|
|
|
| Daylight Savings Ends |
Daylight savings ends at 2 a.m. on Nov. 3. Be sure to set your clocks back one hour before you go to sleep on Nov. 2. |
| Share Our Newsletter with a Friend! |
|
| | Thank You for Your Donation! | |
The City would like to thank the following donors to the Art on Fire Program and Geneva Beautification for the 2nd quarter of 2013:
Lowe's Home Improvement
Miscella Real Estate - Patti Rambo
Nosh Restaurant
Havlicek Ace Hardware
|
|
|
| Mayor's Message |  Dear Neighbors,
In this era of expanding social networking via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Vine and so on, there still remains a place where you can connect with your neighbors that doesn't require a cover charge, a new operating system, an application fee or monthly dues and the dress code is always very casual.
The place I'm referring to is located at our Public Works Department, 1800 South St., and is none-other than the City of Geneva mulch pile!
You read the previous sentence correctly - the City of Geneva's mulch pile.
People of all ages and walks of life can be found filling their trucks, garbage cans, recycling bins, yard bags with FREE natural mulch for their gardening and landscaping needs.
The physical benefit is self-explanatory; shoveling mulch is a great workout.
The social benefit is surpassingly rich. I have met and had enjoyable conversations with residents from virtually every neighborhood in Geneva.
And, based on my own financial analysis, the economic benefits of utilizing the natural mulch provided as a courtesy by the city - at $35 a cubic yard, the amount I use annually (about 25 cubic yards) saves me approximately $1,000!
The mulch pile is available 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, but supplies are limited as the gardening season closes. Not to worry - a fresh supply will be available next spring so mark your calendars!
The next time you're looking for a cool hang out that satisfies your physical, social and economic needs...dress casually and visit the scores of fellow citizens hanging out at the city's mulch pile.
My best,
Kevin Burns
Mayor |
|
|
|
| City Launches Newly-Designed Website |
 Staying connected with Geneva news, information and services has never been easier after the City rolled out a new website earlier this month.
The website, which maintains the same address at www.geneva.il.us, provides visitors with enhanced navigation and a wide selection of communication tools.
Two new website features are "Notify Me" and "Report a Concern." Users clicking "Notify Me" can sign up to receive notifications via email or text messages when community alerts, bid postings, City jobs, news announcements, calendar postings and agendas are uploaded to the website.
Residents can "Report a Concern" or make service requests through the City's new electronic request tracker system. Visitors to this section can choose from a menu of different topics such as reporting a streetlight outage, a pothole or low water pressure. After a request has been filed, residents can track the progress of the City's response until the case is closed.
Website visitors will be greeted with a new vibrant homepage highlighting important information and City services, including:
- A rotating photo headline gallery linked to important announcements;
- Five convenient navigation drop-down menus;
- Online bill payments (coming soon!);
- Designated news and calendar sections; and
- A list of popular feature links taking you to the Agenda Center, job listings, bid postings, construction projects, the City newsletter and GenevaMail.
Residents also will be able to access all the same features and information from their cell phone via the City's mobile website. For those who have an iPhone, download the Citizen Request Tracker app from the App Store, select Geneva, IL and report your concern just as you would on our regular website.
Website visitors are encouraged to take a short online survey, which can be found on the website homepage, to give the City feedback on the new design and features.
|
| 2013 Fall Leaf Collection Program Oct. 28 - Nov. 27 | |
The City will provide three scheduled curbside collections in late October and November; and a bag collection program in December.
The community is divided into three geographical pickup zones. Each zone will be collected three times during the six-week program using leaf vacuum equipment.
Every street will be collected one time during each of the three separate pickup events. Residents are required to rake leaves to the parkway (not into the street) prior to their scheduled pickup date.
Parkway Leaf Collection Dates:
Zone A (East of the Fox River) 
- Tuesday, Nov. 5
- Friday, Nov. 15
- Final Pickup: Wednesday, Nov. 27
Zone B (West of the Fox River, North of Route 38; North of Kaneville and North of Keslinger)
- Monday, Oct. 28
- Thursday, Nov. 7
- Final Pickup: Tuesday, Nov. 19
Zone C (West of the Fox River, South of Route 38; South of Kaneville and South of Keslinger)
- Thursday, Oct. 31
- Tuesday, Nov. 12
- Final Pickup: Friday, Nov. 22
During the month of December, 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 on our website.
|
| Utility Customers Will Be Able To Pay Online! |
The City has recently undergone an upgrade of the software used to prepare its customer's utility bill. The new software will allow customers to sign up for e-bill services, view their consumption history and bill on the City's website, and pay via credit card.
Check out the "Online Bill Pay" link on the City's website in the next few weeks for e-bill sign-up. We also will be offering budget billing in the near future once testing is completed.
The only noticeable difference to your current account is the change from a 12-digit account number to a 13-digit account number. The numbers after the dash have changed from two digits to three digits.
If you use online bill payment from your bank's website, please update your account number so your payment can be applied correctly. If you notice anything on your bill that needs correction, please call the City's Finance Division at 630-232-0854.
|
| Art On Fire Hydrant Design Program Draws 52 Entries in First Year |
 Whether heading downtown or other areas of Geneva, you may have noticed some of our fire hydrants have a distinctly different look. Local artists have put their creative mark on our community through the "Art on Fire" program.
"Art on Fire" was initiated by the City with assistance from its Cultural Arts Commission to have individuals "adopt" and paint fire hydrants to display creative artwork throughout Geneva. The program, which was inspired by Mayor Kevin Burns, drew a positive community response in its inaugural effort with 52 entries being submitted to the City.
"I'm thrilled with the response received by our citizen artists and look forward to enjoying their unique and creative imagination adorning the City's fire hydrants," Mayor Burns said. "The program was designed to ignite the artist in all of us, and I could not be more proud of its success."
Geneva Ace Hardware was a presenting sponsor of the "Art on Fire" program and donated half pint paint colors to participating artists.
"Art on Fire" did not mandate a specific theme, but the program encouraged artists to incorporate the character of the hydrant's surrounding environment into their design. City staff reviewed and approved all the application designs to make sure they did not compromise the visibility of the fire hydrants.
The City's Public Arts Advisory Committee will judge the completed hydrants and announce first, second and third-place finishers this fall. The City plans on posting photos of all the "Art on Fire" hydrant designs along with a map on the City's website.
|
| Brush and Yard Waste Pickup Schedule |
The City's brush program continues through the end of November. Collection dates are as follows:
West side of the Fox River (First and third weeks each month)
East side of the Fox River (Second and fourth weeks each month)
All brush must be placed on the parkway by 7 a.m. 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.
Complete program details can be found on our website. Questions can be directed to the Public Works Department at 630-232-1501.
|
| The Geneva Store Features 2013 Pewter Ornament |
Looking for the perfect gift idea for the Geneva lover in your family? How about purchasing the City's 2013 pewter ornament featuring the iconic Pure Oil building.
The ornaments will be sold for $12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday at City Hall, 22 S. First St. The back of the ornament provides history of the former automobile service station.
The Pure Oil Company building was constructed in 1937 along the historic Lincoln Highway during a time when these businesses began developing their own, unique architectural styles as a way of "branding" their name and product. Pure Oil chose to utilize the "English Cottage Style" in white brick with a blue roof and trim for its stations. The eclectic design was intended to characterize quaint charm, warmth and an "at home" appearance.
Hundreds of these facilities were built across the country, but only a few Pure Oil buildings remain today. The former station serves as a significant piece of Geneva's history. Earlier this year, the building became home to Geneva Bank & Trust.
Ornament quantities are limited. For more information, call Sherri Weitl at 630-232-7494.
|
| News & Notes from the Fire Department |
Geneva Fire Department Reminds Geneva Residents to Prevent Kitchen Fires
The Geneva Fire Department wants to emphasize the importance of safety in what often is referred to as the heart of every home - the kitchen.
"Preventing Kitchen Fires" is the theme for the 2013 Fire Prevention Month, which takes place every October. During this year's safety campaign, the fire department will be spreading the word about the dangers of kitchen fires - most of which result from unattended cooking - and how to avoid them in the first place.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Two of every five house fires begin in the kitchen, which is more than any other place in the home. Cooking fires also are the leading cause of home fire-related injuries.
"Often when we are called to a fire that started in the kitchen, residents tell us that they only left the kitchen for a few minutes," Fire Chief Steve Olson said. "Sadly, that is all it takes for a dangerous fire to start. We hope that Fire Prevention Week will help us reach folks in the community before they have suffered a damaging lesson."
Among the safety tips that firefighters and safety advocates will be highlighting include:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling or boiling food.
- If you must leave the room, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- When you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, stay in the home, and use a timer to remind you.
- If you have young children, use the stove's back burners whenever possible. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the stove.
- When you cook, wear clothing with tight-fitting sleeves.
- Keep potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper and plastic bags, towels, and anything else that can burn, away from your stovetop.
- Clean up food and grease from burners and stovetops.
Supported by Fire Departments across the country, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association's website.
|
News & Notes from the Community Development Department
|
Thursday, Nov. 7
6 to 8 p.m.
City of Geneva Public Works Department
1800 South St.
Let your voice be heard and bring your friends and neighbors
What will homes in Geneva look like in 30 years? What kinds of homes will Geneva residents want then? Come learn about national, regional and local housing trends that will shape housing supply and demand in the future. Then give us your input.
Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles and North Aurora are developing a "Homes for a Changing Region" plan, which will chart future supply and demand trends for housing in their communities. The goal is to provide a balanced mix of housing that serves current and future populations.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Those who can't be at the meeting are invited to provide feedback via an online survey, which will be available throughout the month of November.
RSVP to the meeting, which is encouraged but not required, by contacting Bernice Vallecillos via email or by calling 312-386-8623.
|
| News & Notes from the Police Department |
City Announces Trick-or-Treating Hours
The City of Geneva wants all little ghosts, witches and goblins to have a fun and safe Halloween experience this year.
The Police Department recommends children and their parents trick-or-treat in their neighborhoods between 3 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
The downtown business community will again be offering free treats to children from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 31.
For those looking for a weekend option, Geneva Commons will have trick-or-treating from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27.
|
|
New & Notes from the Public Works Department
|
Geneva Winds Down Fight Against Pesky Emerald Ash Borer
Visitors to Geneva are always greeted with beautiful treescapes, but the City continues to make its community less desirable for one unwanted guest - the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).
Since 2008, City officials have inspected and removed 2,500 of the 2,700 infested parkway ash trees. More than 11,000 trees make up Geneva's parkway canopies, which the ash tree accounted for about 20 percent. The City took a proactive approach to limit the possible EAB damage by ceasing to plant parkway ash trees in 2002.
After the Dutch Elm Disease devastated Geneva's Elm tree population in the late 1970s, the City implemented a parkway tree planting program to diversify tree species, which experts believe is the best way to avoid problems like the Dutch Elm Disease or the ash borer.
The downtown parkways got a boost this fall after the City's Natural Resources Committee donated $10,000 to plant about 30 trees. The group was able to help reforest the downtown thanks to two popular community fundraisers, Rain Barrels on Parade and Wine, Cheese and Trees.
"Our hope is that others will see the new trees and embrace the opportunity to help us repopulate our parkways and landscapes with additional trees," Committee Chairman Jay Womack said.
The City has replanted about 1,000 parkway trees as part of the ongoing Parkway Tree Replacement Program. Through a contract with West Suburban Tree Consortium, the City is able to purchase trees at discounted prices. Residents pay $150, and the City pays the remainder of the cost to purchase and plant a new tree, which is more than $150.
Geneva is accepting orders for spring plantings through Jan. 10. To review a list of available trees or to participate in the program, visit our website or call 630-232-1502.
Residents Reminded of Snow & Ice Control Policies
With snow around the corner, it is always a good idea to refresh your memory about the City's snow and ice control policies.
You can help us clear streets quicker by following our ordinances.
A Friendly Remember About Refuse Carts
Taking out the trash is one of life's necessary evils. However, everyone can do their part to keep our neighborhoods looking nice by following the City's ordinance on garbage and refuse containers.
All garbage shall be placed in a covered container curbside adjacent to the home. Refuse may be out no earlier than 24 hours prior to your scheduled collection day. Empty containers must be removed as soon as possible from the curb but no later than 8 p.m. on collection day.
Thanks for your help!
|
|
|
|
| News & Notes from Economic Development | |
Apples, Pumpkin, Squash, Oh My!
The Geneva French Market is offering the freshest produce around on Sundays now through Nov. 10.
The French Market is held in the parking lot north of the Metra station at Fourth and South streets. In addition to fresh produce, the market has an assortment of artisan goods from local purveyors.
The Geneva Green Market sells locally grown and minimally processed produce and products on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Ace Hardware, 617 W. State St., through Oct. 31.
GENEVA FUN - EVENTS CALENDAR
- Christmas Walk & Holiday House Tour: Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7
Get in the holiday spirit by coming to downtown Geneva on Dec. 6 for the annual Christmas Walk celebration. Visitors will see the lighting of the great tree on the courthouse lawn, listen to Christmas carols, visit Santa Claus, sample roasted chestnuts and much more. The event is presented by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.
The House Tour will be held Friday and Saturday and will offer a look inside five distinctive Geneva homes that have been festively decorated for the season. Tickets are $30 and available at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and select businesses.
- Steeple Walk: 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
Enjoy live holiday music in four of Geneva's churches. The featured music is as follows:
- United Methodist Church, Scott Stevenson, a well known composer and keyboard musician;
- Geneva Lutheran Church, a high school jazz ensemble from Wheaton called the Blue Notes;
- Unitarian Universalist Society, Ruth Cavanaugh's EnsAmble Ad Hoc;
- First Church of Christ Scientist, harpist Laura Fako Utley will be accompanied by flutist Michele McGovern.
