HomeMy WebLinkAbout090523 City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
September 5, 2023
6:00 p.m.
Called to order by Mayor Peter Schwartzman at 6:00 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:
Interim City Manager Wayne Carl, Interim City Attorney James Kelly, and City Clerk Kelli
Bennewitz.
Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Bonnie Ericson gave the invocation.
Proclamation: United Way Months
Diaper Need Awareness Week
Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve the minutes of
the City Council's regular meeting from August 21, 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.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Linda Miller, Ward Six, addressed the Council and thanked the Mayor for his appointment of
John Schlaf as Interim City Manager. She also wanted the Council to know that Mark Rothert,
the Interim Public Works Director who the Council terminated on their first night as new elected
officials, is now the City Manager in East Moline. She reminded them that they increased the
salary for that position and have yet to hire a Public Works Director or City Manager.
Furthermore, she hopes they are happy with the direction they have sent the City, which is an
expensive and hostile work environment. She wondered how they were going to fix it.
Holly McDorman, Ward Six, addressed the Council and stated that she does not understand why
the new Council has an issue with Public Comment when there has never been a problem with
it before. She reminded them that as elected officials, the public's work is their work, and they
need to be heard and not ignored.
September 5, 2023 Page 1 of 12
She stated that three months ago this Council changed Public Comment in terms of how it will
be brought forward and when, and now they are demanding more silence in an underhanded
way to lessen accessibility and mute conversation. It is their job to listen to the public.
Elvira Hunigan addressed the Council regarding the freedom of speech, which is a fundamental
part of democracy. She stated that some Council Members want to move Public Comment to
the end of the meeting after recently changing the time limit from five minutes to three
minutes. She understands that some City business takes a long time but that listening to the
public is a duty of the Council, and they should leave it at the same place on the agenda.
Sallee Wade addressed the Council and noted that it takes courage and integrity to come
forward and speak in front of the Council. She reminded them that we are all in this together
and that she is encouraged and hopeful but that Council needs to listen to people. She hopes
that members break with their cohorts when it's needed and that they practice diversity of
input, creativity, sustainability and forgiveness.
Mike Spinks addressed the Council and stated that he knows they have tough jobs. He has
always heard that Galesburg has nothing for kids to do here despite efforts from Anthony Law,
Joey Range, Discover Depot, and now his business. He believes that there needs to be more
City involvement in these initiatives and would like to propose a partnership with the City. He
gave copies of his proposal to City Clerk Bennewitz for distribution to the Council. He added
that the City needs to back those who received grants and the smaller entrepreneurs in the
community.
John Peterson addressed the Council proposing that the City add a championship level disc golf
course at Lake Storey. It is a sport that is growing and one that has been taking place at Kiwanis
Park with a non -City league for many years. He feels that having a course at Lake Storey would
immediately improve revenues for the City and that if a tournament were held locally, similarly
to what is done in Peoria, the course would pay for itself. He would approximate a course like
this would cost $25,000. He quoted the Master Park & Recreation Plan regarding bringing in
tourism and population growth, which could be accomplished with this plan. He is also not in
favor of moving Public Comment.
Jeanette Chernin addressed Council and stated that she doesn't understand the rationalization
of moving Public Comment since it was moved three months ago, unless it is simply because
they do not want to hear from the public. It is their job to listen to them and with only three
minutes to speak, they deserve to be heard. She reminded them that each of them are
immediately replaceable and that someone else wants their seat. They need to make up their
minds about the Public Comment and stick with the consequences.
Reverend Hailey addressed the Council and asked why it is that during election time, they all
want the public to listen and vote for them, but now they don't want to listen to the public. He
doesn't understand why they don't want to listen and hopes the City stops going down this
road.
September 5, 2023 Page 2 of 12
Bruce Weik addressed the Council and stated that he is not in total agreement with having
Public Comment at the beginning of the meeting since things can get off track but feels that
moving it to the end is stupid. He recommends that they offer Public Comment to each agenda
item in order to hear what the public has to say on each of those topics, which shouldn't take
up any more time. If it's moved to the end, Council will still have to stay and listen to them.
Ted Hoffman addressed the Council and asked if there are any other leases that the City has
where the tenant pays one dollar and the City pays for all the utilities. He doesn't think that is a
procedure that the City wants to start following.
Champ Coleman stated that he agrees that the one dollar lease is stupid and would rather begin
asking for $10,000, similar to other nonprofits or external agencies. They help a larger number
of people than any of the other agencies. He also noted that they donate back to the
community, unlike others.
