HomeMy WebLinkAbout051622 City Council Meeting Minutes5:25 p.m.Presentation:Landmark Commission Historic Preservation Award
Proclamation:Period Poverty Awareness Week
Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
May 16, 2022
5:30 p.m.
Called to order by Mayor Peter Schwartzman at 5:37 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:Interim City Manager Wayne Carl,City Attorney Brad Nolden,
and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz.
Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Semenya McCord gave the invocation.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve the
minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from May 2, 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 #2022-10
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
22-2026
Approve Resolution 22-22 for the temporary closure of Main Street for the 2022 Railroad Days
Festival, June 21-26, 2022.
22-2027
Approve Resolution 22-23 for the temporary closure of Main Street for a 5K Whiskey Run
special event, June 12, 2022.
22-5006
Receive a schedule of rates for American Ferrier LLC.
May 16, 2022 Page 1 of 9
22-5007
Receive the March 31, 2022, Investment Schedule.
22-8009
Approve bills in the amount of $620,044.98 and advance checks in the amount of $418,502.47.
Council Member White asked about insurance for special events.City Attorney Brad Nolden
explained that the requirement of a comprehensive liability policy for events on City-owned
property is not uncommon and helps to insulate the City from liability.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Consent
Agenda 2022-10.
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
22-1015
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Ordinance
22-3671 on final reading approving an amendment to the TIF Redevelopment Plan and Project
Redevelopment Area No.4 (Central/East Main Street)to include additional parcels.It was
noted that Discovery Depot was in TIF No. 1, which expired last year.
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.
22-1016
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve
Ordinance 22-3672 on final reading amending Section 113.043 (A)of Chapter 113 of the
Galesburg Municipal Code adding one Class A-1 Liquor License for Cherry Street Brewing
Company.
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.
22-1017
Ordinance on first reading directing the sale of twenty-two vacant City-owned properties.
May 16, 2022 Page 2 of 9
Community Development Director Steve Gugliotta explained that the Request for Bid document
will include two options for submitting a bid.The first option is a Development Plan bid where
the bidder submits detailed information on their plans for the property.This option gives the
City more control over the proposed use of the property.The second option is No Development
Plan bid,which all allows a person to purchase a property without submitting plans for future
redevelopment.
22-2028
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Resolution 22-24
authorizing the Mayor,City Clerk,Director of Finance and Information Systems,and Interim City
Manager to sign and submit a $22.5 million grant application for the Multimodal Project
Discretionary Grant Program for the Galesburg Business Park through the United States
Department of Transportation.Interim City Manager Carl stated that this project would
eventually take up to 130 acres of the 350 acres of the park.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Abstain:Council Member Wallace, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
22-3019
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve the bid
submitted by Gunther Construction,a division of UCM,Inc.,in the amount of $970,928.19 for
the 2022 intermittent resurfacing project.This is an increase of approximately $300,000 over
last year.
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.
22-3020
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve the bid submitted
by Laverdiere Construction in the amount of $257,455.30 for miscellaneous sidewalk
replacement at various locations within the City.It was noted that there is a five-year
backlogged list of sidewalks needing repaired.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
May 16, 2022 Page 3 of 9
Laura Fults addressed the Council and would like to receive the rules on riding the Handivan.
She also felt that an employee at the Transit office was rude to her when she called regarding
the Handivan.
Corine Andersen addressed the Council about the list of possible programs and facilities being
proposed for a community center at the Churchill building.She noted that a building does not
make a community center.She recommends that the City work with retirees,churches,and
other partners for the proposed kitchen and shop classes,fitness and childcare programs.She
added that Churchill is on the north side of town and that those on the south side will not have
easy access.
Jeannette Chernin distributed copies of pictures of 17 dilapidated properties that are within a
one-minute walk from her house (north side of Main Street on Cherry Street).She noted that
there are a few that could be made liveable again but that most are vacant or have squatters.
She asked if there was anything a private citizen could do about these properties and what
constitutes a property being slated for demolition or renovation.She also inquired about the
criteria for condemning a property.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A.Traffic Advisory Committee Report for May 2022.
B.Paint Drop Off has started again through September,third Saturday of each month,8
a.m. - noon, Walmart parking lot.
