HomeMy WebLinkAbout102124 City Council Meeting MinutesGalesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street,Galesburg,Illinois
October 7,2024
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 Wayne Dennis,Bradley Hix,
Evan Miller,Dwight White,Heather Acerra,Sarah Davis,and Steve Cheesman,8.Also Present:
City Manager Eric Hanson,City Attorney Dan Alcorn,and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz.
Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A moment of silence was observed in lieu of an invocation.
Proclamations:Lindstrom’s 100th Anniversary
Manufacturing Month
Council Members White and Davis left the meeting at 6:08 p.m.
Proclamation:Respect Life Month
Council Member White returned at 6:11 p.m.
Council Member Davis returned at 6:12 p.m.
Council Member Miller moved,seconded by Council Member Dennis,to approve the minutes of
the City Council’s regular meeting from October 7,2024.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes:Council Members Dennis,Hix,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Nicole Roman,sophomore student at Knox College representing the group Students for
Sustainability,addressed the Council regarding a request made to the City for a pedestrian
crosswalk at the intersection of Academy and Berrien Streets.She stated that since 2019,the
college and students have transformed that space and operated the Knox Farm on the west side
of Academy Street,across from Berrien Street.They offer produce and have a lot of visitors and
volunteers and programs for youth,but no sidewalk ramps or crosswalks for pedestrians.She
October 21,2024 Page 1 of 7
added that the group feels that the absence of a pedestrian crossing lends itself to a lack of
equity for them to be included and that they believe the project is worth it to the entire
community.
Larry Findahl,Moon Towers,addressed the Council and stated that he lives on the south side of
the building,facing the new Library.He has contacted Council Member White and the Library
director is unwilling to help.He stated that there are many squatters sleeping at the library
overnight,many in an undressed state,with clothes and belongings piled high,and other
families and children are walking near these individuals.He understands that they are not
breaking the law but wishes something could be done about the situation as the community has
seen a large increase and he hates to see the new Library used like this.
Darla Krejci addressed the Council and announced that the Lakeside Nature Center has their
“Second Saturday ”programs,as well as Little Sprouts,Nature at Night,and others,and they are
funded by the Walk of the Dead.In its eighth year,all the proceeds from the event are split
with the City to help fund these types of programs.She personally invited everyone to attend
one of the two last weekends in October.
CONSENT AGENDA #2024-18
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
24-2025
Approve MFT Maintenance Resolution for the purchase of salt,hot mix asphalt,concrete,CA-6
gravel,and high-performance patching mixture for the 2025 calendar year in the amount of
$410,000.
24-5012
Receive the rate schedule for Pit Stop Shop to be placed on the City ’s wrecker rotation list.
24-8017
Approve bills in the amount of $1,844,102.31 and advance checks in the amount of
$1,021,473.92.
Council Member White inquired about the increase in tennis court fees.Don Miles,Parks &
Recreation Director stated that the fee is being recommended to increase from $9 to $10 per
hour.
Council Member Acerra moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve Consent
Agenda 2024-18.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes:Council Members Hix,Dennis,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
October 21,2024 Page 2 of 7
Chairman declared the motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
24-1020
Ordinance on first reading adjusting various rates and fees collected by the City of Galesburg.
24-1021
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 93,Section 93.22,regarding calls for lift assistance
and establishing a fee for non-emergency,mobility-related service calls.
24-1022
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 94 of the Development Ordinance regulating the
length of abatement for tall grass and weed nuisances from ten days to five days.
24-2026
Council Member Miller moved,seconded by Council Member Acerra,to approve Resolution
24-23 determining the 2024 Property Tax Levy,which is not more than 105 percent and
therefore will not require a truth in taxation public hearing.The tax levy request will not exceed
$10,691,517.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes:Council Members Hix,Dennis,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
24-2027
Council Member Miller moved,seconded by Council Member White,to approve Resolution
24-24 authorizing the purchase of the following properties from the Knox County Trustee:
1.213 Pine Street
2.286 Fulton Street
3.61 North Elm Street
4.946 South Pearl Street
5.325 South Chambers Street
6.526 West South Street
7.494 Clark Street
8.246 North Kellogg
9.751 Michigan Avenue
10.84 Division Street
11.793 South Seminary Street
12.404 West Brooks Street
13.362 West Fourth Street
14.874 South Seminary Street
15.1041 Lancaster Street
16.1149 McClure Street
October 21,2024 Page 3 of 7
17.917 West Third
Mayor Schwartzman inquired when the property could be available for purchase through a City
auction.Steve Gugliotta,Community Development Director,stated that reimbursement of the
demolition cost through the IDHA Strong Communities Grant will likely take until early next year
and the property then be in the spring 2026 City auction.
