HomeMy WebLinkAbout11152021City Council Meeting Minutes5:20 p.m.Public Hearing: December 31, 2022, City Budget
Public Hearing: December 31, 2022, Township Budget
Proclamation: Small Business Saturday
Proclamation and Key to the City presented to Carlos Duncan
Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
November 15, 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 at 5:35 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Semenya McCord gave the invocation.
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve the minutes
of the City Council’s regular meeting from November 1, 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 #2021-22
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
21-4105
Approve waiving normal purchasing policies and approve the 2022 Springrook maintenance fees
in the amount of $75,049.72.
21-4106
Approve the bid from One Source in the amount of $15,500 for the purchase of a walk behind
saw for the Water Division.
21-4107
November 15, 2021 Page 1 of 12
Approve the bid from Webber Rental &Supply in the amount of $10,275 for the purchase of a
trailer for the walk behind saw for the Water Division.
21-5019
Receive the September 30, 2021, Investment Schedule.
21-6003
Approve the following appointments to the Youth Commission:
Paula Johnson, term expires December 31, 2022
Deion Crider, term expires December 31, 2022
Zakary Warfield, term expires December 31, 2022
21-8021
Approve bills in the amount of $707,202.21 and advance checks in the amount of $628,323.08.
Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Consent Agenda
2021-22.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
21-1033
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve Ordinance
21-3656 on final reading amending the zoning map for 898 West Main Street to go from
Institutional (I) to General Business (B2).
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1034
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve Special
Ordinance 21-608 on final reading authorizing the purchase of 355 East Second Street from the
Knox County Trustee in the amount of $823.00.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
November 15, 2021 Page 2 of 12
21-1036
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve
Ordinance 21-3657 on final reading dissolving the Tax Increment Financial Fund and
Redevelopment Project Area I (Downtown TIF 1).Community Development Director Steve
Gugliotta reported that due to their blight,465 Mulberry Street and the lot east of the property
at Mulberry and Seminary Streets, could be moved into TIF IV.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1037
Ordinance on first reading adjusting various licenses, recreation, water and refuse fees.
21-1038
Special Ordinance on first reading 2021 Property Tax Levy in the amount of $9,707,625,which is
an increase of 2.64 percent compared to the 2020 tax levy extension.City Manager Thompson
noted that the EAV is unknown at this time but that a slight increase is estimated.Council
Member Cox suggested that the City look at freezing the rate in the future and to investigate
any implications doing so would have on the City ’s budget and levy in the future.
21-1039
Ordinance on first reading amending Traffic Appendix X of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg
Municipal Code restricting parking on both sides of Locust Street between Knox Street and
Conger Street during school hours.
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to suspend the rules
and move agenda item 21-1039 to final reading.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve Ordinance
21-3658 on final reading to amend Traffic Appendix X of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg Municipal
Code to restrict parking on both sides of Locust Street between Knox Street and Conger Street
during school hours.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-2033
November 15, 2021 Page 3 of 12
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve
Resolution 21-30 determining the 2021 Property Tax Levy for Special Service Area One.This
request is more than 105 percent and therefore will require a truth in taxation public hearing,to
be held December 6,2021.The tax levy request will not exceed $142,512,which is $135,726
more than the 2020 tax levy.
Jay Bullis,Downtown Council representative,addressed the Council and stated that this tax has
been in place since 1975 (1%for maintenance and 1½%for operational costs).Maintenance
costs are applied towards trash pick up,plants,watering,snow removal,etc.,while costs for
operation include supporting those items,lights,banners,and the facade program.The
operational fee will sunset 2023 and the Downtown Council will be asking for it to be extended
another ten years at that time.They are asking for the increase in the SSA tax levy in order to
help with reduced funds due to the termination of TIF I.The Downtown Council is in favor of
the levy increase.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-2034
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve Resolution
21-31 authorizing the execution of a grant agreement with the Salvation Army to provide an
Emergency Warming Shelter.
Council Member Cox thanked the Salvation Army for stepping forward and for their willingness
to operate the shelter.He commented that he doesn’t believe this location is ideal and wished
the project had been started earlier.Council Member Wallace also encouraged the City to find
a better long term solution.He is also concerned with transportation since this location is an
out of the way spot. The City Manager stated that transportation is being looked into.