C.The Save Hawthorne Pool group hosted a $1 swim at Hawthorne on Saturday where
100+people attended.Interim City Manager Carl reminded the public that the pool
closes on Friday, May 20th.
D.The Fishing Derby was held on Sunday at Lincoln Park with approximately 1,200 people
in attendance.
E.Bunker Links held their first club tournament, the Spring Shamble, on May 12th.
Interim City Manager Carl thanked the Parks &Recreation staff and maintenance crew for their
assistance on the above mentioned events.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member White,to remove agenda
item 22-4049 from the table.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Abstain:Council Member Cox, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
May 16, 2022 Page 4 of 9
Caius Jennison,Farnsworth Group,stated that the goal of the master planning study is to
establish a process of identifying spaces and activities the proposed facility needs to
accommodate. Specifically, the scope of the agreement would include:
●Meeting with the City Council to review programming needs and establish priorities.
●Meet with City staff to review program needs.
●Identify the space and other amenities needed for the agreed upon program needs.
●Facilitate a tour of two previously completed projects.
●Based on the program needs and space requirements,evaluate the existing Churchill
building for housing the programs.
○The evaluation will include identifying spaces for the programs,identifying
unused space,identify programs that may not fit into the existing building,
develop a conceptual design for the facility,develop an opinion of probable cost,
and prepare a conceptual rendering of the building showing the new exterior
elements and signage.
●Based on the program needs and space requirements,evaluate constructing a new
building to meet those needs instead of renovating Churchill school.This will include an
opinion of probable cost.
Council Member Hix asked about public forums.Mr.Jennison stated that public forums are very
effective,as well as focus groups,so that a shared vision can be realized.Council Member Hix
stressed that community engagement would be very important although he still feels that the
building is too large.
Council Member Smith-Esters inquired about the timeframe for this process.Jennison stated
that they have estimated approximately six weeks.
22-4049
Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member Hix,to table agenda item 22-4049
to the June 20, 2022, City Council Meeting.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, White, Davis, and Cox, 4.
Nays:Council Members Wallace and Smith-Esters, 2.
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member White left the meeting at 6:31 p.m.
22-4051
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve a
professional services agreement in the amount of $113,000 with Klingner &Associates for the
preparation of construction documents and administration of the HVAC equipment in the Public
Safety Building.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Members Dennis and White, 2.
May 16, 2022 Page 5 of 9
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member White returned to the meeting at 6:34 p.m.
22-4052
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve the
December 31, 2022, Budget Adjustment #1.
Council Member Cox inquired about the Foreign Fire Fund.It was explained that the Illinois
Municipal League collects insurance taxes from companies outside of the State of Illinois and in
turn distributes those funds to fire departments across the state to provide for the needs of the
department.Typically,purchases are made which are not budgeted or provided by the
municipality.
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.
Council Member Wallace moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to sit as the Town Board.
The motion carried.
TOWN BUSINESS
22-9011
Trustee Davis moved,seconded by Trustee White,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn
in payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $5,201.88
General Assistance Fund $3,362.10
IMRF Fund $1,767.12
Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,136.67
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $12,467.77
Roll Call #13:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Wallace, Smith-Esters, White, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to resume as the City
Council. The motion carried.
May 16, 2022 Page 6 of 9
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Smith-Esters thanked the Mayor for reading the proclamation about period
poverty and is excited that the City participated in this important dialogue.
Council Member Davis also thanked the Mayor and stated that it was great to have the
recognition of period poverty brought to light and appreciates the Mayor for being comfortable
enough to read and promote it.She added that not all who menstruate identify as women and
she appreciated the inclusive language.Council Member Davis stated that she attended the
Local Elected Officials Luncheon and thanked the Chamber of Commerce and all those in
attendance for the updates.
Council Member Davis also noted that she was able to be part of the Library Foundation’s 100
Extraordinary Women initiative,which hit the record for the top fundraising numbers for 100
Extraordinary Women ever across the country.At the event,202 women in Galesburg and Knox
County pledged $1,000 each to collectively give $202,000 for the Skills Lab at the new Galesburg
Public Library.
