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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05172021City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting City Council Chambers 55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois May 17, 2021 5:00 p.m. Called to order by Mayor Peter Schwartzman at 5:00 p.m. Roll Call #1:Present:Mayor Peter Schwartzman,Council Members Wayne Dennis,Dwight White,Sarah Davis,and Larry Cox,5.Absent:Council Members Bradley Hix and Lindsay Hillery, 2.Also Present:City Manager Todd Thompson,City Attorney Bradley Nolden,and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz. Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present. Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to adjourn into Executive Session at 5:13 p.m.for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining and approval of the minutes from the April 5, 2021, executive session meeting (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (2) and (21). Roll Call #2: Ayes:Council Members Dennis, White, Davis, and Cox,4. Nays:None Absent:Council Members Hix and Hillery, 2. Chairman declared motion carried. Council Member Hix entered the meeting at 5:14 p.m. During the Executive Session,Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Davis, to adjourn the Executive Session and return to the Regular Council Meeting at 5:18 p.m. Roll Call #3: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Davis, and Cox, 5. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. Council Member Hillery entered the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Youth minor golf pass scholarships were awarded to the following individuals by Bunker Links Golf Pro Bryan Luedtke, Golf Commission Member Steve Cheesman, and Mayor Schwartzman: Bannen Anderson Aidan Oxley Camdon Anderson Caleb Oxley Carson Clayton Ethan Oxley Aiden Frey Kellan Oxley Preston Frymire Alexander Sward Aaron Johnson Logan Sykes Daniella Mbata Owen Wolfe May 17, 2021 Page 1 of 10 Proclamation: Poppy Days The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Semenya McCord gave the invocation. Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Hix,to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from May 3, 2021. Roll Call #4: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. Mayor Schwartzman asked for nominations for Deputy Mayor.Council Member Dennis nominated Council Member Cox,seconded by Council Member Hix.Council Member Cox nominated Council Member Dennis, but he declined to accept. No further nominations were received. Roll Call #5: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA #2021-10 All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. 21-2010 Approve MFT Supplemental Resolution in the amount of $117,112.44 for the reconstruction of Kellogg Street from Dayton Street to Park Lane. 21-3014 Approve the bid from Brotcke Well &Pump in the amount of $38,881 for a test well for the proposed new gravel pack well #6 at the Oquawka well field. 21-3015 Approve the bid from Gunther Construction,a Division of UCM,Inc.,in the amount of $741,562.44 for the reconstruction of Kellogg Street from Dayton Street to Park Lane Drive. 21-4050 Approve budget adjustment #1 for the budget year ending December 31, 2021. May 17, 2021 Page 2 of 10 21-4051 Approve an employee benefits consulting agreement with Assured Partners for benefits consulting and wellness services through December 31, 2022. 21-5010 Receive a schedule of rates for American Ferrier LLC effective June 1, 2021. 21-8009 Approve bills in the amount of $703,216.29 and advance checks in the amount of $39,712.46. Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Consent Agenda 2021-10. Roll Call #6: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote. PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 21-1008 Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve Special Ordinance 21-603 on final 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 asked if the historical marker at the corner would be left and maintained.It was noted that it would stay.He also asked if there was a restriction on this lot if the City chose to develop something else other than a parking lot,similar to the restriction that was placed on the former Aldi’s building.City Attorney Nolden stated that there is no deed restriction on this lot.Council Member Cox stated that he is happy there will be landscaping added around the lot. Roll Call #7: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Schwartzman invited members of the public to come forward to make comments.He also noted that there is a three-minute time limit set by ordinance,which may be looked at in the future. He also reminded everyone to refrain from any personal attacks. May 17, 2021 Page 3 of 10 Pam Davidson addressed the Council stating that her family owns a property on Ohio Avenue and that an urban garden will be going in on the lot next door.She stated that the City has an ordinance which requires a five-foot