HomeMy WebLinkAbout08022021City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
August 2, 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.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.
A moment of silence was observed in lieu of an invocation.
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve the
minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from July 19, 2021.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2021-15
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
21-4070
Authorize the City Manager to renew the existing flood insurance policy with Selective
Insurance Company in the amount of $1,446 annually through September 2022 covering
property in the Mississippi River flood plain in Oquawka.
21-4071
Approve the quote from Supreme Radio Communications,Inc.in the amount of $21,240 for the
purchase of twenty Motorola radios for the Galesburg Fire Department to replace older and
failing radios. The 2% Foreign Fire Tax Board will be paying half the cost for the radios.
21-4072
Approve a Highway Authority Agreement for the right of way on South Seminary Street adjacent
to 390 East Simmons Street.
21-4073
August 2, 2021 Page 1 of 7
Approve a Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement for the right of way on South
Seminary Street adjacent to 390 East Simmons Street.
21-8014
Approve bills in the amount of $1,292,964.20 and advance checks in the amount of
$473,677.73.
Council Member Davis,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve Consent Agenda
2021-15.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Schwartzman reminded the audience and citizens that it is the City ’s policy to have two
readings for ordinances.On first reading,Council Members can discuss,provide feedback and
share their thoughts,as well as listen to public comment.The final reading will take place in
two weeks.
21-1015
Ordinance on first reading amending Appendix V of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg Municipal Code
to remove a parking restriction on Pearl Street near South Street.
21-1016
Ordinance of first reading amending Chapter 51 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to add a
requirement for the replacement of lead water service lines with no cost to the water customer
and also requiring access for inspection of water service lines.
Wayne Carl,Public Works Director,noted that there are currently approximately 121 active
accounts and 53 closed accounts where the water service line material type is listed as
“unknown”in the City ’s water tap database.In order to make sure all lead service lines are
identified and replaced,it is necessary for the Water Division to be able to enter the water
customer ’s home and inspect the water service line to determine the water service line
material.
This ordinance would provide the Water Superintendent the ability to shut off a customer ’s
water service if they do not provide access to inspect the water service line material.The
disconnection would not occur until fourteen days after the City sent the property owner and
water customer notice of the potential disconnection.Director Carl also noted that out of the
151 accounts, there is a fairly even split between those that are owner-occupied and rentals.
21-1017
August 2, 2021 Page 2 of 7
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 30 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to create a
City Council Student Representative.
Council Member Cox inquired why there was not a recommendation from the Youth
Commission for this position.City Manager Thompson stated that this ordinance was drafted as
a request by Mayor Schwartzman.If the Council would like,the ordinance could be sent to the
Commission for discussion.
Council Member Cox also stated that out of the 10-member Youth Commission,one member is
already a student appointment.It was also noted the Commission did not meet during 2020
and that Parks &Recreation recently became the liaison department with Director Oligney-Estill
as the attending staff member.Director Oligney-Estill did note that the Commission met last
month and that he would investigate when the last Youth Commission report was received by
the City Council.
Council Member Cox asked for minutes from the Commission (and others)so that he and the
Council can be kept up to date.He also suggested that possibly the Youth Commission
appointments could be focused more on students,including a representative from Galesburg
Christian School.He would like to empower the Commission and support them by providing
tools to focus on the youth in our community.Possibly a stipend could be paid if a
representative attended a City Council meeting.
Council Member Smith-Esters stated that the Youth Commission’s scope and focus of work is
very narrow and she believes that a youth City Council representative would be beneficial to
that population in our community.She asked Council Members to be open-minded and to
listen to their constituents in order to provide good direction for this item.
Council Member Hix echoed Council Member Cox’s comments and feels that youth need a voice
but that serving on the established Youth Commission would be a better vehicle instead of a
newly formed Council position.He suggested that the Mayor possibly look at establishing an
advisory committee of sorts where members could provide updates and reports to the Council.
Mayor Schwartzman thanked the Council for the communication and added that he has
attended Youth Commission meetings in the past.During 2020 they did not meet regularly and
that most appointments have expired terms.He stated that he hopes to have further discussion
on this and other Commissions at upcoming work sessions.
The Mayor also stated that he took guidance on this ordinance from other communities and
looks forward to discussing different ways to serve the youth.He added that rarely does a
youth,or anyone under the age of 20,attend or speak at a Council meeting.He would
appreciate any thoughts on this ordinance in writing to the City Manager.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
August 2, 2021 Page 3 of 7
Shawn Skinner addressed the Council regarding the meth epidemic in our community and
stated that he last lost many friends to suicide and drug addicition.He believes that the prison
adds to the crime and drugs in our area and would ask the Council to consider opening a place
downtown where volunteers could help others who are struggling.He noted that such a place
would give homeless people a place to go for shelter and urged the Council to consider.
Gary Barker,South Pearl Street,addressed the Council regarding his neighborhood’s concern
over the property at 820 East Fifth Street.He stated that he was told no one could be in the
building at certain times but that squatters are present most days,and that an old camper and
ambulance still remain on the property.He inquired about having the property boarded up as
well. City Manager Thompson offered to meet and discuss the property and its issues.
