Geneva City Council will meet Wednesday evening with a full agenda featuring public hearings, key grant discussions, and a first reading of a proposed ordinance aimed at curbing aggressive panhandling.
The meeting begins with a 6 p.m. executive session to discuss collective negotiations. The public session opens at 7 p.m. in the second-floor chambers of City Hall, 47 Castle Street.
Three public hearings will open the meeting: one on the proposed sale of city-owned property at 63 Gates Avenue; another on enforcement actions against a fire-damaged building at 314-316 Castle Street; and a third to support the City’s 2025 applications for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and state Consolidated Funding.
The agenda includes a presentation from City Manager Amie Hendrix on a recent recreation study and a discussion of grant options to replace a 19-year-old fire engine that has become unreliable. Fire Chief Del Parrotta is seeking council input on pursuing a $1 million CDBG public facilities grant to replace the 2006 truck. The city would cover the $100,000 to $200,000 shortfall with matching funds.
Also on the table is a contentious project involving the Geneva City School District’s West Street School, which City Manager Hendrix will address during the discussion portion.
Council will review and potentially approve several items under new business, including:
- A first reading of an ordinance to regulate aggressive panhandling in public areas, introduced by Police Chief Ron Eveland.
- A resolution to join the 2025 Ontario County Fire Services Mutual Aid Plan.
- A formal enforcement process for the long-blighted property at 314-316 Castle Street.
The council will also vote on finalizing the lease and option-to-purchase agreement for 63 Gates Avenue, a site previously deemed surplus. Under the proposed terms, the Cracker Factory event venue would lease the lot for $750 annually, with a $1 purchase option, contingent on DEC approval.
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