HomeMy WebLinkAbout10042021City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
October 4, 2021
5:30 p.m.
Proclamation: Physical Therapy Month
Called to order by Mayor Peter Schwartzman at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call #1:Present:Mayor Peter Schwartzman,Council Members Bradley Hix,Kevin Wallace,
Dwight White,Jaclyn Smith-Esters,Sarah Davis,and Larry Cox,7.Absent:Council Member
Wayne Dennis, 1. Also Present: City Manager Todd Thompson and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz.
Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Bonnie Ericson gave the invocation.
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve the
minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from September 20, 2021.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2021-19
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
21-2026
Approve Resolution 21-23 ceding the City ’s 2021 private activity bonding authority to the Quad
Cities Regional Economic Development Authority.
21-2027
Approve Resolution 21-24 authorizing the transfer of $40,000 from the Tax Increment Financing
(TIF)District II fund to the TIF IV fund to provide redeveloper assistance on a building at 56
South Kellogg Street.
21-2028
Approve Resolution 21-25 authorizing the transfer of $18,709.56 from the TIF II fund to the TIF
IV fund to provide redeveloper assistance on a building at 143 East Main Street.
October 4, 2021 Page 1 of 7
21-2029
Approve Resolutions 21-26 and 21-27 authorizing the transfer of $279,417.95 from the TIF I and
II funds to the TIF IV fund for the installation of ornamental street lighting on both sides of Main
Street between Cedar Street and Academy Street.
21-5016
Receive the Firefighters’Pension Fund Compliance Report for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2020.
21-5017
Receive the Police Pension Fund Compliance Report for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2020.
21-8018
Approve bills in the amount of $421,084.10 and advance checks in the amount of $469,004.88.
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve Consent
Agenda 2021-19.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
21-1023
Council Member Davis moved,second by Council Member Cox,to approve Special Ordinance
21-606 on final reading for the donation of City-owned property to the west of the current
Rheinschmidts building located at 876 West Main Street to the Galesburg Community
Foundation for the River Bend Food project.This ordinance would also remove this property,
also known as Graham Park, from the list of City parks.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1024
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Special
Ordinance 21-607 on final reading authorizing the purchase of the following properties from the
Knox County Trustee at $823 per property.Any usable homes on these parcels would be
inspected by Community Development and a list of repairs compiled.
1.84 Blaine Avenue
2.471 North Cherry Street
3.1465 Willard Street
October 4, 2021 Page 2 of 7
4.49 West North Street
5.772 Ella Street
6.89 Arnold Street
7.586 West South Street
8.383 Jefferson Street
9.440 West South Street
10.324 South Henderson Street
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1025
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve
Ordinance 21-3648 on final reading to amend Traffic Appendix AA of Chapter 78 of the
Galesburg Municipal Code to designate a loading zone on the west side of Prairie Street in front
of 140 South Prairie Street.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1026
Ordinance on first reading approving a Zoning Map amendment from I,Institutional to B1,
Neighborhood Business,for the property located at 387 East Grove Street and the parking lot to
the south (across East Grove Street).Ryan Frakes,petitioner,stated that the parking lot would
be used for overflow office staff parking.
Council Member Hix stated that he supports the project and is a good use of an empty building
and appreciates the investment put into the community.
21-1027
Ordinance on first reading amending Section 152.073 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to allow
Community Gardens in the Institutional (I) zoning district.
21-1028
Ordinance on first reading amending Traffic Appendix R of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg
Municipal Code to restrict parking on both sides of South Seminary Street from Berrien Street to
the south of the corporate limits.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
21-3020
October 4, 2021 Page 3 of 7
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve the bid from
Oberlander Electric Company in the amount of $512,384.45 for ornamental street lighting on
both sides of Main Street between Cedar and Academy Streets.City Manager Thompson noted
that the City would be willing to partner with those wanting to improve this area.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Kelly Gillespie asked the Mayor for assistance with noise from his neighbor.Chief Idle gave Mr.
Gillespie his card to contact him about the issue.Mr.Gillespie also stated that South Street,
near Knox College,is in need of additional lighting,as well as near the new Whitcomb Art
Center.
Jerry Ryberg addressed the Council regarding an ordinance he drafted for Galesburg based on
one from Santa Cruz,California.The ordinance is regarding the decriminalization of microdoses
of psilocybin found in some mushrooms and other entheogenic plants.
