HomeMy WebLinkAbout12072020 City Council Meeting Minutes5:20 p.m.Proclamation Condemning Racism
Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
December 7, 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,Wayne Allen,and Larry Cox,8.Present via Google Meet:Council
Members Hillery and Schwartzman,2.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.
A moment of silence was observed in lieu of an invocation.
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Andersen,to approve the minutes
of the City Council meetings from November 16, 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 #2020-23
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
20-2031
Approve Resolution 20-27 to authorize the execution and amendment of the Downstate
Operating Assistance Program Grant Agreement.
20-4097
Approve the renewal of the Law Enforcement Liability Insurance Policy with QBE Specialty
Insurance Company brokered through Molyneaux in the amount of $35,779.
20-5093
Receive a petition to annex the property located at 692 U.S. Highway 150 East.
December 7, 2020 Page 1 of 9
20-5094
Receive a petition to annex the properties located at 696, 698, and 700 U.S. Highway 150 East.
20-6006
Approve Deja Jenkins to the Youth Commission, term expiring December 2021.
20-8022
Approve bills in the amount of $1,161,436.48 and advance checks in the amount of $1,798,
406.80.
Council Member Allen moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve Consent
Agenda 2020-23.
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.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
20-4098
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Allen,to approve the December 31,
2021, annual budget as follows:
Total Revenues: $59,853,905
Total Use of Fund Balance and/or Other Financial Resources: $7,800,340
Total Expenditures: $67,203,615
General Fund Revenue Total: $23,760,335
General Fund Expenditure Total: $24,298,350
General Fund Use of Fund Balance: $538,015
Council Member Schwartzman inquired about the amounts budgeted for the fire and police
pensions and if it would cause a shortfall.City Manager Thompson stated that due to the
uncertainty and concerns over the budget next year,it is being recommended that pensions be
funded at the statutory minimum.If the City’s finances are better than expected,it will be
recommended to make an additional payment, which has been done in the past.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
December 7, 2020 Page 2 of 9
20-1027
Council Member Andersen moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,to approve Special
Ordinance 20-600 on final reading approving the 2020 Property Tax Levy in the amount of
$9,457,940,which is an increase of .20 percent compared to the 2019 tax levy extension.The
estimated property tax rate for the City will be approximately $2.660 or .005 cents more than
the 2019 tax levy rate.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1028
Council Member Andersen moved,seconded by Council Member Hix,to approve Special
Ordinance 20-601 on final reading approve the 2020 Special Service Area #1 tax levy in the
amount of $148,335.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1029
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,to approve Ordinance
20-3623 on final reading amending Section 50.40 (A)of the Galesburg Municipal Code
increasing the solid waste rates effective January 1, 2021.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1030
Council Member Hillery moved,seconded by Council Member Hix,to approve Special
Ordinance 20-602 on final reading authorizing the sale of 833 East Brooks Street to Alex L.and
Clara J. Shinn in the amount of $500.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1031
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Andersen,to approve Ordinance
20-3624 on final reading amending Traffic Appendix X of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg Municipal
December 7, 2020 Page 3 of 9
Code to restrict parking on both sides of South Farnham Street between the railroad tracks and
Clay Street during school hours.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1032
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 152 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding
landscape regulations.
Council Member Cox thanked the Administration for bringing the ordinance,especially since
the last one was onerous.He added that not having one on file isn’t helpful in beautifying the
city or protecting neighborhoods as well.
Council Member Schwartzman concurred with Council Member Cox and is glad the ordinance is
coming forward.He suggested that in the future the City help small businesses with possibly
providing small trees and shrubs as an incentive.
