Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met March 2.

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 T. Pritchard, Council Members Bradley Hix, Wayne Dennis, Lindsay Hillery, Corine Andersen, Peter Schwartzman, Wayne Allen, and Larry Cox, 7. 

Also present were City Manager Todd Thompson, City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz, and City Attorney Brad Nolden. Mayor Pritchard declared a quorum present.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

A moment of silence was observed in lieu of an invocation.

Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting from February 17, 2020. 

Roll Call #2: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried. 

CONSENT AGENDA #2020-05

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

20-2006 

Approve a Motor Fuel Tax Resolution for the resurfacing of Broad Street, Bandy Avenue, and Daniel Drive in the amount of $550,000.

20-5003 

Receive an annexation petition for the property located at 2699 Grand Avenue.

20-5004 

Receive the December 31, 2019, Investment Schedule.

20-8004 

Approve bills in the amount of $732,287.91 and advance checks in the amount of $255,729.82.

Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Consent Agenda 2020-05.

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

20-1003 

Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Ordinance 20-3605 on final reading creating Chapter 118 of the Galesburg Municipal Code creating an annual Video Gaming Terminal License with a fee of $250 per terminal/machine.

Council Member Dennis inquired about area gaming fees and what communities were used for comparables. City Clerk Bennewitz stated that over forty communities were contacted, including typical comparables to Galesburg such as Alton, Decatur, Moline, Pekin, Quincy, etc. Gaming fees run the gamut between $25 to $750 per terminal. Many communities also have an annual feel in addition to terminal fees.

Council Member Schwartzman inquired about liquor license fees and comparables. Bennewitz noted that Council approved a fee increase of $150 for all liquor classifications in December 2019 and that a fee study not been done since the last increase in 2009.

Mayor Pritchard noted that since the first reading of the ordinance, there have been eleven new gaming terminals that have been licensed by the State Gaming Board in the City. He also noted that Galesburg establishments received over $1.2 million in revenue in 2019.

Roll Call #4: 

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Hillery, Andersen, Allen, and Cox, 5. 

Nays: Council Members Dennis and Schwartzman, 2. 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried.

20-1004 

Ordinance on first reading annexing the property located at 2699 Grand Avenue.

Council Member Cox stated that many of the properties surrounding this address have current water agreements with the City. He and Council Member Schwartzman are in favor of the City moving forward with those annexations in the near future.

Fire Chief Hovind also noted that this annexation will have no effect on the response time in the area.

Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 50 and Chapter 94 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding the requirement of having trash receptacles behind the front building line of residential properties. All must have tight fitting lids and all loose trash and debris must be contained.

BIDS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

20-3007 Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve a five-year agreement with Supreme Radio Communications to provide Public Safety Communication installation, repair, and maintenance services. Maintenance fees will total approximately $76,000 in 2020. 

Roll Call #5: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried.

20-3008 

Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve the bid from Oquawka Boat & Fabrication in the amount of $28,480 for the purchase of a boat, motor, and trailer for use by the Galesburg Water Division. Roll Call #6: Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. Nays: None Absent: None Chairman declared motion carried.

20-3009 Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve the bid from Coe Equipment Inc. in the amount of $54,790 to perform a reconditioning of the existing 2004 International Vacuum truck. It is estimated that the life of the truck would be extended another 10 years with the reconditioning. 

Roll Call #7: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Brittany Grimes addressed the Council and stated that as a member of the City’s Community Relations Commission she wanted to report that the Commission hosted a successful first Black History Month Essay and Speech Contest at Lombard Jr. High School on February 29th. She thanked Dr. John Asplund and CUSD #205 for their support.

She also reported that the local NAACP chapter has held many events throughout the month, including having several speakers such as City Attorney Brad Nolden. She thanked Nolden and other City employees for their attendance at some of the events and expressed her appreciation.

Lastly, Ms. Grimes encouraged the Council to hold Work Sessions during the evening hours so that citizens can attend.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

A. In mid-March, homes across the country will begin receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, citizens should respond for their home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail.

a. An accurate count ensures:

● Equitable government representation as our population grows

● More federal funds for state and local programs

● Better census data to help businesses decide where to build factories, offices and stores that lead to new jobs 

B. Director Wayne Carl stated that the solar grid has been connected at the water treatment plant and should be online this week. A press release will be sent out once Ameren releases the date. 

C. Administration is working on scheduling the next Work Session at the Oquawka Water Treatment Plant. 

D. Staff will be meeting with Health Department officials this week on the coronavirus.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)

20-4020 Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve the minor plat of the Oskee Subdivision. It was noted that the property will have a conditional use in the future for agriculture. 

Roll Call #8: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried.

20-4021 Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve a forgivable loan agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) through the Public Water Supply Loan Program for the Phase IV replacement of lead water service lines. 

Roll Call #9: 

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 Dennis, that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.

TOWN BUSINESS

20-9004 Trustee Allen moved, seconded by Trustee Andersen, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.

Fund Title Amount Town Fund $1,255.27 General Assistance Fund $3,335.42 IMRF Fund Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,228.61 Liability Fund Audit Fund Total $6,819.30 

Roll Call #10: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried.

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

CLOSING COMMENTS

Council Member Hix commented that he attended the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) legislative breakfast for Parks and Recreation and was able to talk to legislators about potential new laws being considered.

Council Member Schwartzman stated that due to the great weather recently he has had the chance to walk at Lake Storey the past couple of weekends. He reminded people not to litter and encouraged everyone to pick up trash while they’re walking the trail if possible. He also reminded everyone to fill out the census information and stressed the importance of being counted.

Mayor Pritchard also reminded residents to fill out the census information and stated that it adds up to $1,400 per person for 10 years in diminished funding for everyone not counted.

Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Allen, to adjourn into Executive Session a 6:06 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel and approval of the minutes from the February 17, 2020, executive session meeting (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1) and (21). 

Roll Call #11: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried.

During the Executive Session, Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to adjourn the Executive Session at 6:34 p.m. 

Roll Call #12: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried.

There being no further business, Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:35 p.m. 

Roll Call #13: 

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/1/20/03022020_Council_Meeting_Minutes1.PDF