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Home My WebLink About07062021City_Council_Meeting_MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting City Council Chambers 55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois July 6, 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. Pastor Tony Franklin, Full Gospel Church, gave the invocation. Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from June 21, 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 #2021-13 All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. 21-2018 Approve Resolution 21-16 approving a revised and restated Flexible Spending Arrangement for current City employees as of January 1, 2021. 21-2019 Approve Resolution 21-17 authorizing the acquisition of permanent easements for the South Street Storm Sewer Replacement Project. 21-8012 Approve bills in the amount of $805,646.12 and advance checks in the amount of $488,002.62. Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Consent Agenda 2021-13. Roll Call #3: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None July 6, 2021 Page 1 of 7 Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote. PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 21-1011 Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve Ordinance 21-3640 on final reading amending Traffic Appendix X of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to restrict parking on the north side of Knox Street near Whitesboro Street during school hours only. Roll Call #4: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. 21-1012 Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve Ordinance 21-3641 on final reading amending Traffic Appendix V of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to restrict parking on Pine Street across from 421 Pine Street. Roll Call #5: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. 21-1013 Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve Ordinance 21-3642 on final reading amending Traffic Appendix D of Chapter 76 of the Galesburg Municipal Code designating the intersection of Kellogg Street and Tompkins Street as a four-way stop intersection. Discussion was held on the current traffic counts vs.the 2013 and Director Carl stated they have doubled since that time.It was also noted that the visibility is very difficult from the north and that it is anticipated that traffic will increase based on the new business at the intersection. Roll Call #6: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. 21-1014 Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 92 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to establish hours for the cemeteries and scattering garden.The ordinance will be amended to include after July 6, 2021 Page 2 of 7 hour consent can be given by a City Manager designee as well as the Parks &Recreation Director. BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC COMMENT Pam Davidson addressed the Council as a resident of Ward Three and encouraged Council Member Hillery to resign her seat on the City Council.She added that as an elected official she should be honorable and is not representing the Ward.She will be bringing a petition for her resignation to the next meeting if she does not step down. Carlos Duncan and John Peterson,representing the Galesburg Youth Athletic Club,stated that they are bringing a new free four-week program to the community called “Gloves Not Guns.” The program will focus on boxing and fitness and will feature different community speakers. They noted that they are working with Steve Gugliotta,Community Development Acting Director,for assistance on transportation.It was also suggested by the Council that GYAC possibly advertise the need for scholarships in order to help with the cost. Duncan also made the Council aware that the Regional Office of Education in partnership with the NAACP and United Way is bringing the Mobile Museum of Tolerance to Galesburg,July 19-21.The museum will offer three workshops:Civil Rights,The Anne Frank Story,and The Power of Ordinary People. Ranee Collura addressed the Council regarding illegal fireworks that have been happening at all hours.She stressed that in the future the problem needs to be addressed and that the City needs to have stricter rules. Kevin Wallace addressed the Council and stated that he is part of the South Side Task Force.He thanked Aaron Gavin for the no parking signs near him,which is behind the Grand Tap tavern. He would like the City to consider a four-way stop at Baird Street and Michigan Avenue or an adjustment of the speed limit. Reverend Hailey addressed the Council and stated that he is proud of the GYAC vision and would challenge everyone to get involved and help sponsor the program.He added he has lived here three years and is sad to see our community leaders in the newspaper for the wrong reasons. He urged the Council to address the situation. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT City Manager Thompson thanked Mr.Wallace for his comments and invited him to talk to Director Wayne Carl after the meeting about the traffic situation on Baird Avenue. He also noted that the City is concerned about the fireworks and has met with Chief Idle about the issue.Extra officers were used and over 200 calls were received about illegal fireworks.He July 6, 2021 Page 3 of 7 added that it will be a challenge to respond to all other calls (over 900)but that they are working to improve the situation. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.) 21-4064 Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve change orders 1 to 6 for the Phase IV replacement of lead water service lines in the amount of $110,274.50. 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. 