HomeMy WebLinkAbout080122 City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
August 1, 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:
Community Development Director Steve Gugliotta,City Attorney Brad Nolden,and City Clerk
Kelli Bennewitz.
Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Pastor Tony Franklin gave the invocation.
Council Member Smith-Esters,Youth Commission Council Liaison,gave a report on recent
Commission activities:
●A tour of Carl Sandburg College took place on June 27th.Another one is being looked at
for Knox College.
●The Lombard School park clean-up that was scheduled for June 21st will be rescheduled.
●The Commission reviewed a summer activity list.
●Discussion was held on affordability of City youth programs.
●Lisa Watson,Election Commission Executive Director,will speak at the next meeting on
August 11th.
●It was also suggested that other organizations be invited to future Commission meetings,
such as the NAACP.
Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve the
minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from July 18, 2022.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member Dennis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2022-15
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
22-2044
August 1, 2022 Page 1 of 11
Approve Resolution 22-39 authorizing the transfer of $46,200 from the TIF II Fund to the TIF IV
Fund for redeveloper assistance to Dame Fine Coffee, LLC.
22-6002
Approve the following Commission appointments:
John Peterson, Public Transportation Advisory Commission, term expires June 2025.
Gorette K. Kupa, Community Relations Commission, term expires February 2026.
22-8014
Approve bills in the amount of $1,230,755.17 and advance checks in the amount of
$709,948.63.
Director Gugliotta explained that TIF 2 and TIF 4 abut each other and therefore funds can be
transferred between the two.TIF 2 was initiated in 1998 and will expire at the end of the year.
He noted that another TIF location could be created in the community.
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve Consent Agenda
2022-15.
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
22-1022
Council Member Wallace moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve Ordinance
22-3678 on final reading amending Chapter 33 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to establish an
Airport Advisory Commission.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-1023
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Ordinance
on final reading amending Chapter 80 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding UTVs and
neighborhood golf carts to operate on the certain City streets.
Council Members Wallace and Dennis noted that insurance will be an extremely important
requirement.
Council Member Cox stated that this has been a difficult decision for him.He noted that at one
time we lived in the freest country in the world but that now because of many regulations that
August 1, 2022 Page 2 of 11
governments have implemented (local,state,etc.)we are not.He stated that we have a lot of
restrictions on what we can do personally and collectively,where we can go,how we can build,
and what we can do with our own properties.He stated that he has struggled with this
ordinance as it ’s one that actually makes us more free.He believes if motorcycles were against
the law right now,professionals would probably recommend not allowing them because they
are dangerous.He feels that if people followed the guidelines and rules,UTV ’s could be safer
than motorcycles.However,we need to weigh safety vs.freedom and that ’s not an easy choice.
For this reason, he will be abstaining from the vote and going with the majority of the Council.
Council Member White stated that he agreed with Council Member Cox about a free country
and that he asked many of his constituents about this ordinance since they are who he
represents. He noted that none were in favor of the ordinance and that he would be voting no.
Mayor Schwartzman pointed out the map that accompanied the ordinance and noted that
there are many roads that would be off limits or could not be crossed.He stated his
appreciation for the residents and Council Members who brought the item forward.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:None
Nays:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 6.
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member Cox, 1.
Chairman declared motion failed.
22-1024
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 152 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding
allowing murals on exterior building walls in all non-residential zoning districts.Proposed
murals will be reviewed by the Development Review Committee.
Council Member White inquired about how graffiti will be addressed in terms of the definition
of art.Director Gugliotta and City Attorney Nolden noted that the Development Review
Committee would review submissions for non-residential zoning districts but would not be
approving submissions based on content.If not approved,the applicant could apply for a
variance.
22-1025
Ordinance on first reading to amending the zoning from Single Family (R1B)to Neighborhood
Business (B1) on the property located at 1156 North Seminary Street.