Roll Call #5:
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
A.Traffic Advisory Committee Report for October
a.City Manager Hanson stated that Knox College owns the property surrounding
the crosswalk in question at Academy and Berrien Streets.However,City staff
will need to do their due diligence as well as talk to the college before any
decision is made.
B.Staff is working on the Capital Improvement Plan and a draft should be sent to Council
Members later this week.The City Manager plans to discuss the CIP at the November
4th Council Meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS,APPROVALS,ETC.)
24-4069
Council Member Davis moved,seconded by Council Member Acerra,to approve a supplemental
engineer agreement for right-of-way negotiation for the Lake Storey Path project in the amount
of $36,961.Aaron Gavin,Interim Public Works Director,stated that he anticipates the project to
start in the spring of 2025.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes:Council Members Hix,Dennis,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
24-4070
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Davis,to approve Addendum #3
to extend the cash rent lease agreement at the City’s Business Park for an additional year.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes:Council Members Hix,Dennis,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
October 21,2024 Page 4 of 7
Absent:None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
24-4071
Council Member Dennis moved,seconded by Council Member Miller,to approve a settlement
agreement and release which provides for the repair of the City ’s sidewalk in exchange for the
release of the insurance proceeds held by the City of Galesburg.
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 Acerra,to sit as the Town Board.
The motion carried.
TOWN BUSINESS
24-9021
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 $7,637.05
General Assistance Fund $5,043.37
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $12,680.42
Roll Call #9:
Ayes:Trustees Hix,Dennis,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
24-9022
Trustee Cheesman moved,seconded by Trustee Davis,to approve Resolution 24-01 determining
the 2024 Property Tax Levy,which is not more than 105 percent and therefore will not require a
truth in taxation public hearing.The tax levy request will not exceed $531,000.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes:Trustees Hix,Dennis,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,7.
Nays:None
Absent:None
October 21,2024 Page 5 of 7
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 Acerra announced that the Friends of Hope Cemetery will be hosting a “Run
For Your Life”5K Run/1K Walk on Friday,October 25th at Hope Cemetery.There will be food
trucks and prizes and more information can be found on WGIL’s Community Events page.
Council Member Davis reminded the community about Trick or Treat hours from 5-8 p.m.and
the Walk of the Dead,which will continue each weekend through the end of October.She also
stated that she could not stand in support of the proclamation from a group that claims to
respect life but does not.They are also attached to a directive from the Catholic Church and she
does not believe religious or political organizations should be recognized at a City Council
meeting.
Council Member Dennis left the meeting at 6:44 p.m.
Council Member Cheesman congratulated the Lindstrom’s on their anniversary adding that they
are the best of the best.He also wanted to reinforce the words of the Manufacturing Month
proclamation and the great GAVC program,which is bigger and better than ever.He also stated
his anticipation for the Lake Storey path,which will be another great addition to our
community.Council Member Cheesman noted that the most common communication he
receives from the public is regarding streets and sidewalks,safety and the upkeep of properties.
It is sad that there were so many on the demolition list,but this is something that is important
to the community and to the City Council.
Council Member Hix stated that he was offended and embarrassed by Council Member Davis’s
remarks,especially towards the Catholic religion.He also noted that he enjoyed the Illini game
from this past weekend.
Council Member Miller reminded everyone that the harvest season is still going on and to be
watchful of machinery on the roads.
Council Member White stated that he left the meeting during the proclamation because he is a
cancer survivor and needed to use the restroom and he finds it disrespectful and hurtful if
anyone thinks differently.He believes that people need to respect others'opinions since
everyone won’t think alike and to not judge others.
Mayor Schwartzman is thankful for Lindstrom’s and their family and for their store being the
foundation of our downtown.He also stated that it was a great announcement about the GAVC
growing and teaching great skills to students for the future.He noted that he has received
several complaints about road work or closures and reminded everyone that this is all the result
October 21,2024 Page 6 of 7
of the City investing an additional $2.5 million into infrastructure.He asked people to be
patient and respectful of the workers.
The Mayor reminded the community about the farming vehicles that are still on the road,as
well as the upcoming Halloween hours of 5-8 p.m.He asked that bicyclists remember that they
need to follow the same rules of the road and that motorists be careful and thoughtful when
sharing the road.He also thanked the Knox students who attended the meeting.
There being no further business,Council Member White moved,seconded by Council Member
Miller,to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:54 p.m.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes:Council Members Hix,Miller,White,Acerra,Davis,and Cheesman,6.
Nays:None
Absent:Council Member Dennis,1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Peter D.Mayor Schwartzman,Mayor
Kelli R.Bennewitz,City Clerk
October 21,2024 Page 7 of 7