HomeMy WebLinkAbout062022 City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
June 20, 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: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 White,to approve the
minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from June 6, 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.
Presentation:Josh Bradbury, Darrin Ford, and Matt Gilliland, for i3 Broadband.
●Fiber to home provider of high-speed internet for over 20 years.
●Working with Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Springfield, and others.
●Ranked in top five nationally for customer service.
●Discussed pre-construction communications.
●Pricing information is available on website - www.i3broadband.com
Presentation:Judy Guenseth,Housing Coordinator,answered questions regarding the Housing
Repair Assistance Program.
●Great need for housing repair but many cannot afford it.
●She will meet with individuals and help them through the process as well as redirect
them to other programs available.
●Staff will look and see if the application can be made simpler.
●A list of licensed contractors is available at the City Clerk’s office.
●Applications will be taken on a first come first serve basis.
Council Member White left the meeting at 6:17 p.m. and returned at 6:20 p.m.
Presentation:Blue Ribbon Award -- 1130 Maple Avenue
June 20, 2022 Page 1 of 9
CONSENT AGENDA #2022-12
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
22-2033
Approve Resolution 22-28 authorizing the transfer of $40,000 from the TIF II Fund to the TIF IV
Fund for Iron Spike Brewing Company,LLC for eligible renovation costs on a building at 150 East
Simmons Street.
22-2034
Approve Resolution 22-29 authorizing the transfer of $22,039.91 from the TIF II Fund to the TIF
IV Fund for The Bar 65, Inc. for eligible renovation costs on a building at 65 South Cherry Street.
22-2035
Approve Resolution 22-30 authorizing the transfer of $156,106.92 from the TIF II Fund to the TIF
IV Fund for the Galesburg Symphony Society/Knox-Galesburg Symphony for eligible renovation
costs on a building at 95 North Seminary Street.
22-2036
Approve Resolution 22-31 extending the Illinois Housing Development Authority ’s Single Family
Rehabilitation Grant Program through December 31, 2022.
22-8011
Approve bills in the amount of $890,203.37 and advance checks in the amount of $167,205.04.
Council Member White inquired about some items on the bills,which were explained by Interim
City Manager Carl.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve Consent
Agenda 2022-12.
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
22-1018
Council Member Wallace moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Ordinance
22-3674 on final reading amending Chapter 30 of the Galesburg Municipal Code amending the
time limit of a speaker from three minutes to five minutes.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
June 20, 2022 Page 2 of 9
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-1019
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve
Ordinance 22-3675 on final reading amending Chapter 90 of the Galesburg Municipal Code
regulating Beekeeping.
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.
22-1020
Ordinance on first reading amending Section 113.043 (A)of Chapter 113 of the Galesburg
Municipal Code regarding the limitation on the number of Class A-1 liquor licenses.
22-2037
Council Member Hix moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Resolution 22-32
to accept a Department of Commerce &Economic Opportunity grant in the amount of
$200,000 for the replacement of the Galesburg Fire Department Training Tower at the Dale May
Training Site.The project is estimated to cost $325,000 and the City ’s share of $125,000 will be
paid from the Grant Fund.Council Member Hix thanked Representative Dan Swanson for his
assistance and support of this grant.
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.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Vida Schultz addressed the Council and noted that the Save Hawthorne Pool group is still active
and are currently looking at painting a mural on the former handball wall near the pool.They
are also staying in touch with Elizabth Varner and Don Miles.Interim City Manager Carl stated
that staff met with the consultants recently and that the bid documents should be going out in
July.
Jeannette Chernin distributed copies of pictures she had taken of the former Broadview hotel.
These pictures show broken windows,open doors,and trash and debris on the property.She
inquired if something could be done before the Railroad Days Festival since the carnival will
have close proximity to the hotel.Interim City Manager Carl stated that staff is working with a
contractor on boarding up the property.
June 20, 2022 Page 3 of 9
Chernin also thanked the Council for getting the Pride flag flown on the City square and
appreciates the representation.
