Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met Sept. 3.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Called to order by Mayor John Pritchard at 5:36 p.m.

Roll Call #1: Present: Mayor John Pritchard, Council Members Bradley Hix, Lindsay Hillery, Wayne Dennis, Corine Andersen, Peter Schwartzman, Wayne Allen, and Larry Cox, 8. Also present were City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz, City Manager Todd Thompson, and City Attorney Bradley Nolden. Mayor Pritchard declared a quorum present.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Semenya McCord gave the invocation.

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting from August 19, 2019.

Roll Call #2:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Allen, and Cox, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Abstain: Council Member Schwartzman, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA #2019-17

All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and is enacted by one motion.

19-3044

Approve bid submitted by ProMaxima Manufacturing in the amount of $12,180 for the purchase of fitness equipment for the Galesburg Fire Department.

19-3045

Approve bid submitted by Koenig Body & Equipment in the amount of $24,627 for the purchase of snow plow blades and accessories for 2019.

19-4106

Approve the acceptance of a donated John Deere Model 8700 Precision Fairway Mower and cutting units from Rob Benedict.

19-6005

Approve the following Commission appointments:

Community Relations Commission

Christopher Lopez, term expires February 2022 Jessica Donaldson, term expires February 2022

Golf Commission

Paul Sandborg, term expires June 2022

Landmark Commission

Greta Woolsey, term expires June 2022 Michael Fries, term expires June 2022

Overall Code Review Commission

Mike Howard, term expires June 2022 Jay Feely, term expires June 2022 Kyle Kelley, term expires June 2022

Planning & Zoning Commission

Kyle Kelley, term expires June 2022

Tree Commission

Jane Easterly, term expires June 2022 Deborah Steinberg, term expires June 2022

19-8016

Approve bills in the amount of $697,459.05 and advance checks in the amount of $691,798.44.

Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Consent Agenda 2019-17.

Roll Call #3:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.

PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

19-1015

Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve Ordinance 19-3591 on final reading amending Chapters 35 and 152 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to allow for the zoning and taxation of recreational cannabis.

Council Member Schwartzman inquired about the property in question, 735 West Main Street, has a main entrance off of Walnut Avenue and could cause a lot of traffic in the future. He wondered if the driveway entrance could be closed. Public Works Director Carl stated that due to the median on Main Street, the entrance would need to remain open.

It was also noted that rules and ordinances would apply to these businesses regarding loitering, the number of parking spaces, and consumption on the premises. Council Member Dennis stated that he does not want a cannabis business at this location due to its proximity to residential neighborhoods.

The Mayor reminded the Council that only the State will be licensing these types of businesses, not the City, and that he does not anticipate a cannabis shop on every corner.

Phil Dickinson, Galesburg Downtown Council president, addressed the Council in favor of keeping the amendment to the ordinance which would allow cannabis related businesses B3 Central Business District.

Dale Carlson addressed the Council and distributed copies of an article from the Center on Addiction regarding the legalization of cannabis. He outlined the following issues that cannabis would have on our community and its citizens: increase in juvenile arrests, it is a gateway drug that targets adolescents, could show up in food and candy in the future, the taxes garnered would never recoup the cost of treatment or lives lost, and it alters senses, thinking, and memory. He implored the Council to vote no.

Leigh Nygard addressed the Council stating that the evolution of medical cannabis to recreational cannabis shows that it is being used and needed for fun and to gain a high. He also feels that the use of cannabis will lead to other serious addictions and that we should follow suit with Monmouth and outlaw it in our community. He added that if passed, he recommends that Council amend the ordinance to not allow cannabis to be advertised within the community.

Mary Carlson addressed the Council stating that we do not have to follow the State but instead make our own destiny and not allow cannabis like Monmouth and Wataga. She believes it sends a message to our children when they are taught not to do drugs but then allow cannabis in our community. Carlson also stated that Galesburg has a beautiful new underpass that leads to the downtown and that Reverend Sibley would be appalled at this possibility before the Council tonight.

