Geneva's Wastewater Treatment Plant facility update and South Street bridge replacement have been selected as "Projects of the Year" by the American Public Works Association Fox Valley Branch (APWA).  

The Wastewater Treatment Plant won in the Environment category for projects between $5 million and $25 million. The South Street bridge replacement took top honors in the Disaster or Emergency Repairs less than $5 million category. The APWA brand awards were judged on safety performance, environmental impact, project management, community relations, accomplishments under adverse conditions, and quality control/construction innovations brought to the projects.

This is the first time Geneva has been recognized for two projects in the same year.

Construction for a $12.5 million Geneva Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade - one of the biggest water-related projects in the City's history - got underway in 2018 to help bring the City in compliance with new state environmental regulations.  

While not visible to the public, the Wastewater Treatment Plant project will have a significant long-term impact on the community. The City took a holistic approach on how to improve the facility from enhancing technology from the 1980s to the present-day and by reducing overall power consumption by 25%.

"We have modernized the Wastewater Treatment Plant for the 21st century that will serve the community well for generations to come," Public Works Director Rich Babica said. "By repurposing the building's existing footprint and not adding any new chemical processes, the City continues to do its part to protect the environment. I am very proud of the Public Works Water Division staff's dedication to make this project a success."  

The South Street bridge replacement unexpectedly materialized this fall after City staff discovered the crossing was damaged by a sinkhole. The roadway was closed immediately for safety reasons. Following the securement of project funding and engineering, demolition and construction took a month to complete before the bridge was reopened in November.  

Geneva's Public Works team will receive the awards Tuesday, Jan. 14 at the APWA Fox Valley Branch's meeting in Aurora. The Branch also will be submitting Geneva's projects for award consideration at the APWA Chicago Chapter level in 2020.

The City has previously been awarded the APWA Fox Valley Branch's "Projects of the Year" for the Third Street Commuter Parking Deck expansion (2016), construction of the Water Treatment Facility (2009), Third Street improvements (2002) and State Street improvements (1995).

The APWA is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies and individuals dedicated to providing quality public works goods and services. The Chicago Chapter is comprised of 1,500 members in five branches throughout the region.

Residents interested in learning more about the Wastewater Treatment Plant can schedule a facility tour by calling the City's Public Works Department Water Division at 630-232-1551.

The City Council voted Dec. 9 to approve permitting cannabis business establishments in Geneva starting in 2020. This includes cultivation centers; craft growers; as well as processing, infuser, dispensing (medical and recreational), and transportation organizations.

State law allows for the sale, possession, and consumption of recreational cannabis for Illinois adults 21 and older beginning this year. The State also issues licenses for all adult-use cannabis business establishments. However, local governments were given various options to regulate cannabis businesses within their communities.

The City approved permitting adult-use cannabis businesses subject to compliance with the following:

• Limiting the number of recreational and medical dispensing establishments to one apiece;
• Setting maximum hours of operation for dispensaries from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
• Establishing a 150-foot separation from the property line of pre-existing schools, daycares and residential properties for craft growers and dispensing organizations; and
• Businesses receiving a State license to locate in Geneva are considered a Special Use, meaning they must go through the City's development review process that includes final City Council approval.

The City will prohibit cannabis cultivation centers, both medical and recreational. The consumption of cannabis or infused products will not be allowed at any cannabis business establishment.

In November, the City Council approved an ordinance imposing a 3% municipal cannabis retailers' occupation tax that will take effect for all sales of cannabis products in Geneva.

For more information, visit the City's FAQs page and online Development Projects Map.

The City's Natural Resources Committee and the Geneva Park District Foundation are teaming together to sponsor this year's Wine, Cheese & Trees fundraiser to help plant more trees in the community.

Wines will be paired with cheese, appetizers and desserts from local merchants. The evening also will feature live music, a silent auction, drawings, a "wine wall" and live auction.

Tickets can be purchased for $30 per person online. For more event information, contact Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jay Womack at 630-299-9945 or via email.

Have you ever wondered about the homes and buildings in movie sets? Most of the time, the spaces are rented by the film industry by the day. The owner is typically paid the price of one month's mortgage, which can be quite helpful if you are not too inconvenienced by it all. The Illinois Film Office maintains a database of sites to help film industry scouts find that perfect backdrop. With a few simple steps, your property could get a little Hollywood attention.

To be considered for the database, property owners need to submit contact information and a brief description to the Illinois Film Office.

Sites of all kinds are welcome, including homes, industrial sites, storefronts, scenic properties, and areas of blight or decay. The City is enhancing its photos of Geneva streetscapes and property in the database, hoping to draw the film industry back to town. You may recall when the "Road to Perdition" film crew shot some scenes here in 2002 (pictured above). It was loads of fun for residents and gave Geneva some worldwide publicity.

Geneva is fortunate to have a great number of beautiful homes and buildings with character. It is easy to picture these special places, big and small, in the movies. We hope you will consider this opportunity. Read more about how Geneva has made film history in the Shop, Dine, Experience Geneva blog.

Several new businesses now call Geneva home, and you can check out the latest additions on the City's  New Business Map. Want to plan a fun outing, day or weekend in Geneva? Find a comprehensive Business Directory online and visit the City's Explore Map for a handy guide to restaurants, shops and experiences in Geneva.

When snow falls this winter, the Geneva Fire Department wants to remind residents to clear out the closest fire hydrant to their house.

A fast and adequate water supply for the Fire Department can make the difference between minor damage and major destruction during a fire. The City's Public Works Department is aware of the hydrants and tries very hard to avoid covering them with plowed snow. However, the situation can be unavoidable on some streets, such as cul-de-sacs, where there is not much space to pile the snow between the driveways, mailboxes and fire hydrants.

Residents fortunate enough to have a hydrant in front of their house can do the Fire Department and themselves a huge favor by clearing a 3-foot by 3-foot area all the way around the hydrant to make them visible and accessible from the street.

For more information, call the Geneva Fire Department at 630-232-2530.