Robert Cain addressed the Council inquiring if the BIRD scooters had lights on them.It was
noted that they do.He feels that the motorized bikes need to be plated and licensed.He is also
pleased to see the work on the new Library.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Interim City Manager Wayne Carl reported that the Traffic Advisory Committee discussed some
potential pros and cons of allowing utility vehicles or golf carts on City streets in Galesburg.
Pros included the following:
●Residents may benefit from having an alternative mode of transportation,especially
when traveling shorter distances within a neighborhood.
●It may be more fuel efficient, depending on the vehicle.
●For some,it would be a benefit to living in Galesburg,as not all communities allow the
use of these vehicles.
Potential cons discussed were as follows:
●Crashes involving these vehicles could be more prone to serious or fatal injuries.
●Galesburg has more heavily traveled streets than smaller communities where these are
typically allowed.
●There may be a learning curve in implementing the program and ensuring residents are
aware of the requirements.
●Overall enforcement of the requirements associated with operating these vehicles
would be a concern.Primarily,it may be difficult to enforce the vehicles not traveling or
crossing busier streets.
●Insuring unlicensed or unregistered motorists are not driving these vehicles.
●Some residents may not like the use of these vehicles in neighborhoods,as they can
travel off the roadway and could end up on private property.
●Also,there may be noise concerns when using some of these vehicles on residential
streets.
●The City may have to provide a staff member that would have to inspect vehicles each
year for compliance when they register.
The Committee discussed the pros and cons,and ultimately did not recommend allowing these
vehicles on City streets.Primarily,the safety concerns and other issues mentioned outweighed
some of the benefits that were discussed.
Council Member Cox stated that the licensing could be used as a revenue source and that strict
restrictions could be placed to ensure safety.Council Member Hix believes that this subject
might be worthy of consideration and that they would be enforced just like vehicles.Council
Member Smith-Esters stated that she would be concerned about children on these vehicles,
which are not like scooters, and that it would be hard to enforce in general.
June 20, 2022 Page 4 of 9
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to remove agenda
item 22-4049 from the table.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 4.
Nays:Council Member Hix, 1.
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Abstain:Council Member Cox, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-4049
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve a
professional services agreement in the amount of $18,800 plus time and material for assisting
the Council with determining the programs and services to be located in a Community Center.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Council Members Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 4.
Nays:Council Member Hix, 1.
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Abstain:Council Member Cox, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-4059
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve a
settlement agreement and release of claims in the amount of $180,000.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Council Members Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 5.
Nays:Council Member Hix, 1.
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-4060
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve a facade
grant not to exceed $40,000 for Iron Spike Brewing Company, LLC., 150 East Simmons 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 carried.
22-4061
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve a facade
grant not to exceed $22,039.91 for The Bar 65, Inc., 65 South Cherry Street.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
June 20, 2022 Page 5 of 9
Absent:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-4062
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve a facade
grant in the amount $156,106.92,to be paid out in three equal installments,for the Galesburg
Symphony Society/Knox Galesburg Symphony, 95 North Seminary Street.
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.
22-4063
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to move forward
with the demolition process on the following properties:
1.701 North Prairie Street (residence and detached garage)
2.213 Pine Street (residence)
3.1169 Lombard Street (garage)
4.1145 East South Street (residence and detached garage)
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.
22-4064
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve a
non-exclusive option to purchase real estate agreement for the property the City owns on West
Carl Sandburg Drive (2.96 acres).
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.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to sit as the Town
Board. The motion carried.
TOWN BUSINESS
22-9013
Trustee Davis moved,seconded by Trustee Cox,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in
payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
June 20, 2022 Page 6 of 9
Town Fund $4,018.11
General Assistance Fund $5,966.06
IMRF Fund $1,767.12
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $11,751.29
Roll Call #15:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Wallace, Smith-Esters, White, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Trustee Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to resume as the
City Council. The motion carried.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Hix announced that the Lolita Junk Memorial Golf Outing for the United Way
will be held this Friday at Bunker Links Golf Course.Also,the Public Schools Foundation will also
hold an outing at Bunker on July 9th.Information for both outings can be found online.He also
noted that several of the items questioned on the bills for the golf course (golf balls and carts)
are used to generate revenue.
