HomeMy WebLinkAbout12062021City Council Meeting Minutes5:20 p.m.Public Hearing: Truth in Taxation Hearing -- SSA #1 2021 Property Tax Levy
Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
December 6, 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.
Reverend Andrew Jowers gave the invocation.
A moment of silence was held in memory of Ranee Collura.
Knox County IL CEO Program students Sterling Cramer and Clara Asplund (ROWVA),Lily McNally
(GHS),and Scott Cramer and Ken Springer,addressed the Council and introduced themselves.
The students explained the program,their experiences to date and what they ’ve learned,as
well as their class project, Treats And Traditions.
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve the minutes
of the City Council’s regular meeting from November 15, 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 #2021-23
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
21-2035
Approve Resolution 21-32 authorizing the Mayor to sign the FY 2022 Grant Agreement for the
Section 5311 Federal Operating Assistance Grant for the City ’s transit program.
21-2036
December 6, 2021 Page 1 of 13
Approve Resolution 21-33 authorizing the Mayor to sign the FY 2022 Grant Agreement for the
Downstate Operating Assistance Program Grant Agreement for the City’s transit program.
21-3023
Approve the use of the 2021-2022 State Bid for Bulk Rock Salt in the amount of $73.69 per ton
from Compass Minerals America, Inc.
21-4113
Approve authorizing the City Manager to obtain a new plan services provider for the City’s
Section 125 Cafeteria Plan effective January 1, 2022.
21-4114
Approve authorizing the City Manager to renew a one-year contractual agreement with
Molyneaux to provide Risk Management Consulting and Insurance Brokerage services for the
City.
21-4115
Approve the purchase of insurance policies from the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management
Association (RMA)for coverage for City liability,property,and vehicles,with an annual premium
of $442,796.
21-8022
Approve bills in the amount of $735,260.89 and advance checks in the amount of $585,965.13.
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve Consent
Agenda 2021-23.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
21-1037
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve
Ordinance 21-3659 on final reading adjusting various licenses,recreation,water and refuse fees.
Council Member Cox requested a column showing the annual rate increase by percentage be
added next year.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1038
December 6, 2021 Page 2 of 13
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Special
Ordinance 21-608 on final 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.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Council Members Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:Council Member Hix, 1.
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1040
Special Ordinance on first reading to approve the 2021 levy for the Special Service Area #1
(Downtown Area).The total increase for SSA #1 is $43,275 or 32%when compared to the 2020
property tax extension.
21-1041
Ordinance on first reading approving the proposed City Council Ward and Precinct Redistricting
map.
Roger Williamson,Galesburg Board of Elections Commission chairman,addressed the Council
regarding the recent population decline and their proposition to rebalance the wards and
precincts to correct for imbalances that have naturally occurred as residents and voters have
moved over the past decade. Below is the current and proposed ward populations:
Current Proposed
Ward 1 4,203 4,079
Ward 2 4,162 4,072
Ward 3 4,167 4,092
Ward 4 3,822 4,092
Ward 5 3,582 4,029
Ward 6 4,233 4,059
Ward 7 4,294 4,040
Total 28,463 28,463
Council Member Cox thanked the Commissioners,Jim Cueno (GIS Analyst),and the City for
providing rent free office space to the Election Office.It was also noted that the Henry C.Hill
population is counted for total population but not used to set up wards.
21-2037
Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Resolution
21-34 transferring $775,000 from the General Fund to the Library Fund.These funds will be
used to purchase and construct technology at the new Library facility.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
December 6, 2021 Page 3 of 13
21-2038
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve a
resolution establishing a moratorium on enforcement of Chapter 97,specifically for landscaping
and other items on City residential terraces.
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to amend the moratorium from
180 days to 90 days.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member White, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Hix stated that he will be voting against this resolution and feels that the City
needs to enforce the ordinances and rules that we currently have and that those individuals
need to be held accountable.He also believes that the rules should not be allowed to be
waived. It was also noted that local Master Gardeners will be consulted.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to amend the
ordinance to include businesses and not only homeowners.
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 White asked about those individuals who have landscaping in their terraces
and if they have a Landscape Agreement.The City Manager noted that no one will be asked to
remove anything now,but could be contacted if they are in violation of the new ordinance once
the moratorium is lifted. Individuals and businesses would need to conform to the new rules.
Council Member Davis believes the current language is too broad and vague and that the City
should not be selective on enforcement at this time.Council Member Cox confirmed that
property owners would not have their landscape removed without first being contacted.
