HomeMy WebLinkAbout01192021 City Council Meeting Minutes5:15 p.m.Public Hearing: Conclusion of Monroe & Phillips Street Project
Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
January 19, 2021
5:30 p.m.
Called to order by Mayor John Pritchard at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call #1:Physically Present:Mayor John Pritchard,Council Members Bradley Hix,Corine
Andersen,Peter Schwartzman,Wayne Allen,and Larry Cox,6.Absent:Council Members
Wayne Dennis and Lindsay Hillery,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.
Semenya McCord gave the invocation.
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve the minutes of the
City Council meeting from January 4, 2021.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Members Dennis and Hillery, 2.
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2021-02
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
21-2000
Approve Resolution 21-01 authorizing the Director of Public Works to sign Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency loan documents for lead service line replacements.
21-2001
Approve Resolution 21-02 authorizing the Mayor to sign the FY 2021 Grant Agreement for the
Section 5311 Federal Operating Assistance Grant for the City’s transit program.
21-3001
Approve the bid from Capri Pools &Aquatics in the amount of $168,500 for the installation of
the new Lakeside water play feature.
January 19, 2021 Page 1 of 11
21-4005
Approve the Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program for historic owner-occupied residences.
21-4006
Approve a one-year agreement with Hawkins,Inc.,to provide phosphate inhibitor to the City
for a cost of $0.380 per pound.
21-5001
Receive the Galesburg Landmark Commission Annual Report for fiscal year 2020.
21-5002
Receive rate schedule changes for wrecker services for Berg’s Towing and Bob’s Towing, Inc.
21-8001
Approve bills in the amount of $1,066,569.27 and advance checks in the amount of
$408,991.38.
Council Member Allen moved,seconded by Council Member Andersen,to approve Consent
Agenda 2021-02.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Members Dennis and Hillery, 2.
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
21-1000
Ordinance on first reading authorizing the City of Galesburg to borrow $2,000,000 from the
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency through the Public Water Supply Loan Program for the
purpose of replacing lead water service lines.
21-2002
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Allen,to approve Resolution 21-03
naming the Hawthorne Centre Regional Training Site in honor of former Fire Chief Dale May.
Dena May Turner,Dale May’s granddaughter,addressed the Council thanking them for this
honor.She explained that her grandfather was committed to the development of his staff,
continuing education,and always encouraged his firefighters to learn.He was a man of
outstanding character and the family is grateful for this tribute.
Council Member Hix stated that he did not have the opportunity to know Chief May but knows
his family and others who have always spoken highly of him.
January 19, 2021 Page 2 of 11
Former Fire Chief Simkins addressed the Council stating that Chief May was a chief and man of
high moral character and was instrumental in the establishment of the training site.He and
other retirees fully endorse this honor.He also congratulated Deputy Chief Stevenson on his
retirement.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Members Dennis and Hillery, 2.
Chairman declared motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ken Springer,president of the Knox County Area Partnership,addressed the Council in support
of further exploration of the Lake Storey Expansion Project by gathering public information and
input.He stated that the possible expansion would help area businesses across the entire
community as well as grow our population and increase the tax base.KCAP understands that
this is a big idea but that it deserves objective exploration and encourages the Council to
approve the Phase II study.
Karrie Heartlinen addressed the Council on behalf of the Galesburg Area Chamber of
Commerce.She stated that Tony Oligney-Estill recently spoke to the Chamber Board in order
to better explain the proposed Lake Storey expansion.He explained that the Phase II study
would enable the sharing of concerns from the public,as well as gather input and ideas on the
project.She noted that the Chamber sent out a survey with results coming back as ⅔in favor of
the project and ⅓ against.
She noted two items that the Chamber would suggest;1)rename the study so that it minimized
confusion and resistance.Because this phase is for gathering input,she suggested calling it a
“community engagement study;”and 2)there is a process like this that has been used,the
Heart &Soul process,that has built a sense of trust in the community and could be engaged in
a mindful way.She noted that while this project was not in the 2018 plan submitted by Heart &
Soul, it could align and embrace the core values.
