City of Galesburg City Council met May 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Called to order by Mayor John Pritchard at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call #1: Physically Present: Mayor John T. Pritchard and Larry Cox, 2. Present Via Telephone: Council Members Bradley Hix, Lindsay Hillery, Peter Schwartzman, and Wayne Allen, 4. Absent: Council Members Wayne Dennis and Corine Andersen, 2. Also present was City Manager Todd Thompson and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz. Mayor Pritchard declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting from April 20, 2020.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Hillery, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 5.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Dennis and Andersen, 2.
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2020-09
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
20-6001
Approve the appointment of Diane VanHootegem to the Fire & Police Commision, with a term expiring April 2023.
20-8008
Approve bills in the amount of $1,251,163.935 and advance checks in the amount of $662,793.52.
Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Allen, to approve Consent Agenda 2020-09.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Hillery, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 5.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Dennis and Andersen, 2.
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
20-1012
Ordinance on first reading amending Appendix J of Chapter 76 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to reduce the speed limit on South Street between Kellogg Street and Academy Street to 25 mph. The estimated cost for the two radar feedback signs of $8,000 will be shared equally by the City and Knox College.
Council Member Dennis joined the meeting via telephone at 5:35 p.m.
BIDS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
20-3015
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve the bid from Hein Construction Company in the amount of $1,536,000 for the rehabilitation of an existing storage building for inside storage and office space for the Street Division.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Andersen, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-3016
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve the bid from Illinois Civil Contractors Inc. in the amount of $118,093 for sidewalk improvements on the west side of Prairie Street from Main Street to Ferris Street.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Andersen, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-3017
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve the bid from Illinois Civic Contractors Inc. in the amount of $105,930 for sidewalk improvements on the west side of Cherry Street from Main Street to Simmons Street.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Andersen, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-3018
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve the bid from Illinois Civil Contractors Inc. in the amount of $54,038 for curb replacement on the east side of Hawkinson Avenue from Main Street to south of North Street.
Council Member Cox inquired why no local companies bid on these three projects. Public Works Director Wayne Carl stated that there aren't any local concrete companies any longer and these jobs are too small for the larger ones such as Gunther or Hein Construction.
However, they will continue to seek out local contractors for jobs.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Andersen, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mike Lampson submitted a comment via email stating that the City has already worked with the college to improve safety but now the college wants more. If college students cannot do what we ask children to do and look both ways before crossing the street, then the college should pay the full cost of the added protections.
Ray Pickrel called in a comment to the City Clerk’s office stating that the reduction of speed to 25 mph will not make a difference if someone is hit. He also stated that if the college wants the speed change then they should pay for it and that it should not be paid for using taxpayer’s money.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Council Member Schwartzman asked about the new regulations on boating and golfing per Governor Pritzker. Parks & Recreation Director Tony Oligney-Estill stated that he is getting clarification on the new boating rules to see if the City can rent boats or if it is still considered non-essential. He also noted that the tennis courts have not yet been opened due to the staff shortage to clean the gates, handles, and other contact points.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
20-4036
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to table agenda item
20-4036.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Andersen, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4037
Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve the 2020
Classification and Salary Schedule, which reflects the following additions and changes:
● Creation of Transit Manager, (Range 26EX).
● Creation of Transit Assistant, (Range 15NRH).
● Creation of Transit Shop Foreman, (Range 18A).
● Creation of Transit Technician, (Range 16A).
● Reclassification and updated job title of Handivan Clerk, (Range 11A.)
● Creation of Bus Driver, (Range 9A).
● Creation of Transit Dispatcher, (Range 5T).
● Creation of Transit Building Services Worker, (Range 5T).
● Creation of Bus Driver, (Range 6T).
Roll Call #9:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Andersen, 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
20-9009
Trustee Allen moved, seconded by Trustee Dennis, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.
| Fund Title | Amount |
| Town Fund | $1,322.01 |
| General Assistance Fund | $4,275.95 |
| IMRF Fund | |
| Social Security/Medicare Fund | |
| Liability Fund | |
| Audit Fund | |
| Total | $5,597.96 |
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Trustee Andersen, 1.
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 Cox reminded citizens who are using the parks to be mindful of their language, especially with families and children around.
Council Member Allen stated that the troop carrier at Lincoln Park has been vandalized and had a flag stolen. He also encouraged people to only visit stores when they have an absolute need.
Council Member Hix thanked the City for continuing to be prompt in taking care of trash, debris and yard issues.
Mayor Pritchard stated that the Governor has issued a plan where he has divided Illinois into seven regions in order to begin reopening the state. The Mayor is hopeful that we can soon begin to cautiously open. He reminded everyone to keep social distancing, wash their hands and be mindful and careful of the virus.
The Mayor also encouraged everyone to complete the Census information.
There being no further business, Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to adjourn the regular meeting at 5:56 p.m.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Andersen, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/assets/1/20/05042020_Council_Meeting_Minutes_2.pdf
Alerts Sign-up