HomeMy WebLinkAbout07192021City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
July 19, 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.
Semenya McCord gave the invocation.
Presentation: Mike Mallatt, Baker Tilly, Fiscal Year 2020 Audit Presentation
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve the
minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from July 6, 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 #2021-14
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
21-4066
Approve the release of a utility easement for 1691 Outrigger Road.
21-5013
Receive the Fiscal Year 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
21-8013
Approve bills in the amount of $874,893.46 and advance checks in the amount of $320,257.49.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Consent
Agenda 2021-14.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
July 19, 2021 Page 1 of 6
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
21-1014
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Ordinance
21-3643 on final reading amending Chapter 92 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to establish
hours for the cemeteries and scattering garden.
Discussion was held on the possible difficulty in getting pre-approval to visit after hours and if
the hours should be changed to midnight to 4 a.m.City Manager Thompson noted that he
would give the Duty Office discretion and added that this ordinance is simply a tool and
wouldn’t be used to punish individuals who are legitimately visiting the cemetery.It was also
noted that the cemetery is not well lit and would not be the safest after dark.Chief Idle also
stated that the ordinance would allow for flexibility when issues arise such as damage,
destruction, and general mischief.
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to table agenda item
21-1014.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix,Dennis,White,Smith-Esters,Davis,and Mayor Schwartzman,
6.
Nays:Council Member Cox, 1.
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-2020
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve
Resolution 21-18 authorizing the transfer of $32,467.50 from the TIF II fund to the TIF IV fund.
These funds will be utilized to provide redeveloper assistance for eligible renovation costs for
the building at 311 East Main 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.
21-2021
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Resolution 21-19
authorizing the transfer of $52,764.89 from the TIF I fund to the TIF IV fund for the cost of
Ameren to relocate existing poles and lighting.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
July 19, 2021 Page 2 of 6
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Reverend Hailey,Allen Chapel A.M.E.,addressed the Council and thanked everyone for
attending the Juneteenth celebration.He noted that Allen Chapel takes great pride in being the
first black church in Galesburg (1853)and that they honor the struggles and celebrate the
victories.He hopes to have even more in attendance next year and thanked everyone for their
support.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A.July Traffic Advisory Committee report
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
21-4067
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve a facade
grant in an amount not to exceed $64,935 or 50%of the actual final project costs,whichever is
less, for 311 East Main Street.
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.
21-4068
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve Ameren
invoices in the amount of $52,764.89 for the relocating poles and removing existing lighting to
make room for ornamental street lighting on both sides of Main Street between Cedar Street
and Academy Street.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4069
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve external agency
funding requests and fund applications in the amounts listed below for a total
expenditure of $84,111.
July 19, 2021 Page 3 of 6
Organization Proposed
Bridgeway Inc.$ 2,500
Christmas In Action Galesburg $ 1,000
Cremation Assistance Foundation $ 500
Galesburg Community Chorus $ 2,961
Galesburg Heritage Days Living History Association,Inc.$ 8,000
Galesburg Lions Club - Fireworks $ -
Galesburg Symphony Society / Knox-Galesburg Symphony $ 8,750
Galesburg Youth Athletic Club $ 5,000
Habitat for Humanity of Knox County, IL $ 10,000
KCCDD $ 2,500
Knox County Fair Board Association $ 7,000
Knox County Scenic Drive $ 1,500
Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District $ -
National Stearman Fly-In, NFP, Inc.$ 8,750
New Limited Rods Of Western Illinois $ 3,000
Nova Singers $ 3,900
Railroad Days $ -
Salvation Army $ 5,000
The Great Balloon Race $ 6,250
United Way of Knox County (Unmet Needs)$ 5,000
VNA Community Services $ 2,500
Total $ 84,111
The consensus of the Council was to move forward in the future with a better process for
funding allocations and look at outsourcing the entire process.The City Manager noted that it
will be a topic for discussion at upcoming Budget Work Sessions.
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.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member White,that the City
Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
21-9016
Trustee Cox moved,seconded by Trustee Davis,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in
payment of same.
July 19, 2021 Page 4 of 6
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $5,026.46
General Assistance Fund $3,230.06
IMRF Fund $2,375.52
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $10,632.04
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis,and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Trustee Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Trustee Dennis moved,seconded by Trustee Smith-Esters,to resume sitting as the City Council.
The motion carried by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member White thanked all the organizers and event volunteers for attending the
meeting tonight.He added that they are what makes this community “go,”and appreciates the
hard work they do.
Council Member Smith-Esters stated that she believes anyone in an office of leadership should
have a higher level of responsibility.She understands that all people make mistakes;however
they should take full responsibility for their actions and ask for forgiveness.She added that she
is referring to herself,the Mayor,and other Council Members and elected officials,but more
importantly she is referring to Lindsay Hillery,Ward 3 Council Member.She stated that her
actions over these last few months have been an embarrassment to her constituents and
community.She stated that the Council cannot remove her from her Council position unless
she is convicted of a felony but does not understand why she would wait for such a public
hearing.
Council Member Smith-Esters made a public plea that she resign from her position as Third
Ward Council Member as she owes it to her constituents as well as the community.
Council Member Davis thanked everyone in attendance and stated that it is duly noted that they
all care about our community.She is looking forward to attending the events and seeing them
grow in the future.Council Member Davis also reminded everyone that the Mobile Museum of
Tolerance is here this week,July 19-21.The museum will offer three workshops:Civil Rights,
The Anne Frank Story, and The Power of Ordinary People.
Council Member Cox echoed what Council Member White stated and thanked all the volunteers
for their time and money on these events.He added that many of these organizations are not
for profits and he encouraged businesses and residents to support them with their donations of
time and money.
July 19, 2021 Page 5 of 6
Council Member Hix also thanked everyone in attendance and encouraged the community to
attend the Great Galesburg Balloon Race and Heritage Days.He also stated that he played in a
golf tournament on behalf of the Front Nine Foundation which helps children with serious
long-term mental illness.
Council Member Dennis thanked the City for their assistance on behalf of Carlos Duncan,John
Peterson,and the “Gloves Not Guns”initiative.He stated that the organization had 21 kids at
the last event and has received many donations.
Mayor Schwartzman announced that his Mayor ’s Appreciation Award is being given to Jerry
Vasquez,a disabled veteran of the Vietnam War and has served our community for over 40
years as a barber. He added that he admires his bravery and work ethic.
The Mayor also reminded the community about the Mobile Museum of Tolerance and
encouraged everyone to plan a visit.He also stated that the Council approved funding for 21
events/organization tonight,which equates to approximately $3 per resident.He hopes to work
on a better system for next year.He thanked all the volunteers and expressed that many people
have been touched by these organizations and events in our community.He’s encouraged to
see the list growing for great events with great people and volunteers.
Mayor Schwartzman stated that he has been berated with calls regarding the Third Ward
Council seat and explained that it is a difficult situation.He added that it is a serious matter and
that it ’s working its way through the courts and justice system.He hopes that the matter will be
resolved soon and that the Council Member gets needed help.He thanked the community for
showing tremendous support and asked for patience and resolve from the public.
There being no further business,Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council
Member Davis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:19 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.
Peter D. Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
July 19, 2021 Page 6 of 6