HomeMy WebLinkAbout090225 City Council Meeting Minutes
Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois
September 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 Wendel Hunigan, Evan
Miller, Dwight White, Heather Acerra, Greg Saul, and Steve Cheesman, 7. City Manager Eric
Hanson, City Attorney Dan Alcorn, and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz. Vacant: Council Member,
Ward 1, following the resignation of Council Member Bradley Hix, effective August 31, 2025.
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 August 18, 2025.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Holly McDorman addressed the Council regarding their decision concerning the YMCA funding.
She feels that many Council Members did not fully understand previous comments that were
made at the last meeting, so she conducted her own research. She stated that she contacted
the YMCA, inquiring about a family membership, with no current income. She was quoted $65 a
month, which was then offered at a subsidized rate of $32. When she reiterated having no
income, she then explained that she was seeking guidance on how to become a member
despite lacking income. She was told to return when she had current income. McDorman
emphasized that at the last Council meeting, both she and another individual had reported
being turned away by the YMCA, a point she felt the Council had not truly heard.
Ms. McDorman also raised concerns about the Summer Food Program, previously through the
United Way, which provided her children with a daily lunch for three summers. Because her
children are not enrolled in the YMCA's before and after-school program, they are now ineligible
for this lunch. She questioned what the Council planned to do about hungry children and
families excluded from the YMCA's facilities, despite paying taxes that contributed to the
project.
September 2, 2025 Page 1 of 6
CONSENT AGENDA #2025-17
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will
be enacted by one motion.
25-2024
Approve Resolution 25-21 to release Executive Session minutes that are no longer confidential
and to destroy recordings from Executive Session meetings older than eighteen months.
25-5006
Receive the Motor Fuel Tax Annual Report for January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.
25-4052
Approve waiving normal purchasing policies and approve the quote from Duo Guard in the
amount of $25,633 for the replacement of a bus shelter located at the intersection of McClure
and McKnight Streets.
25-8016
Approve bills in the amount of $844,801.78 and advance checks in the amount of $831,718.43.
Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve Consent
Agenda 2025-17.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
25-1015
Ordnance on first reading amending Section 113.043 (A) of Chapter 113 of the Galesburg
Municipal Code adding one license for a total of 27 Class A-1 liquor licenses.
Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Saul, to suspend the rules and
advance 25-1015 to final reading.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Saul, to approve ordinance
25-3760 on final reading amending Section 113.043 (A) of Chapter 113 of the Galesburg
Municipal Code adding one license for a total of 27 Class A-1 liquor licenses.
September 2, 2025 Page 2 of 6
Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
25-2025
Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve
Resolution 25-22 to purchase eighteen parcels from the Knox County Trustee for demolition
and/or abatement of nuisances.
City Manager Hanson noted that staff would furnish a list of these properties, categorized by
ward. He also noted that the City has approximately 70 active projects slated for demolition or
clean-up.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Hanson reminded everyone that this Friday is the final day for the MDA “Fill the
Boot ” event. It's also the Annual Stearman Fly-In week and the planes are already active, with
more expected this weekend. He noted that the City will have a dedication ceremony at the
airport on Friday, September 5th, at 4:30 p.m. for the naming of the airport in honor of Harrel
Timmons.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS, ETC.)
25-4053
Council Member Cheesman moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve a service
agreement between Carl Sandburg College and Galesburg Public Transportation to provide
unlimited fixed-route bus service for CSC students, faculty, and staff from September 2025
through June 2027.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
September 2, 2025 Page 3 of 6
25-4050
Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve an annual
service agreement between Graham Hospital Association and Galesburg Public Transportation
to provide origin-to-destination transportation for patients facing barriers to care.
The City Manager stated that this is an on-demand service which provides transportation to all
of Graham’s clinics, where users can request a ride by providing their address and appointment
time. A fee is associated with this service, but Graham reimburses the City, ensuring the
individual incurs no cost. The reimbursement schedule varies based on whether the clinic is
local or outside the community as part of the health system.
Council Members White and Cheesman expressed how great both of these services will be for
the community.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Council Member Saul moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to sit as the Town Board.
The motion carried.
