HomeMy WebLinkAbout022023 City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
February 20, 2023
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 (via telephone),
Wayne Dennis, Kevin Wallace, Dwight White, Jaclyn Smith -Esters, Sarah Davis, and Larry Cox, 8.
Also Present: City Manager Gerald C. Smith, Interim City Attorney Paul Mangieri, and City Clerk
Kelli Bennewitz.
Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Semenya McCord gave the invocation.
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Smith -Esters, to approve the
minutes of the City Council's regular meeting from February 6, 2023.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith -Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2023-04
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
23-2009
Approve a supplemental funding MFT Resolution for Monmouth Boulevard in the amount of
$32,914.75.
23-2010
Approve Resolution 23-08 accepting a grant in the amount of $400,000 from the Illinois Housing
Development Authority Home Repair and Accessibility Program
23-2011
Approve Resolution 23-2011 to the Illinois Housing Development Authority regarding the Trust
Fund Housing Repair Assistance Program Insurance Verification Requirement verifying the City's
self-insurance status and ability to remedy claims in lieu of a third -party insurance provider.
23-3003
February 20, 2023 Page 1 of 8
Approve the bid from Alta Equipment in the amount of $192,327 for the purchase of a wheel
loader for use by the Airport.
23-3004
Approve the bid from Tenco, Inc., with trade, in the amount of $140,950 for the purchase of a
loader mounted snowblower for use by the Airport.
23-3005
Approve the bid from Alta Equipment, with trade, in the amount of $180,822 for the purchase
of a wheel loader for use by the Park Department.
23-5000
Receive updated rate schedules for towing and storage services from Bolin's Towing & Repair,
Berg's Towing, Bob's Towing, Inc., Winkler's Towing & Repair, A to Z Towing & Transport, and
Galesburg Towing, LLC.
23-8003
Approve bills in the amount of $936,836.97 and advance checks in the amount of $310,263.75.
Council Member Wallace moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve Consent
Agenda 2023-04.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith -Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
23-1002
Ordinance on first reading authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 of
the City of Galesburg, in the amount of $5 million for the use of a community center.
Council Member Cox clarified that the legal opinion would be officially signed once the bonds
are sold, as well as the fact that the bond proceeds can only be used for a community center.
City Manager Smith noted that these were true statements and that if needed, the project
could be expanded in order to spend the entirety of the $5 million. He also noted that the
scope of the project hasn't yet been determined in terms of the rehabilitation of specific rooms.
23-1003
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 from
twenty-six to twenty-seven.
23-1004
February 20, 2023 Page 2 of 8
Ordinance on first reading amending Section 110.070 of Chapter 110 of the Galesburg
Municipal Code regarding amending the billing cycle for false alarms to the calendar year.
23-2012
Council Member Smith -Esters moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve
Resolution 23-09 approving the donation of 372 Day Street for demolition.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith -Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-2013
Council Member Smith -Esters moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve
Resolution 23-10 celebrating Black History Month.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith -Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
11134 [44101►Fi I ITi [A L1 > t I
Mayor Schwartzman stated that he has had comments made regarding the tone of the meetings
and comments made by the public and whether they constitute "city business." He noted that
he reached out to the Interim City Attorney and that a citizen's right to speak at a public
meeting or forum is protected by the First Amendment. The City cannot limit speech based on
its content.
Carolyn Ginder addressed the Council and stated that she studied at Knox College and moved
back to Galesburg in 2021. She loves Galesburg for its nature, wildlife, trees, animals, and the
geese. She visits Lake Storey often and does not feel that it is in any way ruined by the geese,
and feels that rounding up the birds and killing them is horrendous. She implored the Council
not to spend tax dollars on this and to instead look at other reasons for possible poor water
quality at the lake, including chemical run off at the golf course.
Sam Cohen addressed the Council regarding the last work session and the examples that were
given to control the goose population. He noted that these animals are not potatoes and
should not be rounded up and slaughtered or gassed and killed. He asked the Council to
consider other options that are more humane, listen to other speakers, and find out the other
reasons why the lake could be contaminated.
