HomeMy WebLinkAbout11012021City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
November 1, 2021
5:30 p.m.
Called to order by Mayor Peter Schwartzman at 5:30 p.m.
Public Hearing:Public Hearing pursuant to the requirements Section 147(f)of the Internal
Revenue Code,as amended,on the plans to issue Educational Facilities
Revenue Bonds,Series 2021 (Knox College Project)in the amount not to exceed
$45,000,000.
Presentation:Life Saver Awards presented to Lt.Steffanie Cromien,Lt.Jason Shaw,and
Officer Dan Williams
Proclamation:Amtrak 50th Anniversary
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 at 5:47 p.m.
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 October 18, 2021.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2021-21
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
21-2030
Approve Motor Fuel Tax Resolution for the purchase of salt,hot mix asphalt,concrete,CA-6
gravel, and high-performance patching mixture for the 2022 calendar year.
21-2031
November 1, 2021 Page 1 of 8
Approve Resolution 21-28 to install street lights on Brown Avenue and Greenleaf Street.
21-4100
Approve the addition of Section 1.09 Whistleblower Policy of the Personnel Policy for Exempt
and Non-Represented Personnel.
21-4102
Approve the bid from SNI Solutions for the purchase of Geomelt products for the 2021-2022
winter season.
21-8020
Approve bills in the amount of $748,372.70 and advance checks in the amount of $493,806.74.
Council Member Wallace moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to remove agenda item
21-4101 from the Consent Agenda.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve Consent Agenda
2021-21, omitting agenda item 21-4101.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
Joe Hicks addressed the Council and asked that they reconsider the project chosen for the
Rebuild Downtown and Main Street Grant program.He stated that a nicer parking lot and
street would not bring people to our downtown and that instead the focus should be on unused
upper story space.
21-4101
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to table agenda item
21-4101 to approve an agreement with Hutchison Engineering,Inc.to prepare a grant
application for the State of Illinois Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Grant in an amount not
to exceed $5,000.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member Cox, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
November 1, 2021 Page 2 of 8
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
21-1030
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Ordinance
21-3653 on final reading amending Traffic Appendix F of Chapter 76 of the Galesburg Municipal
Code to replace the existing yield signs on Grove Street at Olive Street with stop signs.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1031
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Ordinance
21-3654 on final reading for a bond issuance of up to $45,000,000 for Knox College for the
purpose of refinancing existing debt and to undertake additional capital projects.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1033
Ordinance on first reading amending the zoning map for 898 West Main Street to go from
Institutional (I) to General Business (B2).
21-1034
Ordinance on first reading authorizing the purchase of 355 East Second Street from the Knox
County Trustee in the amount of $823.00.
21-1036
Ordinance on first reading dissolving the Tax Increment Financial Fund and Redevelopment
Project Area I (Downtown TIF 1).
Discussion was held whether or not some of the properties could be moved to another TIF
project area,specifically the Discovery Depot Children’s Museum.Steve Gugliotta,Community
Development Director,stated that some of the properties currently in TIF 1 could be moved into
TIF IV if they met the criteria.He noted that the museum likely would not transfer over since it
is not in a dilapidated state.
21-2032
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve Resolution
21-29 determining the 2021 Property Tax Levy,which is not more than 105 percent and
therefore will not require a truth in taxation public hearing.The tax levy request will not exceed
$9,930,954.
Roll Call #8:
November 1, 2021 Page 3 of 8
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jim Jacobs addressed the Council and explained that at one time he was very excited about the
prospect of the National Railroad Hall of Fame being built in Galesburg.He understands that
fundraising has been difficult and that there has been a long period of silence on the status of
the project.Jacobs stated that since the recent articles in The Register-Mail,he agrees with
others that the museum needs to be in our community and would suggest the former Nielsen
School.He noted that the school is near the intersection of railroad tracks,has approximately
ten acres attached to the property,and is for sale at a reasonable price ($500,000).He
commented that he doesn’t know the City ’s involvement in the project but would encourage
the plan he suggested.
Anna and Dick Roe addressed the Council regarding a proposal they sent to the Council for
budgeting for the planting of trees in City vacant lots.They noted that they have done research
on bare root trees and they can be bought from the Arbor Day Foundation for $14 each.They
also noted that the state sells trees in February.They would like the City to consider the
proposal which would eventually allow staff to stop mowing the lots.Mr.Roe noted that there
is a tree lot on Michigan Avenue,south of Hy-Vee,and one on Broad Street that reflects this
idea.
Jerry Ryberg addressed the Council and provided information from several studies related to
personal use and possession of entheogenic psychoactive mushrooms in the City of Galesburg.
He asked for the Council’s consideration of his drafted resolution and added that he believes
people will be very grateful for the passage.
Brother Shabazz addressed the Council on behalf of a neighbor who rehabs homes in the
community.He believes that the process is cumbersome and that there is no incentive given to
update these residences. He asked Council to consider an easier code review process.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A.The December 31,2022,annual budget is available for public inspection at the
Galesburg Public Library and the City Clerk’s office.