Council Member Smith-Esters stated that this shelter is greatly needed for those in any sort of
economic crisis and that it is a learning moment for the whole community.She appreciates all
the agencies who will be assisting.Smith-Esters noted publicly that she will be abstaining from
this vote, as well as agenda item 21-4111, since Salvation Army is her employer.
Council Member Davis inquired about transportation and that these individuals shouldn’t be
charged for bus rides. The City Manager stated that they will be accommodated.
Meghan Templeton,Salvation Army,addressed the Council and reported that most of the cost
(not to exceed $100,000)will be staffing.Other costs will include cots,pillows,cleaning,etc .It
was noted by Council Member Hix that he would like to amend the lease to address drug and
alcohol use and that they would not be allowed in the facility.
November 15, 2021 Page 4 of 12
Templeton also stated that the shelter will be for individuals over the age of 18.
Accommodations for children and families will be made elsewhere with other resources.They
are anticipating anywhere between 10-30 individuals.She noted that they will also hopefully be
collaborating with other agencies,such as Bridgeway and the Police Department,for assistance.
It is also their hope that other agencies and locations,such as the Library and Housing Authority
properties, will open their doors for individuals during the daytime.
Council Member Hix asked if the people living in the villas in Hawthorne Centre had been
notified of the shelter ’s location.It was reported that specific notification was not done to the
villas. Council Member White called for the question.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member Smith-Esters, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Becky Jollay,Florence Avenue,addressed the Council stating that she moved to Galesburg in
2018,bought her home in 2019,and has been working remotely.She removed all the sod from
the terrace and most of her yard in spring of 2020 but was cited for performing excavation.She
asked to plant mini clover or a low mow grass but was told they were invasive.She noted that
she reviewed the City codes and there are no ordinances on what can and cannot be planted in
City terraces. She continued to have several email conversations with the City Engineer.
Jollay stated that Galesburg needs to attract people like her to live here who are young
professionals and can work remotely.She expressed that the City needs to be more clear and
transparent about these rules and ordinances and remove her fines and fees.
Carol Buebe addressed the Council and gave the history of turf grass and the effects it has on
our yards and communities.She believes there needs to be a paradigm shift with what is
allowed to be planted and that people need to realize that there is nothing good about having a
grass lawn.She encouraged the Council to change their 1950’s thoughts and be more forward
thinking.
Megan Malloy addressed the Council and stated that she visited Galesburg seven years ago and
stayed for its charm and taste for the unusual.She agreed that plantings other than grass would
help with pollinators and still add a green benefit to the community while being more
ecological.She believes that allowing such plantings would be an environmental boon for the
community.
November 15, 2021 Page 5 of 12
Brother Shabazz addressed the Council regarding recent hiring discrimination that happened to
him with the Knox County Mary Davis Home.He stated that he worked for the prison system in
two communities over the period of one year with success as an instructor.For this reason,as
well as being in the U.S.Marine Corps,degrees from Harvard and UCLA,as well as being a
mentor and teacher,he applied for the job with the County.He was shocked to receive a refusal
letter.He noted that he was interviewed by seven white people and that he feels discrimination
was involved and structural racisim.He believes this is a national problem but that it needs to
be addressed locally as people are very biased here.He also noted the racism in the criminal
justice system.He added that he is in Galesburg by choice,coming to work for Knox College in
2010, but that at this time he cannot find employment.
Reverend Andrew Jowers communicated to the Council that he supports Brother Shabazz and
that he is a brilliant man who participates in events,attends Council meetings,and works with
young people.He believes that he should be qualified for most jobs and is doing the right
things but being denied.
April Jackson addressed the Council and stated that the City needs to improve their
communication with the codes and that no one should have to provide a Freedom of
Information request for information on their home.She also added that the City has many
empty buildings,such as the former middle school,that could be used for a long-term shelter.
The facility has showers,plumbing,and small rooms that could function as independent living
for families.
Angelica Mangieri addressed the Council and lives in the area of the house on Florence Avenue
and also manages a community garden.She hopes that the City will look at the opportunity to
collaborate on beautifying Galesburg and that not having all the terraces look the same with the
standard grass lawn is positive.She doesn’t believe that Ms.Jollay should be punished with
violations and fines.