Tom Simkins,representing the Galesburg on Track Stewardship committee,addressed the
Council regarding the Landscape ordinance.He stated that having the ordinance is something
the community is in favor of as it provides a positive image,reduces runoff,increases property
values,and makes people feel good in general.He stated that he met with Ryan Berger,
Community Development Director,on the ordinance and is also thankful to former Director Roy
Parkin for the work on the issue.Simkins noted that he sent an email to Council Members
regarding several businesses that have landscaped despite not having an ordinance on the
books,as well as several that he believes are in need of landscaping.He expressed the group's
support and offered assistance for volunteers to the City.
Karrie Heartlein,also with the Galesburg on Track Stewardship committee,echoed what Tom
Simkins stated and encouraged the Council to adopt this simple ordinance which would allow
for a welcoming environment,show the community cares,and would make a difference in the
city.She also stated that the ordinance could encourage new developments and help with
tourism. Heartlein also offered support and willing hands if needed.
Council Member Andersen also supports the ordinance and noted that several residential areas
have also been neglected in terms of landscaping.She hopes that many people consider efforts
towards these areas as well.
20-1033
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 152 of the Galesburg Municipal Code adding Rage
Rooms as a Special Use in various business and industrial zoning districts (B2, M1, and M2).
20-1034
December 7, 2020 Page 4 of 9
Ordinance on first reading annexing the property located at 692 U.S. Highway 150 East.
20-1035
Ordinance on first reading annexing the properties located at 696,698,and 700 U.S.Highway
150 East.
20-1036
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 94 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding
chronic nuisance properties. If approved, this ordinance would take effect January 1st.
Council Member Cox noted that he supports the ordinance but stated that it must be
administered fairly and without prejudice.Council Member Hix thanked Administration and
staff for their assistance with the ordinance.
20-1037
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 97 of the Galesburg Municipal Code requiring all
excavators,including recognized utility companies,to obtain a permit from the City prior to
excavating in a contaminated soil zone located in the public right of way.
Council Member Cox stated that this has been a long time issue and that all utility companies
need to be made aware of the fact that they will now need a permit.He suggested that in the
future,if the utility companies are not compliant,then the City could start charging a fee for the
permits.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Tom Simkins,Galesburg on Track,addressed the Council and thanked them for the $50,000 gift
to start the Heart &Soul project.He also reminded the Council of the eight Value Statements
that were presented in January 2018:
1.We value and take pride in our history and cultural heritage.
2.We value our welcoming community.
3.We value a healthy business climate.
4.We value quality education.
5.We value our town's image.
6.We value our town's services and amenities.
7.We value easy accessibility.
8.We value having things to do (arts, entertainment, recreation).
He stated that the group has been very active with community activities such as providing
assistance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan,Master Parks &Recreation Plan,Standish Park,
United Way feeding program,Walking School bus,and most recently the installation of 520 red
bows across the City.He thanked the Council for their help,specifically Don Miles,Tony
December 7, 2020 Page 5 of 9
Oligney-Estill,and Wayne Carl.It is the group’s intention to attend Council meetings in the
future and provide assistance in the positive image of Galesburg.
Brittany Grimes,NAACP president,addressed the Council and thanked them for the nice
gesture of the proclamation tonight but it is their hope that they can understand why some of
the wording changes were made.She hopes to discuss the issue of racism with the Council and
Mayor in the future and possibly have the Council adopt a formal resolution based on
information provided in the November 2nd report provided by the NAACP.She also inquired as
to what the training and education would look like,as noted in the proclamation,to make
Galesburg a better place.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
20-4099
Council Member Allen moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve the City’s
annual Springbrook Maintenance fees in the amount of $71,649.90.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4100
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Andersen,to approve the
demolition process on properties located at 513 North Henderson Street,551 Monroe Street,
and 1275 South Cherry Street.