22-2045
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to approve Resolution
22-40 regarding the use of the American Rescue Plan Act funds for regular public safety salaries.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
August 1, 2022 Page 3 of 11
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-2046
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters,to approve
Resolution 22-41 to accept the donation of two lots (1965 East Main Street and the vacant lot
formerly known as 1969 East Main Street).The property will likely be rezoned Institutional,
similar to other City parks,and could be demolished by the end of the year.The Council
thanked the property owners for their donation.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
22-3027
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve the
purchase of a 2023 Alexis Spartan pumper apparatus from Alexis Fire Equipment in the amount
of $573,136 for the Fire Department.
Council Member Cox stated that he is thankful for the City’s Vehicle Replacement Fund that
ensures future funding for these purchases.Fire Chief Hovind noted that the call volume has
increased and that this truck is expected to last 10-12 years.He also stated that Alexis is very
reputable and has complete confidence in their equipment.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Brother Shabazz addressed the Council stating that Council Member Cox’s comments disturbed
him,as well as past comments from the Police Chief.There has been an ongoing discussion on
policing in the United States and that he advocates for defunding the police.He stated that
Council Member Cox’s comments about our country once being free made him question when
that time was for black people.He added that millions of black Americans lived through Jim
Crowe laws and that they have been second class citizens by law up until the 1970’s.He stated
that people need to stop spreading the myth of a free America since it has never been free for
black Americans.
Shabazz stated that for most of America’s time,at least up until the 1970s,the Police have
served as terrorists towards black people.He commented that Galesburg has a prison that is
overwhelmingly populated with black men,which is not by accident but by design.He stated
August 1, 2022 Page 4 of 11
that there needs to be honesty about our history,but many are confused or ignorant about it,
and for representatives of Galesburg to repeat this myth is indicative of the problem.
Council Member Cox responded by stating that those were not his facts but from an
organization that looks at countries worldwide and finds out which ones are the freest.He
noted that they don’t go back 50 or 100 years,but instead 30 years.There have been new laws
and regulations that have not benefited black people such as restricting housing,which has
been aimed at minorities and should never have been done.He stated that his thought on his
comments was not to say that minorities have not been discriminated against,but that as time
goes on we place more restrictions on our freedoms throughout this country.
Selina Godina,representing the Carl Sandburg College Latino Club,addressed the Council
regarding a project they are doing on the history of Boxcar people in our community and their
legacy with the railroad.She cited the movie,Boxcar People,which tells the story of Mexican
workers recruited in the early 1900s to work the railroads in Galesburg,including many local
families such as the Ponces,Pachecos,Lunas,and more.Mexico was torn by a bloody civil war
and many American men had gone off to fight in World War I.The railroad companies looked
south,offering displaced Mexicans a job and a place to raise a family and a home in the form of
a boxcar.The film tells the story of a proud people with strong traditions and deep faith who
came to love their adopted country.
Godina stated that with the assistance of some of the relatives of the Boxcar families they
would like to dedicate three camps where they used to reside with memorial plaques.They
would like to also place a main memorial sign near the former Cooke School near West Second
Street.She asked the Council to help honor the great contributions of the Boxcar families and
have reached out to them,but unfortunately have not heard back from anyone.These
memorials will also honor Galesburg ’s Hispanic community.
Anthony Law,Carl Sandburg College,addressed the Council by adding that the Latino Club
started this project about one year ago with the hope that by Hispanic Heritage Month,which is
September 15th through October 15th,they would have something that would recognize the
efforts of these families.He stated that the reality is that the railroad has sustained our
community and that these stories need to be remembered and passed onto future generations.
Hopefully by this time next year the community can have these memorials to honor their
contributions and ask that the City step up and help them make this a reality.
Reverend Andrew Jowers addressed the Council and stated that he agrees with Brother Shabazz
and that we are in a great nation but that we have a dark past;something that people don’t talk
about because it ’s so painful.He feels that Galesburg is a wonderful place to live,has great
possibilities, and can have unity.
