Winter 2012 City Newsletter

Live Christmas tree collection will occur on your regular refuse collection day the weeks of January 9 & 16. 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.

Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste collection has concluded for the 2011 season. Collection will resume in April.

"Geneva Gear" Store Now Online!

Have you seen our online merchandise store? What you could always purchase in person at City Hall is also now available for purchase on the web!

Visit http://www.geneva.il.us/City%20Stuff%20Store/Stuff%20Store%20Page.htm to peruse the store and make a purchase.

Questions? Call (630) 232-7494 or email genevagear@geneva.il.us.

City Welcomes New 2nd Ward Alderman

Donald B. Cummings, Jr. was sworn in as 2nd Ward Alderman on January 3, 2012. Cummings replaces Robert Piper, who moved outside of the ward.

Before being appointed to the Geneva City Council, Cummings had been a Geneva Library Board trustee for more than 10 years. Cummings's term will run through April 2013.

Mayor's Message

Dear Neighbors,

You don't have to be an historian to have an interest in and appreciation for history. I subscribe to a "This Day In History" email that shares with me events that took place around the world and find the information helpful in reflecting on where we've been and where we're going as a people, country and world.

To borrow a phrase from my favorite television network, the History Channel, history is made every day. Indeed it is.

History was made on December 9, 1912 when Geneva Mayor, Dr. Francis Marstiller laid the corner stone for City Hall and placed within that stone a humble copper box filled with mementos - and perhaps messages - to be opened 100 years hence.

Located in the southeast side of the building (home of the city's Building Department) City Hall's cornerstone is now hidden behind a copy machine and has, for the most part, been respectfully ignored as history has taken place day-in and day-out for nearly ten decades.

On Saturday, May 19, 2012 the City of Geneva will open the time capsule placed in the cornerstone by Mayor Marstiller and share with the community the contents therein for all to examine and enjoy.

I hazard to guess that my "This Day In History" email alert will not advise me of this special event when May 19th rolls around but, you can be sure, I'll be at City Hall on that Saturday afternoon to participate in the opening of the time capsule and take a gander at what our forefathers left for us. I can hardly wait.

So, please mark your calendar to join me on Saturday, May 19th for what promises to be an history making event.

Happy New Year...

My best,

Kevin R. Burns

Mayor

Important Dates

Live Christmas Tree Collection

Weeks of Jan. 9 & 16 on residents' regular refuse day.

(see article at left for complete details)

First Friday Art Walk

Downtown art gallery events

Visit http://www.artgalleriesgeneva.com for complete schedule

Geneva Winter Market

Saturdays 9am - 1pm

27 N. Bennett at Geneva Place

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

January 16, 2012 - CITY OFFICES CLOSED

(City Council meeting moved to Jan. 17)

Dancing With The Geneva Stars Benefit

February 4, 2012 at Eagle Brook Country Club

(see article below)

Presidents Day Holiday

February 20, 2012 - CITY OFFICES CLOSED

(City Council meeting moved to Feb. 21)

Fall in Love with Geneva

Month-long in February - promotions with downtown merchants

(see article below)

Geneva Bride Downtown Wedding Walk

March 4, 2012

Natural Resources Committee Earth Day Event

April 21, 2012, 11am - 3pm

Peck Farm

Save the Date! City Hall Centennial Celebration

May 19, 2012

Geneva's City Hall is turning 100 in 2012! The City is planning a special celebration on Saturday, May 19, 2012 to commemorate the occasion. Several activities are planned that day including tours of the building, music, and the unveiling of the time capsule that was laid in the cornerstone back in 1912. We'll also be taking a "community photo" that day to be laid back into the cornerstone for the next 100 years! Be a part of Geneva history and save the date!

More information will be forthcoming in Geneva Mail and the Spring e-newsletter.

City Crews Are Ready for Winter Weather

Photo courtesy Geneva Chamber of Commerce

The Public Works Department's primary objective during the winter storm season is to perform snow and ice 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/yh69jpp for complete details on the City's program and regulations.