John Peterson,representing the Galesburg Youth Athletic Club,addressed the Council and
stated that their “Gloves Not Guns”program has been very successful.He invited the Council
and City staff to a special graduation ceremony on Friday,August 13th,3:45 p.m.,4th Floor of
the Weinberg Arcade.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Thompson stated that the City has reinstituted a mask mandate for all City
facilities,following the guidance of the CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health.He
added that City staff will continue to monitor the situation.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
21-4074
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve an
agreement with Bruner,Cooper,and Zuck,Inc.for preparing bid documents and performing
construction engineering services for lead water service line replacements for an IEPA loan
agreement for Phase 6. The proposal is for a total of a not to exceed amount of $85,000.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4075
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve a
redevelopers agreement with the Galesburg Downtown Council for holiday lights.The
estimated total project cost is $45,376.14.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Davis, and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member Smith-Esters, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
August 2, 2021 Page 4 of 7
21-4076
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve an
agreement with Western Illinois Regional Council and the Tri-County Regional Collection Facility
for electronics and residential liquid paint/varnishes recycling and disposal program at a cost of
$12,917.It was noted that Waste Management houses the electronics at their location until
they can be recycled.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4077
Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve the 2021
Classification and Salary Scheduled for Exempt and Non-Represented hourly personnel.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4078
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Section 2.04 of
the Personnel Policy for Exempt and Non-Represented personnel to change Christmas Eve from
a half day holiday to a full day holiday.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters,Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,that the City Council
sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
21-9017
Trustee Cox moved,seconded by Trustee Davis,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in
payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $2,710.38
General Assistance Fund $2,399.02
IMRF Fund $2,375.52
Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,492.50
August 2, 2021 Page 5 of 7
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $9,977.42
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis,and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Trustee Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Trustee Davis,to resume sitting as the City Council.
The motion carried by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Hix thanked all those that were able to attend the Great Balloon Race last
weekend and that he’s looking forward to Heritage Days in the near future.
Council Member Dennis thanked John Peterson and Carlos Duncan for their efforts on the
“Gloves Not Guns” initiative and hopes that it will be even better next year.
Council Member White stated that he wears a mask for health reasons and that even though he
has been vaccinated,he does not want to possibly transmit the virus.He implored everyone to
talk to their friends and family and encourage them to get vaccinated.He believes that it has
sadly become political,but noted that everyone is tired of the virus and of wearing masks.He
also reminded people to be kind to everyone,especially those who are requesting or requiring
you to wear a mask.
Council Member Smith-Esters also stated that she attended the Balloon Race and thanked
everyone for the great event even though the weather was extremely hot.She also appreciates
all the people who email the Council and share their comments and voice their thoughts on
agenda items.She encouraged young residents to attend meetings and hopes that they see the
meeting as a safe place to share their thoughts.
Council Member Davis also thanked the organizers of the Great Balloon Race for a wonderful
event.She added that she is looking forward to other community events in the near future.
She also asked people to please get vaccinated and stated that this is the only way we will beat
this virus.
Council Member Davis thanked the Library for their presentation at the Work Session even
though she was unable to attend in person.She also thanked the City for the information on
the Hawthorne Pool.She appreciates the residents who have contacted her and is certain that
the community will get through these setbacks and make Galesburg a better place.
Council Member Cox stated that he believes it is important to hear from the youth of our
community and that he is serving on the Council for that reason --future generations.He
added that it would possibly be helpful for a GYAC representative to serve on the Youth
August 2, 2021 Page 6 of 7
Commission,as well as have many more student appointments.Possibly an incentive could be
used for youth to attend Council meetings as well.
Council Member Cox added that City staff and the Council do not take the possible closing of
the Hawthorne Pool lightly but that the price tag for fixing it is upwards of $2.5 million dollars.
He would hope that other pools in town could accommodate residents and would encourage
City staff to continue conversations with the YMCA and others.
Mayor Schwartzman announced that his Mayor ’s Appreciation Award is being given to Marjorie
J.Morris,a Galesburg native and graduate of Galesburg High School,Brown’s Business College,
and the University of California at Berkeley.Ms.Morris earned her CPA certification and
became a proprietor,with her husband Mo,of their own accounting firm.He stated that she
has given of herself through her life and is still making a difference as a volunteer and board
member of the Galesburg Youth Athletic Club.She was instrumental in helping establish the
“Gloves Not Guns Youth Program,”along with her brother Carlos Duncan.He stated that we
honor her life and many contributions as she continues to inspire the rest of us by being kind,
loving, courteous, and smart.
The Mayor reminded everyone about the National Night Out celebration tomorrow night,5-7
p.m.at Standish Park.He stated that this is a national event and that many communities will be
hosting similar events across the country.He thanked Chief Idle for his work on making this
event grand and for including so many children’s events and local agency participation.
Mayor Schwartzman invited the community to the “Spiritual Face of Jazz”event this Saturday,
August 8th,2 p.m.,at the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site Barn,313 East Third Street.He
noted that the event will feature Semenya McCord on vocals.
The Mayor pointed out that residents received information on local events in the most recent
water bill,as well as a report on PFAS.He encouraged those with questions to reach out to the
City with concerns and that a more in-depth study on PFAS will be released by the end of the
year.
There being no further business,Council Member Cox,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to
adjourn the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman,Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Peter D. Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
August 2, 2021 Page 7 of 7