HomeMy WebLinkAbout05032021 City Council Meeting Minutes5:00 p.m.Elected Officials Reception
Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
May 3, 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.
Pastor Tony Franklin gave the invocation.
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 April 19,2021.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen,Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Mayor Pritchard thanked Council Members Corine Andersen and Wayne Allen for their service
to the City and presented them with gifts of appreciation.Deputy Mayor Wayne Allen also
thanked Mayor Pritchard for his service to the City as Mayor over the last eight years and
presented him with gifts of recognition.
Township Supervisor Christine Winick also presented gifts to outgoing Township Trustees John
Pritchard, Corine Andersen, and Wayne Allen, and thanked them for their years of service.
City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz reported the following were elected in the Consolidated Election held
April 6, 2021, per certification from the Galesburg Board of Election Commissioners:
Mayor Peter Schwartzman 1,801 votes
City Clerk Kelli R. Bennewitz 3,336 votes
Ward Two Council Member Wayne Dennis 282 votes
Ward Four Council Member Dwight L. White 91 votes
Ward Six Council Member Sarah Davis 496 votes
May 3, 2021 Page 1 of 9
Township Supervisor Christine Winick 2,969 votes
Township Assessor Stephen W. Daly 2,754 votes
Ninth Judicial Circuit Judge Raymond A.Cavanaugh gave the oath of office to the following:
Mayor Peter Schwartzman,Ward Two Council Member Wayne Dennis,Ward Four Council
Member Dwight White,Ward Six Council Member Sarah Davis,City Clerk Kelli R.Bennewitz,
Township Supervisor Christine Winick, and Township Assessor Stephen Daly.
Roll Call #3:Physically Present:Mayor Peter Schwartzman,Council Members Bradley Hix,
Wayne Dennis, Lindsay Hillery, Dwight White, Sarah Davis, and Larry Cox, 7.
Mayor Schwartzman thanked everyone for attending despite the weather.He appreciates their
willingness to participate and that they made it meaningful for all.
CONSENT AGENDA #2021-09
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
21-2009
Approve Resolution 21-07 authorizing new signatures for the City’s various financial institutions,
the use of facsimile signatures, and designees to carry out the necessary banking functions.
21-3009
Approve the bid from Birkey ’s Farm Store in the amount of $89,621 for the purchase of a new
Case backhoe that includes a hydraulic hammer to be utilized by the Street Division.
21-3010
Approve the bid from Gunther Construction,a Division of UCM,Inc.,in the amount of
$527,914.06 for the asphalt resurfacing project on South Henderson Street,Ferris Street,
Monroe Street, and Hampton Court.
21-4043
Approve the Illinois Department of Commerce &Economic Opportunity grant application for
State Senator Jil Tracey ’s member initiative grant through the Rebuild Illinois Program for the
South Street Storm Sewer Replacement Project.
21-8008
Approve bills in the amount of $684,843.09 and advance checks in the amount of $815,551.03.
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,to approve Consent
Agenda 2021-09.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
May 3, 2021 Page 2 of 9
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
21-1006
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,to approve Ordinance
21-3636 on final reading amending Section 112 of the Galesburg Municipal Code establishing
regulations for the permitting and regulating the use of shared electric scooters within the City.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1007
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve Ordinance
21-3637 on final reading amending Traffic Appendix R of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg Municipal
Code to restrict parking on Michigan Avenue north of Baird Avenue.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1008
Special Ordinance on first reading authorizing the acquisition of the vacant property on the
northwest corner of South Seminary Street and Mulberry Street,formerly known as 139 South
Seminary Street, in the amount of $34,000.
Council Member White inquired if it ’s customary to pay an amount upwards of $34,000 for a 66’
x 132’piece of property.Public Works Director Wayne Carl stated that there was no formal
appraisal done but based on lot sales and the Assessor ’s fair market value listed for the property
staff felt the price was reasonable. The cost to stripe the lot would be approximately $110,000.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
21-3011
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve the bids
received for the replacement of the shingled roof on the WIPTU building located in the
Hawthorne Centre Complex.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:None
Nays:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Absent:None
May 3, 2021 Page 3 of 9
Chairman declared motion failed.