CLEARING STATE & COUNTY ROADS

The following state roads are plowed and maintained by the Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT) 847-705-4228:

-Route 38 west of West Lane

-Route 38 east of Kirk Road

The following county roads are plowed and maintained by the Kane County Highway Dept. (KDOT) 630-584-1170:

-Randall Road from Route 38 to Fabyan Parkway

-Fabyan Parkway (entire route through Geneva)

-Kirk Road from Fabyan Pkwy to Geneva Drive

City Receives Distinguished Budget Award

Despite the economic challenges over the past three years, the City of Geneva has achieved national recognition for its budget for the second consecutive year.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded the City the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, recognizing how well the fiscal 2010-11 budget was developed and implemented. The awards program is the only national honor for governmental budgeting.

The GFOA established the awards program in 1984 to "encourage and assist state and local governments to prepare documents of the very highest quality," according to its website.

"Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America," the GFOA said in a statement.

The city has experienced declining revenues, resulting in significant reductions (more than 20%, or $4 million, in the General Fund over the past three years) including 11 staff positions currently vacant.

This year's budget is being developed for the new fiscal year which will begin on May 1. Revenue projections have been lowered over the past 3 years and are coming in as expected. Closely monitoring and deferring expenditures has been, and will continue to be, critical in ensuring a balanced budget.

In spite of the ongoing fiscal challenges, City officials will continue to take proactive steps to manage increasing costs, deteriorating revenues, and the uncertainty of our economic future. The FY 2012-13 budget will be balanced on sound financial footing. The City's focus will continue to be on providing essential core services to our citizens, as it has always been.

Geneva Offers Home Safety Inspection Program

In 2009 there were 2,695 fire deaths, 14,740 injuries in 480,500 structure fires in the United States. 82% of all fire deaths occurred in the home.

Fire can happen in any home. Understanding what you can do to improve fire safety in your own home could help save most of the lives and prevent the injuries that otherwise would occur.

Are you aware that the Geneva Fire Department offers free residential home inspections as a valuable service to the residents of Geneva? You can have your home inspected at no charge by a Geneva firefighter. A professional inspection can help save lives and property.

Geneva Bride Your home inspection will cover many areas of potential hazards and will equip you with the knowledge to keep you and your family safe year around.

In addition to an inspection, additional information is provided on home safety. Family safety information provided includes home escape plans, smoke detector testing and fire extinguisher use.

A written report is left with the homeowner at the end of each inspection. Your inspector will point out areas of concern and may recommend corrections to be made. You may receive a recommendation to consult with a qualified professional with experience. You should seek a professional with the proper certifications, insurance, bonding and references.

This program is completely voluntary. No copies of your inspection will be kept at the fire department and no reinspection will be made unless you request one. If areas of concern are found, they will be pointed out to the homeowner. The goal is to make you, the homeowner, aware of dangers in their homes and to provide options to correct these dangers.

Residential inspections are conducted by appointment only. The visit to your home will be scheduled at your convenience which typically is in the early evening or weekends.

Fire Dept. logo

If you have any questions regarding this or any other issues please call the Geneva Fire Department at (630)232-2530 or you can visit our web site at http://www.geneva.il.us/fd/gfd.htm

Local Retail Sales Up Over 2010 Figures

Overall, the economy continues to slowly grow. Nationally, unemployment dropped last month to 8.6% marking the lowest it has been since March 2009. Labor force participation tells a different story and has remained mostly in a downward trend to 64% this month.

This continues a trend of good growth in consumer purchases. National economic growth in the 3rd quarter has been revised downward to 2% from 2.5%. This number is still higher than the previous quarter's growth of 1.3%. However, growth has slowed since last year. The national retail vacancy rate decreased this quarter to 7%, down from 7.1%. Prices (as shown by the CPI-U) deflated in October due to decreasing energy prices as well as a fall in some food prices. The CPI-U shows prices have increased by 3.4% over the last 12 months. Nationally, total sales by retailers, manufactures and wholesalers, have increased in October, over the last month, increasing .69% from September and 10.85% over October of last year.