Robert Cain thanked the Council for their work and hoped that the comments on Facebook
would stop. He also let them know that the burned building on Grand Avenue is an eyesore.
February 20, 2023 Page 3 of 8
Samuel Carrington addressed the Council regarding the continued silence of Council Member
Hix for his hateful and bigoted Twitter posts. Because he is a public official, he has a powerful
voice and a platform in which he could be a catalyst for bullying. Carrington noted that one in
five school children who were part of the LGBTQ community left or changed schools due to
assault or bullying. He feels that Council Member Hix should be censured from all discussions
on the City's current EEOC complaint. People could begin to heal if Council Member Hix
apologized.
Bob Clark addressed the Council and stated that he moved here in 1999 and is grateful for many
awards he has received while in Galesburg, which shows the respect and hospitality of our
community. He believes that what a Council Member published was hurtful, hateful, and
harmful. He added that we should love and honor all our neighbors.
Anthony Law thanked the Council for approving the Black History Month Resolution and
challenged everyone to remember that this issue is bigger than the words on the paper and to
live out what is written.
Pam Davidson addressed the Council and announced that she is the new NAACP president,
which is one of the oldest and largest civil and human rights organizations. She is honored by
the resolution and stands for the rights of African American and the LGBTQ communities. She
hopes that everyone remembers those that came before us and that we are all American.
Andrew Jowers addressed the Council and stated that he recently attended a Black History
Month event at Lombard Middle School, but was disappointed that event information wasn't
sent out and communicated better. He commended the Council Members in favor of the bonds
for a community center and understands that they are in the crosshairs when it comes to
increasing a tax. He feels that we need to hear from the youth on a center, and also expressed
his gladness with the work on the Hawthorne Pool coming to a conclusion.
Jowers also stated that even though the Black History Month Resolution was approved, there is
still a lot of work to do. He thanked the Mayor and the Council Members who have the courage
to try to retain their seats. He is sorry if in the past he has offended anyone, but wanted them
to know that it was out of concern and not hatred or bitterness.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
A. February Traffic Advisory Committee Report received.
B. It was announced that interim Public Works Director, Mark Rothert, will start at the City
on Monday, February 27th. He is formerly from Pekin, IL, and will be working alongside
Public Works Director Wayne Carl, who will be retiring in March. A permanent
replacement for the position is on hold until the Compensation Study is complete.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS, ETC.)
23-4015
February 20, 2023 Page 4 of 8
Council Member Smith -Esters moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve a
$10,000 Minority and/or Woman Owned Business Startup Assistance Program and a $25,000
Business Collateral Assistance Program incentive for Greenhouse & Decor, LLC. (963 East Main
Street).
Ken Springer, KCAP, and owner Debbie Clague, addressed the Council and thanked them for
their consideration.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith -Esters, Davis and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4016
Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve payment in the
amount of $26,000 for five new firefighters to attend IFSI Spring Academy.
Mayor Schwartzman noted that the Police Department currently has ten officers in training and
that the Fire Department had the swearing in ceremony for these five firefighters a week ago.
He thanked both Departments and the Fire & Police Commission.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith -Esters, Davis and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4017
Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Smith -Esters, to approve moving
forward with the demolition process on the property located at 173 Garfield (residence and
garage).
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith -Esters, Davis and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4018
Council Member Smith -Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve an
engineering agreement with Klingner and Associates, P.C. in the amount of $152,500, plus
reimbursables, for a risk analysis and mapping study for the water transmission main from
Oquawka to Galesburg.
Director Carl reported that the six miles chosen for the inspection is an area that has had issues
in the past. Council Member Smith -Esters inquired about the cost if the entire pipeline was
February 20, 2023 Page 5 of 8
completed, and it was stated that it would be approximately $100 million. It was also noted
that there is little to no indication of PFAS in the pipe.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith -Esters, Davis and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4019
Council Member Smith -Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Wallace, to approve a
service contract between the City of Galesburg Transit and Knox College to provide students,
faculty, and staff unlimited rides March 2023 through February 2024. Council Member Davis
stated her appreciation for this service being provided to college students.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith -Esters, Davis and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4020
Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve a service
contract between the City of Galesburg Transit and the Knox County Housing Authority to
provide residents unlimited rides from June 2023 through June 2024. Derek Antoine, Knox
County Housing Authority Executive Director, stated that they are providing a survey to their
residents to assess the ridership and destinations.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith -Esters, Davis and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4021
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve an engineering
services agreement in the amount of $28,380 for improvements to the Carl Sandburg Drive
storm sewer.
