HomeMy WebLinkAbout060225 City Council Meeting Minutes
Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
June 2, 2025
6:00 p.m.
Called to order by Mayor Schwartzman at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call #1: Present: Mayor Peter Schwartzman, Council Members Bradley Hix, Wendel
Hunigan, Dwight White, Heather Acerra, Greg Saul, and Steve Cheesman, 7. Absent: Council
Member Evan Miller, 1. 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.
Deacon Michael Crummer gave the invocation.
Proclamation: Pride Month
Juneteenth
Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve the
minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from May 19, 2025.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Hunigan, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 5.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Miller, 1.
Abstain: Council Member White, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
City Attorney Dan Alcorn opened and read sealed bids for the following City-owned properties:
Bidder Tract Bid Price
Matthew Wheaton 9 $100
Jeffrey Anderson 6 $100
Flacco Family Farms, LLC 3 $591
Rogue Shott 13 $500
Shana Scott, No Limit Landscaping 1 $100
June 2, 2025 Page 1 of 8
2 $205
3 $100
4 $100
5 $100
6 $100
7 $100
8 $100
9 $100
10 $100
11 $100
12 $100
13 $100
Michael Akers 13 $100
Glass Specialty, WLC, Inc. 11 $200
Tuesday R. Spinks 7 $100
Karla Johnson 9 $300
Mark Rasmussen 1 $351
2 $301
3 $151
4 $351
6 $351
13 $401
Marcus Kyser, Sr. 10 $500
June 2, 2025 Page 2 of 8
PUBLIC COMMENT
David Selkirk, Golf Commission Chairman, addressed the Council regarding the proposed
resolution to purchase the land west of Bunker Links Golf Course. He recalled requesting the
purchase 12 years ago, when the City believed they had the right of first refusal. He added that
this property would provide future expansion options for the golf course and connect it
geographically to Lincoln Park and Lake Story, and urged the Council to vote in favor of the
purchase.
Candy Webb addressed the Council, expressing her gratitude to the City for all the support in
organizing the Juneteenth Celebration, noting that everyone has provided invaluable assistance,
directing their planning committee to the right resources and advising them on potential
pitfalls. She announced that they have a wide array of activities planned and given Galesburg's
long-standing commitment to open-mindedness and cultural engagement, this celebration will
be a perfect fit for the community.
Charles Little addressed the Council and thanked them for addressing homelessness,
referencing a recent news article. He stated his concerns about proposed budget cuts by the
federal administration to HUD programs, including no funding for various homeless assistance
initiatives, moving the financial burden to the state. He noted several cuts to homeless
assistance grants, potentially leaving only a State Rental Assistance Program funded. This
situation could impact existing HUD voucher holders with the Knox County Housing Authority,
possibly increasing local homelessness. He expressed his concern about the increase in
individuals not only due to these budget changes, but also from other communities. He would
like to meet with the City Manager and the Mayor to discuss his research and develop potential
solutions.
Mindy Knapp addressed the Council, noting a situation involving a homeless individual, who had
initially been at the warming center, then was on the streets since February. Following an
incident at the library last week involving mental health issues and claims of sexual assault, the
police were called. It was discovered that this individual was a missing person from Peoria, and
she has since returned home. Because of this, she questions the follow-through with people at
the warming center. Ms. Knapp also addressed the issue of discarded items in dumpsters
around the Knox College campus as students move out. She suggested organizing a donation
system, so these items can be given to those in need, rather than being wasted.
Reverend Andrew Jowers praised Ms. Knapp for her positive strategy and her passion, and
commended Mr. Little for caring about others. He expressed confidence that the Council could
address homelessness and noted the City's vacant buildings. He emphasized participation in
governance, stating that all individuals should have a voice in decision-making, directly or
through representation. As a clergy member, he is engaging outside his religious institution,
contrasting with people in the South during the Civil Rights era who were more cautious than
courageous and detached from people's struggles. He urged the Council to re-evaluate their
approach and to observe the community ’s struggling children and families firsthand. He also
mentioned Juneteenth, announcing several local published authors will be in attendance.
June 2, 2025 Page 3 of 8
CONSENT AGENDA #2025-11
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
25-8010
Approve bills in the amount of $584,326.99 and advance checks in the amount of $186,345.49.
Council Member Saul moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve Consent Agenda
2025-11.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Hunigan, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Miller, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
25-2017
Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve Resolution
25-15 authorizing the purchase of Parcel Identification Numbers 99-10-460-001, 99-10-460-002,
99-10-460-003, and 99-10-460-004 for the forgiveness of indebtedness in the amount of
$300,000.
Council Member Hix stated that he would be abstaining from this vote due to his professional
relationship with the Martins.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 5.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Miller, 1.
Abstain: Council Member Hix, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
25-2018
Council Member Cheesman moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve Resolution
25-16 authorizing the purchase of Parcel Identification Number 05-34-101-002 in the amount of
$63,000.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Hunigan, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Miller, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
June 2, 2025 Page 4 of 8
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
25-3016
Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Saul, to rescind the bid approved
at the May 5, 2025, City Council meeting from Yemm Chevrolet in the amount of $52,497 for
the purchase of a one ton heavy duty RAM 3500 for the Water Division.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Hunigan, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Miller, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
25-3017
Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Saul, to approve the bid from
Victory Lane Ford in the amount of $52,990 for the purchase of a new one ton heavy duty 2024
RAM 3500 to be utilized by the Water Division.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Hunigan, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Miller, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS, ETC.)
