HomeMy WebLinkAbout08032020 City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
August 3, 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,Council Members Bradley Hix,Wayne
Dennis,Corine Andersen,Peter Schwartzman,Wayne Allen,and Larry Cox,7.Present via
Telephone:Council Member Lindsay Hillery,1.Also Present:City Manager Todd Thompson,
City Attorney Bradley Nolden,and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz. Mayor Pritchard declared a
quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Reverend Andrew Jowers gave the invocation.
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Schwartzman,to approve the
minutes of the City Council meetings from July 20 and July 27, 2020.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2020-15
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
20-3026
Approve the bid submitted by Ray O’Herron Company in the amount of $74,428 for the
purchase of miscellaneous squad equipment for the new police vehicles.
20-4055
Approve the purchase and installation of swings at Kiwanis Park in the amount of $6,595.16
from Cunningham Recreation.
20-8014
Approve bills in the amount of $1,006,157.65 and advance checks in the amount of
$492,162.66.
Council Member Allen moved,seconded by Council Member Hix,to approve Consent Agenda
2020-15.
August 3, 2020 Page 1 of 9
Roll Call #3:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
20-1017
Ordinance on first reading rezoning from (B1)Neighborhood Business to (B2)General Business
for the lot located at 262 North Prairie Street and adjacent vacant lot.
BIDS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
20-3027
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Hix,to approve the bid from
Trotter General Contracting in the amount of $84,800 to install a test well for the proposed
gravel pack well #6 at the Oquawka Water Treatment Plant.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Brother Shabazz addressed the Council and stated that a press release was issued by the Illinois
Commerce Commission which announced that there was a moratorium on water shut offs and
fines.He stated that the release also said that no one should have to worry about losing life
safety water during the pandemic.He reminded the Council that they work for the citizens of
our community and should be of service to the people.There are many people who are unable
to pay their bills due to poverty and he does not understand the rationale on why Galesburg
made the decision to resume shut offs and fines.
Rodney Grimes,Knox County United Way Board of Director,addressed the Council asking their
support for the agency’s external funding request.He read two testimonies of families in the
area that benefited from the financial assistance the United Way was able to provide.He asked
for the Council’s consideration and noted that the funds would be well spent throughout the
community.
Pastor Vince Marolla addressed the Council and stated that he is speaking on behalf of the
roughly 100 people who have had their water disconnected and no longer have the basic
human right of running water.He also stated that he is speaking on behalf of the people who
did make arrangements to pay their water bill,stating that many of them will not be able to pay
August 3, 2020 Page 2 of 9
other bills and will likely have their water disconnected eventually as well.He believes that
during a pandemic, this is immoral and lacks any sense of justice.
He stated that many of Galesburg’s households live in poverty,are unemployed,and have no
health insurance.He appreciates information being sent out regarding organizations that are
able to help,but that public assistance is overwhelmed due to COVID.He also stressed that
many individuals could face eviction.He asked that the City convene with other leaders,
pastors, etc., to work on this situation.
Reverend Jowers addressed the Council,stating that he feels overwhelmed and also knows that
people have good hearts but need to be challenged at this time to be good samaritans.He
would like to have the City leadership step up and for everyone to be held accountable for this
problem.
Carole Buebe read a letter from Stacey Wyant,Grounded Perspectives Counseling,regarding
water shut offs.She stated that people are not able to maintain appropriate hygiene,cook,
have clean clothing or homes without water.She believes that the effects of not having access
to water will lead to many issues for families,including anxiety,depressive thoughts and
shame.
Laura Porter told Council that our City is one of bullying,harassment and intimidation and that
they are buying out homeowners.Her doors were locked and she was given no notice and
therefore has no clothing.She stated that the City has done this to her many times and now
she has no place to live.
Bruce Weik addressed the Council and stated that he has recently moved back to Galesburg
and is disappointed to see that the City was shutting water off.He would hope that at least
four Council Members would have the courage to move ahead with a community meeting.He
added that now is not the time to make peoples’lives worse and that we all have an obligation
as a human being to help.
Ranee Collura stated that she believes Council Member Schwartzman moved forward because
he simply wanted communication about this issue and feels that it is shameful that he was
publicly called a lunatic.
Doug Summers addressed the Council and stated that he has lived in the community for fifteen
years and appreciates the people who live here and is proud to call it home.He hopes there is
a way to help people.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Thompson stated that he wanted to give some context and clarification to the
issue of water disconnects.The Water Fund is an enterprise fund that exists solely on fees (no
tax revenue)and there is currently no City program for relief for water bills.In the next ten
years, the expenses of the Water Fund are projected to exceed the revenues.
