HomeMy WebLinkAbout031824 City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street,Galesburg,Illinois
March 18,2024
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:
City Manager Eric Hanson,City Attorney Jason Jording,and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz.
Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Semenya McCord gave the invocation.
Council Member Miller moved,seconded by Council Member Acerra,to approve the minutes of
the City Council’s regular meeting from March 4,2024.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes:Council Members Hix,Dennis,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Presentation:Mayor ’s Award and presentation of a key to the City to Coach Evan Massey.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Kim Skaggs addressed the Council and thanked the Mayor and Council Member Miller for their
assistance and wanted them to know that she has been contacted by Ms.Kupa regarding the
community garden.
David Selkirk addressed the Council regarding Bunker Links 100-year anniversary and wanted to
provide more information on Dwight Bunker,who built the golf course.He also built a golf
course at the Joliet State Prison and also built the front nine at Lake Bracken.He also started
nine holes at Monmouth,but they ran out of funding before it was finished.Mr.Bunker died in
1936 at the age of 56.In May 1928,Mr.Sweeney built the first clubhouse at a cost of $4,960.
Mr.Selkirk listed several records held by individuals at Bunker Links including the first club
champion,Harold Applegreen in 1924,and other gentlemen such as Jess Pico,Bill Fox,Dave
Levine,Dave Lundstrom,Barry Cheesman,and others.He also showed the Council and public a
bag tag that they are giving members to commemorate their centennial year,as well as a golf
towel specially designed by the golf professional.
March 18,2024 Page 1 of 7
Stefan Roldan addressed the Council stating that he moved back to Galesburg from Kansas and
three years ago he tried to rent a building and was informed that it had too many electrical and
plumbing code violations and doesn’t understand how the building is still standing.He also
feels that there needs to be more police presence on Water Street due to theft,drugs,and
vandals.
Dave Warf addressed the Council regarding all the inconsiderate people around Day,Lombard,
Pine,Mulberry,and South Streets,driving with their loud exhaust systems and music.He feels
that there is nothing the City can do except write tickets.He gave the City Clerk a list of
additional vehicles he had noticed in his neighborhood.
Robert Cain addressed the Council and inquired about the location of the food plots and added
that the City is doing a good job with the demolition of several dilapidated buildings downtown.
He also asked for an update on a community center.
CONSENT AGENDA #2024-05
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
24-3008
Approve the bid from Lockwood Excavating and Construction,Inc.in the amount of $73,902 for
the demolition and clean-up of five properties.
24-3009
Approve the bid from PAFCO Truck Bodies,Inc.for a total cost of $16,983.25 for the purchase of
a dump truck body with hoist for the Street Division.
24-8004
Approve bills in the amount of $2,669,874.98 and advance checks in the amount of
$167,764.28.
Council Member Miller moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Consent
Agenda 2024-05.
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
24-1001
Council Member Miller moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve Ordinance
24-3723 on final reading authorizing the submission of the Section 5311 and Downstate Public
March 18,2024 Page 2 of 7
Transit Operating Assistance Grant Applications for the period July 1,2024,through June 30,
2025.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix,Dennis,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
24-1002
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 112 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regulating
Transportation Network Companies and drivers.
City Manager Hansen stated that once approved,information will be available on the City ’s
website,social media,and the City Clerk’s office.Council Member Cheesman added that he
supports more options,services,and opportunities like this for our community.
24-1003
Ordinance on first reading repealing an additional fee to all grave openings in Linwood
Cemetery and East Linwood Cemetery after 2 p.m.on any day.
BIDS,PETITIONS,AND COMMUNICATIONS
24-3010
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Acerra,to approve the proposal
from Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company for a five-year soft drink contract for the City.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes:Council Members Hix,Dennis,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
24-3011
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Miller,to approve the bid from
J.P.Benbow Plumbing &Heating in the amount of $55,824 for the replacement of the filtration
pump and motor at Lakeside Pool.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix,Dennis,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Hanson reported that the State of the Treasury was provided to the City Council in
his March 8,2024,Weekly Report,and that there is no unexpected deficit grant spending.
March 18,2024 Page 3 of 7
He also noted that the March Traffic Advisory Committee report was included in the Council
packet.The City Manager announced that the Chamber of Commerce will host a Business After
Hours at Bunker Links on Thursday,March 21st,4:30–6:30 p.m.and everyone is encouraged to
attend;however,space is limited.He also wanted to wish his wife,Tara,a happy birthday.
Council Member Acerra stated that she had a constituent mention the traffic signal at Main and
Academy Street and the length of the light.The City Manager noted that Council Member
White has discussed the same issue with him and the City has reached out to IDOT about the
issue since this light is located on State Route 150.Some adjustments have been made,but
Public Works will continue to monitor it and are trying to reduce the wait time,especially given
that the new library will be open soon at that corner.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS,APPROVALS,ETC.)
24-4019
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve a renewal
agreement with Galesburg Youth Baseball League,Inc.to jointly offer youth baseball and youth
softball programs,and will automatically renew on a year-to-year basis unless terminated by
either party within 90 days written notice.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix,Dennis,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
24-4020
Council Member Miller moved,seconded by Council Member Acerra,to waive normal
purchasing policies and approve the sole source quote from Bobcat of Burlington for the
purchase of a Bobcat Compact Track Loader in the amount of $93,245.21 for the Street Division.
