Joshua J. Santiago

The meeting included a department presentation from the Police Chief regarding operational statistics, noting an upward trend in calls for service and traffic stops compared to previous years, while highlighting ongoing staffing struggles and retention challenges. The council discussed personnel issues, including the staffing model (12-hour shifts vs. increased hourly pay) and future goals such as implementing a canine unit. City management provided updates on several key infrastructure and improvement projects. This included ongoing evaluation of a $3 million Water/Wastewater Grant application for the West Main Street infrastructure project, noting that securing these non-repayable funds would allow for increased project costs and reduced debt financing (specifically reducing a WPCLF loan obligation). Additionally, the Pleasant Avenue/State Route 534 intersection widening project was reported as complete. A proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project for Senior Center rear entrance improvements, focusing on ADA compliance, was outlined, with an estimated cost of $137,285 and a May 30 application deadline.

The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes. Key discussions included updates on the West Main Street project, indicating contractors are catching up on progress, with an expected completion in early September 2025. Progress on the Appalachian Community Grant, specifically the placemaking/streetscape aspect for the Central Business District, involves schematic design adjustments. The process for selecting a construction manager for the site program is underway, which includes facade upgrades for local businesses. The Council was informed that there are now two vacancies on the Planning Commission. A significant portion of the meeting addressed snowstorm costs submitted for reimbursement to the Ohio EMA, totaling over $25,000, covering personnel, minor damage, and contractor expenses. Ongoing union negotiations for 2025 were noted. Citizen comments heavily featured a request to replace historical "Home of Ar-e-old" signs that are in poor condition. Additionally, the Council considered and acted upon several ordinances, including amending interest distribution on investments, establishing a capital projects fund, allocating municipal income tax funds, and amending officer and employee compensation effective January 1, 2025. A committee report highlighted discussions on wastewater and water utility rates, with a proposal for an 8% increase for two years for wastewater and 7.5% for water, with a rate revisit scheduled in two years.

The meeting commenced with roll call and a pledge followed by a prayer. Key discussions included a presentation by the Chief detailing 2023 activity statistics, noting decreases in calls for service but increases in traffic stops and citations, while crashes were down. Personnel updates highlighted the swearing in of a new officer and ongoing efforts to recruit new staff ahead of anticipated retirements. Infrastructure updates covered the progression of the West Main Street project, specifically addressing issues with detour signage, and a commitment to moving trash carts every Wednesday for Waste Management access. The Council also addressed the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) ordinance, which outlines operational regulations, and the ODOT annual road salt bid participation, resulting in a commitment of 600 tons for the 2024-2025 season. Furthermore, the city is actively reviewing the draft bulk water agreement from the county and targeting the Lawn Street water line replacement for the OPWC FY26 Round 39 pre-application. Finally, reminders were issued regarding the upcoming Civil Service Commission exam and the annual spring cleanup scheduled for May 4th.

The City Council meeting included a presentation from a representative of NOPEC regarding electric and gas aggregation programs, grant funding based on enrollment, and upcoming enrollment renewal letters. The NOPEC representative detailed how their nonprofit structure benefits communities, discussed current gas rates (4.99 per MCF for the next three months), and alerted the council to an anticipated 15-20% increase in PJM electric rates starting in June due to capacity charges. Following this, a construction manager provided an update on a public works project, noting that approximately two-thirds of the sanitary sewer work and slightly over half of the storm sewer work is complete. Challenges encountered included voids under the roadway caused by eroding sand into old sanitary sewer laterals, and utility conflicts which required unique solutions.

The meeting commenced with the October 14th, 2024 Geneva City Council meeting being called to order following the Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer. The Zoning Department provided an overview of its responsibilities, including overseeing property structures, permit coordination with county and city departments, business registration, and support for the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Architectural Review Board. Discussions included ongoing efforts to review and update zoning codes, the status of cases before the zoning boards, and the introduction of a web-based rental registration program with CloudPermit. The City Manager reported on the full road closure of West Main Street, with an estimated duration of five to six weeks, and steps taken to improve traveler navigation to the hospital during this closure. Additionally, the approval by the state for the 'City J Vora' DOOR program, an outdoor refreshment area initiative, was announced, with anticipated activation by Winterfest 2025. The Utility Committee meeting is being set up to review proposed Water and Wastewater rates for 2025-2029. The Finance Committee meeting is planned for early November to review the 2025 operating budget, utilizing finalized October financial data. Finally, the council agenda included the acquisition of a 2024 Ford F550 dump truck for the Water Department, intended to increase efficiency and reduce reliance on external contractors for smaller jobs, which is within the scheduled budget.