August 3, 2020 Page 3 of 9
When the moratorium was discussed by the Administration back in March,the intent was not
to have it be indefinite but to address the short-term situation and to allow people the
opportunity to seek unemployment benefits and other means of assistance.
Thompson stated that he decided to end the moratorium at this point due to several factors:
●The ICC had issued guidance that small and large utilities could stop having a
moratorium on water shutoffs.He noted that city and municipal utilities are
independent and not regulated by the ICC;however,the City typically follows their
guidance and information. This guidance was issued thirty days into Phase 4.
●Unemployment had been in place and supplemented for many months.
●The availability of state and federal assistance for utility bills had been put in place.
Residents were notified in June that they needed to contact the City to discuss their delinquent
water accounts.Assistance information and options were also distributed.He noted that
cities/municipalities cannot apply for utility assistance.He stated that approximately 600
notices were sent out asking for people to contact the City;however,under 10 people
responded.He noted that he has empathy for those in difficult situations but had hoped that
people would take advantage of the programs available to them,inquire about assistance,call
the City,or get on a payment plan.As of today,he noted that there are about 65 accounts that
have been disconnected, and none of those have contacted the City.
City Manager Thompson stated that he has no objection or issue with reinstating the
moratorium,but that there needs to be criteria established on who can take advantage of the
program.There cannot be a system where anyone who doesn’t want to pay their water bill can
do so.
Mayor Pritchard stated that back in March,he and the City Manager discussed the shutoff
moratorium due to the large number of people who were expected to lose their job,and more
importantly,the time it would likely take for the state to begin distributing unemployment
benefits.He strongly supported the moratorium at that time and also believes that our
community was in the minority to offer one.
The Mayor also stated that some individuals have taken advantage of the freeze by simply not
paying their bill and also believes that the City won’t be helping the situation when the shutoffs
resume and their bill is upwards of $1,200 --this will be an extremely difficult situation for
people to be in in the future.He added that if people reached out to the City for
unemployment issues,health issues,or the like,accommodations were made.The Mayor feels
that the City was proactive about the situation back in March,however the moratorium cannot
go on for an indefinite basis.
City Manager Thompson encouraged people to take advantage of the state assistance programs
now for fear that the funding will be gone once the shutoff moratorium is over.
Council Member Cox verified with the City Manager that the City’s water bill also includes the
services for trash and sewer.He also asked if the County Board had waived any Landfill fees or
August 3, 2020 Page 4 of 9
if the Sanitary District had waived any service charges.City Manager Thompson is not aware of
either entity waiving fees.Council Member Cox also noted that the Salvation Army is assisting
people locally with utility bills and encouraged others to donate to them if they are wanting to
help those in need.He also reiterated that the City is in compliance with the Illinois Commerce
Commission at this time.
City Manager Thompson asked that Wayne Carl,Public Works Director,explain the current
state assistance program.He also noted that if any agency or program is helping with citizens
and contacts the City, that individual’s water is turned back on immediately.
Wayne Carl reported that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is
administering $150 million to help with utility assistance.The Western Illinois Regional Council,
Macomb,IL,is our local community action agency that needs to be contacted.Residents can
contact WIRC and they will verify their income guidelines (based on the prior last 30 days)and
request a copy of their disconnect notice.He also noted that funds are typically turned around
very quickly for utility shutoffs.
Council Member Dennis asked if late fees have been added onto bills.The City Manager stated
that late fees have continued to be assessed but that no delinquent fees have been added
during the moratorium.If those fees were to be waived,he feels it should be a Council
decision.
Council Member Dennis inquired about the prison and if they have a balance due.It was
reported that they have a balance of approximately $448,000 and he wondered why they
haven’t been disconnected.The City Manager reported that they are a state institution and
that in some degree cities are subservient to them.It is also a different situation than
homeowners whereby others employed at the prison would be put at risk.He also noted that
people who are incarcerated cannot go to a neighbor or family member’s house,purchase
water to drink, etc.
Council Member Andersen stated that she believes many people did not understand the notice
sent by the Water Department and didn’t get any clarification in person at City Hall.She noted
that just because the City sent information out does not necessarily mean that the person
received it or clearly understood it.She believes there needs to be better communication,a
phone call made,or an in person visit to these individuals.Council Member Andersen also
thought that maybe Council Members could contact their constituents,meet with them to
discuss the issue and provide information on assistance.