border around the garden but that it’s not being followed on this property.She is concerned about the liability of individuals on her property attending to the garden and feels that insurance needs to be required and that the ordinance needs to be followed. Reverend James Hailey addressed the Council and reported that there will be a Juneteenth celebration this year and that Allen Chapel will be participating in some way. Ty and Susan Thompson addressed the Council and stated that his father,James Thompson, started the family farm and he and his family have continued it for the last 33 years.In 2017 he and his wife moved to town so that their son and his family could live at the family farm.He stated that the City is wasting money on a project that would flood their land and reiterated that their property is not for sale and nor do they want to be annexed into the City. Susan Thompson stated that their farm holds memories and a legacy of agriculture,which would be deleted if the project were to proceed.She added that many family farms are passed down for generations and wants the project halted for the benefit of the community. Sue Dickinson addressed the Council and stated that she has lived in Galesburg since 1979, worked in the school district and is a volunteer in the community.She indicated that there are some Council Members that she cannot trust and felt that the failure to approve the replacement for the Ward Five was an embarrassment.Council Members should have been prepared by reading the appointment memo ahead of time and addressed any questions prior to the meeting.Dickinson also stated that the Council needs to listen to people who are saying no to the Lake Storey expansion,especially if they ’ve hired an attorney.She urged Council to vote on the item now and that they owe it to the citizens,not to Edgewater. John and Ranee Collura addressed the Council and thanked the Police Department for all they do but added that they need more resources.She stated that as part of the “broken window ” theory,something needs to be done about vacant homes,crime,etc.to eliminate these blighted areas.She asked that the City look into land banks and suggested research on a plan Peoria recently adopted.They also believe that the Lake Storey project should be abandoned and the funding put towards neighborhoods to fix what is broken in the community now.They also inquired about the Kleine and Martin housing projects and their status. Darla Krejci addressed the Council and defined the “sunk cost fallacy ”and believes that the Lake Storey study is an example of this idea.She stated that this fallacy applies to money and decision making and is based on a perceived investment.She added that Edgewater has been paid and that the City now needs to move on since the reality is that the project is not plausible and these are sunk, or lost, costs. Corey Malley addressed the Council and stated that he does not want an expanded lake or join our city.He has talked to a majority of people and believes that they all feel the same way.He May 17, 2021 Page 4 of 10 added that an attorney has been hired and legal action will be taken.Malley noted that Council Member Hix ’s mother-in-law lives near him and it ’s his understanding that Hix and his wife have been caring for her.He feels that Mr.Hix would make a lot of money if the project went through. Ron Hunt addressed the Council and stated that he has read the article in the newspaper and does not believe that the lake would ever fill up sufficiently. Reverend Jowers addressed the Council and commended City Manager Thompson and the Police and Fire Departments on the great jobs they are doing,as well as the Mayor.He believes the Council is being tone deaf, not listening to the families, and needs to take action. Zeph and Blair Thompson addressed the Council asking to resubmit a letter from their attorneys and stated that the entire project is a pipe dream.Council should be looking at other areas of town,specifically the run down hotel near the new library location and the former bowling alley.Ms.Thompson added that she has sent many emails and has received very few responses.They live on their family farm and are expanding their cattle operations,installing fences,and planting,all of which would be destroyed.They added that it ’s time for the Council to vote on the item and quit wasting money. Pastor Vince Marolla addressed the Council and quoted a Bible verse from Matthew regarding taking care of the least and doesn’t understand how this project would serve the people in our community who are at the poverty level.He added that we are all called to be stewards of what we’ve been given and flooding and destroying others property isn’t a good use of stewardship. He encouraged the Council to vote no. Kevin Malley addressed the Council and stated that this issue has brought conservatives and liberals together to oppose the project.He further stated that contrary to what the comments were in the newspaper article,the