He commented that he wondered how many minorities are working on the new library,or if any
worked on the renovated buildings for District 205.He also noted the employees of the City are
predominantly white and that the streets that are being built around the library have very few
African Americans or Hispanics providing labor.This is all something the community needs to
August 1, 2022 Page 5 of 11
commit to working on and changing.He also believes that both Chiefs are trying to change the
diversity of their departments and thanked them for their assistance.
Reverend Jowers also announced that a celebration of life will be held on August 6th,5 p.m.,at
Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church for the community to celebrate the life of Carlos Duncan.A
memorial service will be held as well on August 13th at First Baptist Church with the visitation
from 9-11 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m.
Leah Cain addressed the Council requesting that more lights be added to the Dog Park.They
have noticed in the morning that there are piles of clothes everywhere and would hope that
better lighting could help with this concern.Robert Cain added that a portable toilet should be
added near the Dog Park as well.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
22-4069
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve the
emergency demolition of the house located at 518 West South Street by Brown Excavating and
Demolition in the amount of $28,950.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-4070
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve a Tax
Increment Financing Redeveloper Agreement with Dame Fine Coffee,LLC for the purchase,
demolition,site preparation and utility work for the properties located at the southwest corner
of East Main Street and Illinois Avenue. The incentive would be approximately $46,200.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-4071
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve a $10,000
Startup grant,$10,000 Southside Occupancy grant,and a $25,000 Business Collateral Assistance
grant for Dame Fine Coffee,LLC for the purchase of the properties at the southwest corner of
East Main Street and Illinois Avenue.
Council Member White stated that the business has applied for incentives through the Minority
and/or Woman owned Business Startup Assistance Program,Southside Occupancy Assistance
August 1, 2022 Page 6 of 11
Program,and Business Collateral Assistance Program.He explained that the definition of
“tenet ”is a principle or belief,and feels that in terms of these programs,tenet means what and
who the programs were designed for.He understands that the owner is a minority (a woman),
and agrees with the Minority and Collateral programs.But stated that the Southside Occupancy
Assistance Program evidently only means someone has to put something on the south side of
Main Street in order to qualify.
He understood the tenet of the program was that businesses were to be south of Main Street,
not on the south side of the street.He feels that it undercuts the program and that this is a skirt
around for the program.He gave a personal example of when we worked at Western Illinois
University and they wouldn’t hire minorities.The college’s list was long and they would never
get to the minorities so the NAACP fought with them until they threw out the list/register.
Seventeen were hired,but ten of them were women and seven were African American men,but
they still skirted the issue.He also noted that if you look at the highway department you don’t
see black men,but instead women,which again is skirting the issue.He is not against people
having businesses but Affirmative Action was started to put black males to work so that they
could take care of their families.He feels that this rule is still being skirted since women are
being considered a minority and many black males still don’t have jobs.
Council Member White stated that he thought these programs were for the southside of
Galesburg,maybe four blocks south of Main Street,not simply on the south side of Main Street.
He doesn’t feel that there is anything on the west side of south Galesburg,in his Ward,except
cannabis stores,liquor stores,and high-end convenience stores.He wants to see some of these
incentives used in his neighborhood and in the Fourth Ward,and he doesn’t want to see it on
Main Street.He feels this is a cheap way of skirting what the tenets of these programs were for
and wants to see minorities --African Americans --have businesses that are being targeted for
these incentives.He stated that any caucasion person could have their wife qualify for these
programs in order to start a business.These programs are for African Americans,Latinos,etc.,
to help them have a place for businesses.He stated that this is the first grant award for these
programs and feels that the tenets of the program were skirted and that he would be abstaining
from voting.
Mayor Schwartzman stated that appreciated Council Member White’s comments but clarified
that he didn’t think he was specifically speaking about the people who were at the meeting for
this approval.He noted that they are following the rules as approved by the City Council.