On the state level, manufacturing production workers in Illinois worked an average of 40.1 hours per week during the third quarter of 2011. This has remained mostly stagnant since last year reflecting a .2% increase since 3rd quarter 2010. With the addition of 600 jobs in November, the unemployment rate decreased to 10% from 10.1% in October. The unemployment rate in Illinois has increased from 8.9% last November despite job growth in 7 of 11 months.

Locally, sales are trending upward when compared to last year. On the local level sales tax data shows positive signs. September 2011 sales tax data for Geneva showed a marked improvement, increasing 9.42% over September 2010. It would be fair to expect an improvement in sales for October through December this year, reflecting national trends and overall growth in sales from last year. Building permits issued were reported to be "about average" when compared to the last four years at 138 in November. There were no new construction permits issued by the Building Office in November. In comparison to the national rate of 7%, Geneva's downtown (from Anderson Blvd to East Side Drive and from the railroad tracks to Stevens) retail vacancy rate is 15.3% with retail vacancy on Randall Road lower than the national rate at 6.7%.

Clear Hydrants of Snow this Winter

Example of hydrant that is not cleared of snow

You wouldn't let your friend stand buried in snow at the curb in front of your house, would you? Of course not! And yet, if your house were on fire, a fire hydrant could be the best friend you have. A fast and adequate water supply for the Fire Department can make the difference between minor damage and major destruction. The folks from Public Works are aware of the hydrants and try very hard to avoid covering them with plowed snow. However, and especially in cul-de-sacs, this is very difficult to do as there isn't much space to pile the snow between driveways, mailboxes and fire hydrants.

Example of hydrant cleared and in view from street

If you are fortunate enough to have a hydrant in front of your house, do the Fire Department and yourself a favor by clearing the snow away and making hydrants visible from the street.

City crews appreciate your cooperation and assistance this winter in keeping hydrants cleared of snow and fully visible from the street.

Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

Geneva Bride As we move closer to winter and home fire deaths begin to increase, the Geneva Fire Department reminds you that fire safety and prevention are especially important in the coming months. Home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season, "These fires are a painful reminder of what we see every year - the temperatures drop and fires increase," said DC Jerry Koster. According to statistics, space heaters account for about one third of home heating fires and approximately 80 percent of the home heating fire deaths.

The United States Fire Administration reports that each winter an estimated 108,400 residential building fires occur in the United States, resulting in 945 deaths, 3,825 injuries, and over one billion dollars in property loss. Cooking is the leading cause of winter residential building fires which are followed by faulty heating as a source. Winter residential building fires occur mainly in the early evening hours, peaking from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Here are a few Winter Fire Safety Tips:

* Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove.

* Avoid using lighted candles. If you must use candles, place them in sturdy candleholders that won't burn.

* Space heaters need space; keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from each heater.

* Check electrical cords often and replace cracked or damaged electrical or extension cords. Do not try to repair them.

* Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. They are not designed for this purpose and can be a fire hazard. In addition, carbon monoxide (CO) gas might kill people and pets.

* Do not put your live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

* If you smoke, use only fire-safe cigarettes and smoke outside.

"Winter fires are preventable," Koster emphasized. "Everyone should find out what they need to know to prevent a tragedy and have a safe winter season."

For more information about the causes of winter fires, winter storm fire safety, holiday fire safety, and tips that will help prevent the incidence of fire in the home, visit the USFA website at www.usfa.fema.gov/winter, or call the Geneva Fire Department at (630) 232-2530 extension 2067. The Geneva Fire Department is available for small presentations tailored to your group or organization.

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.

Geneva Statistics

RiverPark The City compiles and tracks demographic data obtained by the Census Bureau.

