HomeMy WebLinkAbout06072021City Council Meeting Minutes5:25 p.m.Pride Month Proclamation
Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
June 7, 2021
5:30 p.m.
Called to order by Mayor Peter Schwartzman at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call #1:Present:Mayor Peter Schwartzman,Council Members Bradley Hix,Wayne Dennis,
Dwight White,Jaclyn Smith-Esters,Sarah Davis,and Larry Cox,7.Absent:Council Member
Lindsay Hillery,1.Also Present:City Manager Todd Thompson,City Attorney Bradley Nolden,
and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz. Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Dave Scholl, Galesburg Rescue Mission, gave the invocation.
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve the minutes
of the City Council’s regular meeting from May 17,2021.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2021-11
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
21-2011
Approve Resolution 21-08 authorizing the submission of the Section 5311 and the Downstate
Public Transit Operating Assistance Grant applications for the period July 1,2021,through June
30,2022.Approve Resolution 21-09 authorizing the acceptance of Special Warrant 5333(b)and
Certificates of Assurances.
21-2012
Approve Resolution 21-10 to reappoint Gloria P. Osborn as the City Treasurer.
21-2013
Approve Resolution 21-11 approving the local share of funds required for the Rebuild Illinois
Airport Capital Improvement Program.The City ’s share for costs for all three projects is
estimated at $128,500.
June 7, 2021 Page 1 of 8
21-2014
Approve Resolution 21-12 authorizing the temporary closure of Main Street for the 2021
Railroad Days festival.
21-3016
Approve the bid from Brown Excavation &Demolition in the amount of $89,313 for the
demolition and clean-up of six properties:
1.711 Avenue A
2.421-423 Monmouth Boulevard
3.844 North Farnham Street
4.358 Huston Street
5.89 Arnold Street
6.84 Blaine Avenue
21-3017
Approve the bid from Lockwood Excavating &Construction in the amount of $76,354 for the
sidewalk replacement on Kellogg Street and Tompkins Street.
21-4057
Approve the purchase of insurance coverage for City liability,property,and vehicles,from the
Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association.
21-5011
Receive the Transit Audit Reports for the state fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.
21-5012
Received the Investment Schedule as of March 31, 2021.
21-8010
Approve bills in the amount of $757,974.14 and advance checks in the amount of $620,784.40.
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Consent Agenda
2021-11.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
Mayor Schwartzman announced that agenda item 21-4061 would be moved and discussed at
this time.
21-4061
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Budget
Adjustment #2 for the budget year ending December 31,2021,to remove the Phase II Lake
Storey expansion study.
June 7, 2021 Page 2 of 8
Council Member Hix stated that part of the project,if built within 5-7 years,could have
potentially increased our property tax income to $5 million.He noted that with an aging
community,a lot more people are taking advantage of senior exemptions or freezes.He added
that if the project does not move forward and is rejected,that in the long run it could cause
property taxes to increase.
Council Member Cox stated that he believes that every Council Member here wants what ’s best
for all of Galesburg and believes that no one serves on the Council just for their own benefit.
He stated that he does believe an expanded lake would be good for the Community,but that
this project as proposed may not be the right fit at this time.He stated that there are many
good ideas or projects that do not become reality,but that he will not stop trying to make
Galesburg a better place.
Council Member Dennis reported that before he made his decision for the vote tonight,he
obtained a list of voters in his ward and planned to call 100 residents but stopped when he
reached 79 who were against the Lake Storey project moving forward.
Council Member Davis stated that she agrees that the Council is here to serve the entire
community of Galesburg but that in order to serve the community they should be serving “the
least of these” and how any project would serve them.
Council Member White stated that as a lifelong resident of Galesburg he too wants to see
Galesburg grow and prosper.He spent a lot of time at Lake Storey when he was younger when
it was separated and he wants to see it grow but is not sure this project would be for everyone
in the community.He hopes there are other projects that could be put together which would
benefit the entire City.