Council can address amending the rules in the future.The Mayor noted that this is the second
business who has applied for one of these programs and that the Committee will continue to
operate under the rules as set by Council.
The Mayor wanted to emphasize that what is in front of the Council for their approval are
business owners that have made an effort to start a business in our community.He also made a
point that the southside of Galesburg is ambiguous,and that technically Cottage Hospital is
geographically the center of the community.He wants to be very receptive to this family and
support the efforts they are making to have a business in our community.
August 1, 2022 Page 7 of 11
Council Member Hix thanked the owners for establishing a business in Galesburg and will be
voting to support them.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Abstain:Council Member White, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Davis left the meeting at 6:34 p.m.
22-4072
Council Member Cox moved,seconded by Council Member Wallace,to approve a $10,000
Southside Occupancy grant for All Star Sports Academy to purchase the property at 2051/2085
Grand Avenue.
Roll Call #12:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Davis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
22-4073
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve
construction engineering services agreement with Hutchison Engineering,Inc.,in an amount
not to exceed $87,000.92 for the Taxiway B project at the Galesburg Municipal Airport.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Davis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to sit as the Town
Board. The motion carried.
TOWN BUSINESS
22-9017
Trustee Cox moved,seconded by Trustee Dennis,to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn
in payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $1,366.07
General Assistance Fund $5,830.47
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund
August 1, 2022 Page 8 of 11
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $7,196.54
Roll Call #14:
Ayes:Trustees Hix, Dennis, Wallace, Smith-Esters, White, and Cox, 6.
Nays:None
Absent:Trustees Davis, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved,seconded by Council Member Cox,to resume as the City
Council. The motion carried.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Smith-Esters reported that it was great to participate in the Taste of Galesburg
on Thursday,as well as the Great Balloon Race where she enjoyed the night glow.Both had
great weather and she appreciated all the volunteers.She also stated that the discussion about
the grants for the southside has opened her eyes and that we need to be more diverse,specific,
and define the word minority.She appreciated Council Member White bringing it all to the
Council’s attention and that the Council needs to be looking at things with a better eye.
Council Member Cox reminded the community that Inbinder Park is closed from sunset to
sunrise (near the Dog Park).It was also his pleasure to announce the Blue Ribbon Award winner
for the Seventh Ward.He added that he was glad he didn’t have to make the decision since
there are many beautifully maintained homes in his Ward.The Community Development
Department and Galesburg On Track selected 1138 North Cherry Street,the home of Ed and
Tammy Weaver.He noted that the landscaping on this property really shines and he can see
why it was selected.He added that he is looking forward to presenting this award,along with
the Mayor, to the Weavers on August 15th.
Council Member Hix reported as the Council Liaison to the Golf Commission that in the month
of June,Bunker Links had 4,586 rounds of golf played,which is a record.Several outings have
taken place this summer with others coming before the end of the season.He also thanked
Greg and Jackie Saul,Great Balloon Race,for their dedication to the event and was glad we
were blessed with good weather.
Council Member Dennis stated that there were great comments tonight.He mentioned the
recent shootings and how the Police Department is handling them.He is thankful that none of
our officers have been shot or killed,but more importantly,that no citizens or bystanders have
been injured.He asked if there is anything the City Council can do to help the Police
Department.Chief Idle stated that this is a long-term discussion and part of their Strategic Plan
but that many things are happening behind the scenes.
Council Member Wallace stated that he and the community are praying for the victims of the
recent shootings and that he was able to talk to one of the victims who was an organ donor and
able to save other lives.He feels that a community center will help get these kids off the streets
August 1, 2022 Page 9 of 11
and give them hope and direction.He added that neighbors who were in the path of these
shootings are scared.He hopes that reaching out to the youth of our community and
partnering with the City and other organizations can help reach kids before it gets to this point.
Council Member Wallace addressed the UTV ordinance and that the Council has been pressed
on this issue.He stated that there are enough distracted drivers already and that he wasn’t for
or against the ordinance.He did note that the Traffic Advisory Commission did not recommend
its approval.