Diane Crock addressed the Council and stated that she is not in favor of the lease either, which
has been held over their head for a long time. She noted that whenever there is a homeless
person at the Library, Public Safety Building, or other location, she and Champ Coleman are the
first ones they call for help. They have busy lives and have plenty of other things to do and
reiterated that not having a lease isn't personal to her but would hurt others.
Council Member Davis left the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Ms. Crock read the definition of a hostile work environment and explained that she had tried to
talk to Council Members regarding the lease but no one gave her a chance to give her opinion.
She again reiterated that denying the lease won't harm her.
Darla Krejci addressed the Council and asked that Public Comment stay at the beginning of the
meeting. She stated that she and others have been called the Mayor's minions and noted that
there is a core of diverse commenters who represent a section of the community that is
marginalized.
Council Member Davis returned to the meeting at 6:42 p.m.
Ms. Krejci stated that possibly the Mayor is their minion and that really all Council Members
should be that way -- working for everyone in the community and not just those who voted for
them. She further stated that the four new Council Members had a total of 1,524 votes, with
1,205 votes cast for their opponents; a slim willing margin.
Council Member Hix left the meeting at 6:43 p.m.
She noted that out of the approximately 17,000 registered voters, an estimated 15,700 didn't
vote for them. She reminded the Council that they represent all the people and asked that they
leave Public Comment at the beginning of the agenda.
September 5, 2023 Page 3 of 12
Council Member Hix returned to the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Jackie Smith -Esters hopes to hear from Council Members on why they want to move Public
Comment. She also stated that the soft cap of $2.3 million that has been given for a community
center with the remaining bond money going towards roads will only have an effect on certain
neighborhoods. A community center will be seen by the entire community. She asked that the
City Council think about the Community Center Task Force and the job that has been given to
them and realize that $2.3 million is not enough for a center.
CONSENT AGENDA #2023-17
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
23-4090
Approve a housing rehabilitation grant application agreement with Western Illinois Regional
Council in an amount not to exceed $1,200.
23-5009
Receive the June 20, 2023, Investment Schedule.
23-8016
Approve bills in the amount of $1,116,477.10 and advance checks in the amount of
$1,188,988.21.
Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve Consent
Agenda 2023-17.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
23-1016
Ordinance on first reading authorizing the annual sale of retired, confiscated or abandoned
property.
23-1017
Ordinance on first reading amending Traffic Appendix X of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg
Municipal Code to revise the parking time limits on school days on Fremont Street and
Hawkinson Avenue from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Council Member White asked that before the vote at the next meeting, Council Members visit
GHS in the morning to experience the traffic situation first hand.
September 5, 2023 Page 4 of 12
Council Member Acerra asked for context from staff on the recommended ordinance change.
Police Chief Idle stated that the current parking restrictions have been in place for 30+ years and
this is simply a change to match the new school hours. Safety is the main focus for the Police
Department, and they continue to have a Community Service Officer at the school in the a.m.
and p.m.
23-1018
Ordinance on first reading amending Section 30.15(B) of Chapter 30 of the Galesburg Municipal
Code amend the order of business and place Public Comment after Miscellaneous Business on
City Council agendas.
Council Member Miller stated that he asked for this ordinance to be placed on the agenda. He
noted that at a previous meeting, the president of Graham Hospital and other executives
attended to discuss an item relating to their new hospital, jobs, and economic development in
our community, but had to sit through a four-hour meeting before their item was approved.
There are other businesses who have visited Galesburg and left because of what is happening at
meetings. For these reasons he is asking that Public Comment be moved to the end of the
meeting, after City business has been discussed.
23-2050
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve Resolution
23-47 authorizing the appointment of John H. Schlaf as Interim City Manager for the City of
Galesburg.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Council Member White, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-2051
Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve Resolution
23-48 authorizing the purchase of 215 North Academy Street in the amount of $813.00 from
the Knox County Trustee.
Community Development Director Steve Gugliotta reported that this 9,000 square foot building
has been vacant and without water since 2012. He also noted that the third floor was shut
down due to building issues and that a demolition process was started three years ago. At that
time, the owner did minor repairs and was able to avoid demolition. Property taxes have not
been paid on the house for three years as well.
Director Gugliotta also explained that the Knox County Trustee purchases and sells properties
on behalf of all the taxing bodies.
Roll Call #5:
September 5, 2023 Page 5 of 12
Ayes: Council Members Hix, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: Council Members Dennis and Miller, 2.
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-2052
Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve a
Supplemental Motor Fuel Tax Resolution in the amount of $49,945.05 for the McClure Street
Reconstruction project.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Interim City Manager Wayne Carl reported that Mike Doi has been hired as the City's new Public
Works Director and will begin his duties on September 18, 2023.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS, ETC.)