Nikki Malley addressed the Council in opposition of the Lake Storey Expansion Project.She
stated that the public has not been given clear fundamental guidelines for the project and she
implored the Council to listen to all the people who have reached out to them.She added that
most of the homes that would be affected by the project are outside of Galesburg and the
likelihood of them being annexed willingly is unlikely.She asked the Council to vote no and to
shift their resources to another economic development project.
Galesburg Tourism and Visitors Bureau Director Randy Newcomb addressed the Council in
support of the project on behalf of the Tourism Board.He cited his previous experience as the
January 19, 2021 Page 3 of 11
tourism director in Kentucky where the 250,000 square mile Lake Kentucky draws visitors from
around the state as well as from Chicago.He added that the community engagement is an
important part of the project and that the best way to gauge public opinion would be to move
forward. He urged the Council to proceed with the Phase II study.
Corey Malley addressed the Council and stated there has been no feasibility study done for this
project and that it would only be successful if the City was able to purchase property.He stated
that his land is not for sale and that he has hired an attorney to prevent a forced sale.He
added that neighbors also have no desire to sell their property and have consulted an attorney.
He believes the whole project has poor timing with the upcoming election and thinks Council
will purposely delay the vote until after the April election when it is “politically safe.”
Kevin Malley addressed the Council and stated that he is not a citizen of Galesburg,does not
pay taxes,and therefore does not have a Council Member.He stated that his neighbors are
unanimous in their agreement that they will not sell their properties nor would they allow any
annexations.
Darla Krejci addressed the Council and stated that she teaches programs for the Recreation
Division and has a unique perspective.She has reservations about the Phase II study due to the
deviation that would occur with motorized boats and other water sports.She stated that these
sports are devastating for lakes and that she is an advocate for the animals,nature and wildlife.
She added that the pictures shown in the study show very few trees and that the entire plan
needs to be reconsidered.
Joe Spence addressed the Council in favor of the project and believes that this project would be
good for economic development.He added that our community has missed out on a lot of
other projects and that it would be a mistake to not take advantage of this opportunity.
Tom Engebretson addressed the Council and stated that the Lake Storey area would lose
thousands of trees and that no one would want to move to a barren reservoir.He stated that
Oak Run has a lot of empty properties and that Lake Storey should remain like it is for canoeing,
fishing, etc.
Bruce Weik addressed the Council and stated that it is hard to find one thing that is good with
this project.He believes motorboats in the lake would be a joke and that current homeowners
wouldn’t like the noise.He stated that we do not need a playground for the rich and that the
likelihood of getting any of the property is zero.
Laura Porter addressed the Council and stated that she agrees with many of the comments
made regarding the Lake Storey expansion.She stated that the Department of Education
released funding recently and that there should be a concentration of using local farm animals
for hands-on learning for local kids.
City Clerk Bennewitz read the following written statement submitted by Ron Hunt:
January 19, 2021 Page 4 of 11
Please consider not continuing with a vote for Phase II of the Lake Story Expansion Study.Going
by comments from the Register-Mail Facebook page,and from comments I have heard from
concerned residents and friends,there is a consensus that this project is something that is not
wanted by a majority of Galesburg residents.
Those home and land owners affected by the proposed expansion were not contacted by
Edgewater Resources at the beginning of the first study.Understandably,they are angry,and do
not want to see their homes and farmland destroyed.The wholesale elimination of the
ecosystem there,consisting of stands of oak-hickory timber,which shelter a large population of
wildlife,is damaging enough,but taking out productive farmland which has belonged to several
generations of local farm families is hitting at the heart of a farming community.
