led promotions, Cultural Arts Commission events, Economic Development Department programming, and non-profit group sponsored walks and fundraising activities. The City now uses a "Special Event Application" form to approve requests to host events in the City which are public events using public property and or services. Application forms are submitted to the City Economic Development Department and then routed to each City Department for approval. If you intend on hosting an event, please contact Ellen Divita, Director of Economic Development at (630) 232-7449, or edivita@geneva.il.us. The form can be found online at: http://www.genevadowntown.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/COG-event-application-FINAL.pdf.

Outdoor Music Grants

O-M-G! Downtown Geneva will be alive with the sound of music (entertainment) this summer. A new grant program by the City of Geneva will assist downtown businesses to bring in singers, mimes, jugglers, musicians or magicians to entertain shoppers when festivals are not taking place. The City of Geneva has set aside $5000 from their Hotel/Motel funding to be used for grants to enhance visitor's experience when shopping in downtown Geneva. Each grant will be up to a maximum of $500 which will be matched by the sponsoring business. The entertainment will take place in a private plaza or parking lot or on public property and will be free to the public. A packet detailing eligible expenses, program guidelines and application forms are available at City Hall in the Economic Development Department or online at:http://www.genevadowntown.org/?cat=78.org

Priority will be given to those grants which generate overnight stays, reach a broad section of the economy or encourage visitors to patronize Geneva's businesses, restaurants and attractions. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis for those applications which meet the program priorities and application guidelines. Questions regarding this program can be directed to Paul Evans at (630) 845-9654 or can be emailed to: pevans@geneva.il.us. What's happening in downtown Geneva? Where's a quick list of all the restaurants throughout the city? Check out

www.genevadowntown.org!

ESDA Seeks Volunteers

Providing much needed help to families or individuals in crisis is one of the most generous, selfless gestures you can offer to people in your community. In 2010, volunteers from the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) responded to12 events in Geneva ranging from traffic control for public events, severe weather watches, complex traffic accidents, and structure fires.

"Our volunteers are on the front lines of the services provided to the residents and visitors of Geneva by assisting our police and fire departments as well as local community groups. Volunteers are the lifeblood of ESDA," said Mayor Kevin Burns. "ESDA is an integral part of our emergency response protocol in Geneva. The volunteers are vital to our ability to assist the public during emergencies," said Chief of Police Steve Mexin.

"We presently have about six active volunteers in Geneva, most of whom are from Geneva," said Fire Chief Steve Olson, "If we can recruit more from Geneva or some of the surrounding communities we will improve response time and efficiency."

To learn more about the organization and how you can contribute to your community call (630) 232-2530.

Geneva Viking Conquest Adventure

Hail to thee, fellow traveler! The City of Geneva is on a mission to discover and record all past conquered (City-owned) properties. To accomplish this mission Geneva needs the help of Norsemen (citizens) like you. But be wary traveler; the journey involves navigating old records, the likes of which probably have not been seen in many, many years. And yet, if you are successful, the prizes will be greater than those of Valhalla, including your own street sign (for your own personal use, not actually a street named after you)! Perhaps even more valuable, the experience and knowledge gained will undoubtedly benefit you greatly on future voyages and endeavors. So, if you are not faint of heart, join our mission today!

The Geneva Viking Conquest Adventure is a City of Geneva project designed to gather past property records about City-owned property. Once obtained, these records will save City employees countless hours normally spent tracking these records down. However, given the overwhelming number of property records to be found, accomplishing this project would be nearly impossible without the help of Geneva's citizens. None of the information gathered is sensitive, personal or unavailable to the public under normal circumstances.

To join, go to http://www.genevarecordsproject.org/ and click the "Sign-Up" button. From there all you need to do is fill out a little information about yourself and you're off and running! There are tutorials and instructions online to guide you through the process. We believe it is not only a great opportunity to help your community, but also help yourself learn more about property records, zoning, and geographic information systems (GIS). So hop in your longboat and get started today! Good luck warriors! Any questions can be direct to Zachery Creer email: zcreer@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 (630) 262-8495 with questions.

Public Works Summer Project Update

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

Kautz map The State of Illinois has tentatively scheduled a September 2011 letting for the Ill. Rte. 38 grade separation project at Kautz Road. This project will reconstruct the alignment of Ill. Route 38 raising it above the Union Pacific Railroad and moving its intersection with Kautz Road to the south and west of its existing location. The estimated cost is approximately $33 million. If a contract is awarded in the Fall, the project is anticipated to be under construction from 2011-2012.

In addition, Thorne Electric is currently working on the City's seventh year of underground electric cable replacement.Work is taking place in the Allendale Subdivision as well as at the Western Ave Elementary School and at Houghton Mifflin and Superscope Technologies on Batavia Avenue.The project entails installing conduit for the distribution system and replacing a main line that ties two substations together, the electric lines between transformers, and the secondary lines between transformers and pedestals. In addition, the street lights in Allendale are being replaced to eliminate the Mercury Vapor lights and replace them with High Pressure Sodium lights. Any questions regarding the project can be directed to Geneva Public Works, Electric Division at (630) 232-1503.

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

2010 Water Quality Report

The City's 2010 Water Quality Report is now posted as required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Visit http://www.geneva.il.us/Departments/PublicWorks/PDF/CCR%202010%20Primary.pdf to read the complete report.

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.

"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 pewter ornament, mugs, lapel pins, stadium cushions, pens, tote bags and baseball caps all adorned with the Geneva city logo. City Hall hours are Mon. - Fri. 8:00am - 5:00pm. Cash or check only.

2011 ornament

baseball cap

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.

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.

Genevans Travel to Sister City Croissy sur Seine

At the end of May, a delegation from Geneva visited our partner city, Croissy-sur-Seine, as part of our ongoing cultural exchange. Several Geneva and local artists were invited to share their art work in a special exhibit at the Chateau Chanorier in Croissy: Claudia Engel-Rush, Diane Gabriel, Kari Kraus, Nancy McGuire, Linda Strong, and Sharon Sychta. The visit coincided with a local festival, Fete de la Grenouillere, which celebrates the days when many Impressionists painted in the region.

ICEC President Cynthia Albright, who headed the delegation, expressed her appreciation: "We are grateful to our French hosts, who shared so much of themselves, their culture, and their lovely town with the 17 members of our delegation." ICEC expects to expand the cultural exchange with Croissy, focusing next on music and art by children in both cities. For further information, visit www.icecgeneva.org

About Geneva

The City of Geneva, population 21,495, 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.