23-4091
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve the donation
of retired extrication equipment to the East Galesburg Fire Department.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4092
Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve a 12-month
carbon free rate agreement with Constellation as the electricity supplier for City electric
accounts at a rate of $0.07126/kWh.
The Mayor thanked Wayne Carl and Tifani Miller for their work on this agreement and noted
that it is something that not all municipalities have taken advantage of.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
September S, 2023 Page 6 of 12
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4093
Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve an indemnity
agreement with the owner of 138 East Main Street for work associated with the demolition of
the buildings located at 140-144 East Main Street.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4094
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve an indemnity
agreement with the owner of 156 East Main Street for work associated with the demolition of
the buildings located at 140-144 East Main Street.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4095
Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve a one-year
lease agreement with the Galesburg Downtown Depot for approximately 1,500 square feet
within 120 East Main Street. The Mayor noted that the City still reserves the right to sell the
building with one month's notice.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-6007
Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve the
appointment of DeMarkius Medley to the Community Center Task Force.
Council Member Cheesman noted that he was disappointed at the Task Force meeting and
hopes that they are given the ability to do the work they have been tasked with doing. He
added that during Public Comment at these meetings, citizens have been critical of members'
motives and providing character assassination, which he feels is over the line. Constructive
criticism is not being offered.
Council Member White stated that unfortunately, the Council has already given the Task Force
limits, such as the $2.3 million limit for the project. They should be able to do their work by
September 5, 2023 Page 7 of 12
determining the need in the community and come back with a plan for the Council to review.
This hamstring has already caused controversy and anger. He knows there are already people
on the Task Force who do not want a community center.
Council Member Cheesman stated that the up front information was given to the Task Force
that they did not have an unlimited budget for a community center. He reiterated that none of
this allows members of the community to tear apart someone's character or ethics. He
understands that everyone has a difference of opinion but that he hopes everyone will work
together and build upon what they have in common but within the parameters given.
Council Member Dennis stated that he has heard all the Council Members say they want a
community center but that they need to be mindful of the cost. Regardless, any proposals will
come back to the Council for a vote.
Council Member Hix stated that he has talked to many in his Ward, as well as the public, and
has found many that want to spend funds on both a community center and road repair. He is in
favor of splitting the bond funds for both but is not in agreement with those who want a $7 to
$10 million community center. He feels that the City needs to take care of the pensions for the
Firefighters and Police Officers, as well as spend funds on parks. The feedback he has received
is that all these issues need to be addressed by the Council but not at an unlimited amount.
Council Member Acerra stated that there is a very vocal group of citizens who want a
community center, with a lot of priorities for it as well, and there are also members of the public
who do not want a center at all. She is in favor of something modest and is glad the Task Force
is attempting a needs analysis to look at the greatest needs that could be affected by the least
amount of money. She stressed that prioritization is needed, form follows function and that
programs need to be defined before a building is addressed.
Council Member White stated that data has been collected about a community center over the
years but no one wants to look at it. He firmly believes that there is no reason to reproduce
what is already there, especially a location, which was studied for a year with five sites
proposed. He noted that none of those sites could be renovated for $2.5 million. He
understands that members keep saying they want a center; however, they don't want to spend
the money needed even after looking at all the studies.
Council Member White added that he agrees roads need to be done, but it is not at the top of
everyone's priority list. People need a community center, but he has found that several on the
Task Force have failed to provide their definition of a community center. He reminded them
that people are watching and that they will eventually have to answer to the public.
Council Member Dennis asked Council Member White if he knew how many in his Ward were in
favor of a community center, specifically based on the community survey that was done.
Council Member White left the meeting at 7:49 p.m.
September 5, 2023 Page 8 of 12
Council Member Hix stated that he asked unbiased questions about a community center and
roads on social media and the response was split. He noted that he does not have a hidden
agenda but does want to support and represent his Ward.
Council Member White returned to the meeting at 7:52 p.m.
Roll Call #12:
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 Davis, to sit as the Town Board.
The motion carried.
TOWN BUSINESS
23-9018
Trustee Miller moved, seconded by Trustee Acerra, to approve Town bills and warrants to be
drawn in payment of same.
Fund Title
Amount
Town Fund
$8,597.59
General Assistance Fund
$9,908.43
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total
$18,506.02
Roll Call #13:
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Trustee Dennis moved, seconded by Trustee Davis, to resume as the City Council. The motion
carried.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Hix thanked Wayne Carl for his service over the last several months. He also
thanked Aaron Gavin, Airport Manager, for the tour at the Airport to highlight several projects.
Council Member Hix left the meeting at 7:56 p.m.