Dave Scholl, Galesburg Rescue Mission, asked the Council to vote no on this item and that he has seen first hand the horrible drug abuse, many caused by this gateway drug, which has devastated lives. He asked that they not bring this into Galesburg and to stand against evil. He stated that he talked to a Rescue Mission in Colorado and they have seen an increase in their clientele. He would like Council to look to God’s ways and they he will provide for our community without the tax money from the sale of this drug.

Reverend James Hailey, Allen Chapel AME, addressed the Council and asked them to vote no on this issue. He added that cannabis is bad for the brain and that he has seen first hand loved ones who are never the same after using the drug.

Greg Vickers addressed the Council and asked that they once again look at the speeding issue on the Bickerdyke Bridge. He also asked the City do something about the home at 464 North Seminary Street, which is a known meth house.

Dwight White addressed the Council and feels that this cannabis business is being placed in this location, similar to how liquor stores are located, because it is seen as a “bad” neighborhood. He is very upset that Aldi moved and that the bus makes it very inconvenient to shop at the new location.

A resident of Walnut Avenue for fifty-three years addressed the Council and asked them not to allow this type of business in this good, residential neighborhood. She added that 10-12 children wait for the school bus at this location.

Dan Leonard addressed the Council stating that he has smelled the odor of cannabis in Galesburg more than anywhere else he has ever lived. He believes that cannabis preys on the worst impulses of people and with this passage, the City will be helping to facilitate unproductive people.

George Swing also asked the Council to vote no on this ordinance and that he has seen first hand with his tenants what this drug can do. He believes it will have a negative affect on our town and that costs for rehab will skyrocket. He asked Council to come up with something else for revenue. Dan Swing also stated that there is nothing positive about this ordinance and that our community will reap some of the benefits since Illinois has legalized it. He agreed that there has to be a better way to help with the City’s deficit. He stated that he has seen first hand with the loss of his wife what drugs can do and pleaded for the Council to vote no.

Ken Springer, President of the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development, communicated to the Council that the State of Illinois legalized cannabis in May 2019. This means people can consume, purchase and possess cannabis. He added that individuals are now obtaining cannabis from the black market, where there are no controls. This ordinance does not condone the use of cannabis but instead adds restrictions to an otherwise current illegal market.

Springer reported that this type of business is one of the fastest growing in the United States with 211,000 people working in the field. Springer also noted that these businesses will be filling vacant properties, such as the former Aldi on West Main Street, while bringing jobs and tax revenue. He is in favor of positioning our community for the best and supports the regulation and taxing of cannabis.

Roll Call #4:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.

Nays: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

19-1017

Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Ordinance 19-3592 on final reading amending Section 72.28 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding parking near public or private driveways. It was noted that this will not apply to a homeowner’s own driveway.

Roll Call #5:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.

Nays: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried

19-1018

Ordinance on first reading rezoning from Institutional (I) to Neighborhood Business (B1) for the property located at 555 North Kellogg Street.

Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on final reading.

Roll Call #6:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried

Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Ordinance 19-3593 on final reading rezoning from Institutional (I) to Neighborhood Business (B1) for the property located at 555 North Kellogg Street.

Roll Call #7:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

19-1019

Ordinance on first reading amending sections of Chapter 152 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding the site plan and drive-through facility review processes.

19-1020

Special Ordinance on first reading authorizing the purchase of the following properties from the Knox County Trustees at $823 per property:

890 Liberty Street

1075 North Farnham Street

179 Lincoln Street

796 East First Street 140/144 East Main Street

It was noted that these properties are all dilapidated and unsafe condition and would be demolished and added to the City’s property auction list.

19-2019

Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Allen, to approve Resolution 19-19 which outlines new guidelines for economic development incentives that would be effective and meet the existing and future economic development needs of the area.

Roll Call #8:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried

19-2020

Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Resolution 19-20 authorizing the transfer of $361,749.40 from the TIF II fund to the TIF IV fund for the repair of the east wall and roof joists of 120 East Main Street.

Council Member Schwartzman questioned the high cost and asked if it was anticipated. City Manager Thompson stated that initial estimates were in the $200,000 - $300,000 range, but that other items with the wall and roof have been detected. The cost to demolish the building would be greater and since the City has a possible interested buyer, the recommendation is to make the repairs.

