Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met March 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Called to order by Mayor John Pritchard at 2:30 p.m.

Roll Call #1: Physically Present: Mayor John T. Pritchard, Council Members Bradley Hix, Wayne Dennis, Lindsay Hillery, Wayne Allen, and Larry Cox, 6.     Absent: Council Members Corine Andersen and Peter Schwartzman, 2.     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.

20-1009

Special Ordinance on first reading approving an Emergency Declaration related to the impact of the COVID-19 virus.

City Manager Thompson stated that this ordinance would allow for action to be taken for the health, safety and welfare of our residents. It outlines functions such as the suspension of licenses or permits issued by the City, billing due dates, purchases, and personnel policies, all of which could be extended or modified. It also allows for other instances where based on the judgment of the Mayor, decisions could be made on items which could impact the public health or well-being of residents or visitors to the community.

The ordinance does have a provision for any regular or special meetings of the City Council to be conducted at the call of the Mayor or by two Council members via electronic means including audio or video conference. The meetings may be held, providing such notice to the public and media as is reasonable under the circumstances, and if possible, providing access to the public and including a means for public participation. All such meetings shall be considered "emergency meetings" under the law. During this period of emergency, Council rules will be modified to require an affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum present, electronically or physically, at the meeting for the passage of any Council business or to provide policy direction.

A motion was made by Council Member Hillery, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to suspend the rules on agenda item 20-1009 and place the Special Ordinance on final reading.

Roll Call #2:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Andersen and Schwartzman, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried.

Council Member Cox wanted to clarify that this ordinance provides safeguards and specifically outlines the powers of the Mayor and City Manager during this emergency. City Manager Thompson noted that if approved, the ordinance does require him to provide not less than a weekly update to the City Council.

It was also stated that the whole objective of this ordinance and the State’s orders is to flatten the rate for the spread of the virus. Council Member Cox believes it is not the Mayor’s intention to take away anyone’s freedoms but to help protect our citizens.

The Mayor added that it is his hope that the rate of the spread of the virus will slow down. He reminded people to continue to take precautions such as washing their hands and not going to their health care providers or hospitals so that they don’t become overwhelmed. It is also important that we protect our emergency responders and City employees who are providing critical services.

City Manager Thompson also stated that the Emergency Declaration must be approved every thirty days.

Council Member Schwartzman joined the meeting via telephone at 2:38 p.m.

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve Special Ordinance 20-596 on final reading approving an Emergency Declaration related to the impact of the COVID-19 virus.

Roll Call #3:

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

Nays: None

Abstain: Council Member Schwartzman (via telephone), 1.

Absent: Council Member Andersen, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

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, washing their hands, and covering their coughs.

City Manager Thompson stated that in the near future, staff will review the procedures for having remote meetings with Council Members.

There being no further business, Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to adjourn the regular meeting at 2:46 p.m.

Roll Call #4:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Schwartzman (via telephone), Allen, and Cox, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Andersen, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/assets/1/20/03192020_Emergency_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf