Community Issues

Geneva CITY GOVERNMENT IS UPSIDE DOWN

The city of Geneva's organizational chart shows the citizens on top, followed by the alderman, then the mayor, and then the staff. This is referred to as an alderman strong form of government. Currently the staff and the mayor reside on top followed by the aldermen and the citizens. The residents’ opinions and needs are very seldom taken into consideration. Our representative form of government is compromised by this.

the mill race site/ landmarking

This isn’t an issue of what’s appropriate at the site. The issue is the city of Geneva allowing a private citizen with no economic interest in the property to landmark someone’s personal property. This is akin to someone going to the city and asking permission to landmark your garage without your permission  because they feel it’s historic, and then on a regular basis dictate to you how to maintain this garage. The city’s current guidelines for landmarking is property 50 years or older. This exposes 90% of all home owners in the city of Geneva. This never should have been allowed.

Regarding the site itself, the city and the developer each agreed to pay $175,000 to have an outside consultant conduct a survey and propose the best use for the property that would benefit both the property owner and the tax payers of Geneva. The agreement was binding. If either party did not consent to following the recommendation of the third party, that party would have to reimburse the other party the $175,000. What this boils down to is the city paid to have somebody tell them what the best use of the property was and the city was willing to pay $350,000 of the tax payers’ money to reject the plan.

Geneva preservation planner

The director of planning oversees the Historic Preservation Commission. A number of years ago, they found a Preservation Planner part-time to assist him. This has now grown into a full-time position, staffed by people whose passion lies in historic preservation rather than the residents of Geneva. This is a position that should be eliminated. Information needed at the monthly meetings could be provided by the Geneva History Museum at a nominal cost. Eliminating this position would result in savings exceeding $100,000 a year.

Historic Preservation is an integral part of Geneva’s identity, its brand, and most importantly it matters to our residents. Geneva’s continued commitment to Historic Preservation is something I fully support. But we can streamline the process; and while doing so, reduce the costs to the residents of Geneva.

The Community Development Director oversees the Historic Preservation Commission. A number of years ago, the city decided to hire a part-time Preservation Planner to assist him. This has now grown into a full-time position plus benefits that isn’t necessary. Adding full-time employees as Geneva’s population decreases defies logic.

What if this position was eliminated? Information needed at the monthly meetings is readily available, and could be provided by the Geneva History Museum. Eliminating this position would result in immediate savings well exceeding $100,000 a year while paying the Geneva History Museum for work they already do.

Since the city is advertising to fill this position, now is the time to talk with our aldermen and the Geneva History Museum about making this cost savings change.

historic preservation commission

The city’s charter specifically states that all members of the commission come from diverse backgrounds and from different areas of the city. At one time 80% of the commissioners were architects and resided in the historic district. This is not representation for the residents.

sales tax rebates

A sales tax rebate is a useful tool for the city to encourage development that puts the majority of the burden on non-residents. It is estimated that approximately 80% of our sales tax income is generated from non-residents. This is a rebate that is paid by income that is not currently coming into the city of Geneva. If this business doesn’t produce, it costs the city nothing. If the business is successful, the city has supported another tax generating entity coming to Geneva.

Geneva Facility Upgrades

Currently, the city of Geneva has a phone survey being done asking the residents how they feel about spending almost $100 million to upgrade city facilities in need of repair. I believe this phone survey is bias, taking us by the hand and telling us that the need to spend this money is a fact. I’m not sure I agree.

The need for a number of these upgrades is the result of kicking down the road every day expenses that the city should have been spending for years. I don’t believe it would be prudent or beneficial to the residents of Geneva to do all this work at one time.

The police department is currently housed in what was formerly the fire department. We have spent an enormous amount of money over the years to patch a building that is not adequate for the police department’s needs. This upgrade is needed. The city also needs to upgrade their public works facility. A reasonable solution moving forward would be to use the property the city currently owns on South Street to build a new police department and public works facility, both with adequate parking. The existing public works department building could then be removed. Some of the city’s fire departments need improving. Currently the vast majority of calls are ambulance related. Very few calls, literally a handful, are for fires. Our fire department should be improved with this in mind. Our facilities are fairly new so replacement should not be an option. The expansion of city hall should be put on hold until these live-safety issues are first addressed.