Council Member Cox asked if the City ’s Gas Tax Fund and MFT (Motor Fuel Tax)Fund has been
decreasing over the years and if the trend has been a lower fund balance.It was noted that the
City ’s gas tax is 4 ½cents per gallon and MFT tax from the State is based on population.Interim
City Manager Carl stated that the funds have been decreasing and that the City spends more
than is received.It was also noted that the City ’s Gas Tax fund is used for infrastructure
improvements as well as road maintenance and personnel.MFT is used for Street Division
materials but no personnel.
The Interim City Manager noted that the City has discussed ways to sustain the funds internally,
and that the State and Federal governments are helping by allocating 33%more,or
approximately $600,000.In 2019,a gas tax was added to the MFT funds and the total received
is now $1.1 million.He noted that expenses have increased and that the net result is less
projects.
Council Member Hix congratulated the Fire Department and Galesburg Fire Captain James
Pendergast,Firefighter Kyle Harms,Firefighter Anthony McKillip,Firefighter Andrew Johnson,
and Firefighter Kyle McGee as they were recently recognized and awarded the OSFM Firefighter
Excellence “Unit Citation”Award for their bravery and heroic actions in February 2021 in which
they rescued an individual when they fell through the ice at Lake Storey.He also thanked Corine
Andersen for her comments and thought she had valid points and will plan to meet with her.
Council Member Wallace thanked Laura Fults for coming forward about the Handivan and
reminded everyone that they need to be respectful.He also addressed Corine Andersen’s
comments and stated that it is his hope that the City will partner with other agencies on a
community center.He thanked Director Gugliotta for his assistance on some dilapidated
properties in his Ward and has become more knowledgeable in the process.He also stated that
many of the homes that were submitted by Ms.Chernin looked to be historic and he hoped
some of them could be saved.
May 16, 2022 Page 7 of 9
Council Member White stated that he attended the event at Hawthorne Pool and that it was
well attended. He also welcomed Wayne Carl as the Interim City Manager.
Council Member White also implored that people need to learn how to be civil and respectful to
each other,especially in light of what happened in Buffalo,New York.Council Member White
read the names of the ten individuals who were killed:Aaron Salter,Ruth Whitfield,Pearly
Young,Katherine Massey,Heyward Patterson,Celestine Chaney,Roberta Drury,Margus D.
Morrison,Andre Mackneil,and Geraldine Talley.He does not understand the hatred and toxic
world we are in and that we should all love one another and figure out how to live together
with kindness and dignity.He added that everyone needs to learn to compromise and get to
know each other and that it makes no sense that people are killing each other based on their
political party or views.
Mayor Schwartzman thanked Council Member White for reading the names aloud and added
that what happened in Buffalo affects everybody.He noted that a book he read,How to Be an
Antiracist,by Ibram Kendi,was enlightening and talked about how a person has to be active in
order to be an antiracist.He stated that these are crimes against humanity and that we need to
take care of our young people and make sure that that does not happen here.
The Mayor added that he attended Deputy Weist ’s funeral and that he was amazed at all the
law enforcement from all over the United States who attended and that the four-hour
ceremony and procession was very emotional and difficult.He thanked the former Galesburg
Police Officer,now in Texas,who came back to spearhead the event and process.He also
thanked Tres Cafe for their fundraising efforts for the family.
The Mayor thanked Wayne Carl for stepping up and serving as the Interim City Manager.He
also thanked those involved with the event at Hawthorne Pool over the weekend and knows
that some adults and kids who attended weren’t aware of the pool.He also thanked City staff
and volunteers for their work on the Fishing Derby, a wonderful family event.
Mayor Schwartzman announced that he attended the CEO Trade Show where seven young
people showcased their start up businesses.He also attended the Gale Scholar ceremony
where eleven students were announced by Steve Cheeseman,Program Director.He added that
this program provides a bright future for these kids and he appreciates the support from the
community.
In closing,the Mayor stated that summer is approaching and that he hopes everyone can reach
across barriers and take care of each other.
There being no further business,Council Member Smith-Esters,seconded by Council Member
Wallace, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:13 p.m.
Roll Call #14:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
May 16, 2022 Page 8 of 9
Chairman declared motion carried.
Peter D. Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
May 16, 2022 Page 9 of 9