Monday, April 15, 2013
The former mayoral candidate objects to the city's budget like a prosecuting attorney during a public hearing Monday night.
Bob McQuillan, who on Tuesday lost an election for mayor, came on like a prosecuting attorney at Monday night's city budget hearing, cross-examining the staff and council members over details of an $85 million budget. McQuillan first asked how the city could call its budget balanced when it showed revenues of $79.6 million and expenditures of $83.7 million. But city officials said the numbers McQuillan was referring to were incorrect—an early version of the budget presented for about a week on the city's website until it was replaced with a corrected version. Assistant City Administrator Stephanie Dawkins said the corrected document was published on the city's website for about 15 days prior to the public hearing, "Who realized there was …
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City Hall Chambers
109 James St, Geneva, IL
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Wednesday, April 3, 2013
But should this lot be used for employee parking or the standard three hours?
Downtown Geneva's best-kept parking secret is a secret no more. At Monday's City Council meeting, The Little Traveler (aka The Big Traveler) owner Mike Simon, once a member of the "erstwhile" Joint Parking Committee, suggested that the under-advertised and under-utilized parking lot between Campbell and James Street be turned into a lot for employees. "We tried very hard to create parking for employees, with limited success," Simon said. "The lot (formally known as the Notollini property) was assigned for three-hour parking, and it’s not being used. In short, people don’t know the lot exists." That might not be for long, however. Public Works Director Dan Dinges told the City Council new signage would be going up with a couple weeks that …
41.885937
-88.309042
350 Campbell St, Geneva, IL
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Monday, April 1, 2013
Geneva is looking at a new garbage-collection contract that will give residents a choice to stick with stickers or try out totes.
The Geneva City Council is looking at a new garbage-collection contract starting July 1 that could lower the cost of garbage stickers and give residents more choices regarding the kinds of bins they use and the fees they're charged. The council is looking at bids from two companies: Geneva's present waste-hauler, Republic Services (formerly called Allied Waste) and Advanced Disposal, which presently serves neighbors Batavia and St. Charles. Geneva and Batavia simultaneously sought bids for waste-hauling service, hoping they might get a better deal. But on Monday night, Public Works Director Dan Dinges said the joint contract probably wouldn't happen. "What we learned is several municipalities have tried a joint bid, and ultimately, they …
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
The winner will compete for the international title in Akron, Ohio.
The Geneva Kiwanis Club has been granted permission to host a Soap Box Derby during Swedish Days that will be a qualifying event for the legendary international title run in Akron, OH. At Monday night's City Council meeting, aldermen voted unanimously to close streets and provide support for the six-hour event, scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 22. The club is seeking use of the public right of way and street closure of Second Street between Fulton and Campbell streets. In a soap box derby, boys and girls ages 7 to 13 compete in gravity powered cars that travek at speeds of 10 to 15 mph. "The purpose of the event is to foster a positive community environment that offers opportunities to engagethe youth and serve as a fundraiser …
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thanks in part to a federal grant, the city of Geneva will be able to resurface Western Avenue from Fabyan Parkway to South Street.
The Geneva City Council said OK this week to a project that will improve a whopping 1.4-mile stretch of Western Avenue, possibly as soon as this spring, thanks to a half-million-dollar federal grant. The City Council approved Resolution No. 2013-19, which authorizes the city to participate jointly with the feds to improve the collector street. The Illinois Department o Transportation will arrange for the bidding, award, execution and payments related to the contract, Public Works Director Dan Dinges said in a report to the council. The total estimated price for the project is $667,667 of which $500,000 is federal funds and $167,667 is local funds programmed in the city’s Capital Improvement Program. Mayor Kevin Burns said after the meeting…
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
An appointment for a two-year term to fill the vacancy of the late Ralph Dantino probably will be made after the April election, Mayor Kevin Burns said Tuesday night.
