|
|
|
| Daylight Savings Ends |
Daylight savings ends at 2am on November 4. Be sure to set your clocks back one hour when you retire on the Nov. 3. |
| Event Calendar |
Visit www.genevadowntown.org
for a complete listing of events
happening in Geneva.
City of Geneva non-emergency offices will be closed on the following holiday dates:
Nov. 22 & 23, 2012
Dec. 24 & 25, 2012
Jan. 1, 2013
|
| Share Our Newsletter with a Friend! |
|
| | 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.
|
| Thank You for Your Donation! | |
The City would like to thank the following donors to the Geneva Giving Program and Geneva Beautification Committee for the 3rd quarter of 2012:
Mary Adelman
Tom Anderes
Dan Anderson
Stephen and Susie Anderson
Anonymous
A.T. Cord & Company and Jay Moffat
Phyllis Auernheimer
Bien Trucha
Paul and Kathleen Bowling
Charles and Mary Kay Brown
Charles and Karen Cobb
Cocoon and Sheri McGowan
Zachery Creer
Shirlie Cristallo and Denee Walker
Jim Cumming
Jamie Daniel
Lynne Davis
Mark Denke
Bruce and Krisite Dienst
Ron and Christine Donovan
Paul and Paula Evans
Ted Ferris
John and Jean Gaines
Geneva Cleaners
Rick Gfeller
Alex and Caren Goloff
Sarah Harper
Stephanie Jacobson
Jewelyn Jenson
Douglas and Mary Jones
Alison King
Katherine Linder
Louise Lynch
Peggy Martin
Lorenzo Martinez
Tom Merrian
Rich and Mary Miller
Glen Nelson
John Nelson
The Nosh Company
Tracy and Cynthia O'Connell
Jan Oestreich
The Olive Mill
Emily Palumbo
Kathleen Paquet
Barbara Reed
Michael and Debbie Reitz
Chad Sampson
Charles Sansone
Scentimental Gardens
Ron and Marilyn Singer
Anthony and Cathy Sisto
Mike Simon and Nancy Sohn
Sue Sosa
Michael and Cheryl Snook
The State Bank of Geneva
State Street Jewelers
Stockholm's Vardshus
Gale Tebeau
Christine Thompson
Nancy Tribbensee
Mya Trivison
Jim and Sherri Weitl
Fred and Carolyn Zinke |
| 2013 Christmas Tree Pickup |
The Public Works Dept. has scheduled a citywide collection of discarded live trees on residents' regular refuse collection days the weeks of January 14, 2013 and January 21, 2013. Residents must place the tree at the curb no later than 7:00am on their collection day. Crews will not return for special pickups.
Be sure to remove all hard materials such as ornaments, nails, stands, tinsel, etc. from the trees.
Wreathes and roping must be placed out with normal trash and is not included for the special tree pickups.
|
|
|
| Mayor's Message |
Dear Neighbors,
Throughout the course of our lives it's not uncommon for us to change direction, particularly when events demand we do so or force us to do so.
We change jobs, careers, move to new locations, develop new relationships or strengthen the ones we have through improved communication, attention, flexibility and compromise.
We even change our opinions on issues we once considered insoluble. Such is the maturation of the human race, human spirit and the struggle and triumph of life.
We can examine the re-making of ourselves in a myriad of ways - painful, joyful, intimidating, exciting, daunting, thrilling unbelievable and even natural.
The key to remaking ourselves gracefully, however, is to do so without reconstructing who we are at our most elemental level.
I can think of many of my own experiences that I suspect 'ring true' in your life's journeys as well -
* Perhaps you've relocated for career opportunities only to discover that while searching the world to pursue what you wanted, you've returned home to Geneva to find what you really needed all along.
*You've had challenges and setbacks in relationships but discovered how better to build upon those relationships with family, friends and new people in your life.
*You stopped certain behaviors/habits and discovered that your true personality could still shine through those changes.
*You have evolved in my positions on certain social, economic, scientific and spiritual issues and discovered a clearer sense of who you are, what your purpose in life is and how best to serve others during this journey on earth.
Like you, I'm sure, the process of remaking ourselves is an art, a science, a risk, and a whole heck-of-a-lot of luck, support and encouragement from others and from within ourselves.
So, here's to remaking ourselves as circumstances and opportunities call us to do so.
May your "remaking journey" provide the texture that defines a life well lived and a life's story worth writing.
My best,
Kevin Burns
Mayor |
Be Informed When Emergencies Strike
| |
For emergency or urgent situations, the City encourages residents, businesses, and visitors to sign up for the City's email and text messaging alerts.
