HomeMy WebLinkAbout0207022City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
February 7, 2022
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 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A moment of silence was given in lieu of an invocation.
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve the minutes of
the City Council’s regular meeting from January 18, 2022.
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 #2022-03
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
22-2006
Approve Resolution 22-05 establishing the date,time,and location for a public hearing on the
proposed amendments to the Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan and Projects for the
Central/East Main Street (TIF 4) Redevelopment Area.
22-4003
Approve authorizing the City Manager to renew the existing flood insurance policies with
Selective Insurance Company, covering property in the Mississippi River Flood Plain in Oquawka.
22-4004
Approve the revised Drug and Alcohol Policy cover CDL holders and transportation employees at
the City.
22-4005
February 7, 2022 Page 1 of 7
Approve an agreement with Midwest Truckers Drug &Alcohol Testing Consortium to provide
random testing for CDL holders and transportation employees at the City.
22-8002
Approve bills in the amount of $1,194,462.31 and advance checks in the amount of
$356,282.71.
Council Member White inquired about why OSF was not chosen to continue drug and alcohol
testing for the City.Brad Nolden,City Attorney &Director of Administrative Services,stated
that Midwest Truckers consortium are experts in this field and offer multiple benefits as a
provider of random drug screenings,which include on-site collection,policy review,and
assistance with reporting compliance.Nolden also noted that the City has a “no tolerance”rule
for cannabis regardless of its legality. Testing and collection fees were also reviewed.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve
Consent Agenda 2022-03.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
22-1001
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 113 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to allow for
the delivery of alcoholic liquor by authorized licensed retailers.
City Clerk Bennewitz stated that only establishments who have an off-premises consumption or
a combined license from the State will be allowed to deliver.Alcohol must be in its original
package unless the establishment adheres to the State’s “Cocktails to Go” statute and rules.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Vicky Schultz and Linda Miller presented the City Clerk with petitions of 1,215 signatures from
residents in favor of keeping Hawthorne Pool open.
Mark Johnson addressed the Council stating that he does not support the proposed
amendment to the Development Ordinance in regards to fencing &landscaping on residential
property adjacent to Lake Storey.The proposed ordinance will limit the height of fences to 4
feet.He has issues with his neighbors fencing and also believes that the Planning &Zoning
Commission needs to regulate fencing material.
February 7, 2022 Page 2 of 7
Bill Butts addressed the Council and stated that most of the users of the Hawthorne Pool were
in the audience.He added that this pool is the best around and he hopes Council continues
their consideration to keep it open.
Rhonda Brady addressed the Council and stated that she attended the unhoused forum last
week and became very interested in “point in time”data.She provided her own PIT with the
pool:Her father trained in the pool before entering the military in 1944;today the pool was
open and at a temperature of 85 degrees;today fourteen people were in the Zumba class at the
pool;today a friend called her to tell her that the YMCA pool was cold;and lastly,at tonight ’s
City Council meeting she asked them to direct the City Manager and Parks &Recreation Director
to do all they can to help utilize the historic pool,ensure that it ’s staffed,and make the
necessary repairs to keep it open.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A.Weekly yard waste will resume in March.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
22-4006
Council Member Wallace moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve a grant
application with the Illinois State Police Office of Statewide 9-1-1 System in the amount of
$317,688.42.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-4007
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve the sale
of a portion of HT Custer Park to Steve Albert in the amount of $700.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-4008
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve a facility
use agreement between Community Unit School District 205 and the City.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
February 7, 2022 Page 3 of 7
22-4009
Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve a
Memorandum of Understanding with Bridgeway,Inc.,for a behavioral health co-responder
based out of the Police Department.
Chief Idle reported that one part of 21st century policing is the use of co-responders with police
when dealing with citizens suffering from behavioral illness or other crises.Recent tragedies in
our nation have drawn light that police need additional resources to deal with medical or
behavioral issues that they regularly encounter.
He noted that staff has been researching the concept of adding a police social worker.As the
regional agency responsible for mental health and social services,Bridgeway has the expertise
and training to properly train,equip,and supervise a mental health expert.With the funding
assistance from the Knox County 708 Mental Health Board,the parties can now implement a
co-responder based out of the Galesburg Police Department.
Chief Idle noted that this person will be on call for major incidents but will likely be referred
based on incident reports.Regardless,the scene must be safe before he’s allowed to
participate.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to sit as the Town Board.
Approved by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
22-9003
Trustee Cox moved,seconded by Trustee Davis,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in
payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $4,448.37
General Assistance Fund $4,000.39
IMRF Fund $1,735.82
Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,037.59
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $12,222.17
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Wallace, Smith-Esters, White, Davis, and Cox, 7.