Corine Andersen addressed the Council regarding the Lake Storey project as a former Council
Member and explained the rationale behind the initial scope of the project.She stated that the
main focus was the increase of recreation amenities,the attraction of new population,and to
increase the tax base.She pointed out that the next step was to be the second study,needed
for communication and community input and noted that there was no predetermined plan for
the project.She believes it would be a virtue to have this study in order to utilize our most
appreciated asset.She encouraged the Council to talk to people and walk the parameters of the
proposed project.
Mayor Schwartzman reminded citizens that public comments are limited to three minutes.
Jill Marasa addressed the Council and stated that she has heard many statements made against
the second study and the project but questions how in good conscience the Council could allow
the negative effect to the people affected by the project.She stated that the underlying
principles of any community should be the fairness,respect,and concern for our neighbors.
She urged the Council to vote no and not to explore eminent domain.
Jessica Esters addressed the Council as a local realtor and asked them to consider keeping the
Phase II Study on the table and to use it as it was intended,to seek input from the public.She
June 7, 2021 Page 3 of 8
stated that the housing market right now is facing a huge shortage and gave numbers on
availability.She encouraged the Council to let the study play out and to seek a discussion from
the community.She added that she is frustrated with the Knox County Board for putting
pressure on the Council for voting down the study.
Ranee Collura addressed the Council and stated that she has lived in Galesburg her entire life
and understands some of the statistics about the housing shortage but wondered if anyone has
walked around town and looked at the inner city streets with all the abandoned and empty
properties.She noted that they have been like this for years,many rotting and decaying,and
urged the Council to put their energy and money into what we already have at this time.
Blair Thompson addressed the Council and stated that it was her hope that after tonight she
could take a deep breath and watch the Council vote no on this project.She understands that it
is easy to understand this project if you have something to gain but if it is your home,dream,
job,and legacy,then this project is obviously insane.She and her family have been stressed,
worried,and anxious,and reminded everyone that farmers benefit the community too.She
reiterated that their property is not for sale and urged Council to stop the project.
April Jackson addressed the Council and stated that she believes this is a bad project that is
operating from a place of greed,which has no place in civic leadership.She stated that the
project would not help everyone in the community and that basic equality needs to be a factor.
Zach Shaw addressed the Council as a realtor in the community and understands the pros and
cons of the project.He agreed that the local housing stock is low but that the homes talked
about for this project at $200,000+would not be priced for many people.As a realtor,he
cannot support eminent domain.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Dennis, Smith-Esters, and Davis,3.
Nays:Council Members Hix and Cox, 2.
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Abstain:Council Member White, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to suspend the
rules and move agenda item 21-1009 and 21-1010 to final reading.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Council Members Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Abstain:Council Member Hix, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1009
June 7, 2021 Page 4 of 8
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve
Ordinance 21-3638 on final reading establishing Knox County as the territorial boundaries for
the provision of public transportation services in the City of Galesburg.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Abstain:Council Member Hix, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1010
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Ordinance
21-3639 on final reading authorizing the submission of the Section 5311 and Downstate Public
Transit Operating Assistance Grant applications for the period of July 1,2021,through June 30,
2022, to provide public transportation.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
21-3018
Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve the bid from All
Weather Courts,Inc.in the amount of $51,800 for the installation of pickleball courts at the
former Bateman Park tennis courts.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Smith-Esters, Davis,and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Abstain:Council Member White, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Shawn Skinner addressed the Council and stated that he is a native but has broken laws and
been involved with drugs in his past.He is concerned about the recent thefts,burglaries and
the meth epidemic.He explained that with God’s power he is better and is on a straight path.
He is asking all City leaders to seek Him in order to bless our town.He suggested a program
where volunteers could sign up to help mow lawns at no charge for many who are unable to do
their own so that they don’t receive any fines or fees.
Dennis Clark,Galesburg Railroad Days (June 24th -27th),addressed the Council and explained
that he has been with the event for 17 years but will step down as the chairman after this year.