Anyone can register to sign up for the City's quarterly electronic newsletter, the weekly GenevaMail (email) bulletin, GenevaMail alerts, and the City's Twitter account. Residents can choose to receive texts involving City news or only police news or both.
The City sends out alerts for weather, fire and police or other public safety issues, as well as public works projects, public meeting, and upcoming event information, requests for electric conservation, etc.
It's another tool for keeping people informed with what's happening in and around the City. The City will not sell or give away your contact information. It's a low, or no, cost tool for up-to-the-minute information and the City encourages everyone to sign up for all or some of the communications that the City offers at http://www.geneva.il.us. SIGN UP TODAY!
|
| City Receives National Recognition for Budget Presentation | |
 For the third year in a row, the City of Geneva has received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
The GFOA Budget Award is the highest award in governmental budgeting that can achieved. In earning the award, Geneva's budget was reviewed by a panel of independent reviewers and determined to satisfy nationally-recognized guidelines for budget presentation. GFOA guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device.
Geneva was one of 1,289 entities to receive the award in the United States.
GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving 17,500 government finance professionals throughout North America. The GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.
|
| Geneva Giving Program | |
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 Street Supt. Chris Bong at (630) 232-1502, ext. 3301.
|
| Strategic Plan Advisory Committee Town Hall Mtg Nov. 28 | |
What's in store for our community 10, 20, 30 years down the road? You can attend the SPAC Town Hall Meeting this year on Wednesday, November 28th at 7pm for "Understanding the Strategic Plan Process". The City will be updating its current plan this fiscal year. More information will be forthcoming in the City's weekly Geneva Mail e-bulletin.
|
|
|
|
| 2012 Fall Leaf Collection Program |
 The City will provide three (3) scheduled curbside collections in late October and November; and a bag collection program in December. The community is divided into three (3) geographical pickup zones. Each zone will be collected three (3) 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 (NOT into the street) prior to their scheduled pickup date.
PARKWAY LEAF COLLECTION DATES: Zone A (East of the River) Oct. 24 Nov. 5 Nov. 15 Zone B (West of River, North of Rte. 38; North of Kaneville and North of Keslinger Oct. 26 Nov. 7 Nov. 19 Zone C (West of River, South of Rte. 38; South of Kaneville and South of Keslinger Oct. 31 Nov. 12 Nov. 26 During the month of December (Dec. 1 - 28), residents may also place leaves in paper yard waste bags and place out for collection on their normal refuse collection day. Refuse stickers are NOT required for the bags containing leaves only during the Dec. 1-28 period. Complete details, including a map and regulations, can be found at:
|
| Brush and Yard Waste Pickup Schedule |
The City's brush program continues through the end of November. Details are posted at the following link:
Collection dates are as follows:
EAST SIDE OF FOX RIVER (1ST & 3RD WEEK/MONTH)
October 8 & 22
November 12 & 26
WEST SIDE OF FOX RIVER (2ND & 4TH WEEK/MONTH) October 1 & 15 November 5 & 19
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.
|
| Early Voting | |
to find out more.
|
| Snow & Ice Control Policies |
|
Historic Preservation News
| |
The substantial rehabilitation and rebuilding of the commercial building located at 101 South Third Street in Geneva (Home to Artemisia and Odalisque) has earned the property owner a Historic Preservation Income Tax Credit. Tax credits for historic properties are available to owners of income-producing buildings (commercial and rental residential) where substantial rehabilitation (investing more than the adjusted basis for the property) is performed and certified to be in compliance with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
The building at 101 South Third Street is the first building in Geneva to earn the tax credit. The project included rehabilitation of the historic building, built in 1870, and rebuilding of the east and south additions (built in 1890 & 1897 respectively). The building, formerly known as the Provincial House, and an icon on Geneva's Third Street with its distinctive two-story porch, was showing signs of significant deterioration and its additions were sagging due to failing or non-existent foundations.
The City of Geneva's Historic Preservation Planner assisted Ms. Bonnie Byrne, the property owner, in preparing and submitting the tax credit application, which has three parts: Part 1 includes documentation describing the historic significance of the building (Ms. Byrne's building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places); and Parts 2 and 3, which include a description of the proposed work to be performed and confirmation that the work performed conforms to approved plans.
Ms. Byrne made a significant financial investment in the certified rehabilitation and rebuilding project. The work was reviewed and approved by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, and later approved by the National Park Service on August 2, 2012, resulting in twenty percent (20%) of the total project costs being credited to Ms. Byrne's federal income taxes. Additionally, the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission reviewed project plans and the City issued a building permit before work was started on the project.
Historic Preservation Income Tax Credits provide a substantial financial benefit to owners of income producing historic buildings who undertake major rehabilitation work. The City of Geneva congratulates Ms. Byrne on being the City's first tax credit recipient. If you are the owner of an income producing property and are interested in applying for the tax credit, the City's Historic Preservation Planner is available to assist you in preparing your application.