Roll Call #8:
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
24-9004
Trustee Miller moved,seconded by Trustee Davis,to approve Town bills and warrants to be
drawn in payment of same.
March 18,2024 Page 4 of 7
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $752.68
General Assistance Fund $4,586.29
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund $4,171.02
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $9,509.99
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Trustees Hix,Dennis,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
24-9005
Trustee Miller moved,seconded by Trustee Davis,to approve the agenda for the Annual Town
Meeting to be held on Tuesday,April 9,2024,at 6:00 p.m.at the Township office.
Roll Call #10:
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 Miller,to resume as the City Council.The motion
carried.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member White stated that March is Women’s History Month and the greatest woman
he ever knew was a car thief.This woman watched a man hit a dog,walked next door to a bar,
threw him in a car,and chased the man and made him take the dog to a vet.That woman was
his mother.He noted that at the last meeting,he gave everyone a trivia question asking who
taught at Johns Hopkins but never had a medical degree.The answer is Vivien Thomas.
At this meeting he wants to announce six names and hopes people will look them up:Anika
Bowie,Rebecca Noecker,Saura Jost,Mitra Jalali,Hwa Jeong Kim,Nelsie Yang,and Cheniqua
Johnson.He hopes people look up these women and email him to tell him why they are
important to Women's History month.
Council Member Acerra stated that she is excited about spring and upcoming sporting events,
three of which were talked about tonight,baseball,golf,and honoring Evan Massey ’s
tremendous achievements in women's basketball.She is very proud of the accomplishments of
our town and for the great support that we give to youth sports and she’s looking forward to
seeing more games this summer.
March 18,2024 Page 5 of 7
Council Member Davis wished everyone happy holidays for those who celebrate the upcoming
Christian holidays of Palm Sunday and Easter,but we are also in the midst of Ramadan,which
she stated she was not going to pretend she knew a lot about,but from what she understands it
is a time of fasting.She asked everyone to be aware and respectful of friends,family,coworkers,
and students who may be fasting right now.She added that she hopes we can all lean on each
other as a community and support one another in any religious belief.
Council Member Cheesman congratulated Coach Evan Massey and added that he has known
him for 50 years as he was just starting his coaching career when he was playing.He also
congratulated Amy Massey,as she also sacrificed a tremendous amount as part of the family of
a coach.The positive impact that he's had on generations of students,kids and ballplayers here
in our town is second to none.He added that we are blessed in our community by so many
people in all walks of life and all places that have contributed to make our town and the people
in our town a better place.We should be very grateful for that.
Council Member Cheesman also noted that economic growth was discussed tonight and we
talked about the possibility of some more transportation options.We are seeing a number of
different things happening here,in terms of the growth of our economy,our tax base
increasing,more services being offered,and all of those things are positive,and they are going
to reflect very nicely upon our town in so many different ways.He believes that the positive
image of our town is continually getting better and putting our best foot forward is something
that we should make sure all of us as citizens do,as well as the City Council with our best
efforts.
Council Member Hix stated that Coach Massey began his career when he was still in high school,
which tells everyone how long ago that was.In fact,several of his classmates played for him,
and as the Mayor has mentioned from his daughters,he has always heard that he was an
excellent coach.He congratulated him on a wonderful career.
He also wanted to tell Mr.Selkirk that the gentlemen he mentioned holding records at Bunker
Links over the years have accomplished great achievements.He also mentioned that the new
bridge has been placed on #15 and when he last played he thought the course was in wonderful
shape.He added that he is looking forward to Thursday night celebrating with the golf
professional and his crew and a great year at Bunker links.
Council Member Dennis thanked David Selkirk for the historical information he is providing on
Bunker Links at the meetings.He also congratulated Coach Evan Massey on his 1,000 wins and
his great career.He also thanked the City Manager who is sitting here tonight and it ’s his wife's
birthday.
Council Member Miller stated that he talked to some police officers over the weekend and they
thanked him and the City Council for approving the traffic cameras,which is helping in the City.
He also noted that farming season is beginning and he asked that people stay patient and give
them room on the road.
March 18,2024 Page 6 of 7
Mayor Schwartzman reported that spring is upon us,both ideologically and astronomically,and
with that,of course,we have spring break in both the colleges and the high school.During that
time,you will see younger people out and about,during the daytime when you might not see
them normally.He asked people to be careful as they might be on bicycles,crossing the street
without a light or crossing guard,who do amazing work in our city.
The Mayor stated that spring is important to us too in many different ways as grass starts
growing,flowers as well,and many new building projects will be underway.There are a lot of
really exciting activities happening and he will be walking in the community over the next few
weeks and may show up at your doorstep,and hopefully people will open the door and speak
with him.He will be visiting people to figure out what people are thinking about the community
and will be sharing his findings with the Council later next month.
There being no further business,Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member
Miller,to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m.
Roll Call #11:
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
March 18,2024 Page 7 of 7