Population: 21,145
Increase from 2000: 10.15%
Median Age: 41.5
% Under 5 years: 5.1%
% 5 to 9 years: 7.1%
% 15 to 19 years: 8.9%
% 10 to 14 years: 8.4%
% 20 to 24 years:4.3%
% 25 to 29 years: 4.1%
% 30 to 34: 4.1%
% 35 to 39: 5.6%
% 40 to 44: 8.1%
% 45 to 49: 9.8%
% 50 to 54: 9.7%
% 55 to 59: 7.8%
% 60 to 64: 5.7%
% 65 to 69: 9.6%
% 70 to 74: 2.2 %
% 74 to 80: 2.1%
% 80 to 84: 1.7%
%84 and older: 1.6%
White: 94.8%
African American: .05%
Asian: 2.2%
Hispanic: 4.9%

Income

Median Household Income: $91,581
Households with over $100,000 in income: 44.60%
% of families under poverty level: 2%

Education

% high school graduates: 93.3%
% College degree: 51.4%

Business

% residents employed: 67.27%
Average travel time to work: 28.7 minutes.

Source: 2010 US Census

News & Notes from Economic Development

New Location for Geneva Winter Market - 27 N. Bennett St.

winter market

The Geneva Winter Market (farmer's market) has moved to 27 N. Bennett Street in Geneva Place. The winter market will be open from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday through to May. The Winter Market has a surprising array of fresh vegetables and other produce. If you are seeking quality, locally grown food products check out the Winter Market. Staples you can always find at the Winter Market are eggs, chicken, beef, pork, lamb, bread, cheese, fresh produce including greens, squash, potato, onion, beets, carrots, and peppers.

Sundays Are Special in Geneva - Over 100 Shops Open

Downtown Geneva is OPEN on Sundays! Did you know over 100 shops and restaurants are regularly open on Sundays in Geneva's historic downtown shopping district? Shops and restaurants in downtown Geneva will be hosting special events and activities. A complete list of special Sunday events can be found at http://www.genevadowntown.org. Events will be added continuously so check back often to see what is happening on any given Sunday in downtown Geneva!

Dancing With Geneva Stars Gala - February 4, 2012

Dancing With Geneva Stars is a must-see fundraising event to benefit the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission and the Geneva Academic Foundation held at Eagle Brook Country Club. This year's event will take place on Saturday, February 4 and tickets/voting will begin on January 3, 2012. Tickets are $35 a person and can be purchased on-line starting January 3. Remember to purchase your tickets early as this event has sold out every year. The dancers for the 2012 event are: Eric and Kari Bartel dancing the Cha-Cha; Mike and Heidi Jacoby dancing the Tango; Steve and Beth Olson dancing the Waltz; Jim and Maureen Radecki dancing the Salsa; Laura Rush and Derek Swanson dancing Jive; and Art and Connie Wagner dancing the Fox Trot. For more information or to order tickets, please visit:http://www.genevarts.org

Geneva Film Festival - Save the Date - March 29-31, 2012

Preparations are being made for the 2012 Geneva Film Festival which will be held March 29-31 in downtown Geneva. If you have not seen an independent film festival and like films, this is a real treat. Viewers are able to watch several films for less than $10 in a variety of formats such as narratives, documentaries, animated films, student films and films produced in the Chicago area. The Film Festival's committee of judges review approximately 80 films a year to select only those good enough for the film festival. Several films shown at the Geneva Film Festival have been picked up for distribution by national and international TV networks. To find out more about the Geneva Film Festival visit http://www.genevafilmfestival.org or find them on Facebook.

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 and the City 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 at: http://www.genevadowntown.org/?cat=78.

Live Windows On State - Thanks Again!

For the third year, during Christmas Walk, downtown State Street businesses hosted Geneva High School students in "live window" displays. The windows remain a hit and great entertainment. The students drew attention to State Street and earned service credits from the High School. Our thanks to Geneva High School Principle Tom Rogers, Mary Keyser, and Megan Rush for helping the City Economic Development Department in matching students with businesses!

