Geneva’s City Council will take on a packed agenda during its regular meeting on Wednesday with decisions on property sales, grant applications, and a batch of administrative changes—all while continuing deep debate over the city’s budget and long-term financial health.
The public meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, following a 6 p.m. executive session on collective bargaining, litigation, and real estate matters.
Public hearings: Property sale and grant support
Two public hearings will kick off the meeting:
- One on the proposed sale of 595 S. Exchange Street, a city-owned property
- Another on the city’s plan to support a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application from Liquid Orchard Inc., a local business seeking economic development funds
Both items will come up later in the meeting for potential council action.
Debates continue over e-bikes and downtown parking
Council members will also hear presentations and discussions on:
- The growing use of e-bikes and whether regulations or infrastructure updates are needed
- Parking issues on East Washington Street, led by Police Chief Matt Eveland
Final votes on sump pump and fencing laws
Under “unfinished business,” the council is expected to vote on two local law changes:
- An amendment to Chapter 277 of the city code addressing sump pumps and sanitary sewers
- A change to fencing and wall regulations under Chapter 350-7.10
Both ordinances received a first reading earlier and are now up for a second reading and final approval.
New policies on transparency, hiring, and the city manager contract
Three new administrative policies are also on the table:
- FOIL employee notification procedures
- Management of personnel records
- Rules for how community events are posted on the city’s calendar
Council will also vote on setting a “standard workday” for elected officials and may approve a new contract for City Manager Amie Hendrix.
Budget pressures linger in the background
While not listed for action, budget discussions are likely to loom large throughout the meeting. Council has been wrestling with a proposed 2026 budget that increases spending and taps heavily into fund balances—raising concerns about the city’s long-term fiscal health, debt load, and reserve levels.
Some residents and councilors have pushed for tighter spending controls, while others want to invest in key areas like public safety, infrastructure, and recreation.
More public input on the budget is expected in the coming weeks.
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