The event is presented by the City of Geneva's Cultural Arts Commission. Tickets are available at the churches, the Geneva History Center, Circa and through PayPal beginning Friday, Nov. 4. For more information, visit the City's website.
City Revises Special Event Application Process
Throughout the years, the number of requests to host special events in Geneva has grown significantly.
In an effort to streamline the approval process while also taking into account public safety and disruptions to residents and the business community, the City has revised the special event application process.
Low impact events such as sidewalk sales, tag days (charitable fund solicitations), and some walk/runs, can now be administratively approved. High impact events and festivals that require the use of City services require approval from the City Council. Special Event Applications and more information about the process can be found on the City's website.
Geneva Is The Place For Your Holiday Shopping
The City's Economic Development Department would like to remind you that when you shop at Geneva businesses, you are keeping our local economy strong as well as keeping tax dollars in Geneva.
With nearly 250 shops and restaurants in Geneva's historic downtown, plus all the great stores at the Geneva Commons and along Randall Road, you should have no problem finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. A list of all of Geneva's businesses can be in our online Business Directory, which can be searched by category name, and location.
Many of Geneva's independently owned downtown shops will be staying open late during the holiday season to offer you more convenient shopping hours. Shops flying the City's "Customer Friendly Hours" banner have committed to being open until at least 7 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, and at least from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 29 to Dec. 23.
Calling All Volunteers!
This past May downtown Geneva hosted the fifth annual Gardenology Day event. This is a wonderful event that showcases current gardening trends, educational talks, and local vendors.
Put on by a small group of volunteers, Gardenology needs your help! It's a lot of work to pull off a great event and the more hands to help the better. If you love gardening or just want to get involved, please contact Deb Hilton at 630-232-1172 or countrynaturals@sbcglobal.net.
The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission hosts a variety of events throughout the year. For information how you can help, visit the City's website.
Live Windows
For several years, during Christmas Walk, downtown businesses have hosted Geneva High School students and families in "live window" displays.
The windows are fun to do for the students and a hit with the Christmas Walk patrons. The children draw attention to businesses and can earn service credits from high school.
We welcome you and your children to participate. Please contact Paul Evans at 630-845-9654 to sign up.
Geneva Art Guild Reports Successful Studio Tour
Lorraine Ochsner, President of the Greater Geneva Art Guild, said she was very pleased with the group's first Studio Tour, which was held Sept. 13-15.
The Studio Tour featured nine studios and eight commercial businesses that displayed art from the Guild members. There also was an "Arty Party" held on Sept. 14, where patrons could meet the artists in a casual setting at Geneva Golf Club.
The studios overall were pleased with their sales, and Guild members were able to raise funds for the operation of their committee. If you missed the event, look for this event in September next year.
|
The City Welcomes These New Geneva Businesses
| |
Playhouse 38
|
524 W. State St. #I
| |
Batteries Plus
|
1492 S. Randall Road #C
| |
Quest Diagnostics II
|
2631 Williamsburg Ave. #206
| |
Soma
|
1438 Commons Drive #9080
| |
Back to Bed
|
1086 Commons Drive #3
| | | |
Congratulations On Your New Geneva Location
| |
Reinert Financial Services, LLC
|
10 W. State St. #201
| |
Summers Commercial Realty
|
10 W State St. #107
| |
Edward Jones, Joe Rumbley
|
1250 Executive Place #101
| |
Goehl Financial Services
|
399 Williamsburg Ave. #399
| |
Art Box
|
407 S. Third St. #100
| |
CrystallineVelvet
|
228 S. Third St. #105
| |
Net Works Consulting Resources
|
204 W. State St. #A
| |
West Physical Therapy
|
1797 W. State St. #B
| |
America's Treasures Antiques Furniture & Gifts
|
10 N. Third St.
| | | |
Coming Soon
| |
Firehouse Pizza
|
17 N. Fourth St.
| |
Kilwin's
|
407 S. Third St. #186
| |
Hearts of Hope
|
1151 Commerce Drive
| |
The Hearing Lab
|
1416 S. Randall Road #B
| |
European Wax
|
1056 Commons Drive #7
| |
Menchies Frozen Yogurt
|
1064 Commons Drive #5
| |
Flourishing Finish Interior & Event Design
|
830 E. State St.
| |
Hair Designs by Amie
|
612 W. State St.
| |
Massage Envy
|
116 Commons Drive #1030
|
|
| About Geneva |
|
Located 40 miles west of Chicago along the Fox River, Geneva is home to 21,495 residents and serves as the seat of Kane County government. Geneva's character is found in its historic architecture, adaptive re-use of historic buildings, mature landscapes and open space with more than 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, Geneva continues to be one of the premier cities in the Chicago area to live, work, play and raise a family. For the latest news, visit the City's website.
|
|
|
|
|
