City of Galesburg City Council met March 16.
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, Peter Schwartzman, Wayne Allen, and Larry Cox, 7. Absent: Council Member Corine Andersen, 1. 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.
Semenya McCord gave the invocation.
Michele Gabriel, Public Health Administrator/CEO for the Knox County Health Department/Knox Community Health Center, and Chief Randy Hovind, Galesburg Fire Department and Galesburg/Knox County Emergency Management Agency, gave an update on COVID-19. Gabriel reiterated that there are no confirmed cases in Knox County at this time.
Key points:
● There are 105 cases in Illinois in 15 counties (not Knox County)
● Hand washing should continue to be a top priority
● The CDC is recommending no gatherings of 10 people or more, especially with individuals over the age of 65
● Social interaction should be kept to a minimum and distancing should be at least 6 feet apart
● If you have symptoms, call health providers first and self-isolate
● The Emergency Operations Center has been set up and includes a unified command with representatives from both hospitals, Galesburg Hospitals Ambulance Service, Community Unit School District 205, Knox County, and the City of Galesburg
● Public Information Officers will continue to keep citizens informed
● Please don’t hoard supplies
● A housing plan is in place and local hospitals have an expansion plan ready
City Manager Thompson stated that the City is working hard to ensure that there is a continuity of services throughout the community, especially in regards to water and safety. Residents are encouraged not to come into City Hall but to instead call for information and with questions and refer to the City’s website for updates. He added that there will be no water shutoffs at this time.
Council Member Andersen entered the meeting at 5:48 p.m.
The City Manager also reported that the City Council will be meeting later this week to look at approving an Emergency Declaration which will allow for more flexibility and funding assistance during this time.
Mayor Pritchard encouraged residents not to panic but to be prepared. He stressed that if anyone is having symptoms that they do not go to their doctor’s office or ER but instead utilize tel-med services or call their healthcare provider. He also underscored that everyone needs to take precautions to reduce their exposure by limiting their social interaction.
Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting from March 2, 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 #2020-06
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
20-2007
Approve Resolution 20-05 to reserve the City's 2020 private activity bonding authority. For 2019, the City's available bond allocation is $3,195,360.
20-2008
Approve MFT Resolution for the City share of the construction costs of the South Seminary Street reconstruction project.
20-4022
Approve authorizing the City Manager to renew the insurance policy from Selective Insurance through LMC Insurance & Risk Management covering the Fire Department vehicles and equipment and an annual premium of $25,175.
20-4023
Approve waiving normal purchasing policies and approve the product pricing for 2020 as provided by Core & Main for various water meters and radio units to be purchased by the Water Division.
20-5005
Receive the Annual Fire & Police Commision Annual Report for 2019.
20-6000
Approve the following appointments:
Dave Christensen, Police Pension Fund Board, term expires May 2022
Judy Thorn, Library Board, term expires June 2022
20-8005
Approve bills in the amount of $771,323.62 and advance checks in the amount of $520,966.63.
Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Schwartzman, to approve Consent Agenda 2020-06.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
20-2009
Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve Resolution 20-07 to extend the City Manager’s employment agreement through June 1, 2023.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1004
Council Member Schwartzman moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Ordinance 20-3606 on final reading annexing the property located at 2699 Grand Avenue.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1005
Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Schwartzman, to approve Ordinance 20-3607 on final 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 loose trash and debris must be contained.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1006
Ordinance on first reading amending several sections of the Galesburg Municipal Code related to the separating of the Public Works and Community Development Departments and re-establishing the positions of Community Development Director and Public Works Director.
20-1007
Ordinance on first reading approving the sale of 149 and 125 North Broad Street to Trillium Dell for the amount of $36,000. This is the former National Guard Armory and the parking lot on the south side of the building.
Brick Collins, CEO for Trillium Dell, addressed the Council and stated that he and his wife are excited about several possibilities with the building, one being an incubator kitchen business. They are also considering solar on the north side but plan to maintain all historic aspects of the building. He is also interested in returning the south parking lot to green space based on old photos of the Armory from 1913.
Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to suspend the rules and move the agenda item to final reading.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Ordinance 20-3608 approving the sale of 149 and 125 North Broad Street to Trillium Dell.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1008
Ordinance on first reading amending Appendix D and Appendix E of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to add stop signs on South Street at the intersections of West Street and Cedar Street.
Ray Pickerel addressed the Council in opposition to the stop signs on South Street. He believes that when school is out, all the motorists will be penalized by having to continually stop when driving on the street for no reason. He recommended a lower speed through that area. He also believes that if Knox College wants the stop signs, they should pay for them and that the taxpayers in Galesburg should not.
Council Member Andersen stated that she does not like the idea of having motorists stop every half block for a large part of the year when the students aren’t in session. She agrees traffic can move fast and would be in favor of a speed limit change.
Council Member Schwartzman stated that he agreed with Mr. Pickerel and believes that further study is needed. Students will continue to cross mid-block regardless of stop signs and would be in favor of lowering the speed limit as well.
20-2010
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve Resolution 20-08 approving the preannexation agreement for the property located at 2699 Grand Avenue. The owner is proposing to do renovations and will continue operation as a concrete plant.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Barbara Patterson, Bateman Street, addressed the Council regarding 1786 Bateman Street. She stated that the house has been extremely troublesome for some time, including issues with drugs, sanitation, garbage, no water, and the use of buckets for bathroom facilities. She is asking the Council for help on behalf of her neighbors as well.
Ryan Bauchman also addressed the Council regarding the same house and noted that he lives directly across the street.
Council Member Hix stated that he is working on a nuisance ordinance that would hopefully help with these types of properties. City Manager Thompson also stated that he and Administration are well aware of this house and have issued tickets, hired clean ups, and proceded with all other avenues in the City’s code. He is willing to meet with anyone regarding the house and the steps the City has taken and plans to take in the future.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A. Spring Clean-up Days will be April 6-10, 2020
B. Reminder to fill out Census household information via phone, online or by mail.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
20-4024
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve a redevelopers agreement with La Cantinita, LLC for the property located at 240-248 East Simmons Street
Roll Call #10:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4025
Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Schwartzman, to approve a joining the Western Illinois Regional Council with an annual membership fee of $18,294.60.
Roll Call #11:
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
20-9005
Trustee Hillery moved, seconded by Trustee Dennis, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.
| Fund Title | Amount |
| Town Fund | $4,706.99 |
| General Assistance Fund | $5,705.79 |
| IMRF Fund | $1,602.97 |
| Social Security/Medicare Fund | |
| Liability Fund | |
| Audit Fund | |
| Total | $12,015.75 |
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-9006
Trustee Andersen moved, seconded by Trustee Schwartzman, to approve the agenda for the Annual Town Meeting to be held Tuesday, April 14, 2020, 6:00 p.m. at the Township Hall (121 W. Tompkins Street).
Roll Call #13:
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 Hillery, to resume sitting as the City Council. The motion carried by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Cox urged everyone to vote tomorrow and to fill out their census forms.
Council Member Allen congratulated the City Manager on his contract renewal.
Council Member Schwartzman also reminded residents to fill out their census information. He also encouraged residents to take precautions for the COVID-19 and to follow proper protocols.
He thanked the City for the dedicated page for the virus and urged residents to contact the Health Department with questions.
Council Member Schwartzman also stated that reports of essential supplies running low have been circulating and that he has been told that TIF money can be used for such a need. He asked Administration to keep this in mind.
Council Member Andersen asked residents to remember to visit our local restaurants and take advantage of drive thrus, pickup, and delivery.
Council Member Hix stated that he would likely be self-isolating due to a recent surgery, but that constituents can reach him by email or phone.
Mayor Pritchard also reminded residents to fill out the census information and stated that it adds up to $1,400 per person for everyone not counted.
He also added that if you do not feel well, are coughing or have a fever, please call your healthcare provider first. It is critical to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and that we don’t overwhelm the medical community. He urged everyone to stay calm and disciplined in social distancing and hand washing.
There being no further business, Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:52 p.m.
Roll Call #14:
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/1/20/03162020_Council_Meeting_Minutes_(2).pdf
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