Roll Call #9:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

BIDS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

19-3046

Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve the bid submitted by SHI International Corp. in the amount of $75,524 for the purchase of nimble storage components to perform high speed onsite and offsite backups for the Information Technology staff.

Roll Call #10:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried

19-3047

Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve the bid submitted by Gunther Construction; a division of United Contractors Midwest, in the amount of $117,210.32 for the resurfacing of Parking Lot M (362 East Simmons Street).

Roll Call #11:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried

19-3048

Council Member Andersen moved seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve the bid submitted by Hein Construction in the amount of $361,749.40 for the repair of the east wall of 120 East Main Street.

Roll Call #12:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Gary Sand, 366 North Prairie Street, stated that the City impounded an antique car that sat on his property and believes there was no due process and instead his property has been stolen by the City. He feels he is being harassed by the City on other issues with this property and wants his auto returned.

Candy Webb suggested that the City publish a zoning map, signifying the areas zoned for cannabis sales, on the website for residents.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

City Manager Thompson invited the public to a Retirement Open House for Police Chief Christensen on Friday, September 6th, 1-3 p.m. in Council Chambers.

He also stated that Captain Russ Idle will be sworn in as the new Police Chief on Monday, September 9th, 10 a.m., in Council Chambers.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)

19-4107

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve a change order with Vortex Inc. in the amount of $8,000 for the Lakeside Spashzone Water Play feature to have a licensed Illinois engineer seal the water play feature design plans.

Roll Call #13:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

19-4108

Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, approve an economic development agreement with Nature’s Treatment of the Quad Cities, LLC, NTQC Series III. The agreement would rebate 1.5 percent of the 3 percent tax imposed by the City to NTI for a period beginning January 1, 2020, and ending December 31, 2021.

Council Member Schwartzman expressed concern over the agreement to tax NTI 1.5% instead of the full 3% from Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2021. Based on the projected yearly sales provided in the council documents, a full 3% tax would net the city between $300,000 to $450,000. He asked if another dispensary wanted to open in the City if they would be afforded the same rebate. City Manager Thompson stated that this agreement is only for NTI.

Matt Stearn, president of NTI, addressed the Council and stated that they plan to spend approximately $2 million in renovations for the former Aldi building, including four other units, one of which will likely house a coffee shop.

DeVone Eurales asked the Council why the former Aldi building was selected. Ken Springer noted that these types of companies are searching for high-traffic retail locations. KCAP marketed B2 properties to NTI, as these properties typically have the traffic and visibility wanted.

Roll Call #14:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.

TOWN BUSINESS

Trustee Hillery moved, seconded by Trustee Cox, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.

Fund Title                                     Amount

Town Fund                                   $16,147.35

General Assistance Fund            $12,281.52

IMRF Fund                                   $2,158.58

Social Security/Medicare Fund   $2,550.02

Liability Fund

Audit FundTotal                           $33,137.47

Roll Call #15:

Ayes: Trustees Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Trustee Allen moved, seconded by Trustee Schwartzman, to resume sitting as the City Council. The motion carried by voice vote.

CLOSING COMMENTS

Council Member Hix congratulated Bunker Links Golf Pro Bryan Luetdke on his recent win at the Iowa PGA Senior Match Play Championship. He also thanked the Mayor and Council for their recognition of the United Way of Knox County and the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce with proclamations.

Council Member Allen stated that there were many controversial items on the agenda tonight and appreciated the work the Planning & Zoning Commission did in relation to the recommendation. He added that change is hard but that the City is making progress.

Council Member Schwartzman asked if a map could be prepared with the location of liquor licensed establishments and if it is something Council needs to amend in the future. He also invited everyone to the Monarch Migration Festival at the Lakeside Nature Center this Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. He also noted that Knox College students would soon be moving in and he encouraged everyone to make them feel welcome.

Council Member Andersen also reminded the public about the National Stearman Fly-In this week.

Mayor Pritchard also encouraged residents to take advantage of the Stearman Fly-In and the chance to see these rare biplanes. He also hopes people will visit the Monarch Migration Festival this weekend.

There being no further business, Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:10 p.m.

Roll Call #16:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried

https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/assets/1/20/09032019_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf