The Geneva City Council held a packed meeting Wednesday night, addressing a range of topics including the sale of city-owned properties, a financial report showing a better-than-expected deficit, and recommendations from the Storm Task Force.
City properties will be sold
The council opened the session with a public hearing on the proposed sale of multiple city-owned properties. Residents expressed both support and concerns over the sales, particularly regarding a planned affordable housing project on Jackson Street. Some argued that the development would help alleviate the city’s housing shortage, particularly for hospitality workers, while others raised concerns about the potential impact on property values and neighborhood character.
The hearing also highlighted the involvement of Habitat for Humanity, which has built nine homes in Geneva. Supporters praised the organization for its work in creating affordable homeownership opportunities.
Following public input, the council voted on resolutions authorizing the sale of three surplus properties:
- 29 Jackson Street – Approved for sale to Home Leasing, a developer focused on affordable housing. The project aims to provide rental units at rates aligned with neighborhood property values, addressing Geneva’s ongoing housing crisis.
- Middle & Hallenbeck – Approved for sale to Cook Properties, which plans to develop the site for mixed-use or residential purposes.
- Crystal Street (Parcels 90.84-1-45 through -50) – Approved for sale to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Rochester, which intends to construct affordable homes for local families.
Councilors emphasized that these sales align with Geneva’s long-term housing and economic development goals. Some expressed a desire to closely monitor the projects to ensure they meet the community’s needs and do not inadvertently contribute to housing instability.
A separate resolution conferred Preferred Developer Status for the OEO Site to an unnamed entity, signaling potential future development at that location.
Proclamations honor trans community and Women’s History Month
Mayor Steve Valentino issued two proclamations: One in memory of Sam Nordquist, a transgender man who was tortured and killed at Patty’s Lodge in Canandaigua, and another recognizing March as Women’s History Month. The Nordquist proclamation reaffirmed the city’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and safety, while the Women’s History Month declaration celebrated the contributions of women to Geneva’s economic and social fabric.
Financial report shows smaller deficit
City Comptroller Adam Blowers presented the 2024 financial report, revealing that while the city had anticipated a $438,000 deficit, it ended the year with a smaller-than-expected shortfall of approximately $400,000.
The report showed that sales tax revenues remained strong, but there was some uncertainty about 2025 projections. The city plans to closely monitor first-quarter sales tax numbers before making any budget adjustments. Property taxes came in as expected, while federal and state aid slightly exceeded budgeted amounts due to grant funding.
The water and sewer funds also showed mixed results. The water fund operated at a small deficit due to lower-than-expected revenues, but cost controls helped offset losses. Meanwhile, the sewer fund ended with a surplus, eliminating the need for a planned draw from reserves.
Blowers cautioned that the figures remain unaudited, but he expressed confidence in the numbers.
Storm task force recommendations
City Manager Amie Hendrix provided an update on the Storm Task Force’s recommendations, outlining six priority areas for improving Geneva’s stormwater infrastructure. These include ongoing maintenance of sewer and drainage systems, better record-keeping, increased collaboration with municipal and business partners, updates to local ordinances regarding sump pumps and impervious surfaces, public education efforts, and exploring the feasibility of “daylighting” Castle Creek—an ambitious long-term project that would restore portions of the buried waterway.
Council members acknowledged the challenges of implementing all the recommendations, particularly due to funding constraints. Currently, the city allocates $250,000 annually for sewer infrastructure, but officials noted that costs for improvements can reach $80 per foot of pipeline.
Council discusses information requests and staffing limits
A discussion on council members’ requests for information from city staff sparked debate over transparency versus workload concerns. Hendrix emphasized that while staff aims to provide councilors with the information needed for decision-making, she must weigh administrative capacity and legal considerations.
Some councilors argued that individual members should have broad access to city data to ensure oversight, while others noted that excessive requests could strain limited city resources. Mayor Valentino stressed the importance of prioritizing staff time while ensuring government transparency.
Other business
In other matters, the council approved several resolutions, including:
- A resolution to formally recognize a new labor agreement with city employees.
- Setting a public hearing for the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to support local business development.
- A resolution adjusting the appointment process for the Shade Tree Committee, shifting nomination authority to the city manager while requiring council approval.
As the meeting concluded, councilors provided updates on upcoming community events and initiatives, including efforts to address traffic concerns and preparations for the upcoming budget process.
City Council has another session scheduled next week.
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