Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met May 4.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Due to the current Illinois Governor’s Executive Order regarding the COVID-19 Stay at Home Mandate, this Regular City Council meeting was held via remote access in accordance with current Open Meetings Act guidelines.

Call to Order: Mayor Maurer called the Meeting to order at 7:00 PM. All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Present: Aldermen Benjamin, Eiker, Gruner, Hillier, Hope, Howard, and Myers; Mayor Maurer, Treasurer Bivens, Chief of Police Poyner, Attorney McCoy, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: Alderman Naslund. Also in attendance: one member of the press.

Public Comments: None.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Eiker moved to approve the Minutes of the April 20, 2020 City Council Meeting. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

GENERAL REPORTS

Attorney Report: No report.

Engineer Report: No report.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bivens stated that a report from the Illinois Municipal League today provided a forecast of the impact of COVID-19 on municipal revenues, which could be down between 15-30%, and will impact the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

City Clerk’s Report: No report.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Lowell Mannhardt passed away on April 22, 2020. Mr. Mannhardt was a long-time resident, local business owner, and community volunteer, and he used his woodworking expertise to repair and refurbish Knoxville historical buildings.

• Chief Poyner informed the Council about two police officers, one in training, who rescued a family of three from a burning home on April 21, 2020. The Chief would like to bring these officers before the Council for commendation when the Council is able to meet in person again.

• A copy of the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Knox County Highway Department for the 2020 seal coat maintenance operation was shared.

OLD BUSINESS

1. July 4 Fireworks: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Galesburg has cancelled their fireworks display for 2020. The Council discussed concerns with an influx of people from other towns to view Knoxville’s fireworks. Alderman Gruner moved to contract to purchase the fireworks, but to hold them until 2021. Alderman Benjamin seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Purchase Additional Dumpsters: Alderman Hope noted that additional dumpsters are needed, due to the poor condition of some existing dumpsters plus the increased usage of residential rented dumpsters. Alderman Hope moved to purchase 8 dumpsters from Gregory Container at a cost of $7,782.00. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

2. Curb Cut 408 E Main St: Joel Hutchcroft, owner of 408 E Main St, has requested permission for a curb cut to widen his existing driveway by 9 feet. Alderman Myers moved to allow a curb cut at 408 E Main St. Alderman Howard seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

3. 2020-2021 Wheel Tax Sticker Selection: Council members viewed a proof of the wheel tax sticker design, featuring the Knoxville Public Library. Alderman Gruner moved to approve the sticker design. Alderman Benjamin seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

4. Cemetery & Park Mowing: Two of the part time seasonal mowers have been out on sick leave, but one has returned to work today with a doctor’s release. Other Street Department employees have been assisting in the interim. The subject of hiring an additional part time mower will be discussed at the May 18, 2020 Council meeting.

5. Replace Damaged Mailbox 117 Country Court: A City employee damaged a mailbox with a stone surround at 117 Country Ct while snowplowing overnight in March. As the City did not have the necessary resources to repair the stone surround, the homeowner was told to have the repairs made and the City would pay for it. The homeowner had the surround replaced, citing major damage that could not be repaired, and submitted a bill for $2,840.00. The Council directed City Clerk Wilt to submit the bill to insurance. Alderman Myers asked Attorney McCoy to draft an ordinance that waives any charges to the City if a mailbox on the city right-of-way is accidentally damaged. The discussion was tabled until the May 18, 2020 Council meeting.

6. Resolutions 2020-06 through 2020-43 – Employee Compensation 2020-2021: At the April 20, 2020 Council meeting, employee rate increases were approved as follows: all full time employees a $1.00 increase per hour, part time employees making over $10.00 per hour a $0.25 increase per hour, and part time employees making less than $10.00 per hour an increase to bring each employee up to $10.00 per hour. Resolutions were submitted for each employee for their increase. Alderman Gruner moved to approve the individual employee compensation resolutions. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

Mayor’s Report:

• Illinois Governor Pritzker continues to issue executive orders regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and the City of Knoxville will continue to support and enforce these orders for as long as they remain in effect.

• The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be held on Monday, May 18, 2020 at 7:00 pm, via remote access.

• Doug Slaton, Library Board President, has reported that their next meeting will be held via email on May 5, 2020. Alderman Myers will talk to Librarian Michelle Wilder about possibly making curbside book checkouts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Zoning Board of Appeals needs to meet to review two pending requests. Based on the number of people involved, they may be able to meet in person by following the guidelines of 10 people or less, and using social distancing as mandated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Mr. Marty Short with McFly Designs has offered to carve Knoxville wooden signs that could be displayed on the town square boulevard. By general consensus, the Council was favorable for Mr. Short to make a proposal.

Committee Reports

• Administration: No report.

• Cemetery: No report.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: No report.

• Police: No report.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: No report.

• Water/Sewer: No report.

Adjourn: At 7:53 PM, Alderman Gruner moved to Adjourn the Meeting; Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

http://kville.org/wp-content/uploads/minutes-agendas-newsletters/Minutes_2020-05-04.pdf