C.C.Wilcox addressed the council and spoke in support of the rezoning of 387 East Grove Street.
He stated that Mr.Frakes is his cousin but he has had business dealings with him before and
that they are supportive of the rehabilitation of properties in Galesburg.He is looking forward
to making the community look better. He thanked the City Council for their willingness to serve.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Thompson reported that the City is selling retired City vehicles through an online
auction.The available vehicles are currently posted,and the auction will run until October 26,
2021.The auction is hosted by PurpleWave Auction,and a link to the auction is available on the
City ’s website.All questions or requests for information regarding the vehicles should be
directed to PurpleWave Auction.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to reconsider agenda
item 21-4089.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
October 4, 2021 Page 4 of 7
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Hix,to table agenda item
21-4089.Council requested more information regarding the protocol for its location,
notification to neighbors, and possibly a picture of the camera and trailer.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4096
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve a facade grant for
56 South Kellogg Street in an amount not to exceed the maximum of $80,000 or 50%of the
actual final project costs.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4097
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve a facade grant for
143 East Main Street in an amount not to exceed the maximum of $80,000 or 50%of the actual
final project costs.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,that the City Council sit as the
Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
21-9021
Trustee Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Trustee Davis,to approve Town bills and warrants be
drawn in payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $2,060.96
General Assistance Fund $2,880.10
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $4,941.06
October 4, 2021 Page 5 of 7
Roll Call #12:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Trustee Dennis, 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 Wallace stated that it was good to see all those attending the meeting who
have an interest in the community,which in turn makes our city a better place to live.He also
noted that he made a motion in the past to table the camera trailer and noted that Council did
receive pictures.
Council Member White thanked the City for allowing him to attend the Illinois Municipal League
meeting in Chicago.He added that it was a great session and very helpful.He thanked the City
and the South Side Task Force for their help with the South Street Block Party.
Council Member White attended the 25th Anniversary gathering for the Discovery Depot
Children’s Museum and believes it is a gem for our community.He hopes it continues to grow
and improve.
Council Member Smith-Esters reminded everyone that it is getting darker at night and to be
watchful of children.
Council Member Davis encouraged residents to look into all the October events that are
happening,including free Halloween movies at the Orpheum Theatre.There will also be a
performance of Little Shop of Horrors at the Prairie Players Theatre.She reminded everyone
that trick or treat hours will be from 5-8 p.m. on the 31st.
Council Member Davis reiterated the need for social distancing and wearing masks as well.
Council Member Hix thanked Adam Vitale and G&M Distributors for their anniversary party and
for being a great business in our community.
Mayor Schwartzman presented his Mayor ’s Award to Marte Glass.Glass is a retired critical care
nurse,as well as a school nurse,and was also a nurse in the Army Reserves for twenty-four
years.She has provided dedicated service to our community for multiple decades,working with
soldiers, school children, surgery and intensive care patients.
The Mayor stated that the community lost a former firefighter and Fire &Police commissioner,
Dave Guenther.Chief Idle noted that Guenther was instrumental in the hiring and promotion
processes for the commission and will be greatly missed.
October 4, 2021 Page 6 of 7
Mayor Schwartzman restated that he and Council Members White and Smith-Esters attended
the IML Conference and were able to participate in many great sessions and get ideas and
resources.He also thanked Denise Bradburn,Discovery Depot,for her work at the museum and
for her resolve in keeping it open during the tough pandemic times.
The Mayor reported that he had the opportunity to tour the Orpheum Theatre and commended
Erin Glasnovich for her leadership on the free or low-cost events that are available at the 105
year building.
He also recommended that people investigate the weatherization of their homes before the
cold weather hits.The Mayor stated that it would be a small investment but that it would save
money in the long run.He added that many options are available for a do-it-yourself project
but that there are also local vendors who specialize in weatherization.
Lastly,the Mayor expressed his appreciation for the Fire Department and the Knox County
Health Department in their efforts against COVID-19.He knows that everyone is getting
fatigued but reminded people to be cautious but respectful during this time.He also implored
for everyone to get the flu shot and the vaccine.
There being no further business,Council Member Cox,seconded by Council Member White,to
adjourn the regular meeting at 6:32 p.m.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Peter D. Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
October 4, 2021 Page 7 of 7