Roll Call #12:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith -Esters, Davis and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member White, to sit as the Town Board.
The motion carried.
TOWN BUSINESS
February 20, 2023 Page 6 of 8
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Hix thanked City Clerk Bennewitz for her assistance in letting him attend the
meeting via telephone.
Council Member Dennis apologized for not being able to attend the firefighter swearing in
ceremony.
Council Member Wallace thanked all who participated in the meeting and congratulated Pam
Davidson on her appointment in the NAACP. He noted too that he had reached out to Chief
Hovind regarding the train derailment in Ohio and the City's response should that happen here.
He suggested that possibly in the future a town hall meeting be held to show the public the
City's preparation.
Council Member Wallace stated that he lives Black History Month 24/7 and is proud of our
community, those who stand up and have respect for others, and that our town is moving
forward. He believes we need to practice what the Resolution stated, but in a civil manner. It is
also his hope that the entire community gets involved with the plans for a new community
center.
Council Member White stated that he is proud to be sitting as part of the Council as the third
black alderman, but didn't run for office for the recognition. He noted that President Andrew
McGadney is the first black president at Knox College and that City Manager Smith is the first
black city manager for Galesburg -- all meaningful to him and the community. He is proud of
everyone, but still believes there is a long way to go. He encouraged everyone to "love their
neighbor" and to show empathy, love, and to learn from one another.
Council Member Smith -Esters stated that she is honored to sit next to Council Member White
and that many people who are in the audience have helped others by letting them stand on
their shoulders. She noted that her son is an empowered youth of color and sees no obstacles
in his way. Council Member Smith -Esters congratulated Gauge Shipp on his perfect wrestling
season for GHS and his State title, the first since the 60s. She also announced that the Polar
Plunge will take place this Sunday, February 26th at Lake Storey. There will also be an All District
Band Concert on Sunday, 2 p.m., in the Hegg Auditorium.
Council Member Davis thanked everyone in attendance for their courage to speak publicly. She
understands there are a lot of controversial topics and information out there and that different
views are needed, so they are taken into account as well. She feels it is an enormous privilege
to sit as a City Council Member.
Council Member Davis also encouraged the public to go to the City's website and under the
Knox County Emergency Management tab there is information on signing up for CodeRED.
CodeRED is a high-speed emergency mass notification service that would be used in case of an
emergency, similar to the train derailment in Ohio.
February 20, 2023 Page 7 of 8
Council Member Cox encouraged Administration to continue looking into branding and
marketing and recommended a meeting with Heart & Soul take place to assist. He also
appreciates the Black History Month Resolution, but hopes in the future it is a proclamation so
that it can be proclaimed each year, and not approved once.
Mayor Schwartzman also encouraged the public to sign up for CodeRED and to spread the word
about the new system. He also congratulated Gauge Shipp on his remarkable wrestling season
and added that he represented Galesburg well.
He thanked Pam Davidson and Anthony Law for challenging everyone to remember and act
upon the Black History Month Resolution. He also invited the public to attend a great event
commemorating Black History Month being held this Sunday, February 26th, 4-6 PM at the
Hope Center (Knox College), formerly 2nd Baptist Church.
The Mayor reminded the public about the candidate forum that will be held on Wednesday,
February 22nd, 7 p.m. at the Public Library. There are four Council seats that will be up for
election in April. He noted that there will be a forum for School District candidates next
Wednesday, March 1st, 7 p.m., at the Public Library.
There being no further business, Council Member Dennis, seconded by Council Member
Smith -Esters, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:07 p.m.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith -Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Peter D. Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
February 20, 2023 Page 8 of 8