September 5, 2023 Page 9 of 12
Council Member Dennis also thanked Mr. Gavin for the tour and added that he was able to take
a plane ride. He also apologized to Council Member White and stated that he considers him a
friend.
Council Member Miller thanked Wayne Carl for working with him and answering many
questions over the last couple of months. He also thanked Aaron Gavin for the Airport tour. He
also noted that he has now met with each Department Director and appreciates the
information and tour they have provided, which helps him vote on City business.
Council Member Hix returned to the meeting at 7:57 p.m.
Council Member White stated that he will miss Mr. Carl who he believes is a man of great
character. He noted that he also toured the Airport and was really influenced and learned a lot.
He has always said that Galesburg has three airports, one in the Quad Cities and one in Peoria,
but the greatest one is right here in Galesburg, and he would like to see it move forward. He
also wanted to say that he believes the new Council had preconceived notions and an agenda of
items they wanted to change the day they walked in. He doesn't think he will ever be able to
deal with the fact they had preconceived notions.
Council Member Acerra stated that she has enjoyed working with Mr. Carl. She also wanted to
address Council Member White's comment about preconceived notions. She noted that she had
a meeting with the Mayor and shared with him four pages of ideas for improving the City, as
well as concerns and thoughts on enhancement. She stated that she did have some thoughts
that she really wanted to put forth and discuss with all members of the Council.
Council Member Acerra added that the tour of Jet Air was fantastic and that she would like to
plug them as another career opportunity in Galesburg. Airline mechanics make a lot of money,
and it's a fantastic job, especially if people are interested in working with their hands and have
some technical skills. She also appreciated John Peterson coming and talking about Disc Golf,
which is a growing sport, as well as pickleball. She also thanked Leanne Porter and stated that
the work the Diaper Bank does is terrific. She lives near where a fire happened in their
neighborhood on North Street and there was a young woman who lost everything and that
organization was there to help. She added that there are some really wonderful people in this
community and urged them to keep doing the work that they're doing, which is appreciated by
all.
Council Member Davis also thanked Wayne Carl for being a great asset to the City and hopes he
enjoys his retirement. She also thanked Steve Gugliotta and Aaron Gavin for stepping up
through this transition. She also thanked John Schlaf and is looking forward to working with
him.
Council Member Steve Cheesman also thanked Wayne Carl. He also stated that the tour at the
Airport was fantastic and agreed with Council Member Acerra that working there would be a
great vocational job. He also apologized to Council Member White and hopes in the future
September S, 2023 Page 10 of 12
everyone can be mannerly, work together and compromise with each other. This project is a
high priority to him, and he hopes everyone can find ways to move forward.
Mayor Schwartzman thanked Wayne Carl for stepping up when needed for the City. He also
stated that he is looking forward to working with John Schlaf, who has a great passion and
service for Galesburg. He thanked Jim Kelly for being at the meeting and serving as the Interim
City Attorney as well.
The Mayor also stated that we should be listening to the young people in our community (under
the age of 30), who are passionate about Galesburg. They are the future of our community but
will move if they are not listened to. Their needs should resonate with everyone.
He also reported that he had the privilege of riding in Fire Truck #57 in the Labor Day Parade,
with an amazing seat on the ladder, which gave him the opportunity to see everyone who
attended the parade. We have a vibrant community, who showed much respect for the
firefighters and other laborers, which is so well deserved. He also noted that our parade has
been in existence since 1892.
The Mayor stated that there have been a lot of figures thrown out for a community center. The
previous Council bonded $5.3 million, and also set aside $1 million from ARPA funds for the
community center. Staff has recently been told that there may be another million dollars in
federal money coming to the City of a center as well, and hope we should know within the next
couple of months if that comes to fruition. There are also additional potential dollars coming
from state sources. He wanted to note that one thing that has not been included in these
counts is the philanthropy of this community.
Mayor Schwartzman thanked Aaron Gavin for the tour of the Airport as well and encouraged
the public to attend the annual Stearman Fly -In. He also reminded everyone that the Stearman
Museum is still in the works.
Council Member White added that Larry Findahl, who lives at Moon Towers, let him know that
he talked to other residents, and they are split on wanting the warming shelter back again.
Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member White, to adjourn into executive
session at 8:12 p.m.for the purposes of discussing approval of the executive session meeting for
August 21, 2023, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21); Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) and Personnel, 5
ILCS/2(c)(1).
Roll Call #14:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
During the Executive Session, Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member
Acerra, to adjourn the Executive Session at 9:39 p.m.
September 5, 2023 Page 11 of 12
Roll Call #15:
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 9:39 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.
Peter D. Mayor Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
September 5, 2023 Page 12 of 12