Approve Resolution 21-35 establishing a moratorium on enforcement of Chapter 97,specifically
for landscaping and other items on City residential terraces as amended.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Council Members Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 4.
Nays:Council Members Hix, Dennis, and Cox, 3.
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-2039
December 6, 2021 Page 4 of 13
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve Resolution
21-36 authorizing a not to exceed amount of $60,000 to provide rental assistance funds to the
Knox County Housing Authority.
Council Member Smith-Esters asked several questions regarding the proposed resolution and
rental assistance program.Cheryl Lefler,Knox County Housing Authority Assistant Director,
reported that there are currently 150 families (approximately 400 people)that are in arrears
and that some payments had been received by tenants since the November 10th letter.Those
receiving financial assistance would need to complete budgeting classes and provide one month
of rent.These requirements are for accountability purposes and details are still being worked
out as to what organizations or partners could assist with the counseling.
Lefler noted that many people are behind in rent due to having to make difficult decisions over
the last eighteen months.The Housing Authority has requested that the City and County assist
with past due rent in order to avoid eviction of these 150 families.The total amount of rental
arrears outlined for City families in early November was $110,097.This amount changes
regularly due to assistance from other organizations and new rent cycles.
The City Manager noted that the use of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)is
authorized for eviction prevention or housing stability services necessitated by COVID 19.On
November 24th,the Knox County Board approved a resolution directing up to $125,000 towards
this rental assistance program from their ARPA funds.It is intended that the City’s contribution
not exceed $60,000 that it would be used to reduce the amount that the County is contributing
to the Housing Authority.He also noted that unlike renters in private units,the individuals in
housing are not eligible for any other rental assistance.
Council Member Smith Esters asked how rent would be paid and the checks and balances put in
place for the program.Lefler noted that individuals would first have to go through the
application process and meet the guidelines for counseling and providing one month of rent.
After that was complete,a voucher would likely be submitted to the City or County so that there
is accountability.
Council Member Cox asked the amount of ARPA funding the City received vs.the County.The
City Manager stated that the City will receive $4.1 million (half of that amount has been
received to date).The County will receive over $9 million.Council Member Cox noted that the
County Board appoints the Knox County Housing Board and that the residents are all in Knox
County.For those reasons and the fact that they received twice as much ARPA funding,he
believes the County should be supporting the majority of this program.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member Cox, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
December 6, 2021 Page 5 of 13
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
21-3024
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve the bid
from AMP Mechanical Services,Inc.in the amount of $25,408 for the replacement of six
existing ductless air conditioning units at Lakeside Waterpark.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Vida Schultz addressed the Council and stated that she is part of the newly formed “Save
Hawthorne Pool.”The group met with Director Oligney-Estill and appreciated his time and
explanation of the hidden costs and safety issues with the pool.She understands that the pool
is in bad disrepair but doesn’t understand why it was neglected for so many years.She
encouraged the Council to form an advisory committee to look at the 2019 Parks &Recreation
Master Plan and find out why the pool is not being used and how a new community pool could
be built.
Diane Oliver addressed the Council and stated that when she was growing up,if something was
broken it was fixed and not simply thrown away.She believes the pool is needed for our kids
and seniors.
Pam Davidson,Knox County Board,addressed the Council and added that the repairs at the
pool need to be fixed after years of neglect.The pool has always been open to the kids from the
south side who desperately need swimming lessons.She encouraged the City to use ARPA
funds to make the repairs since she believes it falls within the guidelines.Davidson stated that
the pool at the YMCA is too compact and can’t accommodate water aerobics.She would like to
see the City have a sports complex with a pool, gym and ball diamonds.
Anthony Law,Carl Sandburg College,addressed the Council and reiterated his earlier challenge
to the City and Council to engage our youth.He noted that several of his students have
submitted Youth Commission applications and he wanted to publicly thank the Council for
investing in the youth of the community.The following students introduced themselves:
Chantiara Jackson,Eciel Burns,Precious Dortch,Chris Lopez,Desire Matthews,Josué Bashombe,
and Richy Moreno.
Joe Hicks addressed the Council regarding a possible new zoning classification that would allow
for neighborhood businesses.Certain requirements could be issued to include a maximum size,
the option to have an accessory structure, and the elimination of parking space minimums.
Reverend Andrew Jowers addressed the Council and asked for clarification on terraces.The City
Manager stated that it is typically the grassy area between the curb and the sidewalk.Jowers
December 6, 2021 Page 6 of 13
feels that the old ordinance needs to be revamped to allow for a new way of thinking.He also
would like to see the City spend the funds needed to make improvements to Hawthorne Pool
and believes it will help Galesburg thrive.He also made a comment that the staff at the Knox
County Housing Authority are not representative of the individuals living there.