February 7, 2022 Page 4 of 7
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Trustee Cox moved,seconded by Trustee Davis,to resume as the City Council. Approved by
voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Wallace stated that he’s aware a lot is going on to save the pool and he hopes
there can be an organized committee that may be able to assist with fundraising.He noted that
the City ’s budget is always tight and he hopes we can work with other organizations such as the
County,Knox College,etc.to help with the pool.It would be his hope that individuals would
donate to a fund.
Council Member White thanked Mr.Johnson for attending the meeting and expressing his
concern over the fencing.He added that he is aware he has had issues in the past with
neighbors and hasn’t been able to get it resolved with the City.
He reminded everyone that February is Black History Month and that these Americans were
abused for 400 years,the first hired and fired,and are not in the history books.He added that
many still struggle with voting rights.He served in the military in Vietnam fighting for our
country and explained that everyone should be considered an American and not labeled African
Americans, Asian Americans, etc. He hopes everyone has a chance to celebrate this month.
Council Member Smith-Esters thanked Council Member White for his comments and
perspective.She noted too that the City is exploring options for the pool and thanked everyone
for their interest and attending the meeting.
Council Member Smith-Esters also reported that the Galesburg Public Library has partnered
with Comcast to sponsor free Internet service in the homes of qualifying Galesburg community
members through the Internet Essentials Program.If residents qualify for programs like the
National School Lunch Program,housing assistance,Medicaid,SNAP,or SSI,they may be eligible
to take advantage of this program,provided by the Emergency Connectivity Fund.Interested
individuals can contact the Library.
She also announced that the annual Chocolate Festival,hosted by the Galesburg Historical
Society,will take place on February 19th and 20th.Information can be found on their Facebook
page.
Council Member Davis stated that she would be at the Chocolate Festival and hoped others
would attend to support the organization and The Vault.She thanked all those who attended
regarding the pool and appreciated their comments.She also thanked them for participating by
sending emails. She reminded people to drive safely, especially with the recent winter weather.
February 7, 2022 Page 5 of 7
Council Member Cox thanked Council Member White for his service to our Country.He also
inquired about the current maximum height a fence could be according to code at this time.
City Manager Thompson stated it is seven feet.
Council Member Cox stated that Council had a good meeting /work session a week ago and
discussed Churchill.He hopes that the Pavilion,one of the nicest venues around,could be used
much more than it is now for groups,meetings,etc.He suggested that possibly Lakeside could
add another multi-purpose room and that Hawthorne Gym is underutilized as well.He noted
that the new library will have several common rooms,a kitchen,computer room and
teen/youth room.He also believes that once the old library is vacated,it could be a possibility
for a senior center.
Council Member Cox suggested that possibly the building at 820 East Fifth Street could be
demolished,or part of it saved,and used for a center.Possibilities could include adding a gym.
He noted that it’s also close to the park.He mentioned that at that work session the Mayor
noted he would be meeting with the City Manager about Churchill and he asserted that the City
Manager needs to take direction from the entire Council.
Council Member Hix stated that he is the treasurer for the Galesburg Historical Society and that
a lot of work goes into the annual Chocolate Festival and is a great fundraiser for the
organization.He also noted that as the elected body for the City,they have to make a lot of
difficult decisions but he appreciates everyone’s passion for the Hawthorne Pool.He also
understands the Fire Department and Police Department also need additional staff and that
they have to look at the whole picture --the entire budget as a whole.He stated that he has
vowed in the past to protect property taxes,which he believes are very high now.The Council
has to keep an eye on the bottom line.He appreciates the emails and comments from
constituents.
Council Member Dennis announced that the Galesburg on Track Stewardship Team and the
City ’s Community Development Department have selected 1578 East Main Street as the next
recipient for the Community Blue Ribbon Award.The home is located in Ward Two and will
officially be presented to the homeowner at the next City Council meeting.
Mayor Schwartzman expressed that he was able to attend two events recently at the Orpheum
Theater.The first,the musical 1619,was a very moving piece of American history from the
1600’s to the present.Second,he was able to attend an event with Brandon Novak,who at
seventeen years old was a top skateboarder.He experimented with drugs and at 21 became an
addict.He went to 13 rehab centers until he finally became clean.The Mayor stated Novak’s
message to the 200 people in the theater was very powerful.He thanked Bridgeway ’s ROSC
program for sponsoring the event.
The Mayor announced that his Mayor ’s Appreciation Award recipient,nominated by Council
Member Dennis,is John Peterson.He thanked Peterson for his service to the City as a Council
Member and his service on many City Commissions over the years.He also appreciates his
volunteerism, most notably with the Galesburg Youth Athletic Club.
February 7, 2022 Page 6 of 7
There being no further business,Council Member Dennis,seconded by Council Member White,
to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, Smith-Esters, White, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Peter D. Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
February 7, 2022 Page 7 of 7