The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About04202020 Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting City Council Chambers 55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois April 20, 2020 5:30 p.m. Called to order by Mayor John Pritchard at 5:30 p.m. Roll Call #1:Physically Present:Mayor John T.Pritchard,Corine Andersen,and Larry Cox,3. Present Via Telephone:Council Member Bradley Hix,Wayne Dennis,Peter Schwartzman, Wayne Allen,4.Absent:Lindsay Hillery,1.Also present was City Manager Todd Thompson and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz. Mayor Pritchard declared a quorum present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Semenya McCord gave the invocation. Council Member Allen moved,seconded by Council Member Hix,to approve the minutes of the City Council meetings from April 6, 2020. Roll Call #2: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA #2020-08 All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. 20-2012 Approve Resolution 20-10 authorizing the submittal of the Section 5311 and Downstate Public Transit Operating Assistance Grant applications for the period July 1,2020,through June 30, 2021. 20-2013 Approve Resolution 20-11 authorizing the acceptance of Special Warranty 5333(b)and Certificates and Assurances related to the 5311 Grant Agreement. 20-3014 Approve the bid from Brandt Construction Company in the amount of $489,876.95 for the asphalt resurfacing project on Broad Street,Bandy Avenue,Prairie Street,Daniel Drive,and Swing Boulevard. 20-5006 April 20, 2020 Page 1 of 5 Receive 2019 Annual Firefighters Pension Fund Report. 20-5007 Receive 2019 Annual Police Pension Fund Report. 20-8007 Approve bills in the amount of $921,190.45 and advance checks in the amount of $197,113.75. Council Member Andersen moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Consent Agenda 2020-08. Roll Call #3: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 20-1010 Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve Ordinance 20-3610 on final reading authorizing execution of an option agreement for the sale of the property at 140 and 144 East Main Street. Roll Call #4: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. 20-1011 Ordinance on first reading authorizing the submittal of the Section 5311 and Downstate Public Transit Operating Assistance Grant applications for the period July 1,2020,through June 30, 2021, to provide public tranpsortation. Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to suspend the rules and move agenda item 20-1011 to final reading. Roll Call #5: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Andersen, Allen, and Cox, 4. Nays:Council Members Dennis and Schwartzman, 2. Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. Council Member Allen moved,seconded by Council Member Andersen,to approve Ordinance 20-3611 on final reading authorizing the submittal of the Section 5311 and Downstate Public Transit Operating Assistance Grant applications for the period July 1,2020,through June 30, 2021, to provide public transportation. April 20, 2020 Page 2 of 5 Roll Call #6: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. 20-2014 Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Andersen,to approve Resolution 20-12 to terminate the contract with Galesburg Transit I Corporation effective June 30, 2020. Ryan Berger,Community Development Director,reported that Administration has determined that the overall Transit operations can be made more efficient and convenient by combining the Fixed Route Bus services and the Handivan services.He also noted the other following reasons: 1.Significantly increased control of the fixed route services 2.Increased responsiveness and accountability 3.Better utilization of fleet and maintenance resources 4.Improved information sharing for IDOT reporting 5.Elimination of duplicated services Berger also noted that as a part of the consolidation,the City intends to hire most,if not all,of the Galesburg Transit I Corporation employees as City employees in order to continue operating the Fixed Route Bus services.All full-time City positions filled will receive City benefits including health care,vision,dental,retirement plan through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF),paid vacation,and paid sick time,in accordance with the City’s personnel policy or applicable bargaining unit contract. The goal will also be to keep employee salaries the same. Wayne Carl,Public Works Director,stated that due to the current COVID-19 situation,the City has been unable to meet with the County regarding service to rural areas.It is recommended that the budget be submitted to the State and adjusted if necessary for rural transportation needs in the future. Roll Call #7: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 5. Nays:Council Member Dennis, 1. Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENT CITY MANAGER’S REPORT MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.) April 20, 2020 Page 3 of 5 20-4035 Council Member Andersen moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve a commercial guarantee for $2,000,000 of the principal indebtedness that is being incurred by the Galesburg Public Library through a loan agreement with F&M Bank. Roll Call #8: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. Council Member Allen moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote. TOWN BUSINESS 20-9008 Trustee Dennis moved,seconded by Trustee Cox,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same. Fund Title Amount Town Fund $1,131.012 General Assistance Fund $6,317.44 IMRF Fund $1,512.70 Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,412.11 Liability Fund Audit Fund Total $11,373.27 Roll Call #9 Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Trustee Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. Trustee Allen moved,seconded by Trustee Cox,to resume sitting as the City Council.The motion carried by voice vote. CLOSING COMMENTS Council Member Hix encouraged the community to continue to support our local restaurants and directed people to the Facebook page that has been dedicated to these businesses (Knox County Restaurants Open During Pandemic for Takeout Delivery).He also gave an update on two individuals known to him who had the virus,stating that his niece has recovered and another friend unfortunately lost his life. April 20, 2020 Page 4 of 5 Council Member Allen thanked everyone for their dedication during this pandemic. Council Member Schwartzman inquired about public comment for the Work Session on Monday.City Clerk Bennewtiz stated that comments will be taken via email (public@ci.galesburg.il.us)and read into the record during the Public Comment section of the meeting. Council Member Schwartzman also stated that several positive cases have popped up in our community and there are probably individuals unaware that they have it walking around.He knows that people are frustrated but encouraged them to continue to social distance and be cautious.He has heard of residents having parties and gatherings and stressed how irresponsible this is to the health of our community.He appreciates everyone’s efforts in helping with this pandemic. Mayor Pritchard stated that if you do not feel well,are coughing or have a fever,please call your healthcare provider first before showing up at the hospital.Maintaining a six foot social distance is critical as well in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.He urged everyone to stay calm and disciplined in social distancing and hand washing. There being no further business,Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Andersen, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:05 p.m. Roll Call #10: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. John Pritchard, Mayor Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk April 20, 2020 Page 5 of 5