Open Your Business in Geneva!

Considering opening your own business in Geneva? Contact the Economic Development Department at (630) 232-7449. Our Geneva Business Resource Guide will help you identify City, County, and State resources to help you in your business planning. The Geneva Community Profile contains statistics and cost information to help you with your business plan, plus we can help you identify available properties. These documents and more information is found online. Thank you for considering Geneva!

Fall In Love with Geneva

Fall in love logo

Fall in Love with Downtown Geneva during the month of February. Visit participating stores, shop, and enter to win a meal for two from one of Geneva's fabulous restaurants or a $25 gift certificate from one of Geneva's downtown shops. There is no cost to enter. A list of participating shops will be available on

http://www.genevadowntown.org by mid-January.

All Geneva Business Directory is Online

Geneva at your fingertips! A listing of all Geneva businesses is now online to help you identify local goods and services: http://www.genevadowntown.org/?page_id=5030

Bi-annual All Business Survey to be conducted in 2012

The City Economic Development Department plans to conduct the second bi-annual Business Retention Survey in 2012. The Department will send the survey document to all Geneva businesses. The goal of the survey is to identify business needs and issues and to understand which businesses may be considering a move - either to expand, relocate or close. Please watch for this survey in spring of 2012. Questions may be directed to Economic Development Director Ellen Divita at (630) 232-7449.

Welcome to these new Geneva businesses:

Absolute Music at 206 1/2 W. State

Accents by Marcia at 426 S. Third, #C

Asian Mystic Massage at 629 W. State

Auto Therapy at 560 Lark, #B

Bicknell Dental Care, Ltd. at 1881 S. Randall, #D

Board Sports Unlimited at 204 W. State

Cotto A Legna Restaurant at 500 S. Third

Design Essentials at 219 W. State

Fans Edge at 110 Commons Dr. #1010

G. Klemm Roofing Co. at 321 Stevens, #F

Harmonic Vision at 413 Stevens

Havlicek Ace Hardware at 617 W. State

Intermission Therapies at 22 Crissey, #200

Mitchell Manz Photography at 321 Stevens

Morano's Pizza at 417 Hamilton

Nails by Marianne at 321 James

National Tire & Batteries at 1575 S. Randall, #B

Sea Glass Green Designs at 227 S. Third, #205

Sound Sculptor, LLP at 127 W. State

Tiger Lily Vertical Fitness and Dance at 1749 S. Randall, #G

Congratulations on your new locaton:

Aurelio's Pizza at 330 W. State

Charles Schwab at 500 S. Third, #138

Inglenook Pantry at 27 N. Bennett

Law Offices of Douglas B. Warlick at 114 E. State

Midwest Gold Buyers at 1879 S. Randall

Rangel Designs at 111 N. Third

Stage Work LLC at 204 Dearborn, #104

Tri-City Radiology, SC at 300 S. Randall

West Physical Therapy at 2700 Keslinger, #C

Coming Soon:

Well Polished Nail Salon at 220 S. Third

Her Art at 10 S. Third

Weight Watchers at 1492 S. Randall

The Marketing Group at 1 N. River

Living Well Cancer Center at 442 Williamsburg

Oncor at 2088 Geneva Drive

Jennifer Kaye Photography at 313 W. State

Riganato Restaurant at 700 E. State

Chez Moi Cafe at 415 W. State

H & R Exteriors at 560 Lark, #F

Pizza Express at 1459 E. State

Law Offices - Clingen Callow & McLean, LLC at 501 W. State, #203

N Nail & Spa at 1492 S. Randall, #D

Seigle's Cabinet Center at 728 W. State

Rue 21 at 1524 S. Randall

Advanced Underwriting Managers at 8 Richards

Welcome New Owners:

Michaelangelo's Third Street Deli at 477 S. Third

Leapin Lyrics is now "Sounds LIke Music" at 226 W. State

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

FIREWOOD SALE - The Geneva Beautification Committee is selling firewood by the bundle or by the face cord. The firewood sale is a fund raiser to benefit the gardening work that the group performs in the downtown Geneva gardens.

