HomeMy WebLinkAbout030722City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
March 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,Kevin Wallace,
Dwight White,Jaclyn Smith-Esters,Sarah Davis,and Larry Cox,7.Absent:Council Member
Wayne 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 February 21, 2022.
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 #2022-05
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
22-4019
Approve waiving normal purchasing policies and approve the product pricing as provided by
Core &Main for various water meters and radio units to be purchased by the Water Division in
the amount of $73,200.
22-4020
Approve an extension with the University of Illinois at Chicago for a study in conjunction with
the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Help Eliminate Lead Program
Pilot Grant modification. This would extend the grant through July 31, 2022.
22-4021
Approve an agreement with AMP Electrical and Mechanical Services to install new lighting for
the tennis courts at Lakeside Recreation Facility.The estimated cost of this project is $35,595;
March 7, 2022 Page 1 of 10
however there would be no cost to the City since the replacement would be submitted to
Ameren for their Energy Efficiency Rebate program.
22-5000
Receive the following rate schedules for wrecker services:
1.A to Z Towing & Transport
2.Berg ’s Towing
3.Bob’s Towing, Inc.
4.Bolin’s Towing & Repair
5.Galesburg Towing LLC
6.Winkler ’s Towing & Repair
22-8004
Approve bills in the amount of $450,658.98 and advance checks in the amount of $608,655.28.
Youth Commission Co-Chairs,Precious Dortch and Joy Basosa-Nzumba,presented the Youth
Commission Report .
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve Consent
Agenda 2022-05.
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.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
22-1003
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve the
Ordinance on final reading amending Chapter 152 of the Galesburg Municipal Code in regard to
Residential Gardens.
Mark Rasmussen addressed the Council in opposition to this ordinance.He stated that he
planted a peach tree in his front yard and it has been a great opportunity to meet his neighbors
and to share with those who may need the food.He estimates that he has shared and enjoyed
over 3,000 peaches which would cost more than $5,000 if they were purchased in a store.Mr.
Rasmussen added that he purchases lots in Galesburg and develops them into gardens and
orchards,estimating that he has paid over $300,000 in real estate taxes in the last 20 years.He
has also planted more than 1,000 fruit trees.Mr.Rasmussen believes that this ordinance is very
short sighted and that people need the opportunity to take pride in their yards and
neighborhoods.
Blaire and Chris Schertz addressed the Council and stated they are business owners from
Macomb who are interested in opening a nursery here on North Henderson Street.They are
disheartened that this ordinance is being discussed.They added that they understand setbacks
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but feel that this is overstepping and would be a big mistake if approved.They suggest that the
Council amend the ordinance to only specify set back requirements for visibility and that it
would be a mistake not to listen to the citizens.
Sandra Gray addressed the Council and stated that she is a runner in the community and loves
to see the diversity of all the beautiful gardens which feature unique art and design.She
believes gardeners are artists and she has enjoyed expanding her vegetable gardens to enjoy
and share.She added that she is looking forward to planting in her front yard where there is
sun. She encouraged the Council to vote no on this ordinance.
Ray Pickrel stated that with all the problems in our community it ’s shameful that the Council is
concerned and worried about a few gardens. He encouraged them to focus on bigger issues.
Ginny Rogers addressed the Council and stated that she hopes the South Side Task Force does
not support this ordinance.She added that she rents her home but that she takes great pride in
her yard and neighborhood.She has a special needs grandson who enjoys planting and
gardening.Ms.Rogers feels that the Council is only thinking of themselves and who they are
angry with and that the ordinance needs to be voted down.
Carol Buebe addressed the Council and stated that this ordinance is a blatant display of privilege
and that with the food deserts in our community,people need access to gardens.She feels this
ordinance is very elitist and that the Council should vote no.
LuAnn Mahnesmith addressed the Council and stated that she grew up on the east end of
Kiwanis Park.She has many trees in her backyard (cottonwood,walnut,etc.)that make it so she
cannot plant a garden.However,she’s able to grow amazing flowers in her front yard.She
hopes the Council votes this ordinance down and doesn’t ruin neighborhoods.
Elyse McCloud addressed the Council and stated that she has gardened most of her life and
talks to many people who have a love of gardens,plants,and Galesburg.She can’t believe that
the City would tell her what she can and can’t plant on her own property.She pays property
taxes and enjoys sharing her homegrown food.She noted that it used to be that our parents
and grandparents had a duty to plant a “victory garden”and to share.She feels that the
ordinance needs to be reexamined and that it should not be a vendetta against one person.
Dale Jacobs addressed the Council and stated that he and his wife take in addicts and teach at
the Knox County Jail.Many people they help,including kids,have been involved in gardening
with them, which brings a great opportunity to mentor them.
John,former Knox College student,addressed the Council and noted that he used to live in a
community that didn’t allow for new and interesting gardens and believes that green lawns are
lifeless and boring.He feels that we have good soil here and that growing your own food is an
important part of many people’s futures.He doesn’t believe the City should tell people what ’s
beautiful and what ’s not and that we should support families.
March 7, 2022 Page 3 of 10
Hannah,Galesburg resident,addressed the Council and stated that many items such as hostas,
and daylilies,are edible.She doesn’t understand why the City would want to spend money to
remove trees and other items from yards and believes the Council should listen to the people
and vote no.
Rene Pelotte addressed the Council and stated that she and her husband revitalized a former
drug house on West Main Street and have a garden in the front due to not having much of a
backyard.They grow perennials,herbs,and raspberry bushes,and have been told that they
have a beautiful house and yard.
Craig,a resident who moved to town four years ago,addressed the Council questioning if this
would be a sweeping ordinance that affects everyone.He hopes the City checked on what is
edible and what isn’t and hopes that they vote no.
Council Member White stated that this ordinance has nothing to do with the South Side Task
Force.He noted that one of Galesburg ’s founding fathers,George Washington Gale,also
founded Knox College and believed in a manual labor education system.This was a type of
school in the United States,primarily between 1825-1860,in which agriculture or mechanical
work supplemented academic activity.He reiterated that Gale started this town with
agriculture.
Council Member Davis thanked everyone who attended the meeting and spoke about the
ordinance.She understands that addressing the Council can be nerve wracking and she admires
those that came forward.She noted that this ordinance did not come from the Council but was
recommended by members of the Planning &Zoning Commission.She is unsure of the
discussions that were held by the Commission and the Development Review Committee before
this came to the Council and questioned the lack of transparency.She will be voting no on the
ordinance.
Council Member Cox thanked Mark Rasmussen for his investment in the community and asked
if this ordinance would affect vacant lots.The City Manager stated that it would not since they
are regulated by the Community Garden Ordinance and that there would be no change.
Council Member Cox moved to table agenda item 22-1003,seconded by Council Member
Wallace.Council Member Smith-Esters stated that she opposed the tabling of the ordinance
and doesn’t wish to extend the discussion and the vote.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Member Cox, 1.
Nays:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 5.
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion failed.
City Clerk Bennewitz called the following vote for agenda item 22-1003:
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:None
March 7, 2022 Page 4 of 10
Nays:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion failed.
22-1004
Ordinance on first reading approving a zoning amendment from R3A,Multi-Family to B3 Central
Business District,for KXZ Properties,located at 239 South Cherry Street (former St.Mary’s
Square).The City Manager noted that he believes this is an appropriate zoning amendment
even if other businesses occupy the property in the future.
22-1005
Ordinance on first reading amending Section 113-043 (A)of Chapter 113 of the Galesburg
Municipal Code to limit the number of Class A liquor licenses.
22-1006
Ordinance on first reading amending Section 97.033 of Chapter 97 of the Galesburg Municipal
Code regarding the Tree Commission.
22-2010
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve Resolution
22-07 authorizing the submission of the application for a comprehensive operations analysis
grant under the Illinois Department of Transportation.The estimated cost of the study based
on consultation with IDOT staff is $150,000.Community Development Director Gugliotta stated
that once an application is made,it is anticipated that the City would hear back within the next
few months. Funding would come from the Federal government and the State of Illinois.
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.
22-2011
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Resolution
22-08 extending a 90-day moratorium on the enforcement of Chapter 97 for homeowners and
businesses who install landscaping or other items in their terrace.
Council Member Davis stated that she believes there needs to be a larger conversation about
this ordinance within the community.She understands that access and visibility are important,
but that more diversity than just grass would be welcome.She supports extending the
moratorium so that details can be discussed.
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.
March 7, 2022 Page 5 of 10
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Linda Miller addressed the Council on behalf of the Save Hawthorne Pool group.The group has
attended all meetings of the Council,put up signs and flyers,sent emails and made phone calls
to Council Members,talked to the media,and submitted 1,215 signatures of support on a
petition to save the pool.Miller stated that after reviewing the engineering reports for 2016
and 2020,she doesn’t see why the pool is in danger now but wasn’t at those times.She
believes the pool is not in disrepair but instead is not in the budget due to a personal agenda.
Ms.Miller added that the pool has served our community for 37 years and should be listed as
an asset in the Master Parks &Recreation Plan,as well as the Hawthorne Gym.She implored
the Council to keep the pool open and operational and to direct Director Oligney-Estill to
maintain and staff the pool.She submitted a 2014-2021 revenue and expenditure report for
the pool to the City Clerk for distribution.
Rhonda Brady addressed the Council and commended the six Council Members who vote no on
the garden ordinance.She is also pleased that the moratorium extension was approved as well
and believes more input is needed.
Mrs.Brady stated that Friday when she arrived at the Hawthorne Pool she found out it was
closed due to staffing issues.She admitted that she did not check the Rainout Line and others
showed up at the pool as well who don’t have the technology to be able to check for
cancellations.She stated that she was dismayed to find out that the last day to reserve the pool
for parties will be May 20th,the potential closing date.She reminded the Council that Lakeside
will be cold,even in early June.She also noted that the pool attendance numbers in the City’s
Annual Report looked strange to her and reminded Council Members that the public needs a
place to go.