Council Member Schwartzman stated that he appreciates the people who came to the meeting,
some who have risked their lives to do so.He also clarified that these shutoffs happened to
households,not strictly individual residents.It was also clarified that at this point in time,there
are 65 residences that have water disconnections,but that last week there were over 300 who
were in jeopardy of being shut off. That number changes daily.
August 3, 2020 Page 5 of 9
Council Member Schwartzman stated that he believes this conversation is a good one but still
insufficient.We are a community,the City of Galesburg,and that we do not need to rely on the
state or federal government to survive.The people who were elected in this room were
elected to represent those in our community and to protect their interests.He noted that he
would not send anyone outside this community to get assistance or relief and that our local
ministries and organizations will deliver because they know the people who they are providing
services for.
Council Member Schwartzman stated that we need another meeting to invite healthcare and
medical professionals,mental health officials,and hospitals.He also believes that the City
continues to go back to the economics of this situation and that it's been stated that the City
cannot afford to give water to poor people because the City would crumble or debt would be
outrageous.He believes that if the City cannot afford to provide water to its people,then we
should shut down.
Council Member Hix asked what the time period was to be considered delinquent.Thompson
stated that the time frame is six weeks (two months worth of water would have been used).
Council Member Andersen inquired if she could receive information on constituents in her ward
in need to help provide information.The City Manager noted that he would verify if that could
be done and send a response to the Council.She is in favor of having a meeting in the future
regarding this problem.
Council Member Schwartzman asked about having a special meeting.City Attorney Nolden
stated that at least three Council Members could request a special meeting,48 hours notice
must be given,knowledge that a quorum would be present,and the agenda for the special
meeting has to be very specific.
Council Member Schwartzman asked the Mayor to request feedback on a meeting date.The
consensus of the Council was to hold a special meeting on Monday, August 10, 5:30 p.m.
The City Manager stated that he would have staff turn everyone’s water back on and reinstate
the shut off moratorium until Council has a chance to meet and make decisions.
Council Member Schwartzman thanked the City Manager and City Attorney for responding to
his questions,some of which were very complicated.It was also noted that the total due from
delinquent accounts is approximately $50,000.
Council Member Cox asked if staff could contact these customers between now and the
meeting on Monday. The City Manager stated that it could be done.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
20-4052
August 3, 2020 Page 6 of 9
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve the
recommended external agency funding requests and fund applicants in a total amount of
$30,000.
Council Members Andersen and Schwartzman feel that it is the Council’s responsibility to
promote community activities,to help where needed and to set an example.It is their hope
that the agencies received additional outside funding as well.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, and Allen, 6.
Nays:Council Member Cox, 1.
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Hix stated that he would be abstaining from voting on agenda item 20-4056
due to his service as a board of director for the Knox County United Way.
20-4056
Council Member Andersen moved,seconded by Council Member Schwartzman,to approve
external agency funding in the amount of $5,000 for the Knox County United Way.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, and Allen, 5.
Nays:Council Member Cox, 1.
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member Hix, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4057
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve the Minor Plat
of the Kenco First Addition.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4058
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve a professional
service agreement with NewGen Strategies and Solutions,LLC in an amount not to exceed
$36,340 to conduct a water rate study for the Water Division.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
August 3, 2020 Page 7 of 9
20-4059
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Andersen,to approve the 2020
Classification and Salary Schedule for Transit personnel.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
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
20-9016
Trustee Andersen moved,seconded by Trustee Hillery,to approve Town bills and warrants be
drawn in payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $5,968.96
General Assistance Fund $3,865.35
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $9,834.31
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Trustee Allen moved,seconded by Trustee Dennis,to resume sitting as the City Council.The
motion carried by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Hix stated that he has talked to several people regarding the water shut off
issue and while they want to help,they also believe it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to pay
their bills. He encouraged people to call the City.
Council Member Dennis asked that when the public emails the Council Members that they
include what ward they live in also.
August 3, 2020 Page 8 of 9
Council Member Schwartzman stated that tonight’s water discussion taught lessons in courage,
civics, and humanitarianism.
Council Member Allen stated that he talked to a woman who feels she’s being discriminated
against since she continues to pay her own bills.He also thanked the City Manager and staff for
carrying the City through this difficult time.
Mayor Pritchard reminded everyone that the virus is still here and to continue social distancing,
not to touch their faces, wash their hands, and stay home if they feel ill.
There being no further business,Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member
Dennis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:59 p.m.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
John Pritchard, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
August 3, 2020 Page 9 of 9