HomeMy WebLinkAbout051523 City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
May 15, 2023
7:56 p.m.
Proclamation: Poppy Days
Called to order by Mayor Peter Schwartzman at 7:56 p.m.
Roll Call #1: Present: Mayor Peter Schwartzman, Council Members Bradley Hix, Wayne Dennis,
Evan Miller, Dwight White, Heather Acerra, Sarah Davis, and Steve Cheesman, 8. Also Present:
City Manager Gerald C. Smith, Interim City Attorney Paul Mangieri, and City Clerk Kelli
Bennewitz.
Mayor's Appreciation Award: Liam Collins
Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.
A moment of silence was given in lieu of an invocation.
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve the minutes of
the City Council's regular meeting from May 1, 2023.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Interim City Attorney Paul Mangieri opened and read sealed bids for the following properties:
Bidder
Tract Number
Amount of Bid
Greg & Jackie Saul
2
$103.00
Greg & Jackie Saul
3
$103.00
Elias Rogers
5
$400.00
Mark Rasmussen
7
$151.00
T.J. McNaught
8
$400.00
Darla Krejci
11
$100.00
David Christianson
11
$850.00
Larry & Sue Knuth
12
$255.00
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All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
May 15, 2023 Page 1 of 8
23-2031
Approve Resolution 23-28 establishing the date, time, and location for public hearing to
consider the Redevelopment Plan and Project for the Grand Avenue TIF 6 Redevelopment
Project Area.
23-2032
Approve Resolution 23-29 accepting the 2023 Open Space and Land Acquisition Development
Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fund 50 percent of the
improvements to Lancaster Park.
23-3033
Approve Resolution 23-30 for the temporary closure of Main Street for the River 2 River Cruise
Night.
23-2034
Approve Resolution 23-31 for the temporary closure of Main Street for the 2023 Railroad Days
Festival.
23-2035
Approve Resolution 23-32 authorizing the application and acceptance of, if awarded, for a
statewide funding initiative with Illinois Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA), Playcore, and
GameTime to purchase playground equipment for H.T. Custer Park.
23-2036
Approve Resolution 23-33 authorizing the application and acceptance, if awarded, of a
statewide funding initiative with Illinois Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA), Playcore, and
GameTime to purchase playground equipment for Lancaster Park.
23-4042
Approve Budget Adjustment #1 for the budget year ended December 31, 2023.
23-4043
Approve an annual update of Title VI Plan that prohibits discrimination in the City's Transit
Program.
23-6002
Approve the appointment of Stan Devlin to the Golf Commission, term expiring June 2026.
23-8009
Approve bills in the amount of $1,519,950.03 and advance checks in the amount of
$167,238.83.
Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve Consent Agenda
2023-10.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman 7.
May 15, 2023 Page 2 of 8
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
23-1006
Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve Ordinance
23-3697 on final reading approving a zoning amendment for approximately the south 360 feet
of Lot 4 of the Benny Schachtrup Subdivision Phase II, from Single Family (R1C) to Institutional
(1).
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-1007
Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve Ordinance
23-3698 on final reading, annexing the property located at 694 U.S. Highway 150 East.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-1008
Ordinance on first reading directing the sale of City owned property located at 905 Maple
Avenue.
Discussion was held regarding the bid process and whether the Council can deny a bid they feel
is not suitable for the location. Community Development Director Gugliotta stated that the City
Council would have final approval of the sale of the property. He also reminded the Council that
School District #205 has the first right of refusal and would have 30 days to place a bid on the
property.
Council Member Davis stated she would like to see the property be developed as low income
housing if it is sold.
23-1009
Ordinance on first reading amending section 30.06 regarding Public Participation.
Reverend Andrew Jowers stated that two minutes for public comment is not enough time to
speak and the Council are all public servants and this is what they signed up for.
May 15, 2023 Page 3 of 8
David Amor stated that from his experience on the Knox County Board, three minutes allows
enough time for debates. He is in favor of moving the public comment to the beginning of the
meeting and changing the time to 6:00 p.m.
Linda Miller stated that she contacted the Attorney General's office and asked what actions
could be taken if a Council Member attempts to stop or ban someone during public comment.
Miller was told that this is not legal and to contact the Attorney General's legal department if
this occurred.
After further discussion it was the consensus that Council items 23-1009, 23-1010, and 23-1011
be tabled and discussed at the May 22, 2023, work session.
23-1009
Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis to table item 23-1009 until
the June 5, 2023, Council meeting.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-1010
Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to table item 23-1010 until
the June 5, 2023, Council meeting
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-1011
Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to table item 23-2011 until
the June 5, 2023, Council meeting
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-1012
Ordinance on first reading amending section 32.003 regarding the Public Works Director.
Council Member Acerra asked for clarification regarding the change in the job description for
removing the requirement of being a Licensed Professional Engineer and an engineering degree
for the Public Works Director. City Manager Smith explained that the change is to attract more
applicants, the current salary would make it very difficult to find qualified candidates and the
May 15, 2023 Page 4 of 8
market is very competitive. The director position needs to have more experience as a manager
and currently the City already has an engineer on staff that is a Licensed Professional Engineer.
Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member White to amend section 32.003
(C) removing The Public Works Director and to only state the City Engineer shall be a licensed
professional engineer with the State of Illinois.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Davis, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Abstain: Council Member Acerra, 1.
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Council Member moved, seconded by Council Member White, to suspend the rules and place
agenda item 23-1012 on final reading.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes: Council White and Davis, 2.
Nays: Council Members His, Dennis, Miller, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion failed.
23-2037
Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve resolution 23-34
to negotiate a lease agreement with the Members of the Downtown Depot for the property
located at 120 East Main Street.
Council Member Hix explained that entering into a lease with the Downtown Depot is to protect
both parties, it was never the intention to evict them. Council Member Dennis concurred with
Council Member Hix and explained that a lease protects the tenants. If there is no agreement,
the City could allow another party to occupy the space.
Molly Miller expressed her concern with the timing of the resolution. The current tenants have
been in the space for over two years and don't understand why all of the sudden the City wants
a lease.
Council Member Miller stated that there was never any intention to evict the current tenants.
Council Member Cheesman added that there has been a lot of misinformation regarding this
matter and the Council needs to work on better communication with the public.
Diane Crock stated that she is willing to work with the City to make the space work for the
Downtown Depot, she also questioned the timing of the lease being brought forth by the
Council for approval.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
May 15, 2023 Page 5 of 8
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS, ETC.)
23-4044
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve
authorization for the Galesburg Police Department to pay the invoice to the University of Illinois
Police Training Institute (PTI) for the training of new officers.
Roll Call #12:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None.
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4045
Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve the agreement
with Brightspeed for installation of fiber in the ROW.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to sit as the Town Board.
The motion carried.
TOWN BUSINESS
23-9010
Trustee Miller moved, seconded by Trustee Acerra, to approve ordinance 23-01 amending the
2023 Township Budget.
Roll Call #14:
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-9011
May 15, 2023 Page 6 of 8
Trustee Miller moved, seconded by Trustee Davis, to approve Town bills and warrants to be
drawn in payment of same.
Fund Title
Amount
Town Fund
$6,748.14
General Assistance Fund
$4,370.65
IMRF Fund
$696.36
Social Security/Medicare Fund
$2,262.41
Liability Fund
$6,501.00
Audit Fund
Total
$20,578.56
Roll Call #15:
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Trustees Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to resume as the City
Council. The motion carried.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member White stated that during the Council meeting he has been hearing other
Council Members saying "we" while discussing items such as the sale of Churchill. He stated
that he was not a part of their discussions and added that he has never asked or guided any
Council Members on their vote.
Council Member White noted that he represents his Ward and all Council Members should
represent their Wards and not other wards or political affiliations. He stated that certain Council
Members will vote together and that is not democracy. Council Member White encouraged
citizens to get involved and reach out to their aldermen.
Council Member Davis announced the Prairie Players Civic Theatre is hosting the female version
of the production The Odd Couple, on May 19th through 21st and on May 26th through the
28th and encouraged everyone to come out and see the play and support the community.
Council Member Cheesman thanked the citizens for coming to the Council meeting. He also
thanked Paul Mangieri for doing a great job as the City's legal counsel. He emphasized that he
will base his votes on what he feels is right. Everyone benefits by working together, showing
respect to one another and communicating.
Council Member Dennis stated that he agrees with Council Member White that the alderman
represents their ward, but they also represent the entire City. He was pleased that the
resolution for the lease at 120 East Main Street passed with a unanimous vote. Council
Member Dennis said that there are veterans bricks you can purchase to be placed at Bunker
Links for $100 and to contact David Selkirk if interested.
May 15, 2023 Page 7 of 8
Mayor Schwartzman announced that May is veterans appreciation month and acknowledged
Council Members White and Dennis and others for their service. He stated that there has been
news in the media that he visited the Soviet Union as a child. Mayor Schwartzman spent five
weeks there and talked to many people and learned about their inability to express themselves.
This greatly affected him; he will always defend the First Amendment. Mayor Schwartzman
believes that all Council Members want what is best for the community but the community
cannot do better if only certain people are doing better.
Mayor Schwartzman noted that Bunker Links had record numbers in April, it is a wonderful
facility and hopes that more people take advantage of the course. Bunker Links has been
recognized as one of the top twenty-five municipal golf courses in the country.
Mayor Schwartzman thanked the media that attended tonight's Council meeting and
appreciates that they made the long drive to attend.
Mayor Schwartzman intends to shake all the hands of the Council Members in hope to extend
an olive branch for peace.
Council Member Cheesman moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to adjourn into executive
session at 9:52 p.m. for the purposes of discussing approval of the executive session meeting for
December 5, 2022, December 19, 2022, March 6, 2023, and March 20, 2023, 5 ILCS
120/2(c)(21); property acquisition 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) and personnel, 5 ILCS/2(c)(1).
During the Executive Session, Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member
Acerra, to adjourn the Executive Session at 10:32 p.m.
Roll Call #16:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
There being no further business, Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member
Dennis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 10:33 p.m.
Roll Call #17:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Peter D. Mayor Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
May 15, 2023 Page 8 of 8