Geneva City Council is set to address a wide range of topics at its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 2, from large-scale infrastructure improvements and housing developments to panhandling, grant-funded business support, and stormwater management.
Bonding for infrastructure projects tops agenda
Council is expected to approve a comprehensive bonding resolution to fund multiple capital projects totaling more than $7.5 million. The plan includes:
- $1.25 million for citywide cellular water meter replacements
- $1.27 million for the Middle Street bridge replacement
- $1.5 million for Phase 1 reconstruction of Clinton, Cherry, and Elmwood Streets
- $300,000 to upgrade a clarifier at the city’s wastewater treatment plant
- $400,000 for design plans tied to sewer upgrades on Pulteney Street
- $2.73 million for lakefront improvements, including the proposed marina
- $250,000 for sewer infrastructure maintenance
The city has classified all projects as SEQRA Type II actions, meaning they are exempt from further environmental review.
Public hearings on Shade Tree Committee and CDBG grant
Two public hearings will be held. One concerns amending the city code on how members of the Shade Tree Committee are appointed. The second involves public input on a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application in support of Heglovich LLC, operating as For Bitter For Worse—a business that could benefit from grant funding aimed at economic development.
Police Budget Advisory Board to present recommendations
Council will receive a presentation from the Police Budget Advisory Board, which is expected to highlight recommendations made earlier this year, including adding a mental health professional and restoring two vacant police officer positions. The board has cited increased call volume and officer burnout as reasons for the proposal.
Discussion on panhandling and staff requests
A discussion item on panhandling is scheduled, though no specific ordinance is proposed. Additionally, councilors are expected to revisit a recent debate over how individual council members can request information from staff, which has raised questions about staff capacity, legal obligations, and council oversight.
Proclamations and appointments
Proclamations recognizing April as Fair Housing Month and acknowledging Arbor Day will be issued. Council may also vote on appointments to city boards and commissions.
Ongoing focus on housing and economic development
Council will formally vote on the second reading of two previously discussed items: the amendment to the Shade Tree Committee appointments and the resolution supporting the CDBG application for Heglovich LLC.
Previously discussed development projects—including a 60-unit affordable housing complex on Jackson Street and a manufactured home infill project on Middle & Hallenbeck—were reviewed at recent special meetings. Both aim to address housing needs identified in the Ontario County Housing Study and have sparked robust debate among council and the public.
Stormwater Task Force recommendations and charter review
Recommendations from the Stormwater Task Force will be reviewed, including potential ordinance changes, increased community engagement, and long-term concepts like daylighting Castle Creek. Council is also continuing a discussion on whether to reduce its size and potentially overhaul the city charter, a move that could require voter approval.
Executive sessions and final actions
The meeting will include two executive sessions—one at the beginning to discuss labor negotiations and employment matters, and another at the end regarding the financial history of a person or corporation.
The regular session begins at 7:00 p.m. at Geneva City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers, and will be streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel.
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