21-3012
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,to approve the bid from
Gunther Construction,a Division of UCM,Inc.,in the amount of $289,918.82 for the annual seal
coating contract.
Council Member White asked how streets are picked to receive seal coating.Director Carl
stated that the City is divided into five sectors and they rotate each year.Staff will inspect the
roads each year and all streets are seal coated every 5-7 years if possible.
Council Member Cox inquired why Red Oak Lane (west boat ramp)at Lakey Storey was taken off
the list for seal coating.Parks &Recreation Director Tony Oligney-Estill stated that while it was
initially in the bid to be done, the cost came back too high so it will be added to next year ’s list.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-3013
Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve the proposal
submitted by Pro Phoenix in the amount of $700,000,and the supplementary licensing cost
from CDW in the amount of $26,648.76,for the purchase of a new computer aided
dispatch/records management system for the Galesburg Police Department and Knox county
Sheriff ’s Office.
Mayor Schwartzman asked if this project had been anticipated.Police Chief Idle stated that the
Department has used CAD since 2002,however the initial company for the system is no longer
in business.Staff has been evaluating the system,vendors,and funding for the last several
years for the project.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:None
Nays:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Kevin Malley addressed the Council and welcomed the new members,hoping they would work
better with their group than the previous Council.He added that they were smart to take the
Lake Storey Expansion Plan off the agenda but that most homeowners in that area feel that it
will be brought back at some point again.He stated that people can’t enjoy their property for
May 3, 2021 Page 4 of 9
fear of what the Council will do and reiterated that they do not want to participate in this
project with the City.He believes that the City has been hustled by Edgewater in a get rich
quick scheme and that the project is not welcomed by the landowners.
Brother Shabazz addressed the Council and stated that when Nelson Mandela died in South
Africa there was an American journalist there who complained about how horrible the rainy
weather was and the South African journalist corrected him and let him know that for South
Africans torrential rain is a blessing.He stated that he is here to return the favor and let
everyone know today that the rain is a blessing and a symbol of a new day.
Dennis Clark addressed the Council stating that he has been with the Galesburg Railroad Days
organization for 16 years.The group is hoping to have some of the events this year after the
entire celebration was canceled last year.He added that some of the Main Street events,model
train and toy show,and events in Standish Park are planning to take place with some safety
restrictions. He appreciates the Council’s support of the event.
Reverend James Hailey,Allen Chapel AME,addressed the Council and stated that our nation,
state and city is built on prayer and invited everyone to attend and join him for the National Day
of Prayer this Thursday, May 6th, Noon, in the Public Square.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Thompson stated his appreciation for the outgoing elected officials and that it has
been his pleasure to work with them and congratulated all the newly elected officials.He
offered any assistance he could provide to help them be successful in their new roles.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
21-4044
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve a Facade grant
agreement in an amount not to exceed $49,125 (or 50 percent of the estimated project costs,or
50 percent of the actual final project costs,whichever is less)with Central Congregational
Church located at 60 Public Square.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4045
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,to approve a contribution of
$15,000 to the Galesburg Lions Club for the Big Bang Boom fireworks display to be held at Lake
Storey on July 4, 2021.
May 3, 2021 Page 5 of 9
Council Member Hix stated that he would be recusing himself from this vote due to being a
Lion’s Club member.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Council Members Dennis, Hillery, White, Davis,and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4046
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,to waive normal
purchasing policies and approve a three-year agreement with Amilia in the amount of $34,500
to provide Parks & Recreation software and support to the Parks & Recreation Department.
Roll Call #12:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Daivs, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4047
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,to approve an engineering
agreement with Bruner,Cooper,&Zuck,Inc.in the amount of $15,700 for the preparation of
plans and specifications for water main replacement on Frank Street from Henderson Street to
Hawkinson Avenue.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Daivs, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4048
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve the reversal of
the July 2020 delinquent fees posted to delinquent utility accounts.Total Water Fund revenue
will be reduced by $35,035.
