HomeMy WebLinkAbout09072021City Council Meeting Minutes5:25 p.m.Proclamation: Constitution Week
Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
September 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,
Kevin Wallace,Dwight White,Jaclyn Smith-Esters,Sarah Davis,and Larry Cox,8.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.
Reverend Tony Franklin 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 August 16, 2021.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2021-17
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
21-2023
Approve Resolution 21-21 accepting $110,000 in additional grant funds from the Illinois Housing
Development Authority's Single Family Rehabilitation Grant Program.
21-5015
Receive the Motor Fuel Tax Compliance Review for January 1,2019,through December 31,
2020.
21-8016
Approve bills in the amount of $1,897,330.22 and advance checks in the amount of
$1,085,233.69.
September 7, 2021 Page 1 of 8
Council Member Smith-Esters,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Consent Agenda
2021-17.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
21-1018
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 113 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding
outdoor operation and brewpubs.
Council Member White expressed concern of patrons noticeably drinking outside near churches
and possibly residential areas.It was suggested that the ordinance be amended to restrict a
four-foot fence near these areas.
21-1019
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 113 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding
the limitation on the number of Class A liquor licenses.
21-1020
Special Ordinance on first reading to dispose of 17 unused or retired vehicles through
PurpleWave auctions.
Council Member Cox suggested that a link to the auction be added to the City ’s website for the
public.
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member White,to suspend the rules and
move agenda item 21-1020 to final reading.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve Special
Ordinance 21-604 on final reading for the disposal of 17 unused or retired vehicles through
PurpleWave auction.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
September 7, 2021 Page 2 of 8
21-1021
Special Ordinance on first reading accepting the donation of a parcel formerly known as 623
Tompkins Street owned by Harris & Harris Holdings, LLC.
21-1022
Ordinance on first reading amending Section 33.066 of the Galesburg Municipal Code
restructuring the Youth Commission.
Council Member Cox thanked Council Member Smith-Esters for her work on reviewing and
amending the code section on the commission.He recommended that the ordinance be
expanded to allow for youths up to the age of 20 years old.He also would like to see an
amendment that would allow for $30 to a member who attended a meeting,not just served on
the commission.
Council Member Hix also thanked Council Member Smith-Esters for her leadership on the
ordinance.He also supports that any compensation be tied to an effort and that they be paid
$30 only if they attend.
Council Member White stated his appreciation for Council Member Smith-Esters and agrees
with the compensation amount and that it be paid only if they are in attendance.He added
that he is not in favor of adding anyone over the age of 18 years old,especially since at that age
they have the opportunity to run for an elected office.
Council Member Smith-Esters thanked the Council for their support and collaboration on the
ordinance.
City Manager Thompson stated that the ordinance will come back to the Council with options.
21-2024
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve
Resolution 21-22 amending a preannexation agreement to allow a third access off of East Carl
Sandburg Drive for additional access to the lot at the southwest corner of East Carl Sandburg
Drive and Dahl Drive.
City Manager Thompson stated that Administration concurs with the Development Review
Committee’s recommendation to deny the request.
Wayne Carl,Public Works Director,stated that the proposed location is close to Costa Drive and
the intersection of North Broad St and Carl Sandburg Drive,which has heavy traffic at times that
cause congestion.The intersection of North Seminary Street and East Carl Sandburg Drive is also
relatively close to the site,which is a heavily traveled intersection.As vehicles enter the turn
lane on East Carl Sandburg Drive,the possibility of vehicles not fully pulling into the lane could
also cause a backup of vehicles.
Dr.Collin Petosky,the petitioner,addressed the Council and stated that they are proposing to
split the property into two lots in order to expand or sell it for future development.For these
September 7, 2021 Page 3 of 8
reasons,as well as the way the storm water would produce runoff,are the reasons why they are
requesting another access.
Council Member Hix stated that this development is in Ward One and that while he is
pro-business he does have concerns about the traffic flow.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:None
Nays:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 5.
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Members Dennis and Cox, 2.
Chairman declared motion failed.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Pastor Raylynn Cunningham addressed the Council regarding an upcoming event on September
10th and 11th at Kiwanis Park.She stated that the Special Event application was submitted late
and that she is working with Director Oligney-Estill on getting it approved.They will be offering
free haircuts, face painting, food, and drawings.
Anthony Law,Carl Sandburg College,addressed the Council and distributed resumes for
students who are interested in being on a City commission or other employment.He
encouraged the Council to engage and meet with students since they are the future of our
community.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Thompson reported that the City’s Fall Clean-up event will take place over a two
week period:September 13th –17th,2021,and September 20th –24th,2021.The clean-up day
assigned to each household will be the same day as their regular recycling pick-up day.