Rowan Williamson implored the Council to consider alternatives to a grass yard and that they
are all beautiful and useful.She hopes the Council will allow the diversity and let Ms.Jollay
keep the plants.
Jill Bradford addressed the Council in support of the yard and terrace on Florence Avenue and
encouraged it for the pollinators (bees, butterflies and hummingbirds).
Hannah Lyon addressed the Council also in support of the use of pollinator plants,which offers
less mowing and less pollution.She also believes that people with these plantings,as opposed
to grass,stay active and connect with nature.She encouraged people to have beautiful
plantings.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A.Traffic Advisory Committee report for November 2021.
November 15, 2021 Page 6 of 12
B.The City Manager stated that the City has ordinances prohibiting encroachment in the
ROW,landscape agreements with residents,and information on setbacks.He will put
together this information for the Council.
Council Member Cox pointed out the statement in the Traffic Advisory Committee report “TAC
does not normally recommend the installation of Children Playing signs.”He expressed that in
his 20+ years with the City, there has never been a recommendation for such a sign.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to remove agenda item
21-4101 from the table.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:Council Member Smith-Esters, 1.
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4101
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve an agreement
in an amount not to exceed $5,000 with Hutchison Engineering,Inc.to prepare a grant
application for the State of Illinois Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets grant.
Wayne Carl,Public Works Director,reported that this is one of three projects the City intends to
apply for through this program.The other two projects will have similar agreements brought to
the December 6th Council meeting.One of those projects will be for renovation of upper stories
to residential apartments of commercial buildings in the downtown.The other project will be
for the Railroad Hall of Fame.
Council Member Dennis left the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
Roll Call #12:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4108
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve a contract
with Farnsworth Group,Inc.in an amount not to exceed $15,900 for preliminary
architectural/engineering work to provide an estimated cost to renovate Churchill Junior High
School.
Council Member Dennis returned to the meeting at 7:13 p.m.
November 15, 2021 Page 7 of 12
Council Member Hix asserted that he would like to table this item until the Council is able to
have a walk through of the building.He added that the Parks &Recreation budget already has a
$2.3 million deficit and in looking at the report from the school district this building needs in
excess of $8 million in repairs.
Council Member White stated that he is in favor of this study but would also like to see if there
are any problems,not just have them noted on paper.He wondered if a tour or a work session
could be scheduled.The City Manager stated that he could contact Farnsworth and see about
adding a walkthrough for Council to the agreement and noted that there would likely be a cost.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to amend the
motion to include a walk-thru of the building with a professional from Farnsworth Group,Inc.,
at an additional cost not to exceed ten percent of the project cost.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes:Council Members Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Members Hix and Dennis, 2.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Cox stated that he would like to see a detailed study from the school district
and would like more information on projected annual expenses and revenues.While the
district has several items listed that wouldn’t pertain to the City,there are items such as brick
work,plumbing,HVAC,etc.that total almost $6 million.Plus,that does not include upkeep and
maintenance of the facility.
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to table agenda item
21-4108 as amended until the December 6, 2021, Council meeting.
Roll Call #14:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4109
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve an
engineering agreement with Klingner and Associates,P.C.in the amount of $140,000 plus
reimbursables for a PFAS pilot study.
Director Carl noted that at the August 2021 Work Session,the consultant proposed three
possible options for the removal of PFAS -Reverse Osmosis,Ion Exchange,and Granular
Activated Carbon, with capital costs running from $19 to $46 million depending on the option.
Council Member Smith-Esters asked if PFAS levels decline over time.Director Carl stated that
unfortunately no;it is a strong compound that will need to be broken apart and pumped out.
He also noted that the Mississippi River was tested as well and it shows PFAS levels also.
November 15, 2021 Page 8 of 12
Council Member White inquired if there are any other communities that are using any of the
stated treatment options.Director Carl reported that he is unaware of any at this time and that
the City is ahead of most communities in the fact that we are already doing a pilot study.It is
also his hope that funding will become available for future treatment options.
Roll Call #15:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4110
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve an
agreement for access to City right-of-way by iTV-3,LLC,a wholly owned subsidiary of i3
Broadband LLC to install telecommunications fiber optic cable for high speed broadband in the
City ’s ROW.The project is slated to be completed in 2 ½years and they hope to build one mile
each week.Wayne Carl,Public Works Director,stated that the company will be providing door
hangers with contact information and will be getting a local business office.
