Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met Oct. 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Called to order by Mayor John Pritchard at 5:30 p.m.

Roll Call 1: Present: Mayor John Pritchard, Council Members Bradley Hix, Lindsay Hillery, Corine Andersen, Peter Schwartzman, Wayne Allen, and Larry Cox, 7. Absent: Council Member Wayne Dennis, 1. Also present were Public Works Director Wayne Carl, City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz and City Attorney Brad Nolden. Mayor Pritchard declared a quorum present.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Semenya McCord gave the invocation.

Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting from October 7, 2019.

Roll Call 2:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

Consent Agenda #2019-20

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

19-3049

Approve a three-year agreement with Galesburg Cottage Hospital for providing annual medical surveillance for Fire Department staff.

19-3050

Approve the bid from Brandt Construction in the amount of $19,800 to replace a transit bus shelter that was damaged in an accident on Michigan Avenue.

19-3051

Approve the use of the 2019-2020 State Bid for bulk rock salt in the amount of $72.48 per ton from Compass Minerals American Inc. for the City’s winter supply.

19-4124

Approve a one-year maintenance agreement from HP in the amount of $6,972.26 as a sole source purchase for server support.

19-4125

Approve the City’s employee group health plan benefit renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois effective January 2, 2020.

19-4126

Approve the purchase of fiber cross connect materials from Anixter in the amount of $7,940.60 for a major public fiber reconfiguration.

19-4127

Approve the purchase of various Geomelt products for the 2019-2020 season from SNI

Solutions as needed at the quoted prices.

19-4128

Approve a revised Drug and Alcohol Policy covering CDL holders and Handivan Drivers at the City.

19-6008

Approve the following Commission appointments:

Public Transportation Advisory Commission

Stephanie Grimes, term expires June 2022

Firemen’s Pension Fund Board

Jeremy Karlin, term expires June 2021

19-8019

Approve bills in the amount of $1,305,807.70 and advance checks in the amount of $290,026.11.

Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve Consent Agenda 2019-20.

Roll Call 3:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.

Passage of Ordinances and Resolutions

19-1021

Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Special

Ordinance 19-582 on final reading authorizing the purchase of 833 East Brooks Street from the Knox County Trustees at $823.

Roll Call 4:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

19-1022

Ordinance on first reading amending Section 113.043(A) of Chapter 113 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding the limitation on the number of Class A liquor licenses.

19-2024

Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve Resolution 19-24 establishing a Downtown Alley Improvement Grant Program, which would be a collaborative effort between the City and the Galesburg Downtown Council.

Council Member Cox thanked Administration and the Downtown Council for their support on this program and believes it has been a long time coming. The Mayor agreed and it was also noted that Council Member Dennis, though absent from the meeting, has been a big proponent of moving forward with this program.

Roll Call 5:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

Bids, Petitions and Communications

19-3052

Council Member Schwartzman moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve the proposal submitted by Hunter Knepshield Company to provide and set a new prefabricated restroom and shower house at Allison Campground in the amount of $162,982. The new restrooms and shower house should be available for the next camping season in 2020.

Roll Call 6:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

19-3053

Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve a new cash rent farm lease agreement with IF Farms in the amount of $321.00/acre through the 2020 harvest with the option to extend on an annual basis for two additional harvests. It was noted that consideration for the possible solar project is included in the lease.

Roll Call 7:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

19-3054

Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve the sole bid proposal from Breslin’s Floor Covering in the amount of $50,615.04 to provide and install new carpet to the public areas of City Hall.

Roll Call 8:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

19-3055

Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve the bid proposal from Brandt Construction in the amount of $55,094 to repair and reconstruct a 500 foot section of the Lake Storey Bike Path.

Roll Call 9:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

Public Comment

Greg Vickers addressed the Council and asked that they once again look at the speeding and traffic issues on the Bickerdyke Bridge. He stated that he submitted a list of suggestions to help with traffic at the corner of Seminary and Grove Streets and asked how he gets something on the agenda.

Public Works Director Wayne Carl stated that the Traffic Advisory Committee reviewed his request to make an effort to reduce vehicle speed and implement safety measures at the intersection. The methods requested for this include installing crosswalks across Seminary Street at the intersection of Grove Street, installing “stop for pedestrians within crosswalk” signs in Seminary Street at Grove Street similar to those in place on South Street near Knox College, installing “slow children at play” signs, and increased monitoring by police. He noted that a similar request was brought to TAC in 2016. At that time, speed studies were performed and it was determined that there was an issue with northbound Seminary Street traffic speeding just north of the Bickerdyke Bridge. It was discussed that another speed study should be done for northbound traffic to determine if the issue still exists with traffic speeding just north of the bridge. Comparing the results before and after the installation of the radar feedback sign would help determine its effectiveness as well.