Brother Shabazz echoed the stated support for our community ’s youth and added that the City
needs to do a better job.He further stated that many people are facing evictions and that the
unemployment rates between the black population and white population is 60/40 and blames
this on extreme racism.He stated the hiring practices in our community are racist and that
white people are making all the decisions on hiring.Mr.Shabazz added that the veteran’s
assistance program through the Salvation Army would not provide assistance to him and used
their reason for not doing so at his failure to job search.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
The City recently held the second Stuff the Bus event,during which non-perishable food items,
as well as diapers and wipes,were collected throughout the month of November for the FISH
Food Pantry and Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank.The event generated a total of 2,500 items.He
thanked The Strength Collective,Save-A-Lot,Hy-Vee,and Walmart who participated in the
effort by collecting donations and allowing the bus to be parked on their property.
The City Manager also noted that weekly yard waste collection ended November 30th and will
now be collected monthly during the winter months of December,January,and February.
December 2021 through February 2022,residential yard waste will be collected on properties’
assigned waste collection day the weeks of:
• December 6-10, 2021
• January 10-14, 2022
• February 7-11, 2022
Weekly yard waste collection will resume on Monday, March 7, 2022.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to remove agenda
item 21-4108 from the table.
Roll Call #12:
Ayes:Council Members Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 4.
Nays:Council Members Hix and Dennis, 2.
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member Cox, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4108
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve a
contract with Farnsworth Group,Inc.in an amount not to exceed $15,900 for preliminary
December 6, 2021 Page 7 of 13
architectural/engineering work to provide an estimated cost to renovate Churchill Junior High
School.
Council Member Cox stated that he reviewed the five-year Capital Plan and we have in excess of
$5 million in unmet needs for projects,not including Hawthorne Pool.He believes that the
study from the School District is ten years old and that even at that time there was millions of
dollars needed for maintenance and repairs.He noted that the heat and electric are past their
life expectancy and that the tour reinforced those needs for him.
Council Member Hix stated that the report from 2010 showed repairs of $7.7 million and that
the City does not have that level of funding available.
Council Member Smith-Esters noted that she is in support of approving the study and believes
that $16,000 is a small cost to spend for our youth.She also inquired if the City could apply for
ARPA funds from the County.
Council Member White expressed his support of the study and added that we no longer have a
community center and that the City should be challenged to find a location for the youth and
senior citizens of our community. He asked the Council to give it the opportunity.
Council Member Hix affirmed that he agrees with the goal for our youth and the passion other
Council Members have for the project, but believes the cost is too much.
Mayor Schwartzman reported that when he and the City Manager met with the School District
the idea of Churchill peaked his interest.He added that possibly other agencies and community
partners could be housed in the building,as well as have it serve as a permanent warming
shelter.Other ideas could include it being a new location for the Parks &Recreation
Department but that a study needs to be done in order to be aware of the issues and options.
Council Member Wallace commented that he also understands the passion that individuals
have with this building and its possible use.He hasn’t seen anything for our youth and we don’t
have a community center. He is in favor of funding the study.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes:Council Members Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 4.
Nays:Council Members Hix, Dennis, and Cox, 3.
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4116
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve the December 31,
2022, annual budget as follows:
Total Revenues: $67,978,320
Total Use of Fund Balance and/or Other Financial Resources: $12,184,710
Total Expenditures: $77,898,420
December 6, 2021 Page 8 of 13
General Fund Revenue Total: $26,252,940
General Fund Expenditure Total: $27,423,395
General Fund Use of Fund Balance: $1,170,455
Roll Call #14:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4117
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve
demolition proceedings on properties located at 133 Locust Street (residence &attached
garage),314 South Henderson Street (residence),362 North Broad Street (residence &
accessory structure),553 West Tompkins Street (residence &accessory structure),and 643 Day
Street (residence & shed).
Roll Call #15:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4118
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve the National Opioid
Settlement and Release agreements.City Attorney Nodlen stated that at this time it is not
known what type of funding will be made directly available to the City.It is anticipated that a
substantial majority of the funds will have to be spent on opioid treatment and prevention.
Roll Call #16:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4119
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve an
agreement with Bruner,Cooper,and Zuck,Inc.to prepare a grant application for the State of
Illinois Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Grant for the renovation of the second and third
floors of 120 East Main Street in an amount not to exceed $13,900.