He noted that the loss of Jim Clayton and Larry Anglund will have an effect on the model train
June 7, 2021 Page 5 of 8
show and the event as a whole.He stated that next year,the organizers will be Julie King and
Tony Oligney-Estill,who will be supported by 25 non profits who are involved in the event.He
thanked the Council for their support as well as Chief Idle and the Galesburg Police Department.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
21-4058
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve an
intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the
maintenance of traffic control devices through June 30, 2031.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4059
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve a $2
million forgivable loan agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency through the
Public Water Supply Loan Program for the replacement of lead water services lines (Phase V).
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4060
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve a
request from Galesburg Railroad Days for $11,250 for the June 24-27, 2021, event.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
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
21-9011
Trustee Cox moved,seconded by Trustee Davis,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in
payment of same.
June 7, 2021 Page 6 of 8
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $1,647.97
General Assistance Fund $4,496.60
IMRF Fund $2,398.88
Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,154.43
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $10,697.88
Roll Call #12:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis,and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Trustee Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-9012
Trustee Davis moved,seconded by Trustee Smith-Esters,to receive the Town of the City of
Galesburg Annual Financial Report for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis,and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Trustee Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Trustee Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Trustee Cox,to resume sitting as the City Council.
The motion carried by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Davis thanked all the residents of Galesburg and the surrounding area who
came to the meeting to speak and make their concerns known.She added that it takes a lot of
courage to step to the podium and address the Council and she appreciates those who did so to
help them better understand the issues.
Council Member Smith-Esters thanked the constituents of Ward 5 for the support on her
appointment and added that she does not take the responsibility lightly.She vowed to always
listen and have an open door policy and encouraged anyone with questions to reach out to her.
Council Member White thanked former Council Member Andersen for speaking on the Lake
Storey project and added that her comments struck him in a different way.He wants Galesburg
to grow but believes the City needs to find a new project,be transparent,and work together to
move forward.
Council Member Dennis expressed that he and other Council Members have been getting calls
regarding delays from Waste Management from constituents.He stated that he has talked to
June 7, 2021 Page 7 of 8
the company and that they are in dire need of drivers and are bringing employees from Peoria
here to assist. He asked for everyone’s patience.
Council Member Hix stated that he hopes the City can find something that will help the
community and its economy.He reiterated that the lake project would have brought in upwards
of $5 million in property tax.He is concerned that property taxes will go up if the economy
doesn’t grow.
Mayor Schwartzman announced that this Mayor ’s Appreciation Award is being presented in
honor and memory of Dan Stoerzbach.Dan is honored for his dedication to the community for
many decades as an attorney,for the giving of his time and talents to local organizations,and
for his devotion and dignity throughout his life.The Mayor presented the certificate to Dan’s
wife, Cynthia, and daughter Kathryn.
Mayor Schwartzman also thanked his parents for being in attendance tonight who are in town
for his daughter ’s graduation.He also acknowledged Firefighters Joe Brignall and Kyle Harms on
receiving the Firefighters Executive Award.This is awarded for an act of service in the line of
duty,demonstrating excellence and professionalism in service to the citizens of the State of
Illinois. The official presentation of the award will take place in September.
The Mayor announced two events happening in June --Galesburg Railroad Days and the
Juneteenth celebration.He noted that Juneteenth is named so from the event June 19,1865,
when troops arrived in Texas and announced that slaves were free.
Mayor Schwartzman closed by noting that we reached a turning point in our community tonight
with a very divisive project that has endured many months.He has heard several Council
Members talk about reaching across barriers and he agrees with Council Member Hix that we
need a big idea in our community.He looks forward to the community sharing these ideas and
moving forward in a way where they can all be celebrated and not create division from the start.
He hopes a page has been turned today and that everyone can work together.
There being no further business,Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member
Cox, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m.
Roll Call #14:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Peter D. Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
June 7, 2021 Page 8 of 8