For more information about tax credits for preserving historic income-producing properties, please visit the National Park Service's website: http://www.nps.gov/tps/tax-incentives.htm. For more information about the Property Tax Assessment Freeze program for owner-occupied residential properties, please visit the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency's website: http://www.illinoishistory.gov/ps/taxfreeze.htm
|
| PACE BUS Offers Student Transportation Programs | |
 With rising tuition, parking and fuel costs, it is more expensive than ever to attend high school and college. To help reduce the price of commuting to and from class, Pace is pleased to offer the Student Haul Pass for those in high school and the Campus Connection for college students.
For $30 a month, the Student Haul Pass allows high school, junior high and grammar school students (ages 12-20) unlimited rides on Pace's fixed route and Call-n-Ride services (not valid on CTA or Metra) any time, including weekends and holidays, from September through May. Riders presenting this pass on premium routes must pay the cash difference between fares. Pace also offers the Student Summer Haul Pass, which is available for purchase for $45 beginning in May and is valid for all of June, July and August.
For college students, the $175 Campus Connection offers unlimited rides on Pace's fixed route and Call-n-Ride services (not valid on CTA or Metra), every day of the week, any time of the day, all semester long (mid-August through December or January through May). It can also be purchased at any point during the semester at a prorated price. Riders presenting this pass on premium routes must pay the cash difference between fares.
Pace's comprehensive system of bus routes, combined with the affordability of both programs, makes travel to and from school less expensive and more convenient for students. Please note that students may be asked to show a Student ID to bus operators.
Students in need of trip planning assistance can utilize the RTA Trip Planner by visiting http://www.goroo.com or calling (312) 836-7000. gorooŽ is a powerful online mapping and trip planning tool that provides users with directions using a combination of bus or train routes, driving, biking, and walking directions. With the gorooŽ trip planner, students can view travel itineraries, public transit schedules, maps, alternative routes, area attractions, and travel alerts. Additionally, gorooŽ suggests ways to reduce the carbon footprint of a commute.
For more information on the Student Haul Pass or the Campus Connection, please visit http://www.pacebus.com or contact Customer Relations: (847) 364-PACE (7223)
|
| News & Notes from Economic Development | |
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 Geneva Businesses are found in the Business Directory found at www.genevadowntown.org.
OMG - Outdoor Music in Downtown Geneva!
Music and downtown Geneva, what better way to relax and unwind? Visit downtown Geneva and listen to music at the downtown businesses participating in the City's matching grant Outdoor Music Geneva (OMG) program. Last year the City funded 16 grants that attracted several thousand people over the course of the summer. There are more than 25 events currently planned for this year. View the OMG events at www.genevadowntown.org, or look for the OMG A-frame sign in front of the business on the day of the event.
Pumpkins for a Cure Festival
 The 8th Annual Pumpkins for a Cure Festival will be held on the lawn of the Kane County Courthouse, 100 S. Third St. from September 29-30, 2012. This event helps raise funds for Juvenile Diabetes and includes kids activities with a performance by Macaroni Soup, pumpkin crafts, children's zoo, pony rides, a haunted hay-ride with story time, and much more. Pumpkins and gorgeous mums will be available both days with proceeds benefiting diabetes research. For more event details, visit: www.zcdf.org.
Trick Or Treat in Geneva
Downtown - Trick or Treating will take place at downtown Geneva Businesses on Thursday, October 25 from 2pm until 5pm at participating stores in the downtown. Look for the orange trick or treating sign at the front of each building.
In Our Neighborhoods - Trick or Treating through Geneva neighborhoods will take place on Wednesday, October 31, 2011. Geneva Police Department recommends 3pm to 7pm.
French Market is Open and Downtown is HOPPING!
The produce has never looked better than this year at the Geneva French Market. Plan a Sunday morning visit to the Market at South Street and 4th Street in the Commuter Parking Lot. Geneva French Market will operate every Sunday through November 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. From French linens and custom made jewelry to treats and treasures, every year more vendors are drawn to the market because of its popularity on Sunday mornings. For more details, visit www.bensidoun-usa.com.
Geneva Green Market - 75 N. River Lane
The Geneva Green Market is open every Thursday, October 25 from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. and is located at 75 N. River Lane in downtown Geneva, on the west bank of the Fox River. 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. For more information on the Geneva Green Market, please visit www.genevagreenmarket.org.