Roll Call #17:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4120
December 6, 2021 Page 9 of 13
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve an agreement
with Bruner,Cooper,and Zuck,Inc.to prepare a grant application for the State of Illinois Rebuild
Downtowns and Main Streets Grant for the National Railroad Hall of Fame project in an amount
not to exceed $5,000.
Roll Call #18:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, 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
20-9026
Trustee Cox moved,seconded by Trustee Davis,to approve Ordinance 21-01 on final reading
approving the 2021 Property Tax Levy for the Town of the City of Galesburg in the amount of
$531,000.
Roll Call #19:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-9027
Trustee Dennis moved,seconded by Trustee Wallace,to approve Ordinance 21-02 on final
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
General Assistance Fund $467,400
Total Appropriations $1,055,430
Roll Call #20:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-9028
December 6, 2021 Page 10 of 13
Trustee Davis moved,seconded by Trustee Cox,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in
payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $1,551.35
General Assistance Fund $3,482.25
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,446.07
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $7,479.67
Roll Call #21:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Trustee Davis moved,seconded by Trustee Dennis,to resume as the City Council. Approved by
voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member White stated that he is passionate about youth and our City and believes that
we need to spend money on growing.At the strategic planning sessions over the weekend,he
noted that it was discussed that our community size needed to grow and improve and the way
to do that starts with our youth.He admitted that he is new to the Council and doesn’t fully
understand the City’s cash flow,but that it ’s all about people,not just money.He closed by
saying that our youth will leave if they have nothing here -activities,jobs,and connections.He
loves this City and is proud to be a Silver Streak and hopes that we can grow,prosper and be
one unit.
Council Member White left the meeting at 7:44 p.m.
Council Member Smith-Esters thanked staff and the facilitators for the retreat over the weekend
and explained that youth and inclusion was a main focus.She thanked the Downtown
Community Partnership for their efforts on the Holly Days Parade as well as those who assisted
with the Stuff the Bus campaign.
Council Member White returned to the meeting at 7:46 p.m.
Council Member Davis also thanked everyone involved in the recent holiday events and
encouraged everyone to go to the Register-Mail website to see the video of the parade.She
also announced that the Prairie Players Civic Theater will present Broadway Christmas Cabaret
this weekend.
December 6, 2021 Page 11 of 13
Council Member Cox expressed that the recent strategic planning sessions were very good and
many important goals were recognized,with youth being a priority.He stated that he is looking
forward to the new library,which will have a common room that could be used as a community
center area.He also encouraged the City to look into a partnership with the YMCA about a
possible new pool,especially with their building being closely connected to the high school.He
added that the school could assist with bus transportation and the YMCA does offer
membership scholarships.
Council Member Cox also thanked Mr.Hicks for coming forward regarding the neighborhood
business zoning and believes it ’s something the City should possibly consider.
Council Member Hix reported on an article he read recently that explained Illinois’pension debt
and that Galesburg is listed among 20 cities and towns that has a public safety pension fund
with less than 50 cents saved for every $1 in future promises.He noted that the article shows
Galesburg ’s pension debt at 74%of the property tax levy,with an average of over $37,000 in
pension debt per household.He believes it will be difficult to afford to do large projects and
that we need to increase our population.
Council Member Wallace thanked those who attended the meeting and talked about issues that
they are passionate about.He believes the City needs to be held accountable to provide
inclusiveness and diversity.He added that the Council Members better represent the town now
and he is looking forward to working on the goals from the strategic planning session.
Mayor Schwartzman thanked the members of the CEO program for attending and sharing
information with the Council.This is their fourth year in existence and he hopes that they
continue to get more students involved and interested in the program.
He commented that he thought the first Holly Days Parade was amazing despite the weather
and has never seen so many smiling faces in one day.He was privileged to serve as the parade
marshall and thanked the Downtown Community Partnership for their efforts.
The Mayor also reported that the Council,along with City department directors,attended
sixteen hours of community strategic planning Friday and Saturday.He noted that the plan
document should be available in a few days which outline approximately 20 goals.He added
that the next steps will be to flush out the implementation of the plan and to work on
community partnerships to do so.He wanted to publicly thank the City directors and managers
for taking time out of their schedules to attend the sessions.
Mayor Schwartzman closed by saying that pride in our community is very important and he felt
like that parade played a large role in expressing that over the weekend.He expressed how
young people want to be part of the solution and involved with ways to make our community
better.
There being no further business,Council Member Dennis,seconded by Council Member
Smith-Esters, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Roll Call #22:
December 6, 2021 Page 12 of 13
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
December 6, 2021 Page 13 of 13