Roll Call #14:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Daivs, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4049
Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,to approve Jaclyn
Smith-Esters for the Ward Five Council Member vacancy with the term expiring 2023.Mayor
Schwartzman stated that he conducted a process for the nomination of a candidate and
believes Smith-Esters would be a great asset to the Council.
May 3, 2021 Page 6 of 9
Roll Call #15:
Ayes:Council Members White and Davis, 2.
Nays:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, 3.
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member Cox, 1.
Chairman declared motion failed.
Mayor Schwartzman called a recess at 6:31 p.m.
The meeting resumed at 6:34 p.m.
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to reconsider the approval of
the Ward Five Council Member vacancy at the May 17,2021, City Council meeting.
Roll Call #16:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member White asked for an explanation of the Council’s options for filling the term.
City Attorney Brad Nolden stated that with the Mayor ’s appointment,Council has thirty days to
approve or the Mayor will appoint and forward a second candidate for consideration.If that
nomination fails,the Mayor may then,without consent of Council,appoint either of the two
candidates previously nominated.That person will serve until an appointment has received
consent of the Council or until the seat ’s election.
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,that the City Council sit as
the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
21-9009
Trustee Hillery moved,seconded by Trustee Cox,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn
in payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $1,261.83
General Assistance Fund $4,205.90
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund $6,013.00
Audit Fund
Total $11,480.73
Roll Call #17:
May 3, 2021 Page 7 of 9
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Trustee Cox moved,seconded by Trustee Dennis,to resume sitting as the City Council.The
motion carried by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Members Dennis and Hillery congratulated all the newly elected Council Members and
are looking forward to working with them.
Council Member White stated that he is humbled to serve and thanked all those who helped
him by voting,walking,and knocking on doors,especially his wife and children.He also thanked
the outgoing officials and stated that he was affected by their departure.He plans to ask them
for help and guidance if needed in the future.
Council Member Davis thanked Wayne Allen for his many years of service in Ward Six and stated
that she has big shoes to fill.She also thanked John Pritchard and Corine Andersen and feels
Galesburg should be thankful for their service.She thanked the residents of Ward Six and
hopes to give back to the community and looks forward to the next four years.
Council Member Cox congratulated all the newly elected officials.He also thanked Wayne Allen
for his 20 years of service and his attendance of likely over 500 meetings.He also thanked
Corine Andersen for her thoughtfulness and wise decisions.Lastly he thanked John Pritchard
for his dedication and leadership and hope he continues to stay active in the community.
Council Member Hix welcomed and congratulated all the new members and thanked the
outgoing Council Members for their service.He also added that he was in the Stearman Fly In
golf outing today but that the fundraiser was rained out.
Mayor Schwartzman stated that he would be initiating a new Mayor ’s Appreciation Award to
the Council meetings,and that the first one tonight will be in honor of Bob Dennis.He read
from the certificate:With sincere appreciation for your service and sacrifice to our Country and
to your twenty-eight years of commitment to the Galesburg Police Department and to the City
of Galesburg.
The Mayor thanked Wayne Allen for his mentorship when he was newly elected onto the
Council and recognized his hard work on the Rotary Park project.He also thanked Corine
Andersen for her service to the community and has always been a good listener to residents.
Mayor Schwartzman stated that he is humbled by the confidence of residents for his new
position.He also thanked Pastor Tony Franklin for the profound invocation and welcomed him
May 3, 2021 Page 8 of 9
back to the community.He also reminded citizens that the Farmer ’s Market opened on May 1st
for the season on the corner of Simmons and Kellogg Streets, 8 a.m. - noon, through October.
There being no further business,Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member
Dennis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:47 p.m.
Roll Call #18:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Peter D. Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
May 3, 2021 Page 9 of 9