On-Line Geneva Business Directory
Geneva at your fingertips! A listing of all Geneva businesses is now on-line to help you identify local goods and services: http://www.genevadowntown.org/?page_id=5030
Looking for something to do this weekend? How about a delicious dinner at one of Geneva's new restaurants, or an evening of theatre at the Geneva Underground Playhouse? Check out our calendar of upcoming events for a variety of events at Geneva's shops and restaurants.
A Celebration of Rural America (open until October 31)
 Live the history of rural America during the 1920's and 1930's at the Geneva History Center. See the struggles of rural America during the depression. Famous Regionalist such as: Thomas Hart Benson, Grant Wood and John Steuart Curry have their paintings on display. The History Center is open 11 am to 4 pm. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information see www.genevahistorycenter.org.
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/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2011-2COG-Event-Application-June-2012.pdf
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. You can find all of these guides, and more by visiting:
http://www.geneva.il.us/EconomicDevelopment/open_business_in_geneva.htm
Welcome to these new Geneva businesses:
Bella - 4-Ever at 515 James #4
C'est La Vie at 25 S Third
Even Flow Music & Spirits at302 W State
 | | EvenFlow Music at 302 W. State |
Going To My Happy Place Yoga at 316 Anderson
Investment Planners Inc. at 423 Hamilton
Lee Advanced Breastcare at 2631 Williamsburg 1-b
Tilly's at 518 Commons #2245
World Martial Arts at 316 Anderson
Congratulations on your new location:
Nails by Marianne at 321 James
Sandman Insurance at 716 W State #E
Coming Soon:
Tavolino at 305 W State
Gourmet Pizza Corp at 1479 E State #1479
Elements Therapeutic Massage at 507 S Third #C
Page 5 Inc. at 2631 Williamsburg #310
Ross Dress for Less at 1660 S Randall
Amerimac Ltd. at 2401 Kaneville #8
Family Eye Care at 1871-A S Randall #A & #B
Thrivent Financial at 524 W State #C & D
|
|
Public Works News
|
2012 Street Improvement Program
Contractors were hard at work this past summer to complete the City's 2012 Street Improvement Program. One of the more involved projects included repavement and main replacements on Easton Avenue.
 | | Easton Ave 'before' |
 | | Easton Ave 'after' |
Prairie State Generation Plant Update
On June 6, 2012, the Northern Illinois Municipal Power Agency (NIMPA) and its partners at the Prairie State Generating Company proudly took possession of, and placed Unit 1 of the 1600-megawatt (MW) Prairie State Energy Campus (PSEC) into commercial operation. This is a significant milestone in the process of completing the super critical coal fired mine mouth power plant that will supply NIMPA's 120 MW share to the 3 communities that NIMPA serves with low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible power for decades to come. PSEC consists of two 800 MW units and Unit 2 is expected to become commercial later this year. Located in Southern Illinois, Prairie State was strategically planned to have the power plant and the coal mine on the same campus. This design eliminates the need to transport the coal from the mine to the plant, thereby reducing fuel transportation costs for the plant, power production costs for participating utilities, as well as overall emissions due to eliminating the transportation of coal to the plant. Prairie State fulfills the vision by NIMPA and its partners of their desire to use domestic energy resources to provide low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible power for their customers. This is especially evident with the construction of Lively Grove, the onsite mine. Not only is this mine one of the safest mines in the world, it will supply all of the fuel for the adjacent power plant. As owners of the coal mine, NIMPA and its partners at Prairie State have already purchased coal reserves to power the plant for approximately 30 years. Prairie State is also prepared to meet and exceed the newest environmental regulations. The plant is expected to achieve some of the highest standards of efficiency and emissions control. Prairie State ranks among the top-tier of coal-fired plants nationwide in per megawatt hour carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, reduction and removal of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx) , and particulate matter, Prairie State serves the valuable purpose of achieving Geneva's goal of having a diversified portfolio of Power Resources.
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
|
|
"Geneva City Stuff" Gift Shop Open at City Hall & Online!
| |
  
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. You can also purchase items online at http://www.geneva.il.us/City%20Stuff%20Store/Stuff%20Store%20Page.htm.
City Hall hours are Mon. - Fri. 8:00am - 5:00pm. Cash, check, Visa/Mastercard/Discover accepted.
|
| City Customer Service Survey Online |
|
| | Geneva Beautification News |
 The Geneva Beautification Committee is a volunteer group of residents and businesses that plant and maintain over 50 gardens in the historic business district of Geneva. While local businesses have generously donated many of our needs, a majority of the plant material and some gardening items still need to be purchased. The committee relies solely on volunteers to plant and maintain the gardens. Visit our web site at www.PlantGeneva.org to find out more about what you can do to help. |
|
|
|
| About Geneva |
| |
 The City of Geneva, population 21,495, 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. |
|
|
|
|