study says that land value would increase by 300 percent, not 150 or 250 percent,with a price tag of $26 million for the entire project.He also believes that Council Member Hix is in favor of the project in order to get rich on the real estate sales and that he has a conflict of interest socially, professionally,and personally. Liz Gardner addressed the Council and stated that she applauded the people who are pushing to end the Lake Storey project and feels that the expansion is a scheme and was made without transparency.She feels that there have been small groups behind the scenes and encouraged Council to listen to the community,have integrity,and not move forward with the project.She stressed that they need to serve the whole community and not meet secretly to discuss the issue and stressed that she cannot trust or support four of the Council Members. Nikki Malley asked the Council to resolve the issue of the Lake Storey Expansion Project so that people can stop living in limbo,stressing about the future and being in a state of uncertainty. She added that they are owed that courtesy and wondered what the metric was that the Council needed for the project.Individuals have stressed they are not willing to sell their property and have sent emails,letters,etc.She asked Council to imagine what kind of partners the people could become if they supported a project and could harness all this energy. May 17, 2021 Page 5 of 10 Stephen Fineberg addressed the Council and stated that he is a professor of the classics at Knox College and while he has no self-interest in the project he does oppose it.He commented that he grew up in the city but moved into a rural area 40 years ago and values the community around him. He believes that someone is profiting from the project and that it’s a scam. Brother Shabazz addressed the Council stating that he stands in solidarity with those that oppose the Lake Storey project.He indicated that an alderman was arrested twice recently and that drug addiction is a public health issue.She needs to seek treatment and feels this was a cry for help.He added that she has no business holding a seat on the Council and should step down and resign.He further stated that she is not in the right state of mind to conduct any City business. Bruce Weik addressed the Council and stated that he has talked to many about Lake Storey and that he believes it is a poor economic development project and instead an act of desperation, much like the logistics park,hotel development,and the Railroad Hall of Fame.He noted that these will not pull the community out of its decline but that the new census shows the City has lost population.He commented that economic development needs to happen in the neighborhoods,which would draw people to Galesburg.He stressed that compassion needs to be shown to Council Member Hillery and that she may need help with a treatment plan and recovery. Jim Jacobs addressed the Council and stated that Galesburg is a racist community but not unique.He indicated that he does not know the personal circumstances of Council Member Hillery but that if the same thing had happened to Council Member White people would have been lined up outside asking for his resignation.He stressed that she should resign and seek help. Public comments received via email have been added as an addendum to this record. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT City Manager Thompson reported that there will be a Work Session held on Tuesday,June 1st and that an agenda is being prepared.He also added that the Parks &Recreation Department is seeking part-time seasonal employees and would encourage interested individuals to apply on the City ’s website.Director Oligney-Estill stated that the pay is minimum wage and they are seeking individuals who are 16 or older. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.) 21-4049 Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Jaclyn Smith-Esters for the Ward Five Council Member vacancy with the term expiring 2023. Council Member Dennis stated that he voted no at the last meeting because he wanted to meet with Mayor Schwartzman and Smith-Esters.Both he and Council Member Hix thanked Smith-Esters for meeting with them. May 17, 2021 Page 6 of 10 Roll Call #8: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. 21-4052 Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve a purchase agreement for the acquisition of the vacant lot on the northeast corner of south Seminary Street and Mulberry Street, formerly known as 139 South Seminary Street. Roll Call #9: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. 21-4053 Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,to approve a Downtown Facade Grant Redeveloper Agreement with Benedict Developers,LLC for the property located at 185 South Kellogg Street in an amount not to exceed $80,000 or 50 percent of the estimated project costs or 50 percent of the actual final project costs, whichever is less. Council Member White asked that this corner,South Kellogg and Tompkins Street,be looked at since construction on the project is causing a hazard where motorists cannot see traffic heading south on Kellogg Street.The City Manager noted that the Traffic Advisory Committee would review the location. Roll Call #10: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. 