In the wake of 5th Ward Alderman Ralph Dantino's passing on Presidents Day 2013, voters likely will not have a chance to decide who will fill his seat on the Geneva City Council. Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns said Tuesday night that state law would require the 5th Ward seat to be filled by appointment for two years. Voters will have a chance to select a candidate for a two-year term in 2015. Dantino was the only candidate who had filed for the four-year term that was to be decided by voters in the April 9 municipal election, and his name was the only one slated for the ballot. His death came after the Feb. 7 deadline for write-in candidates to file with the Kane County Clerk's Office, Burns said. "Right now, the city is focusing on mourning the…
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City Hall Chambers
109 James St, Geneva, IL
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Monday, February 18, 2013
Geneva's 5th Ward alderman dies at his home in Geneva after a long battle with a rare appendix cancer.
Geneva 5th Ward alderman Ralph Dantino died Monday, Feb. 18, on Presidents Day 2013 at his home, surrounded by family and friends. Third Ward Alderman Dean Kilburg passed along the sad news with a brief statement at about 1:03 p.m. "It is with a deep sadness that I share that Ralph passed away today at his home here in Geneva. Ralph fought a gallant battle with his cancer over the last four years," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and their children, Tom and Sara Sheridan, Russell, Lindsey and Drew." Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns offered heartfelt condolences, as well. "Geneva has lost another of it's long-time friends and tireless advocate for our community," he said. "Mr. Dantino's contributions were many and his commitment …
Saturday, February 9, 2013
An "eclectic urban bar with warm surroundings" is coming soon to the Geneva Commons.
Bar Louie is coming! Or, at least it has its liquor license and could be open "within 30 to 45 days," according to Bar Louie operator John Bonkowski. Bonkowski and others attended Monday's Geneva City Council meeting, where the council voted unanimously to approve adding one Class B-3 Liquor License for a new Bar Louie location at 1602 Commons Drive. "Are we a chain?" Bonkowski responded to a question from an alderman. "We’re actually a local bar that got really big. Right now, we're at 63 locations nationwide." In the Chicago area, 15 percent of the Bar Louie businesses are franchised, Bonkowski said. He describes the bar as "a gathering spot for the local community" that serves "oversized" food portions, mostly sandwiches, and specialty …
41.892699
-88.341634
1600 Commons Dr, Geneva, IL
/articles/bar-louis-gets-liquor-license-could-open-in-30-days
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Monday, February 4, 2013
Some "assembly" required? The process starts with the purchase of the house at 617 E. State St., just west of Geneva Firewood & Mulch.
Geneva's City Council has approved the purchase of a long-vacant house and property to the west of Geneva Firewood & Mulch on the city's East Side. The purchase is one of several parcels the city is likely to acquire in an effort to improve the East State Street business corridor. In late January, the City Council OK'd a plan to spend about a $1 million for engineering work to improve East State Street from the Fox River to Kirk Road. According to that plan, East State Street would be widened, sidewalks improved and a streetscape created that would enhance traffic and pedestrian flow, business ingress and egress and aesthetics. The home at 617 E. State St. has been vacant for some time. It is within the East State Street Tax Increment …
41.88666
-88.29276
617 E State St, Geneva, IL
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/locations/8745334
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Rebounding from his battle against a rare appendix cancer, 5th Ward Alderman Ralph Dantino says he's ready for another go at the City Council.
It's been a tough but rewarding year for Geneva Alderman Ralph Dantino, who has been battling a rare appendix cancer as well as the mounting medical bills that go with his treatment. Dantino announced this week he is determined to continue his battle against cancer and his service as representative of Geneva's 5th Ward. Dantino said in a quick e-mail on Dec. 5 that he would seek re-election. He intends to file his nominating petition on Dec. 17. He told the Kane County Chronicle that he is feeling good and that he's running again because "I enjoy doing it." In addition to his role as alderman, Dantino is a former School Board member, Dancing With the Geneva Stars contestant and perennial community volunteer. He is known on the council for …
Sandra Ellis
5:38 pm on Sunday, April 21, 2013
What makes you sad then, John? more ›