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Home My WebLink About04052021City Council Meeting Minutes5:25 p.m.Proclamation: Sexual Assault Awareness Month Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting City Council Chambers 55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois April 5, 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,Wayne Dennis,Lindsay Hillery,Corine Andersen,Peter Schwartzman,Wayne Allen,and Larry Cox,8. 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. Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Hix,to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from March 15,2021. 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 #2021-07 All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. 21-4033 Approve Budget Adjustment #2 for the budget year ended December 31, 2020. 21-5006 Receive the Investment Schedule as of December 31,2020. 21-5007 Receive the 2020 Galesburg Police Department Annual Report. 21-8006 Approve bills in the amount of $392,697.68 and advance checks in the amount of $1,134,038.71. April 5, 2021 Page 1 of 6 Council Member Andersen moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,to approve Consent Agenda 2021-07. 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 21-1004 Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Andersen,to approve Ordinance 21-3634 on final reading annexing the property located at 670 U.S. Highway 150 East. Roll Call #4: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen,Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. 21-1005 Ordinance on first reading to amend Chapter 152 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to add Rage Rooms as a Special Use in various Business and Industrial zoning districts. 21-2008 Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve Resolution 21-06 for the City’s estimated share of $2,806 for a project to modernize traffic signal equipment. Roll Call #5: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen,Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS 21-3005 Council Member Hillery moved,seconded by Council Member Allen,to approve the bid submitted by Yemm Ford in the amount of $47,299.05 for the purchase of a one-ton dump truck for the Street Division. Roll Call #6: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen,Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. April 5, 2021 Page 2 of 6 PUBLIC COMMENT Barb Peterson and two other neighbors addressed the Council regarding the vacant home at Bateman and Walsh Streets.They stated that they have witnessed people removing the boards and entering the home even though it has been placarded.Ms.Peterson stated that items have been stolen in the neighborhood and that because the home is not livable she hoped that the City would use the recently passed Nuisance Ordinance. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT A.Spring Clean-Up Week is April 12-16, 2021 B.Galesburg Transit will be offering free rides all day on Earth Day,Thursday,April 22, 2021. City Manager Thompson stated that the home on Bateman Street is on the City ’s radar.Police Chief Idle added that they have been called to this location many times;however,the owner is allowed to be there between the hours of 7 a.m.and 9 p.m.in order to make renovations.He reiterated that anyone who has a concern should call the Police Department at any time. Council Member Cox stated that many residents have old electronic equipment that cannot be disposed of on the curb.These items can be taken to Waste Management but many residents aren’t able to move old televisions or other heavy equipment.He asked if there could be a way that people could schedule a pick up with Waste Management.The City Manager stated that staff is currently in talks with Waste Management regarding this now but in the meantime,the City could possibly assist and recommends residents call for more information. Council Member Schwartzman stated that it was good to see the annual report issued by the Police Department and added that on page 10 of the report,information is available on Crimestoppers.Chief Idle added that there is a new mobile app that is available and all contact is completely anonymous. In 2020, there were 81 tips;23 of them leading to an arrest. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.) 21-4034 Council Member Hillery moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve a joint agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for a project to modernize traffic signal equipment. Roll Call #7: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen,Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. 21-4035 April 5, 2021 Page 3 of 6 Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Allen,to approve the initiation of the demolition process for the following properties: 1.543 Liberty Street 2.230 North Pleasant Avenue 3.440 West South Street 4.1296 South Henderson Street 5.936 South Broad Street 6.830 Liberty Street City Attorney Nolden stated that based on the judgement,all avenues will be pursued in order for the City to recoup costs associated with these properties. Roll Call #8: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen,Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. TOWN BUSINESS Council Member Allen moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote. 21-9007 Trustee Andersen moved,seconded by Trustee Dennis,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same. Fund Title Amount Town Fund $1,732.78 General Assistance Fund $4,733.38 IMRF Fund Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,440.86 Liability Fund Audit Fund Total $8,907.02 Roll Call #9: 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. April 5, 2021 Page 4 of 6 CLOSING COMMENTS Council Member Cox thanked the Mayor for the proclamation tonight on sexual assault awareness.He also encouraged residents to vote tomorrow and wished all the candidates good luck. Council Member Schwartzman also encouraged people to take the time to cast their vote tomorrow.He also hoped that residents would take advantage of Spring Clean-up days next week.Council Member Schwartzman stated that we had two shootings over the weekend and he hoped that other Council Members will join him in the near future in meeting with community leaders to discuss gun violence, mental health, and other important issues. Council Member Andersen thanked the Police Department for the Annual Report and appreciated the information and updates it contained. Council Member Hix thanked his constituents on Bateman Street for coming to the meeting and assured them that he has talked with the City Manager about the property.He added that anyone is always welcome to call him with issues. Mayor Pritchard also reminded residents to take advantage of the Spring Clean-up Days and use the opportunity to get rid of extra or unneeded items.He also stated that he was happy to attend a business ribbon cutting day,the first one in over a year.The Mayor encouraged everyone to do their civic duty and vote. Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Hix,to adjourn into Executive Session at 5:59 p.m.for the purpose of discussing litigation,property acquisition,personnel, collective bargaining,and approval of the minutes from the March 1 and March 29,2021, executive session meetings (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1),(2), (5), (11) and (21). Roll Call #10: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Hillery,Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. During the Executive Session,Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis, to adjourn the Executive Session at 7:10 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. There being no further business,Council Member Andersen moved,seconded by Council Member Cox, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:10 p.m. Roll Call #12: April 5, 2021 Page 5 of 6 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 April 5, 2021 Page 6 of 6