Jamie Matthews

The council held a public hearing for the 2026 fiscal year budget. The engineering report included updates on ongoing construction projects, such as North State Street and Well 33, as well as reports and designs for the PD bridge and water system analysis. Discussions also covered the Northwater Tower painting project and phase two of the North State Street construction. The council discussed the webbing on State Street, the northeast drainage ditch, and phase two of Wells to Ogden. The council also mentioned the upcoming Geneseo open house and the tree lighting event.

The meeting included discussions on various topics, such as a proposal for a mural at 109 South Center Street, the annexation of property at 19775 East 1500th Street, and a vendor change to ICMA-RC for employee retirement savings options. There was also a discussion on implementing no parking on the west side of North Center Street between Exchange Street and Brown Street, and an update on the Cherry lift station force main reroute project. Public comments addressed concerns about dog walking in the cemetery and the removal of grave items from Oakwood Cemetery.

The meeting included discussions on declaring April 1st, 2021 as Junior Achievement Day, facade improvement grants for properties on North State Street, and vacating a portion of Spring Street at the railroad crossing to accommodate a new train depot and platform.

The meeting included a public hearing to receive comments on a proposal to sell bonds. The council discussed the Chamber of Commerce report, which highlighted a successful membership drive and upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremonies for local businesses. There was also a discussion regarding cemetery rule enforcement and its potential impact on local florists. The council addressed engineering projects, including the Ash Street lift station and the Northeast Greenwich and Miller project, as well as the Geneseo Creek study.

The meeting included discussions on the 2026 fiscal year budget, with a high-level overview presented. Key points covered included sales tax, local use tax, and salaries, which are budgeted with a 3% increase for union members. Health insurance costs, influenced by new employees and contract incentives, were also discussed. Updates were provided on the Steuart Street substation, including the replacement of a potential transformer. The budget also includes funding for community development, specifically an increase for fireworks at the Grill on the Hill event, and preliminary design work for Richmond Hill. The police pension line item was increased to cover the employer contribution, and there was a discussion regarding cannabis tax revenues. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding an increase in the ammunition budget.