A packed agenda awaits Geneva’s City Council on Wednesday as members prepare to tackle public safety, infrastructure funding, and long-term financial strategy during their regular meeting at City Hall.
The session opens at 6:00 p.m. with a closed-door executive session to discuss litigation and the employment of a specific person. The public meeting will follow at 7:00 p.m., with live streaming available on the city’s YouTube channel.
Key topics include a second reading of an ordinance targeting aggressive panhandling and a first reading on proposed changes to water and sewer fees, as well as sump pump regulations. The aggressive panhandling ordinance, led by Chief Eveland, aims to curtail behavior that officials say is deterring foot traffic and causing safety concerns in public areas.
Also on the agenda is a presentation on e-bike and e-scooter safety. With their use on the rise in Geneva, Chief Eveland will brief the council on existing state laws and local enforcement concerns. No action is expected Wednesday, though council could explore a future ordinance.
Councilor Lavin is set to introduce a resolution directing the city manager to build a $900,000 fund into the 2026 budget specifically to reduce the property tax levy. Meanwhile, Councilor Grimaldi will lead a discussion on zero-based budgeting, an approach that requires departments to justify all expenses from scratch.
City Manager Amie Hendrix and Comptroller Adam Blowers will present the 2026 budget process, following recent instructions for department heads to cut 5% from operating costs and identify critical needs. Council is expected to begin reviewing departmental submissions in the coming weeks.
Wednesday’s meeting will also include a resolution to designate the city as lead agency under SEQR for upcoming recreation projects and an update from Supervisor Mark Venuti.
In addition to unfinished business, new ordinances and resolutions, the council will consider minutes from previous meetings, receive public comment, and appoint members to city boards and commissions.
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