25-4043
Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve an engineering
agreement with Hanson Engineering for the Airport Fuel Farm project in the amount of
$120,612.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Hunigan, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Miller, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to sit as the Town
Board. The motion carried.
TOWN BUSINESS
25-9014
Trustee Saul moved, seconded by Trustee Cheesman, to approve Town bills and warrants to be
drawn in payment of same.
June 2, 2025 Page 5 of 8
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $166.00
General Assistance Fund $3,597.52
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $3,763.52
Roll Call #9:
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Hunigan, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Trustee Miller, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Trustee Cheesman moved, seconded by Trustee Saul, to resume as the City Council. The motion
carried.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Hunigan expressed his appreciation to Acting Police Chief Kevin Legate for
visiting his home, as well as for the City Manager in facilitating the meeting between law
enforcement and residents of his ward. He noted that Acting Chief Legate spent two hours
engaging with his neighbors, addressing concerns about problem houses, illegal drugs, and the
connections between homelessness and mental health issues. He stated that he has lived on
Mulberry Street for nearly five decades, and highlighted the significant negative impact a single
problematic residence can have on an entire neighborhood. Over the past year, two drug
overdoses requiring paramedic assistance occurred at a house next door to him, as well as an
incident at the same location where a resident experienced a mental health episode and
disrobed in his yard. He and his neighbors appreciated Acting Chief Legate’s proactive and
collaborative policing approach, which has fostered trust and cooperation. The meeting also
included a conversation with the homeowner residing in the concerning house. Acting Chief
Legate assured the residents that the house would be monitored using all available legal means.
He stated that at the next Council Meeting, he would like to discuss dilapidated houses.
Council Member White urged everyone to look up HR 3518, expressing his hope that it doesn't
impact Galesburg, as federal mandates often have local repercussions. He also raised concerns
about license plate readers and Flock cameras. He noted an incident in Texas involving the use
of thousands of cameras to locate and arrest a woman suspected of having an abortion. He
stated that this was a prime example of the surveillance issues at hand and highlights broader
concerns about nationwide trends, noting how cell phones also track individuals. He believes
this instance underscores the worry that this mass surveillance infrastructure, initially presented
as a tool for locating stolen vehicles or missing persons, is now being utilized to target those
seeking reproductive health care. He feels that this unchecked, warrant-less access enables law
enforcement to surveil across state lines.
June 2, 2025 Page 6 of 8
Council Member Acerra agrees with Council Member Hunigan’s concerns and stated that in her
ward, as in other parts of town, there are issues such as dilapidated homes, residents with
mental health challenges, and drug use. From her personal observations on her walks through
the ward, confirm this reality and she thanked public safety personnel for their response to
numerous incidents. She also thanked Director Gugliotta and his staff for their efforts to find
grants and resources to renovate and repair homes despite limited funding. She believes it ’s a
challenging situation, and ongoing efforts to find solutions and maintain awareness are
essential.
Council Member Saul stated that he agrees that a single neglected property can detract from an
entire neighborhood's appearance. He personally noted several residences and businesses in his
area with unmown lawns. He suggested residents consider hiring local youth, many of whom
are recently out of school, to help with yard work if they are unable to manage it themselves.
Council Member Cheesman also agrees with the issue of dilapidated homes, but also
highlighted the City's many positive aspects and the majority of responsible citizens. He stated
that the community has many excellent landlords, but concerns have been raised about others
who exploit tenants and neglect their property. He shared an example of a disabled individual
living in poor conditions due to landlord inaction. Accountability for landlords needs
improvement to ensure everyone is moving in the right direction.
Council Member Cheesman stated that he attended the dedication of the Albert and Elbert
Kimbrough Fieldhouse, which honored two significant individuals who made substantial
contributions and exemplified dignity and grace. He also noted the importance of proclamations
and the opportunity they give for sharing important stories and events where the community
can learn and connect. He noted that he would like to revive the “Youth Extra Effort Award”
originally championed by former Alderman John Peterson. This award recognizes ordinary
young people making unnoticed contributions. Council Member Cheesman announced that he
would be holding a town hall meeting at the Public Library on Tuesday, June 17th, from 6-7 p.m.
He hopes to encourage citizen engagement, have questions and discussion, and inform
residents about City initiatives.
Council Member Hix expressed his appreciation for Deacon Crummer's presence for the
invocation tonight and considers him a friend and admires him greatly. He values his consistent
even-keeled demeanor and sound advice and it meant a lot that he took time to begin the
meeting.
Mayor Schwartzman stated that the recent weeks have seen many graduates and celebrations
in the community with many young people achieving wonderful things. The upcoming
Juneteenth event, spanning multiple days with various activities, offers numerous engagement
opportunities, and participation is encouraged. He added that he would also be sharing
information about Juneteenth on his Facebook page. Additionally, he added that public input is
highly valued, and that he would be establishing bi-weekly community meetings for discussions
and idea sharing and that they would be announced on Facebook, too.
June 2, 2025 Page 7 of 8
There being no further business, Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member
Cheesman, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:56 p.m.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Hunigan, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Miller, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Peter D. Mayor Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
June 2, 2025 Page 8 of 8