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Home My WebLink About01032022City Council Meeting Minutes5:25 p.m.Presentation: Galesburg High School Competitive Cheer Team Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting City Council Chambers 55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois January 3, 2022 5:30 p.m. Called to order by Mayor Peter Schwartzman at 5:30 p.m. Roll Call #1:Physically Present:Mayor Peter Schwartzman,Council Members Kevin Wallace, Dwight White,Jaclyn Smith-Esters,and Larry Cox,5.Present via Google Meet:Council Members Bradley Hix and Sarah Davis,2.Absent:Council Member Dennis,1.Also Present: City Manager Todd Thompson, City Attorney Bradley Nolden, and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz. Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present at 5:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. A moment of silence was observed in lieu of an invocation. Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from December 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 #2022-01 All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. 22-8000 Approve bills in the amount of $1,401,094.44 and advance checks in the amount of $498,122.01. Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Consent Agenda 2022-01. 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. January 3, 2022 Page 1 of 5 PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 22-1000 Ordinance on first reading authorizing the City of Galesburg to borrow $2,000,000 from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) through the Public Water Supply Loan Program. 22-2000 Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Resolution 22-01 authorizing the Director of Public Works to sign Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) loan documents for lead service line replacement. 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. 22-2001 Council Member Wallace moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Resolution 22-02 authorizing a feasibility study on the amendment of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 4. 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. 22-2002 Council Member Wallace moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Resolution 22-03 in support of the State of Illinois Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Grant for the proposed renovation of the second story of 54 South Kellogg Street for residential use. 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. 22-2003 Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Resolution 22-04 to install street lights on West Losey Street and on Whiting Avenue. 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. BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS January 3, 2022 Page 2 of 5 PUBLIC COMMENT Bill Butts addressed the Council and stated that he was born and raised in Galesburg and has been swimming at Hawthorne Pool since 1986.He believes the City doesn’t realize what a gem the pool is and that it’s an asset due to its size.He would encourage the City to establish a Recreation Commission to look at the pool,as well as other needs in the community such as a community center. Pastor Hailey,Allen Chapel AME,wished the Council a happy new year and stated that our City has been blessed with no major catastrophes such as fires and tornadoes that are happening in other parts of the country.He believes that Galesburg can be great --with the letter “G”--as long as the community works together and continues to be safe. Pam Davidson addressed the Council and announced that the annual Martin Luther King Community Celebration will be held on Monday,January 17th from 8-9 a.m.DeVone Eurales will be the keynote speaker.The celebration will be held via Zoom and she will send a link to Council Members.She hopes people will join in celebration of Dr.King ’s life as a leader and to celebrate his life. Sam Cohen addressed the Council and stated that he loves Galesburg and just recently moved here.He believes that we are not investing in resources,such as the pool,and that the City needs to dedicate funding and resources to what attracts people to our community and makes it special. He would like to see the Council reallocate funds to fix the pool. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.) Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member White,to sit as the Town Board. Approved by voice vote. TOWN BUSINESS 22-9000 Trustee White moved,seconded by Trustee Smith-Esters,to approve the appointment of Laura Williams to the unexpired term of the City Assessor through December 31, 2025. Roll Call #8: Ayes:Trustees Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, Cox, and Winick, 7. Nays:None Absent:Trustee Dennis, 1. Chairman declared motion carried. 22-9001 Trustee White moved,seconded by Trustee Smith-Esters,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same. January 3, 2022 Page 3 of 5 Fund Title Amount Town Fund $918.14 General Assistance Fund $5,081.46 IMRF Fund $1,429.20 Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,470.60 Liability Fund Audit Fund Total $9,899.40 Roll Call #9: 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 Wallace,to resume as the City Council. Approved by voice vote. CLOSING COMMENTS Council Member Hix read the following statement for the recent Blue Ribbon Award recipient. The single-family residence at 1547 Florence Avenue in Galesburg has been selected to receive the Community Blue-Ribbon Award for the month of January.The home is currently owned by Amy Morris and is in the city’s First Ward.The Blue Ribbon Award,facilitated by the Stewardship Team of Galesburg on Track and the city ’s Community Development Department,recognizes exterior improvements to residential properties that reflect a positive town image.The nomination was submitted by Gary Nelson of Galesburg and announced by First Ward Alderman Bradley Hix at Monday ’s city council meeting. The 1937 home was purchased by Terry and Susan Woolsey of Woolsey Home Improvements in 2013.They completely renovated the deteriorating structure.New windows,doors and siding were installed under a rebuilt roof,a deck was constructed on the back,and a remodeled front porch and landscaping added to the curb appeal from the street.A freshly tuckpointed foundation provides functional and aesthetic value. After award selection,it was learned that extensive improvements were also done on the inside of the home.This included new electrical,plumbing,and HVAC systems.Hardwood flooring harvested from a local farmhouse demolition and a repurposed door from the old Silas Willard School give the property a sense of Galesburg history. Galesburg on Track is seeking nominations from the city ’s second ward for the month of February.Nomination forms can be completed through the city ’s website or by contacting a Galesburg on Track member. Council Member Wallace wished everyone a Happy New Year.He thanked the City for the cleanup action on Day Street and for those who attended the meeting tonight. January 3, 2022 Page 4 of 5 Council Member White thanked Ms.Davidson for announcing the MLK Celebration,of which he is also a member.He added that the group also awards scholarships each year to both traditional and nontraditional students.He thanked the City for the “sled libraries”at the official sled hills at Rotary Park and Debbie Klapp Park.He noted that it gave him a sense of pride being able to offer those for the kids in the community.He also wished everyone a happy and prosperous new year. Council Member Smith-Esters also wished everyone a happy new year and thanked those that came out and spoke about the pool.She assured them that staff and Council are talking and trying to think outside the box on the location.She also stated that she is excited about the newly formed Youth Commission which will be starting soon.Council Member Smith-Esters added that her New Year ’s resolution is to be kinder. Council Member Davis also wished everyone a happy new year and reminded the community that COVID is still running rampant in our community and to stay safe.She implored people to wear a mask, get vaccinated or boosted and to be careful around family and friends. Council Member Cox expressed his sympathy to the family of Harry Sandry,retired City Plumbing Inspector. He stated that Sandry was a very kind and generous person. Mayor Schwartzman stated that he has had three family members contract COVID over the holidays and hasn’t been able to see his children for the last ten days.He thanked the committee for bringing back the Blue Ribbon Award and is looking forward to recognizing the recipients.He encouraged individuals to submit nominations,specifically for Ward 2 at this time. He thanked Pastor Hailey for his words and also believes that for Galesburg,“G”could stand for Grit,Giving,Gratefulness,Glistening,Goodwill,Groove,and especially Generosity.He is looking forward to a prosperous 2022 year. There being no further business,Council Member Cox,seconded by Council Member White,to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:06 p.m. 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. Peter D. Schwartzman, Mayor Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk January 3, 2022 Page 5 of 5