Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met June 1.

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, Myers and Naslund; Mayor Maurer, Treasurer Bivens, Chief of Police Poyner, Attorney McCoy, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: None. Also in attendance: Mr. Jared Klapp, Mr. Tyson Walters, Mr. Mike Mudge with Rock River Energy Services, and one member of the press.

Public Comments: Mr. Jared Klapp, 421 W. Main St., addressed the Council about water that is gathering in his backyard that is not reaching the manhole that he feels is happening due to work the City did in the area at one time. The area has turned into marsh that cannot be mowed, and it attracts mosquitoes. Mayor Maurer will discuss the situation with the appropriate City employees to try to resolve the issue.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the May 18, 2020 City Council Meeting. Alderman Benjamin seconded the motion which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

GENERAL REPORTS

Attorney Report: Attorney McCoy is monitoring changes to the Open Meetings Act that could be put into effect when meeting remotely.

Engineer Report: No report.

Treasurer’s Report: No report.

City Clerk’s Report: No report.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Tourism Associate Vicky Mundwiler has tendered her resignation, effective June 2, 2020. OLD BUSINESS

1. Wheel Tax Sticker Sales: Mayor Maurer moved this item for discussion at the same time as New Business Item #6.

2. Correction to Section Numbering for Ordinance 2020-06: Ordinance 2020-06, passed at the May 18, 2020 Council meeting, had referenced an incorrect section number of 24-4-5. The numbering has since been corrected to 24-4-6. Alderman Gruner moved to ratify this correction to Ordinance 2020-06. Alderman Benjamin seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

3. Cemetery/Park Mowing: Alderman Myers moved to hire two part time cemetery/park mowing applicants pending pre-employment screening and hiring resolutions. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes. Resolutions will be prepared for the June 15, 2020 Council meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Street Lighting Contract Renewal: Mike Mudge with Rock River Energy Services presented bids for the street lighting contract, which is up for renewal in July 2020. Current provider Homefield Energy submitted the lowest bids. Alderman Myers moved to approve a 24 month street lighting contract with Homefield Energy at a rate of $0.03335 per kWh. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

2. Zoning Board of Appeals – Special Use 106 W North St: Dr. Jo Eccher has requested a special use permit to operate her chiropractic business in her home at 106 W North St. The Zoning Board of Appeals voted to recommend this special use permit at their May 27, 2020 meeting. Alderman Gruner moved to allow a special use permit at 106 W North St. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

3. Zoning Board of Appeals – Accessory Building 509 W Main St: Tyson and Carrie Walters have requested a variance to build a 2400 sq ft accessory building, which is larger than the maximum size allowed, on their property at 509 W Main St. The Zoning Board of Appeals voted to recommend this variance at their May 27, 2020 meeting. Alderman Myers moved to approve the variance at 509 W Main St. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

4. Addition of Full Time Police Officer: Chief Poyner recommended hiring an experienced police officer he knows, who will be retiring from another force on July 31, 2020, who would like the opportunity to work in Knoxville. He would work part time until a full time position becomes available. Alderman Naslund moved to hire the officer. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes. A resolution will be presented to the Council after the officer officially announces his retirement.

5. Resolution 2020-44 – Parameters for Outdoor Service During COVID-19: Attorney McCoy presented a draft resolution with parameters for outdoor service for restaurants and liquor license holders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alderman Myers moved to adopt Resolution 2020-44. Alderman Benjamin seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes. This resolution can be revoked when circumstances no longer require it.

6. Reopening City Buildings: On May 29, 2020 Illinois Governor Pritzker put the state into Recovery Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan for COVID-19, allowing businesses to reopen with safety measures. City Hall already has a shield in place at the counter, and social distancing requirements will be posted. Treasurer Bivens reported that the Historic Sites can also meet social distancing requirements. Alderman Eiker moved to reopen City Hall and the Historic Sites starting June 2, 2020, and the sale of Wheel Tax stickers will begin. Alderman Benjamin seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent. The Library reopening will be discussed at the June 2, 2020 meeting of the Public Library Board.

7. Resuming In-Person Council Meetings: Mayor Maurer stated that Council members, Mayor, City Clerk, Treasurer, the City Attorney and the Police Chief total thirteen people, which violates the current ten or less rule for in-person gatherings during COVID-19. That also makes no allowances for the public or the press to attend. It is also difficult to maintain a six foot distance when meeting in the Police Station. Attorney McCoy stated that there could be a combination of a live meeting with online presence for visitors. Council meetings will remain virtual for now, but the topic will be placed on the agenda for the June 15, 2020 Council meeting.

Mayor’s Report:

• Mr. Pradeep Kataria, owner of the JBH Petroleum at 747 Knox Hwy 10, has asked the Council to reconsider his request to issue a pouring liquor license so that he can apply for video gaming. By general consensus, the Council was not in favor of issuing this license.

• Mr. Keith Vaughn, owner of the former Knoxville Mercantile at 320 E Main St, is remodeling the building for a family oriented business with a kitchen, and has requested a liquor license. By general consensus, the Council requested that Mr. Vaughn come before the Council with a business plan for the building.

• Steve and Fran Scharfenberg, 305 E Douglas St, thanked the Council for relining the sewer in their neighborhood, as that has eliminated all of the sewer problems they were experiencing.

• The Knox County Fairgrounds was presented the second and final $5,000.00 donation for their new sign, as was voted upon at the October 21, 2019 City Council meeting. Fair board member Tim Eagle thanked the Council for this donation.

• The City will not coordinate the City-wide yard sales, originally scheduled for June 12- 13, 2020. Residents are free to hold sales on their own if desired.

• The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be held on Monday, June 15, 2020 at 7:00 pm, via remote access. Appropriations will be discussed.

• The next meeting Public Library Board meeting will be held in person on June 2, 2020, following social distancing procedures.

Committee Reports

• Administration: Alderman Myers will meet with Bruner, Cooper, and Zuck on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 to view preliminary plans for a City Hall addition.

• Cemetery: No report.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: Alderman Howard noted that the picnic tables at James Knox Park will be moved to allow for social distancing. Treasurer Bivens reported that she is looking into placing vinyl City logos on the new trash cans.

• Police: No report.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: No report.

• Water/Sewer: No report.

Adjourn: At 8:15 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_2020-06-01.pdf