Kendall Bolen presented the City Clerk with information for the Council from Mercer County
and Knoxville on their regulations for ATVs, motorized bikes, etc.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Thompson reported that weekly yard waste collection resumes on Monday,
March 7, 2022.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
22-4022
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve a real estate
agreement for 820 East Fifth Street in the amount of $28,355.91.Cost to demolish the building
is estimated between $200,000 and $250,000.City Attorney Brad Nolden stated that he
negotiated the sale directly with the tax buyer.
Roll Call #8:
March 7, 2022 Page 6 of 10
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-4023
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to authorize the purchase
of parcel 99-23-126-054 from the Knox County Trustee in the amount of $823.This is the
adjoining parcel to the property at 820 East Fifth Street.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis.
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-4024
Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve
demolition proceedings on the following properties:
1.782 Berrien Street
2.946 South Pearl Street
3.1290 Day Street
4.1470 Grand Avenue
5.2069 Windish Drive
6.770 Berrien Street
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 failed.
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to sit as the Town
Board. Approved by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
22-9005
Trustee Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Trustee Cox,to approve Town bills and warrants be
drawn in payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $1,398.95
General Assistance Fund $5,368.34
IMRF Fund $1,735.82
Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,070.67
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
March 7, 2022 Page 7 of 10
Total $10,573.78
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Wallace, Smith-Esters, White, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Trustee Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Trustee Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Trustee White,to resume as the City Council.
Approved by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Wallace announced that Stephen and Laura Albert have been awarded the
Community Blue Ribbon Award (CRBA)for their home at 550 East Fifth Street in Galesburg.The
award recognizes exterior improvements that contribute to a positive town image and is
facilitated by Galesburg on Track and the City ’s Community Development Department.The
monthly honor rotates through the city ’s seven wards with March focusing on Ward 3.
The Alberts completed a major facelift to the property in recent years including new windows,
siding,and roof on the house.The front porch was overhauled with all new materials.Other
additions include a brick patio,a 24 x 28 garage,privacy fence,and blacktop driveway.New
landscaping and accent lighting complete the pleasing aesthetics of the property.Wallace noted
that coincidentally,the 1926 residence is the second straight CRBA winner that is a Sears kit
home. The February honoree at 1578 East Main Street is also an original Sears home.
The Alberts also purchased the property next door and demolished the dilapidated house there
and cleaned the lot,thus providing a nice view of HT Custer Park to the east.The Community
Blue Ribbon Sign will be placed in the yard and the Alberts will be recognized at the July 21st
City Council meeting.
Council Member Wallace stated that Galesburg on Track is asking for nominations for the city’s
4th Ward for the month of April.Nomination forms can be completed through the city’s website
or by contacting a Galesburg on Track member.
Council Member Wallace clarified that his reasoning for wanting to table the garden ordinance
comes from his busy work schedule and his isolation from the community for his job.He added
that he grew up with a mother who canned everything and provided food for the community as
well.
Council Member White thanked everyone who attended the meeting and spoke and urged the
Council to listen. He noted that the Council is here to represent them.
Council Member Smith-Esters also thanked those who attended the meeting and added that ’s
how things get done in government.She appreciates the countless hours and research people
have put into their concerns.She also encouraged residents to reach out and check on any
March 7, 2022 Page 8 of 10
veterans they may know who may be suffering from PTSD with the events happening in
Ukraine.
Council Member Davis thanked everyone who came to the meeting and for their diligence in
continuing to speak on what they are passionate about;it does not go unnoticed.She
understands that it can be frustrating but wanted it known that Council Members are listening
and trying to figure out how to preserve the pool.
Council Member Cox thanked the Youth Commission members for their service and for looking
to serve the community and not just looking for the City to provide for them.
Council Member Hix thanked Molly Miller for meeting with him and appreciated the time she
took to explain and help him better understand the Save the Hawthorne Pool group’s goals.
Mayor Schwartzman stated that he was moved by the insight,intelligence,and commitment of
those who spoke tonight.He understands that it takes time to attend a meeting and that
everyone has busy lives.He thanked everyone for the emails that he and Council have received
as well. He is appreciative of residents getting involved in community issues.
The Mayor also reported that he met with Quinn Adamowski from Landmark Illinois and that he
has Hawthorne Pool on his radar.Based on that communication,the Mayor stated that he
would concur with the statements made tonight that there is reason to believe the pool could
stay open until it ’s found that it is no longer safe,which can’t be said at this time with
conviction.He will be soliciting support from the Council to keep the pool open and thanked
the group and community members for bringing this to light.He has hope that the resources
could be found to make the pool’s future long and robust.
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to adjourn into
Executive Session at 7:09 p.m.for the purpose of discussing litigation,release of past executive
session minutes,and approval of the minutes from the September 7,2021,executive session
meeting (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (11) and (21).
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.
During the Executive Session,Council Member Smith-Esters,seconded by Council Member
White, to adjourn the Executive Session at 7:33 p.m.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
March 7, 2022 Page 9 of 10
There being no further business,Council Member Smith-Esters,seconded by Council Member
Wallace, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:33 p.m.
Roll Call #14:
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
March 7, 2022 Page 10 of 10