He also stated that Ms.Godina’s comments on the Boxcar People were enlightening and that his
grandfather was the first black American to build wooden boxcars in Galesburg.He used to
hear stories from his relatives about the railroad,the Swedes and others who fought for better
wages and housing. He believes this history should be known to everyone.
Council Member Wallace stated that when he was growing up in Monmouth,if he thought he
qualified for a job,he would ask the owner if they had any minorities working for them and
most of the time he would get hired.He understands that things are still not fair in this country
and that we all need to work together to make it better.He appreciates the help from the
NAACP back when he was beginning to work for the railroad.He explained that everyone is
entitled to“life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Council Member White stated that he seldom apologizes for things that he says because he
speaks from the heart,but his comments were not about a specific business.It ’s about the
strife and struggle African Americans have in this nation --a harder time buying a home,getting
a job,simply surviving in this nation,and voting.He stated that many people don’t think about
these things because they aren’t African American.
Council Member White added that this is his home and he feels safe here.He doesn’t feel as
safe in Knoxville,Monmouth,or Roseville,based on the world he grew up in.He said that when
he was employed at Gates Rubber Company he was fired for doing the same things others were
doing and that the same thing happened when he was in the military.
He wants to see businesses in the Fourth Ward and that it used to be a thriving and fabulous
area of town --grocery stores and gas stations --but now if you don’t have a car it’s difficult to
get to these places.He’s within a mile of four liquor stores and his neighborhood has more of
these stores than any other in Galesburg.
Council Member White said that there is a house on the corner of Berrien and Holton Streets
that is a former boxcar home.Mr.Ponce took it and made it one of the prettiest homes in the
neighborhood.Near Taco Hideout,where he grew up,all the homes were boxcars.He would
like a plaque here too (962 E. Berrien Street) and thinks this is a great project.
Council Member White stated that the word free is a hard word for him to understand since
he’s never been free to go anywhere,choose where he lived or worked,and has always been
restricted.
August 1, 2022 Page 10 of 11
He noted that he got on the City Council to try to make a difference and let everyone know that
they are just like everyone else.He wants a good school for his children,take them on vacation,
for them to go swimming when and where they want to,and is blessed that he can afford to do
these things for his family.There are a lot of minority kids in town that don’t have that
opportunity.Council Member White stated that he came from a poor neighborhood and that
crime is because of poverty. He wants to work on giving everyone an equal opportunity.
Council Member Smith-Esters left the meeting at 7:04 p.m.
Council Member Wallace left the meeting at 7:04 p.m.
Council Member White hopes everyone works hard on fixing the shortcomings and reiterated
that he wants to see African Americans given business opportunities.
Mayor Schwartzman stated that he was wearing a GYAC (Galesburg Youth Athletic Club)shirt
that was given to him by Carlos Duncan when he decided to serve on the board of that great
organization.Mr.Duncan served this community in ways that we likely don’t full appreciate but
his spirit will live on.He encouraged everyone to attend the two events in honor of Carlos
Duncan.
We had two great events over the past week that he hoped everyone was able to attend --the
Balloon Race and the Taste of Galesburg.It was great to see all the people out and enjoying
these events.The Mayor also stated that there will be a press release shortly about Galesburg
putting together six short movies in different categories,which will be available on the website
and circulated by many businesses in the community.
Council Member Smith-Esters returned to the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Lastly,he noted that the City has approved and is supporting an Urban Ag Program that is
innovative and will greatly benefit the community.If anyone is interested in applying,please
see the City’s website for more information or his Facebook Page.
There being no further business,Council Member Dennis,seconded by Council Member Cox,to
adjourn the regular meeting at 7:07 p.m.
Roll Call #15:
Ayes:Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, and Cox, 5.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Members Wallace and Davis, 2.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Peter D. Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
August 1, 2022 Page 11 of 11