21-4065 Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Hix,to authorize the Galesburg Police Department to apply for an Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS)Bearcat armored rescue vehicle that is available from the State of Illinois.If awarded,there is no cost to the City except maintenance. Council Member White stated that he is concerned about the appearance of the vehicle and that the perception is that this is a swat vehicle.Chief Idle confirmed that there are no weapons on the rescue vehicle and will be used to keep citizens and officers safe and gives the Police Department tactical options if needed. 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. Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote. TOWN BUSINESS 21-9014 Trustee Cox moved,seconded by Trustee Smith-Esters,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same. Fund Title Amount Town Fund $1,835.28 General Assistance Fund $2,414.22 July 6, 2021 Page 4 of 7 IMRF Fund $4,815.03 Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,481.03 Liability Fund Audit Fund Total $11,545.56 Roll Call #9: Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis,and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Trustee Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. Trustee White moved,seconded by Trustee Cox,to resume sitting as the City Council.The motion carried by voice vote. CLOSING COMMENTS Council Member White thanked the City for supporting GYAC and for the great program being presented by Carlos Duncan.He added that Mr.Duncan is a role model and mentor to him and is thankful for any assistance that the City can provide. Council Member Smith-Esters stated that she read an Associated Press article entitled Galesburg,an American crossroad,tunes out feuding Congress.She stated that it was an enlightening read and those interviewed seemed to think that Galesburg lives in a vacuum and is not bothered by things such as racism.She believes that we are not a static community and that the sooner all realize this,the sooner we will become a better community.Failures need to be used as learning moments --without failures we cannot grow or celebrate our successes. She asked all community members to have a mantra of “we can do better,”and to join in the process of making the City of Galesburg a city of possibilities and dreams.She asked everyone to be “present at the table”and to contact your Council Member.She quoted Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Council Member Sarah Davis thanked everyone for their comments tonight and that several issues are being addressed.She sincerely hopes that as the community leadership the Council can find ways to move forward and resolve some of the issues discussed tonight.She encouraged everyone to follow the Public Library ’s Facebook page for interesting updates and be part of the development adventure. Council Member Hix thanked Carlos Duncan and John Peterson for their work with GYAC.He also stated that he is looking forward to the John Deere Classic this week. Mayor Schwartzman announced that his Mayor ’s Appreciation Award is being given to Henry Wooten,a veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division (1972-1976)and an essential worker at Knox College for 21 years. July 6, 2021 Page 5 of 7 The Mayor stated that Railroad Days was a success this year and thanked Dennis Clark for his work on the event.He also congratulated Bunker Links and Golf Pro Bryan Luedtke on being named one of the 30 best golf courses,and one of six in the Midwest,listed in GOLF Magazine. He also announced that Galesburg Youth Baseball League will be hosting the 9 and 11-year-old Illinois Cal Ripken Baseball Tournament at Voyles Field from July 9 through July 11.Games on Friday are at 1 pm and 3 pm.Games on Saturday are at 11 am and 1 pm.The championship games will be played Sunday at 11 am and 1 pm.He added that as part of the tournament events, GYBL will also be hosting a home run derby on Friday, July 9. Mayor Schwartzman encouraged people to get vaccinated in order to avoid the delta strain of virus that is creeping into our community and causing more pain and anguish for families. Lastly,the Mayor thanked all the citizens who contacted the City about the challenges with Waste Management.He and the City Manager have met with the regional Waste Management director and believes there has been a marketed improvement in service.He stated that it is a very challenging situation and that they are having issues with finding employees.Anyone interested in a job with the company can contact the City for information. Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member White,to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:25 p.m.for the purpose of discussing litigation and approval of the minutes from the May 17, 2021, executive session meeting (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (11) and (21). Roll Call #10: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman,Allen, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. During the Executive Session,Council Member Smith-Estersmoved,seconded by Council Member White, to adjourn the Executive Session at 7:19 p.m. Roll Call #11: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman,Allen, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. There being no further business,Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:19 p.m. Roll Call #12: Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman,Allen, and Cox, 6. Nays:None Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. Peter D. Schwartzman, Mayor July 6, 2021 Page 6 of 7 Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk July 6, 2021 Page 7 of 7