Bundles of mixed firewood are available for purchase at the Geneva City Hall parking lot by the utilities bill payment box (between City Hall and Geneva Public Library) through spring. Bundles cost $5.00 which can be deposited in the utility payment box. Pick up a bundle for a warm, wonderful evening at home.

If you'd like to be set for the winter, a face cord of firewood could be delivered to your home. For home delivery of a face cord (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.

COOKBOOK SALE - The Geneva Beautification Committee is offering a cookbook fundraiser. Volunteers and friends of Geneva Beautification have compiled 250 of their favorite recipes into a colorful collection that would be perfect for gift giving, as a hostess gift, or as a family cooking activity during the cold winter months. The cookbooks are only $10 each and the proceeds will help purchase flowers and plant materials for the downtown Geneva gardens.

The Geneva Beautification Cookbook offers unique recipes from appetizers through desserts as well as Tips and Tricks to make your meal or party planning fun and easy. The spiral bound book allows easy viewing and the collection is divided into categories with a full index to make finding your favorite recipe simple.

Geneva Beautification Cookbooks are available for purchase at Geneva City Hall, 22 S. First Street, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Cash or check accepted, sorry no credit cards. A limited number of books have been printed so purchase your cookbooks now. For information call Sherri Weitl at 630-232-7494.

SPAGHETTI SUPPER FUNDRAISER - The Geneva Beautification Committee "Pasta for Posies" Spaghetti Supper fund raiser will be held on Wednesday, March 7 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Riverview Banquets, 1117 N. Washington Avenue (Route 25) in Batavia which is 1/3 mile south of Fabyan Parkway on Route 25.

Pasta for Posies will feature all-you-can-eat spaghetti with meat sauce, crisp tossed salad, crunchy Italian bread, butter, olive oil and vinegar and an assortment of delectable desserts many of which are homemade by our volunteers. Coffee, tea, water and milk will be provided and a cash bar is available. Take-out is provided. Call 630-232-7494 for tickets and information. To add to the fun this year there will be a bake sale featuring many of the dessert recipes found in the 2011 Geneva Beautification Cookbook.

If you are unable to attend the "spaghetti spectacular", please consider giving a tax deductible contribution to help purchase plants and materials to beautify downtown Geneva. Mail checks to Geneva Beautification c/o City of Geneva, 22 South First Street, Geneva IL 60134. All donations are appreciated.

The Geneva Beautification Committee is a volunteer group of residents, organizations and businesses that plant and maintain over 50 gardens in the historic business district of Geneva. While local businesses have generously donated many of their needs, a majority of the plant material and some gardening items still need to be purchased with funds from donations and fundraisers. The Committee relies solely on volunteers to plant and maintain the gardens. Visit our web site at http://www.plantgeneva.org to find out more about supporting Geneva Beautification through donations and fundraisers or to find out how you can help through volunteering.

New Law Bans Some Electronics from Landfills

Geneva Bride

With the start of the new year, Illinois law prohibits refuse companies from collecting computers, televisions and other electronic devices. Illinois is now one of 23 states to ban these devices from all landfills and to require these companies to establish recycling opportunites.

Kane County continues to provide electronic recyling the 2nd Saturday of the month from 8am - 2pm at the Kane County Circuit Clerk building located at 540 S. Randall Road in St. Charles.

Visit the county's website at http://www.countyofkane.org/documents/recycling/electronicsRecycling.pdf for complete details on what is accepted. There are also other locations to drop off electronics in the area:

ReStore

800 N. State

Elgin, IL

(847) 742-9905

City of Batavia Public Works Dept.

200 N. Raddant

Batavia, IL

(630) 454-2310

City of Aurora

Westside: 720 N. Broadway

Eastside: 3770 McCoy Dr.

(630) 256-4636

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.

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.