21-4054 Council Member Hillery moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve a Tax Increment Financing Redeveloper Agreement with Benedict Developers,LLC for the property located at 185 South Kellogg Street in the amount of $270,607.02. Roll Call #11: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. 21-4055 May 17, 2021 Page 7 of 10 Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Hillery,to approve the collective bargaining agreement between PSEO (Police)and the City of Galesburg through December 31, 2023. Roll Call #12: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. 21-4056 Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve the 2021 Classification and Salary Schedule for Police employees. Roll Call #13: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member White,that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote. TOWN BUSINESS 21-9010 Trustee Hillery moved,seconded by Trustee Cox,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same. Fund Title Amount Town Fund $8,317.69 General Assistance Fund $3,663.08 IMRF Fund $2,355.26 Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,467.17 Liability Fund Audit Fund Total $16,803.20 Roll Call #14: Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, White, Davis,and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:None Chairman declared motion carried. Trustee White moved,seconded by Trustee Hillery,to resume sitting as the City Council.The motion carried by voice vote. CLOSING COMMENTS May 17, 2021 Page 8 of 10 Council Member Hix thanked the Firefighters for hosting a golf outing this past Saturday and is looking forward to it next year. Council Member Davis thanked the residents of Galesburg and the surrounding area for attending and making their opinions and concerns clear and reminding the Council that they represent all of Galesburg.She thanked everyone for bringing important issues to their attention. Mayor Schwartzman thanked Golf Pro Bryan Luedtke,Steve Cheeseman,and the Golf Commission for the scholarship presentation tonight.He also thanked the American Legion Auxiliary for the presentation of the first poppy in honor of Poppy Days.He added that both his grandfathers were veterans and expressed his thanks and gratitude for all. The Mayor announced that his Mayor ’s Appreciation Award is being given to Suzie Baker.Ms. Baker has served Galesburg citizens for over thirty years as an emergency room registered nurse at OSF/St.Mary Medical Center.He thanked her for her dedication and hard work to the community.On a personal note,he added that Ms.Baker was his neighbor and helped him with an emergency with his oldest daughter many years ago. Mayor Schwartzman reiterated that a Work Session will be held on Tuesday,June 1st,with several components as part of the agenda.He encouraged the public to attend and be involved. The Mayor also thanked the members of PSEO for the agreement and their outstanding work. Mayor Schwartzman echoed the positive comments that were made about our community and added that there is tremendous opportunity for us to move in a positive direction;we just have to figure out what that is.He is looking forward to exploring that direction in the next several months and hopes the public shares their vision for the community as well. There being no further business,Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member White, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call #15: 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 17, 2021 Page 9 of 10 Kelli Bennewitz <kbennewi@ci.galesburg.il.us> Ward 5 1 message Katie Adelsberger Wed, May 5, 2021 at 12:59 PM To: public@ci.galesburg.il.us Galesburg City Council, As a Ward 5 resident I do not appreciate being disenfranchised by your refusal to seat Mayor Schwartzman's replacement, especially considering that the Mayor can seat whomever he chooses after you have rejected him twice. Residents in Ward 5 deserve a voice on the council during upcoming meetings, and we would appreciate your focus on representing the people of Galesburg instead of making empty political gestures that have no long-term staying power. Thank you, . Kelli Bennewitz <kbennewi@ci.galesburg.il.us> (no subject) 1 message Angelica Mangieri Sat, May 15, 2021 at 4:41 PM To: public@ci.galesburg.il.us To whom it may concern, As a citizen I felt compelled to write about my feelings on the Lake Storey Expansion. I don't believe it's in Galesburg's best interest at this time, nor do I believe the City went about conducting research spending an exorbitant amount of money without rst asking residents if it was something we wanted.  