Roll Call #11:
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
20-9029
Trustee Dennis moved,seconded by Trustee Hix,to approve Ordinance 20-05 on final reading
approving the Township Budget and Appropriation for the fiscal year beginning January 1,2021,
and ending December 31, 2021, showing the following:
December 7, 2020 Page 6 of 9
General Town Fund $503,230
Audit Fund $9,000
Liability Fund $7,800
Social Security/Medicare Fund $34,000
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) $34,000
General Assistance Fund $467,400
Total Appropriations $1,055,430
Roll Call #12:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-9030
Trustee Cox moved,seconded by Trustee Hix,to approve Ordinance 20-06 on final reading
approving the 2020 Property Tax Levy for the Town of the City of Galesburg in the amount of
$531,000.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-9031
Trustee Allen moved,seconded by Trustee Cox,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in
payment of same.
Roll Call #14:
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 Cox,to resume sitting as the City Council.The
motion carried by voice vote.
December 7, 2020 Page 7 of 9
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $2,119.19
General Assistance Fund $6,172.46
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,317.50
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $10,609.15
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Cox thanked the Mayor and Council for the proclamation and appreciated the
Galesburg on Track report. He also wished his granddaughter, Kyah, a happy birthday.
Council Member Schwartzman thanked the members of Heart &Soul who were present for the
report and their efforts. It is his hope that even more can be done in 2021.
He also read the following statement and asked that it be entered into the record:“I have a
statement to make regarding the Proclamation that was issued today by Mayor Pritchard.It is
an important step and it is one I support.However,it took too long to be formulated and I
sincerely hope it will not end up being mere words.A resolution similar to it was delivered to us
(the City Council and the City Administration)by our local chapter of the NAACP on June 18th of
this year.It is now,December 7th.That is nearly 6 months,182 days to be exact.During this
protracted period,there was little discussion of the NAACP’s resolution by the City's elected
officials.
Though dozens of emails and public comments spoke in favor of action,the Mayor and most of
the City Council didn’t respond.One response,Mayor Pritchard’s questioning the presence of
“systemic racism”in Galesburg,resulted in a forty-two page research project presented to the
Council by the NAACP on Nov.2nd.This well-documented report entitled,“On Systemic Racism
in the City of Galesburg,”focuses on four areas (Economics,City Employees,Criminal Justice,
and Education)and contains substantial evidence chronicling the existence of systemic racism in
our city.It also contains many policy recommendations and specific data that would be helpful
in the future if we are earnest in our desire to combat and dismantle racism wherever it is
found.That was more than a month ago.I have yet to hear responses to this report and the
specific recommendations that it offers.I hope that in the early months of 2021,we,the elected
representatives of this City,will have deliberative and purposeful dialogues on such matters.
Then, and only then, will the proclamation read tonight be of great significance.”
Council Member Andersen stated that she agrees with Council Member Schwartzman and
hopes that the reading of the proclamation is only the beginning.She believes there still needs
to be a conversation on how the City will implement some of the action items in the document.
Council Member Hillery concurs with both Council Members Schwartzman and Andersen.
Council Member Hix thanked the Mayor and Council for the proclamation.He also thanked the
managers at both Hy-Vee stores for their assistance with the very successful “Stuff the Bus”
food campaign.He also thanked the public for their help and stated that there is still a great
need in the community.
Mayor Pritchard congratulated the Downtown Council for their new light display and urged
everyone to make a trip to see the lights.He also stated that there will be follow-up with
tonight’s proclamation, which will likely commence after the new year.
December 7, 2020 Page 8 of 9
The Mayor also reported that COVID cases continue to grow but that the hospitals are seeing
some relief from the surge.He asked people to continue to use caution,wear a mask,and
practice social distancing where possible.He added that the Health Department is doing a
great job and a lot of work on the plan for an upcoming vaccine.
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to adjourn into Executive
Session a 6:29 p.m.for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining and approval of the
minutes from the September 21, 2020, executive session meeting (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (2) and (21).
Roll Call #15:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
During the Executive Session,Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member
Dennis, to adjourn the Executive Session at 7:16 p.m.
Roll Call #16:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
There being no further business,Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member
Dennis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:17 p.m.
Roll Call #17:
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
December 7, 2020 Page 9 of 9