Council Member Wallace thanked those who attended and participated in the meeting.He
noted that his goal is to get some properties in his Ward cleaned up but understands that it is a
process to do so. He hopes to beautify the community for future generations.
Interim City Manager Carl asked Fire Chief Hovind to report on fire pits and recreational
burning. Chief Hovind noted that there are two types of recreational fires:
●In a container such as an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit and does not require a permit.
○All outdoor fireplaces must be constructed of brick,metal,clay or other
noncombustible materials commercially manufactured and specifically designed
for the purpose of recreational fires.
○Outdoor fireplaces must have at least 5 feet of clearance from walls and fencing.
○The opening (top) of a fire pit cannot exceed 2 feet in inside width.
○The sides of a fire pit must be enclosed and constructed of bricks,concrete
blocks, heavy gauge metal, or other non-combustible materials.
●On open ground fire (weiner roast),which will require a permit from the Fire
Department, however, there is no charge for this permit.
○Allowable hours for a recreational fire on the ground are between 10 a.m.and 10
p.m. and maximum length of time for this fire shall be four hours.
○Permits need to be requested by 9 a.m.on the day the event is to be held.
Twenty-four hour notice is appreciated.
○The fire must be attended at all times by an adult.
June 20, 2022 Page 7 of 9
○A method of fire control and extinguishment shall be immediately available for
utilization.This method may be a minimum 4A rated fire extinguisher,dirt,sand,
water barrel, garden hose, or water truck.
○Fire fuel shall consist of dry seasoned wood.No construction wood,landscape
waste, brush, or household trash is allowed.
○The pile of burn material shall be of a size not larger than three feet in diameter
and two feet in height.
○The fire must be located a minimum of 25 feet from any structure or other
combustible object (fence, tree, shrub).
○The fire shall be thoroughly extinguished at the conclusion of the event or by the
expiration time on the permit whichever comes first.
Council Member White thanked everyone who came to the Juneteenth celebration at Standish
Park and expressed how important freedom is and how the country was built on the backs of
many who weren’t free.He reminded everyone that Galesburg was built by abolitionists but
they weren’t able to walk down Main Street or enjoy certain areas of Lake Storey.
Council Member Smith-Esters stated that she was able to enjoy Lakeside Waterpark with her
son for the first time and had a blast.She also invited the public to join the Youth Commission
on Tuesday for clean up at the park at Lombard School.She also noted that Commission
members will be doing a college visit at Carl Sandburg College on Monday,June 27th.Anyone
interested in attending can register online on the City ’s website.
Council Member Davis announced that Prairie Players Community Theatre will be presenting
Rodgers &Hammerstein’s “A Grand Night for Singing”on July 22-24,2022.Auditions for the
performance will be June 14-21, 2022,
Mayor Schwartzman stated that the Knox Community lost a beloved member of their faculty
and a coach,Jonathan Powers.He also sent well wishes to Council Member Dennis who
couldn’t be at the meeting due to back issues.
The Mayor reminded everyone that the Primary Election will take place on June 28th.He noted
that City residents can vote early at City Hall and that the Election Office would be more than
happy to help answer any questions if needed.
He also stated that this past weekend was amazing with Father ’s Day and the Juneteenth
celebration.He noted that he has two daughters who grew up here and was honored to be
recognized,along with Council Member White,for being fathers at the celebration.He also
congratulated White for his performance and portrayal at the celebration.The Mayor also
announced that on Saturday there was an anti-stigma event at Standish Park hosted by
Bridgeway and their Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) program.
The Mayor also announced that there is a new water feature at Lakeside and thanked Elizabeth
Varner,Interim Parks &Recreation Department Director,and her staff for their hard work in
getting the element open.
June 20, 2022 Page 8 of 9
There being no further business,Council Member Wallace,seconded by Council Member
White, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:33 p.m.
Roll Call #16:
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
June 20, 2022 Page 9 of 9