I certainly don't want to displace home and land owners just to do the project either.  I think our focus to revamp parks and other green spaces should be redirected to the South side of town. For example, a botanical garden that features Mosaiculture art (living plant statues and topiaries) would not only beautify the South side, but also enhance tourism. All without displacing people from their homes and farm land.  I hope council members will reconsider their vote for the lake storey expansion, but it would seem the majority of residents don't want it.  Thank you for your time. Kelli Bennewitz <kbennewi@ci.galesburg.il.us> Continued opposition to Lake Storey Expansion 1 message Kathryn Koca Polite Mon, May 17, 2021 at 9:45 AM To: public@ci.galesburg.il.us Dear Mayor Schwartzman and City Council, I write again to share my continued, strong opposition to the approval of Phase II study of the Lake Storey Expansion. Recent reports have reinforced my concern – that there was a lack of planning and transparency (no environmental impact study or statement prior to Phase I), continued disrespect to landowners and preposterous latitudes by a council member that imply current landowners would somehow benet from this project (how is losing their family's land a positive outcome?), and a refusal to let the expansion project die, disregarding the majority of the community (and landowners at risk). City leadership has not proven to me that this is a worthwhile project (nor have they reached out in surveys/roundtables/etc. to actually gather opinions and feedback), and specically how this would benet the entire Galesburg community and not simply a few individuals. Again, I believe this project should not move forward into Phase II and should be taken off the table permanently. Respectfully, Katie Koca Polite Kelli Bennewitz <kbennewi@ci.galesburg.il.us> Lake expansion 1 message Lyle Austin Sat, May 15, 2021 at 6:14 PM To: public@ci.galesburg.il.us Council members, I,m Lyle Austin, at My property, which has been in my family since 1957, would be the rst property under water if Lake Storey is expanded. Since all of my property would be ooded, I wouldn"t benet in any rise in property value, as a Larry Cox has suggested. Does he think that anyone who would lose property cares about the arbitrary value of what is left? If you aren't interested in selling, why would you care what someone else thinks your property is worth, unless you want to pay higher property taxes? My neighbors and I are only interested in what our property is worth to us. Mr Cox also suggested that the city does not intend to buy our property low and sell high. I read this in the Register Mail and immediately checked a mirror to see if I had STUPID tattooed on my forehead. Of course not, Mr. Cox, I'm sure you would be happy to pay what my home is worth to me. Please, do your rural neighbors a favor, and tend to city problems (you have plenty) and leave our homes alone. We don't live inside the city limits for a lot of reasons. Thank you, Lyle Austin Virus-free. www.avast.com Kelli Bennewitz <kbennewi@ci.galesburg.il.us> Lake Storey Expansion 1 message John Pazereskis Mon, May 17, 2021 at 2:34 PM To: public@ci.galesburg.il.us Dear Galesburg  City Council, Please, once and for all, eliminate any and all plans to study an expansion of Lake Storey.  Ours is one of the  houses that would be impacted by any such expansion.  We bought our house, that we love, in 1985, and have lived here ever since.  We’re old (81 and 80) and do not want to move, so we do  not want to have to sell our house at any price.  But it’s not just us and our house.  There are all the other people whose houses and properties, whose farm land and property would be effected.  I’ve yet to hear of one person who would be effected, who was in favor of the plan.  Plus there is the wild life, the foxes and deer, the rabbits and ground hogs, the hawks and hell divers who live in the valley who would be evicted by any expansion. So, please, just stop this plan and planning so those effected can get on with their lives. Sincerely, John and Dorothy Pazereskis Kelli Bennewitz <kbennewi@ci.galesburg.il.us> Lake Storey Expansion 1 message Donna Swigart Mon, May 17, 2021 at 4:36 PM To: "public@ci.galesburg.il.us" <public@ci.galesburg.il.us> The Lake Storey Expansion needs to be eliminated. The city of Galesburg needs a lot of work and spending money should be spent elsewhere. Empty buildings torn down, new business that create jobs, the violence and drugs are out of control. Mr Cox stated that this project needs to be explored. Mr Cox also stated that it could increase the value of homes and land. We wouldn’t have a home or our land, it would be underwater! This would destroy farm land, nature, wildlife and 8 homes would be destroyed!!! I say NO Richard and Donna Swigart Sent from my iPhone Kelli Bennewitz <kbennewi@ci.galesburg.il.us> Lake Story expansion 1 message Linda Tippey Sat, May 15, 2021 at 10:34 AM To: public@ci.galesburg.il.us My husband and I appeal to the council to vote NO to any expansion of Lake Story. Let  us move on to more important topics like improving roads in Galesburg, getting tougher on Landlords that do not take care of their rentals and tearing down abandoned houses in town..just for starters. Thank you, Linda and Norman Tippey Kelli Bennewitz <kbennewi@ci.galesburg.il.us> Oppose Lake Storey Expansion 1 message liz Gardner Mon, May 17, 2021 at 12:16 PM To: public@ci.galesburg.il.us May 17, 2021   Dear City Councilors,   I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Lake Storey Expansion and toward one more cent being spent on studies.    