B.The second annual Stuff the Bus Campaign will be held November 1-22, 2021.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
21-4103
November 1, 2021 Page 4 of 8
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve the
collective bargaining agreement between the City of Galesburg and IAFF Local N.555 Galesburg
Firefighter ’s Association.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4104
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve the 2021
Classification and Salary Schedule for represented fire personnel.
Roll Call #10:
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 reconsider
agenda item 21-4089.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 6.
Nays:Council Member Cox, 1.
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Smith-Esters stated that she has reevaluated her decision on the camera trailer
and believes that the funding would be better spent towards a new police officer.
Council Member Cox advised that with the number of gun incidents the camera trailer would be
one way to reduce and deter those crimes.Both the City Manager and Chief Idle confirmed
that it would be used in trouble spots in the community and to collect any possible evidence.
Chief Idle did clarify that the trailer is not covert and would be easily seen but could be used for
such purposes.
Council Member Wallace stated that he understands that the Police Department needs tools
but agrees that a body added to the department would be better.The money could be put to
better use on another resource or asset.
Council Member Dennis concurred and added that he has talked to several police officers and
adding another staff member would be a better use of the funding.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve the quote
from WCCTV,Inc.in the amount of $24,592.32 for a mobile camera trailer for the Police
Department.
November 1, 2021 Page 5 of 8
Roll Call #12:
Ayes:None
Nays:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion failed.
Consensus of the Council was to sit as the Town Board. Approved by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
21-9023
Trustee Wallace moved,seconded by Trustee Smith-Esters,to approve Town bills and warrants
be drawn in payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $788.04
General Assistance Fund $3,103.75
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $3,891.79
Roll Call #13:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-9024
Trustee Dennis moved,seconded by Trustee Smith-Esters,to approve Resolution 21-03
determining the 2021 Property Tax Levy,which is not more than 105 percent and therefore will
not require a truth in taxation public hearing. The tax levy request will not exceed $531,000.
Roll Call #14:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Consensus of the Town Board was to sit as the City Council. Approved by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Wallace thanked Brother Shabazz for his comments and added that he has
been working with City staff on housing issues in his ward.Many homes are unused or abused
and hopefully the process for rehabbing those can be shortened.Council Member Wallace also
added that coming from a Railroad family,he hopes that the Hall of Fame can become a reality,
November 1, 2021 Page 6 of 8
especially with Galesburg ’s railroad history.He supports the museum and believes that it would
bring in a lot of tourism for our community.
Council Member White stated that he rehabilitated his own home and agrees that there are
possible ways the process can be improved.He suggested an all-encompassing permit could be
issued.He added that he would like to see Discovery Depot remain in a TIF district and feels
that they should be treated the same as the Orpheum Theater.Both help keep our community
strong and viable.
Council Member Smith-Esters thanked all those involved with the Halloween activities over the
weekend such as Treat Street,and the trick or treating at GHS and Costa School.Council
Member Smith-Esters also noted that when the police officers were recognized tonight it made
her think of a passage that she had read which stated the average person would experience 1½
to 2 legitimate critical incidents in their lifetime and that the average police officer would
experience over 800 critical incidents in a twenty year span.She honors our officers and
appreciates what they do every day.
Council Member Davis thanked everyone who hosted or sponsored events over the last month,
which included many volunteer hours and citizen participation.She added that Prairie Players
will be holding auditions for the upcoming Broadway Christmas Cabaret on November 3rd and
4th.
Council Member Cox concurred and appreciated Council Members Wallace and White’s
comments regarding housing and Discovery Depot.He added that he believes City staff should
help people when they come in to apply for a permit,not just provide a list of rules but offer
suggestions to get their project done easier and less expensive.
Council Member Hix thanked residents for the emails he and other Council Members have been
receiving about the budget.He thanked Director Wayne Carl and staff for their help with
sidewalk issues.Council Member Hix also stated that he is from a railroad family too and
appreciated Council Member Wallace’s statements.He hopes the City could offer help to the
Hall of Fame and believes that a museum would honor our community.He noted that BNSF is
one of our largest employers and that the museum would bring in tourism dollars.
Council Member Dennis stated his agreement with other Council Members on the housing and
permitting and Hall of Fame.He commended the Fire Department on their assistance in putting
in smoke detectors for residents, as well as thanked Director Carl for his help on an issue too.
Mayor Schwartzman announced that he was very proud to present the Life Saver Awards to our
Police Officers and appreciates City employees supporting each other.He also thanked Chief
Idle for his department ’s assistance in having a quiet and safe Halloween weekend.
The Mayor announced that the Budget Work Session would be held tomorrow at City Hall and
that the public is invited to attend.He noted that there were a lot of good ideas discussed
tonight and added that it takes a community to raise a community.
November 1, 2021 Page 7 of 8
There being no further business,Council Member Cox,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to
adjourn the regular meeting at 6:58 p.m.
Roll Call #15:
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
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
November 1, 2021 Page 8 of 8