TOWN BUSINESS
25-9021
Trustee Miller moved, seconded by Trustee White, to approve Town bills and warrants to be
drawn in payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $1,320.68
General Assistance Fund $10,473.75
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund $4,028.79
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $15,823.22
Roll Call #9:
Ayes: Trustees Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Trustee Miller moved, seconded by Trustee Saul, to resume as the City Council. The motion
carried.
September 2, 2025 Page 4 of 6
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Hunigan extended congratulations to Harrel Timmons, emphasizing his
significant impact on the airport. He also commended the volunteers, specifically Tom Simkins
and Aaron Olin, who revamped the Kiwanis Park Skate Park, noting it looks brand new and is
now a special place for the community. Lastly, he reminded the City Manager that several Ward
Two residents plan to visit with him on Thursday to inquire about properties in their Ward and
seeking reassurance that the City is listening to their concerns.
Council Member Miller stated that he is looking forward to Friday’s ceremony in honor of Harrel
Timmons. He also commended the excellent turnout for the Labor Day parade, noting its
reputation as the longest in Illinois, and congratulated all the participants and their floats.
Council Member White stated that he is excited about the progress at Cooke School, noting the
quick development of the playground equipment. He thanked the City, particularly Parks &
Recreation Director Don Miles and his crew, for their work in bringing the project to fruition. He
also reminisced about flying in and out of the Galesburg airport during his military service, and
commended the people who have taken it to its current state and encouraged continued good
work.
Council Member Acerra noted how great it is to see the increasing number of new restaurants
and businesses in Galesburg, specifically mentioning excitement for Judy's Café opening. She
extended her gratitude to the City Manager and staff for their dedicated efforts in addressing
abandoned and deteriorating properties, and understands this as a significant concern across all
Wards. She also stated that she enjoyed the Labor Day Parade, remarking on the large amount
of candy distributed, and is looking forward to the Stearman Fly-In.
Council Member Saul noted the experience of taking Harrel Timmons and his wife on a hot air
balloon ride and that he found the experience uniquely different from flying in a plane. He
expressed his admiration for the Timmons family, acknowledging their significant contributions
to the Galesburg community. He regrettably mentioned that he would be unable to attend the
dedication ceremony on Friday night as he had a prior commitment to the Hot Air Balloon Race
in Macomb.
Council Member Cheesman expressed the Council and Mayor's commitment to making the City
appealing, clean, and attractive, a key component of which is addressing dilapidated homes. He
noted that the City has done an excellent job with demolitions, allowing residents to maintain
their homes when possible. He also extended gratitude to all those in organized labor who
participated in the Labor Day parade, acknowledging their daily contributions to the country's
progress.
Council Member Cheesman highlighted the expansion of services and options at Graham
Hospital Association and OSF St. Mary, which is crucial for our rural health area facing
challenges. He echoed Council Member Acerra’s sentiment about new businesses and
construction, emphasizing that these bring jobs, opportunities, and more choices. He is proud
September 2, 2025 Page 5 of 6
of the City's positive trends in these areas, acknowledging the great work of the KCAP team and
Ken Springer as well. He also congratulated Mr. Timmons, calling him an “aviation icon.” He is
looking forward to the dedication ceremony on Friday and the National Stearman Fly-in, which
holds significant importance for the community and region.
Mayor Schwartzman expressed his gratitude to Tom Simkins, Director Miles, and the many
volunteers for their exceptional work on the skate park. He also shared that he met with the
new class of Knox County CEO students, who attended Rotary at 7 a.m., marking the beginning
of their year-long entrepreneurial journey. He praised Jeremy Kleine for his third year as director
and his fantastic energy and the great work he facilitates for the community. It ’s anticipated that
the students will meet with approximately 60 local businesses in the coming months. A
showcase of their work is planned for the spring.
The Mayor also reminded the community that many students are back in school and urged
caution when driving as they will be walking and biking to and from school. He extended his
appreciation to the community's hundreds of amazing teachers who help children become
productive citizens daily.
Council Member Miller expressed his gratitude to the Police Department for their response,
investigations, and efforts in addressing the recent shooting. He fully supports the Department
in resolving these issues.
There being no further business, Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member
Acerra, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:34 p.m.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Peter D. Mayor Schwartzman, Mayor
Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk
September 2, 2025 Page 6 of 6