Residents can place most items on the curb,including oversized items and large quantities of
refuse,during their assigned week on their regular refuse pick up day by 6:00 a.m.,and free
pick-up will be provided by Waste Management.All loose items are required to be bagged or
bundled.Cumbersome items,such as playsets or antenna towers,should be broken down or
disassembled. Doors should be removed from large appliances for safety.
He added that there are some restrictions to this event such as loose trash or construction/
demolition debris will not be accepted.Yard waste is not included in this event and should still
be placed in the appropriate containers to be disposed of as usual.
City Manager Thompson stated that restricted items that are not collected must be removed
from the curb following the customer's regular refuse pick-up day.Any leftover waste on the
curb after the customer's regular refuse pick-up day will be subject to additional fees for pickup.
Notice is not required prior to the remaining items being collected and fees assessed.
September 7, 2021 Page 4 of 8
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
21-4088
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve a minor plat of
Seminary Square Commercial Resub No. 3 located at 2616 Veterans Drive.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4089
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve the
quote from WCCTV,Inc.in the amount of $24,592.32 for a mobile camera trailer for the Police
Department.
Council Member White stated that he believes there are some negatives to this item including
its rules for use,such as requests from the public.Chief Idle stated that the camera trailer will
mostly be used at special events and never to abuse personal privacy.Council Members White
and Wallace stated that there needs to be rules and check and balances for the camera and
would recommend tabling the item until those items can be presented.
Council Member Wallace moved,seconded by Council Member White,to table agenda item
21-4089.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Davis,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,that the City Council sit as
the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
21-9019
Trustee Davis moved,seconded by Trustee White,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn
in payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $2,584.71
General Assistance Fund $3,785.38
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,439.74
September 7, 2021 Page 5 of 8
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $8,809.83
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
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 White commented that he enjoyed the Stearman Fly-In and considers it a
premier event for our community.He was impressed by his tour of the new hangar,a project
that has finally come to fruition.He also thanked the Harris family for their donation and hopes
that we can expand the Dale Kelley Park in the near future.Council Member White also added
that the Labor Day parade was one of the largest he’s ever seen and is thankful for all the
organizers and volunteers who helped make it a success.
Council Member Smith-Esters also expressed her appreciation for the organizers of the
Stearman Fly-In and the Labor Day Parade,the longest running in the nation.She also thanked
Ken Springer and his KCAP team for their hard work in bringing many new businesses to
Galesburg.
Council Member Davis stated that she is planning to attend the Stearman event and she also
added that it was incredible being a part of the Labor Day Parade and was in awe of the large
crowd.She also commented on the last First Fridays on Seminary Street and that it was a great
way to end the summer. She appreciates all that our community has to offer.
Council Member Cox echoed the comments about the Fly-In and thanked all the volunteers.
Council Member Hix announced that the Stearman Fly-In will be having a pancake breakfast
hosted by the Lion’s Club on Sunday, September 12th, 7-11 a.m.
Council Member Dennis also expressed his thank you to the Labor Day Parade organizers.
Council Member Wallace thanked the City for their support of the NAACP picnic and hopes for
an even bigger and better turnout next year.He appreciated the donation by his employer,
BNSF,to the event as well.He also thanked Tony Law for his comments tonight and for the
information he distributed.
Council member Wallace is looking forward to receiving more information on the camera trailer
prior to the next Council meeting.He added that he has been very impressed with the United
Way of Knox County and all the work they do in the community.He noted that they feed
September 7, 2021 Page 6 of 8
upwards of 400 people a day and have been able to touch a lot of lives.Council Member
Wallace also expressed his prayers for the victims of recent disasters in our country.
Mayor Schwartzman announced that his Mayor ’s Appreciation Award is being given to Rich
Sage,a nineteen-year Engineer for BNSF and Secretary/Treasurer for their Smart Train Division.
He recognized his outstanding labor and commitment to workers throughout the Galesburg
area.
The Mayor reminded citizens that this is a school transition period in our community with Carl
Sandburg College and Knox College starting soon.He asked everyone to be aware of children
walking to and from school. He is encouraged by all the diversity in these incoming students.
Mayor Schwartzman reminded everyone that COVID is real with no end in sight.He asked
adults to show leadership towards children by wearing masks and getting vaccinated.He
appreciates all the first responders,who are our local heroes.He will be meeting with Chief
Hovind regarding available vaccine clinics and testing in the near future.
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to adjourn into
Executive Session at 6:37 p.m.for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining,property
acquisition,and approval of the minutes from the July 6 and July 26,2021,executive session
meetings (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (2), (5), and (21).
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
During the Executive Session,Council Member Dennis,seconded by Council Member White,to
adjourn the Executive Session at 7:20 p.m.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
There being no further business,Council Member Davis,seconded by Council Member White,
to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Roll Call #12:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Peter D. Schwartzman, Mayor
September 7, 2021 Page 7 of 8
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
September 7, 2021 Page 8 of 8