Please drop this initiative and move on to working towards publicly-supported plans for Galesburg.   I would also like to encourage you to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Aldermen/women (Councilors) without further delay.   Thank you, Liz Gardner  Kelli Bennewitz <kbennewi@ci.galesburg.il.us> Please do Not expand Lake Storey 1 message Ted Tourlentes Mon, May 17, 2021 at 2:51 PM To: Galesburg City Council <public@ci.galesburg.il.us> Dear Galesburg City Council, Please do Not expand Lake Storey.  Please do Not fund a Phase Two Lake Storey study.  Please do Not force any houses to be demolished.  Please do Not destroy any farmland by ooding.  Please do Not destroy and ood over 400 acres of habitats and biodiversity. Sincerely, Ted Tourlentes Kelli Bennewitz <kbennewi@ci.galesburg.il.us> Public comment for 5/17/21 1 message zeph_thompson Mon, May 17, 2021 at 11:35 AM To: public@ci.galesburg.il.us To the city leaders and public of Galesburg.        My name is Zeph Thompson and I have been a member of this community since birth, and while I went to college and obtained a degree in Physics and Mathmatics, I returned to Galesburg to farm and raise a family. The life that I had growing up was something I wanted my children to have too.  My wife also grew up here and graduated from Carl Sandburg Community college.         Our home is the farm house pasture and cropland that my father lived on his whole life. My Grandfather and widowed great grandmother purchased it after the death of state senator Wallace Thompson. This home lies in the affected area of the lake Storey expansion feasibility study.  I am here to declare my staunch opposition to the project, and make a few points about the manner of its proceeding.         First, I have reattached the letter that my fellow landowners and I comissioned from Shay Law LTD, who I have engaged to oppose this project. I believe this letter speaks for itself.         Second, the project presented as feasible is a pipe dream. The slide show presented to the council by edgewater on 9/28/2020, which is far more informative than the released report, contains multiple red ags for me. Here are two. Slide 53 implies that someone, probably a city entity will acquire 100 acres for $7000/ac and sell to a developer for $20,000/ac.  Slide 27 includes $754,000 for "clearing and grubbing" which would involve the bulldozing of most of the trees on this home farm that I grew up on and my 6 and 8 year old are growing up on currently.         Third, I learned of this potential project from a neighbor while at a cattle salt to buy cows for that pasture. Not from former Mayor Pritcherd, who is in rotary with my mother and has my parents personal numbers. Not from councilman Hix who has family with property bordering my home farm and as I understand it spends lots of time there.  Instead, a company from Wisconsin was brought in to do a study, and we didnt hear from them either, although they manager to get drone photos involving my home.  I see this as the equivalent of me campaigning publicly for an idea of how to improve my neighbors property, without rst asking my neighbor if it could be for sale or rent.           If the members of the council and the people of galesburg are desirous of a public lake large enough for boating I believe every watershed in the area should be explored for this purpose, not just Lake storey. Perhaps Edgewater could put together a couple more slideshows for the $50000 already paid to them. Further, I believe the city should have other priorities like the closed bowling alley or dilapidated hotel across from the brand new Library being built. I am sure the residents of this community could come up with a better use for the $26 million proposed in this project initial study, which is too low by half in my estimation. 2021.01.04 Letter to Galesburg City Council.pdf 66K Kelli Bennewitz <kbennewi@ci.galesburg.il.us> Representation for Ward 5 1 message Eric Meling Fri, May 7, 2021 at 12:34 PM To: Public@ci.galesburg.il.us Dear City Counsel, I am extremely disappointed in the anti-democratic attempt to alienate Ward 5 citizens made by Galesburg aldermen. We deserve representation, and Mayor Schwartzman deserves to choose his replacement. The petty grandstanding of the aldermen who blocked his replacement can do nothing but harm our city. Sincerely, Eric Meling Ward 5 Citizen.