Roll Call #16:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4111
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to add an additional
operational rule to Exhibit B:No alcohol,illegal drugs,cannabis,or dangerous weapons,are
allowed on the premises.
Roll Call #17:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member Smith-Esters, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve a short-term
lease agreement between the City of Galesburg and The Salvation Army,an Illinois corporation,
for non-exclusive use of Hawthorne Gym as amended.
Roll Call #18:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member Smith-Esters, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
November 15, 2021 Page 9 of 12
21-4112
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve a
Community Video Program agreement with the City of Galesburg and CGI Communications,Inc.
at no cost to the City.
Roll Call #19:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Consensus of the Council was to sit as the Town Board. Approved by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
21-9025
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 $5,603.98
General Assistance Fund $3,429.90
IMRF Fund $2,400.60
Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,375.51
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $13,809.99
Roll Call #20:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-9026
Ordinance on first reading approving the 2021 Property Tax Levy for the Town of the City of
Galesburg in the amount of $531,000.
20-9027
Ordinance on first reading approving the Township Budget and Appropriation for the fiscal year
beginning January 1, 2022, and ending December 31, 2022, showing the following:
General Town Fund $503,230
Audit Fund $9,000
Liability Fund $7,800
Social Security/Medicare Fund $34,000
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)$34,000
November 15, 2021 Page 10 of 12
General Assistance Fund $467,400
Total Appropriations $1,055,430
Consensus of the Town Board was to sit as the City Council. Approved by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member White suggested that the City put together a group of master gardeners in
order to get input for new ordinances to address the terrace planting issue.He is also very
pleased to see the City move forward with a warming shelter and that as a man of faith,he feels
it is our responsibility to help those who are in need.He also stated that while the Churchill
building may be expensive, he believes the kids of our community are worth it.
Council Member Smith-Esters invited the public to the new Holly Days lighting ceremony on
Friday,November 19th,at 4:30 p.m.She also stated that she is ecstatic about seeing the
warming shelter moving ahead.She said that the Salvation Army has a saying,“soap,soup,and
Salvation Army.”She hopes this helps those in need and allows the City to walk beside them.
She thanked all those who came to the meeting and spoke.
Council Member Davis thanked everyone for attending and being passionate about the terrace
situation and for trying to be environmentally friendly and take care of the planet.She agrees
that all residents need to be treated equally and that the City needs to be transparent and
clearly communicate expectations.Council Member Davis stated she is thankful for the
warming shelter and for many of the upcoming events and holiday cheer in our community.
Council Member Cox added that the City has done many prairie plot restorations such as
Inbinder, Kiwanis, Lake Storey, Rotary Park, etc.
Council Member Hix asked if the City had looked at Nielsen School which has a cafeteria,gym,
sectioned classrooms,and a good amount of ground.He feels it’s in much better shape and
that possibly the City would approach District 205 about the option.He also noted that Wessels
Park at Hawthorne Center could possibly be used as a butterfly garden and that there would be
no blockage of terraces in that location.
Council Member Wallace added his appreciation for everyone who attended the meeting and
believes that our community does need to be more diverse and that being involved in the
community will change the complexion.He stated that the Council is diverse and that his
mission is to give back to the community and to young people.
Mayor Schwartzman congratulated the organizers of the Veteran’s Day parade and stated that
he had two grandfathers who served in wars and he was blessed to have them in his life.He
also stated that there are many individuals who are one paycheck away from being homeless
and he hopes the shelter is a way to make strides in ending homelessness within five years.
November 15, 2021 Page 11 of 12
The Mayor thanked Brother Shabazz for talking about a sensitive subject and reported that the
Community Relations Commission will be coming forward with several suggestions focusing on
these issues in the near future.
The Mayor stated that he met with Bridgeway about the possibility of bringing a recovery home,
Oxford House,to our area.He noted that there are 25 in Illinois.The Mayor also thanked
Carlos Duncan and his friends and family for attending the meeting to honor him.He was
pleased to present a Key to the City, his first, to Carlos as he is so fitting for such an honor.
There being no further business,Council Member Dennis,seconded by Council Member
Smith-Esters, to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:33 p.m.
Roll Call #21:
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 15, 2021 Page 12 of 12