The Mayor noted that after the speed study is complete, TAC will make a recommendation.

City Manager’s Report

A. October Traffic Advisory Committee report

Director Carl reported that tomorrow night, Tuesday, October 22nd, 5:00 p.m., the City will hold an informational meeting for the community to introduce the Help Eliminate Lead Program.

The program is designed to provide lead-safe housing to privately-owned, owner-occupied and rental units at no cost to homeowners or occupants. Priority will be given to households with pregnant women, children under six, children with elevated blood lead levels and households where children under six frequently visit. Frequent visitation is defined as three hours a day, two days a week or a total of 60 hours a year. Residences will need to be located in Galesburg city limits, built prior to 1978 and have lead-based paint hazards in order to be considered for this program. Likely hazards could include paint, window trim, siding, porches, etc.

Interested parties are encouraged to apply by obtaining applications at Galesburg City Hall or Knox County Health Department. Applications will also be available at the informational meeting.

Miscellaneous Business (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)

19-4129

Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve an agreement with the Western Illinois Regional Council in the amount of $3,329.46 plus direct costs estimated at $1,500 for an estimated total of $4,830 to prepare the Revolving Loan Fund Closeout Program Grant application.

Roll Call 10:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

19-4130

Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve the quote of $26,169 from Layne Christensen for the rehabilitation of the HC-5 pump for the Ranney Collector Well located at the Oquawka Pumping Station.

Council Member Cox invited Fire Chief Simkins to address the Council regarding the importance of good water pressure in the City for fighting fires. He added that this was the Chief’s last official meeting since his retirement day will be Friday, October 25th.

Roll Call 11:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

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

19-9023

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

Roll Call 12:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

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

Closing Comments

Council Member Allen stated that he is pleased to see the Park Plaza parking lots almost finished, which will be a big change for the area. He also noted that the walls of the buildings next to where the theater once stood look very good. He stated that there are many great things happening in our community - the new life for the former ShopKo building, the former P&M building on Main Street, and McAllister’s grand opening.

Council Member Schwartzman thanked Chief Simkins for this dedication to the City over the years and the way he has always stressed the importance of community to his staff. He also thanked Reverend Vickers for attending the meeting and for fighting for safety in his neighborhood.

Council Member Schwartzman also reminded the public that the Council will hold a budget work session this Thursday, October 24th, beginning at 9 a.m. He would encourage people to attend and to express their opinions and ideas for the City.

Council Member Andersen acknowledged the loss of U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings and the loss for our country.

Council Member Hillery stated that she had the chance to visit the new playground at Lombard Junior Middle School and also announced that there will be a Public Open House concerning the proposed reconstruction of South Seminary Street from Fifth Street to Berrien Street on Thursday, October 24, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The reconstruction project will include the complete removal of the existing street, new concrete pavement, new concrete curb and gutter, storm sewer adjustments, and new sidewalks. Driveway approaches on City right of way will be replaced with concrete. Utility poles in conflict with the project will be relocated before construction begins. A new water main will be installed and any lead service lines will be replaced from the main to the residence. As part of this project, it is proposed to make Knox Street from Seminary Street to Chambers Street a one way street toward Chambers Street.

Council Member Hix also thanked Chief Simkins for his years of service and added that he has a lot of admiration for him and his fire colleagues. He is also looking forward to McAllister’s grand opening.

Mayor Pritchard congratulated Chief Simkins on his service to the City and the Fire Department and knows he will be missed.

He also encouraged citizens to attend the HUD Lead Paint Hazard Reduction program open house on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall. On average, approximately $20,000 per home will be spent removing the lead paint hazards. Typical work includes new windows and trim, doors and door trim, porch work, soffit, and siding. Also, the University of Illinois Chicago was notified this week that they received a $700,000 federal grant to study the effect of lead paint hazard removal and lead water service line removal on blood lead levels from participants in the HUD Lead Paint Hazard Reduction program. The UIC previously had a grant to study the participants of the HELP Pilot program for 15 to 20 homes. This new grant will allow them to study results from the estimated 200 homes to be included in the HUD program.

There being no further business, Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Schwartzman, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:07 p.m.

Roll Call 13:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/assets/1/20/10212019_Council_Meeting_Minutes1.PDF