With that,the problems of maintaining a lake that size increase.About ten years ago the city
had to have the north side of the current lake dredged as it was silting into marsh levels.As the
size of water acreage increases,so would silting issues,not to mention dry creeks during the
construction of the lake which would affect those downstream.The same creek that feeds Lake
Storey,Henderson Creek,also feeds the one that borders Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve,about
a mile west of where the west end of the lake would be.During construction,it would take at
least two years for the lake to fill to the desired level,drying up the creek for the preserve and
for farmers who also use the creek for watering livestock.
How many people would flock to this development?Oak Run,after many years,still has many
unsold lots.Fyre Lake,near Sherrard,also has many lots empty.Please consider a project in
scale with Galesburg that will be for the benefit of all,that will keep us grounded,not dead in
the water.
Comments from John and Dorothy Pazereskis:
January 19, 2021 Page 5 of 11
We should have liked to attend the next City Council meeting,but given the ongoing pandemic
and our advanced ages,we decided to email you again.We hope our thoughts will be shared
amongst you.
Others will,I know,be talking about the expense of the proposed further study and how it
appears to be rather a waste given the reluctance of people to sell their property to the city.
And others may speak about the pipe dream quality of the proposed plethora of expensive
lakeside building lots.And still others may remind the council of previous monetary mistakes
that have been made, eg, the Logistics Park and the hose clamp plant.
But we would like to concentrate on our little piece of Knox county.Our acre of land and small
house.We moved here in 1985 and have loved the house since we first saw it.We had
expected to die living here.We are in our early 80s,and no more healthy than most people our
age.And our house is one of those that the new plan would cause to be destroyed.The idea of
moving is really more than we can bear.We believe that if the City Council were to somehow
succeed in taking our property from us, it really would be the death of us.
January 19, 2021 Page 6 of 11
Please vote against the proposed further study when it comes up.
Comments from Laura Lane:
Dear Mayor Pritchard and City Councilmembers,please please please do not rush ahead on this
Lake Storey Renovation proposal.Our city needs so much work done in and for the poorer
neighborhoods and the needier populations in our city.We do not need another development of
high-end homes on a lake.Also,my husband and I,and many of our friends,drive out to Lake
Storey regularly to go for long walks in the woods.I see fishermen of all ages,teenage boys on
dirt bikes,bike-riders and walkers and runners of all ages on the paths through the woods.
Please do not change our beautiful and beloved forest.
Comments from Noelle Plotts:
I'd like to take this time to email this council and let it be known that my family and I are very
much against the expansion of Lake Storey.My home is one of the homes that will be flooded if
the expansion were to go through.I feel like the lack of inclusion is disrespectful to members of
the community.Especially the ones who are going to be affected by this project.When will the
citizens affected be let known of the potential plans for our families?My fiancé and I spent
$22,000 last year on improvements to our home and it would have been nice if someone from
the city would have let us know that this was a waste of our money given that we could
potentially be uprooted from our home.We also planned on investing an additional $60,000 for
improvements on our home this year but now our lives are on hold due to the fear of equity loss.
The citizens of this community deserve a little more respect than that.
Comments from Katie Koca Polite:
I write to share my strong opposition to the approval of Phase II study of the expansion of Lake
Storey.It appears that very little research has been done in preparation for this proposal and
there is a lack of transparency in sharing information with the public.More importantly,the city
has shown little to no respect for the families who own and currently live on land that would be
affected by this expansion.
This project should not move forward.
Comments submitted from Melissa Rice:
Thank you for looking ahead to the future prosperity of Galesburg.As a former resident,I was
born and raised in Galesburg and both sides of my family have strong roots in Galesburg and the
surrounding areas and continue to make Galesburg their home.I love Galesburg and want to
see it grow and once more be the successful and growing town that I remember so fondly.I
know that your responsibility for the care and well-being of the residents of Galesburg and the
sustainable future of our beloved town makes for some difficult conversations and choices and I
do not question your love for and loyalty to our town.However,I am opposed to the approval of
the Phase II study on the expansion of Lake Storey.
January 19, 2021 Page 7 of 11
Based on the Phase I study,I am disheartened to see that of the land to be acquired,residential
land use is at a minimum 55%with the potential for 70%.I,too,have always envisioned greater
recreational and natural use of Lake Storey and the surrounding area,but I am disappointed to
see that the Lake Storey expansion is focused almost entirely on residential expansion (and yes,I
absolutely understand that an influx of property taxes,retail &dining taxes,and recreational
activities will help fund the expansion,schools,library,and other community assets over time).
Also,the study glosses over the fact that the land needed for this project is not within the City of
Galesburg boundaries,the land is within Henderson Township.The initial study does not
recognize this at all;why not?Why not mention this very important fact and consideration?Are
the Henderson Township officials currently involved in this project?Will they be?Would City of
Galesburg officials consider using eminent domain to claim this land thus giving the City an
opportunity to pay less than fair market value of the land?I do not know the landowners of the
three family farms involved nor do I know the other residents who would be forced to sell their
homes and property,but if the action of eminent domain is taken,I find it to be a morally
reprehensible action.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Comments sent from Diana Roe:
We ask that the City Council vote NO on Phase 2 study for Lake Storey expansion.We like Lake
Storey the way it is now, accessible to all.
Comments submitted from Dena May Turner:
As a local REALTOR,lifelong resident of Galesburg,and owner of 2 local real estate offices,I
wanted to give a bit of perspective on the local market.It is not justifiable to simply take your
statistical information from a source such as Zillow.Their sales information is as inaccurate as
their Zestimates.This information is not factually reported,nor is it a reliable source for our
area.
As unreliable as obtaining your information from Zillow,it is also unrealistic to use the current
market supply and demand theory.There is not a demand in our area at this time,because
there has been no supply.You can point out the days on the market of homes in suggested price
ranges of the expansion,but those homes do not have the same amenities that the homes
surrounding a lake community will have.
The most realistic and close to home perspective that is available for our area to get a truer
market picture would be analyzing the nearby Oak Run Community.A statistical snapshot is
attached for reference.
The values in this attachment are clear and factual.The current month's supply of inventory
was down in December,2020,73.6%.We went from an inventory in December 2019 from 32
homes on the market to currently 9.At the rate of sales,this current inventory could only
support the market for 2.3 months versus the previous 8.7 months supply of inventory.The
January 19, 2021 Page 8 of 11
closed sales continue to increase as the inventory continues to diminish.December New Listings
were down 50%in 2020 and the Closed sales continued to rise.December closed sales alone
were up 33.3% from December, 2019.
Considering we are coming off a pandemic year,these sales and demand are better than
anyone had anticipated and should be a significant consideration for continuing to explore the
opportunities for our community to grow!It is important to me to stand behind the exploration
of this opportunity for our community.It is an option,not a commitment and supporting the
exploration of this opportunity for the future of our community makes the most sense at these
early stages for any community supporter.
Comments from Catherine Denial:
I am 100%opposed to the Lake Storey project,and believe there are many more pressing ways
to spend the money earmarked for a second phase study.Proposing to upend the lives of
working families in order to provide a space for the wealthy to play should not be a priority for
this city. Please let this matter drop.
From Robert Clark:
I,Robert B.Clark,and my wife Amber L.Clark oppose funding Phase II of a study to expand Lake
Storey.The City of Galesburg needs to focus more of its resources on making our community a
better place for all of our citizens to live in.We need to create more opportunities for the least
and lowest among us to succeed and prosper.
Lastly, comments submitted from Ted Tourlentes:
Please do not expand Lake Storey, and please do not fund a Phase Two Study.
All of the homeowners and landowners who would be flooded,are totally opposed to expanding
the lake.
Please explain how you will take possession of all the land, against the will of the owners.
If you are going to have a vote about funding a Phase Two Study,please give at least a 14 day
advance notice.
The environmental impact of expanding the lake would be devastating.Over 400 acres of
habitats and biodiversity would be destroyed by flooding. The valley needs to be protected.
Instead of expanding Lake Storey,please consider other options for growing and strengthening
Galesburg for all citizens, especially those people who are the most in need.
Smart Growth America works to make this a...“country where no matter where you live,or who
you are,you can enjoy living in a place that is healthy,prosperous,and resilient.We empower
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A.Traffic Advisory Report for January was received.
B.The Water Rate Study will be the focus of the next work session,scheduled for Monday,
January 25th. The study will be posted on the City’s website tomorrow.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
TOWN BUSINESS
Council Member Allen moved,seconded by Council Member Hix,that the City Council sit as the
Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.
21-9001
Trustee Cox moved,seconded by Trustee Allen,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in
payment of same.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:Trustees Dennis and Hillery, 2.
Chairman declared motion carried.
January 19, 2021 Page 9 of 11
communities through technical assistance,advocacy,and thought leadership to realize our
vision of livable places, healthy people, and shared prosperity.”
“The University of Illinois is developing the Illinois Center for Urban Resilience and
Environmental Sustainability (Illinois CURES),with the intent of becoming a “go-to”place for
cities to address their sustainable development challenges.
Illinois CURES works with cities on developing integrated sustainable solutions to improve
community-wide health and prosperity now, and in the future.”
Please consider working with both of these groups.It might be possible to start implementing
new Galesburg development projects in 2021.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $7,829.34
General Assistance Fund $3,424.87
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $11,254.21
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 congratulated Deputy Chief Brad Stevenson on his retirement and thanked
him for taking the time to give him a tour of the fire stations.He appreciates his service and
wishes him well.He also is pleased about the naming of the Fire Training Site in honor of
former Fire Chief Dale May.
Council Member Hix also thanked everyone for their emails and calls about the Lake Storey
Expansion Project and understands that there are people on both sides of the issue.He is in
favor of moving ahead with Phase II and getting public input.
Council Member Andersen thanked the organizers of the NAACP MLK breakfast,including Pam
Davidson,Semenya McCord,and Dwight White.She hopes it allowed people to take note of
the issues of race in our community and that many take the situation seriously.She hopes the
Council can help move to a remedy.
Council Member Schwartzman urged everyone to read the City’s press release on all the social
media avenues that staff uses to communicate with the public.He also appreciates all the
comments on Lake Storey,a topic that has garnered more attention than he remembers in the
past ten years,and realizes there is still a lot to discuss.He has sent many questions to the City
Manager regarding the project and hopes to get answers soon.
Council Member Schwartzman also stated that even though the State has moved to a new
mitigation tier,COVID is still present and people need to practice caution.He also added that
Knox College will be resuming soon and students will soon be back on campus.He is also
looking forward to the next two work sessions,which will focus on the water rate study and
City policies.
Council Member Allen reminded everyone that vaccination clinics will open this week for
residents 65 years of age and older.He also understands that restaurants are beginning to
open back up and that it will still be a difficult time for business owners.
Council Member Cox gave his condolences to former City Treasurer Marv Dahlberg on the loss
of his wife,former City Council Member Nancy Dahlberg.He hopes for a speedy recovery for
Marv.He also stated that information is still being received on the Lake Storey Expansion
Project and he would recommend it return to Council at the February 15th Council meeting.
Mayor Pritchard stated that when he broke his arm and was unable to attend the Council
meeting,he requested that the vote for the Phase II study be tabled.He would also like to see
it return in February and is encouraged to see the Chamber,Tourism Board,and KCAP’s desire
to see the City proceed to examine the idea and engage the community.
January 19, 2021 Page 10 of 11
The Mayor expressed his sympathy for Nancy Dahlberg and for a quick recovery for Marv
Dahlberg.He also noted that Dale May was the first fire chief he knew and was glad to have his
granddaughter Dena May Turner, present to speak on his behalf.
There being no further business,Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member
Cox, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:42 p.m.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Members Dennis and Hillery, 2.
Chairman declared motion carried.
John Pritchard, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
January 19, 2021 Page 11 of 11