City of Galesburg City Council met June 1.
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, Bradley Hix, Wayne Dennis, Lindsay Hillery, Wayne Allen, and Larry Cox, 6. Absent: Council Member Corine Andersen and Peter Schwartzman, 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.
Reverend Andrew Jowers gave the invocation.
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting from May 18, 2020.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Allen, and Cox, 5.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Members Andersen and Schwartzman, 2.
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2020-11
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
20-2042
Approve a letter from the Mayor to the Illinois Housing Development Authority regarding the Trust Fund Single Family Rehabilitation Program Insurance Verification requirement.
20-8010
Approve bills in the amount of $591,089.20 and advance checks in the amount of $626,608.89. Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve Consent Agenda 2020-11.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Allen, and Cox, 5.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Members Andersen and Schwartzman, 2.
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
Council Member Schwartzman joined the meeting via telephone at 5:34 p.m.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
20-1013
Ordinance on first reading amending Appendix U of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to restrict parking on the east side of Academy Street from Water Street to 70 feet north.
BIDS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Reverend Andrew Jowers, Greater Heights Worship Center, addressed the Council regarding recent events, racism and justice. He stated that his church, along with several others in our community, have joined to provide unity and a community alliance.
Rev. Jowers also stated that he is not in favor of the former Skate Palace becoming a growing location for marijuana. He added that there are many in the community, and in particular that depressed housing area, who feel hopeless. He stated that he is committed to Galesburg and is concerned about our citizens.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Thompson praised the Fire Department for their timely and professional action that resulted in a life saved from a fire over the weekend. He also commended staff, the Mayor, and Adam Viatle (G&M Distributors) for their work on quickly producing rules and regulations for outdoor dining in the City.
The City Manager also stated that with the start of the Governor’s Phase 3 plan, the City has a list of locations and activities that will resume on the website. He added that the pools and playgrounds will remain closed and be reevaluated at a later date.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
20-4043
Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve a professional services agreement with Klingner & Associates for the property located at 140-144 East Main Street.
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.
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve the demolition process on properties at the following locations:
1. 214 South Academy Street
2. 448 South Elm Street
3. 188 South Farnham Street
4. 203 Lake Street
5. 1356 East Main Street
6. 226 West North Street
7. 230 West Main 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.
20-4045
Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve temporary rules for outdoor restaurant and bar operation during the Restore Illinois Phase 3 Plan.
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.
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
20-9011
Trustee Cox moved, seconded by Trustee Hillery, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.
| Fund Title | Amount |
| Town Fund | $163.61 |
| General Assistance Fund | $1,095.32 |
| IMRF Fund | $2,585.49 |
| Social Security/Medicare Fund | |
| Liability Fund | |
| Audit Fund | $7,500 |
| Total | $11,344.42 |
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 Hillery, to resume sitting as the City Council. The motion carried by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Cox expressed his condolences to the George Floyd family.
Council Member Hix stated that he is pleased to see the community begin to open back up. He thanked the Mayor and staff for their work on getting the restaurants and bars open for outside operation. He also congratulated Fire Captain Kyle Harms and Firefighter Joe Brignall for their heroic fire rescue over the weekend.
Council Member Dennis inquired about when the State’s Phase 4 plan would take effect. The Mayor stated that the earliest would be June 26th. He also expressed his condolences to the Floyd family.
Council Member Hillery thanked the Administration and the community for their assistance and unity throughout the pandemic.
Council Member Allen thanked the Mayor, City Manager, and City Clerk for their work on the rules for outside operation, as well as their willingness to share it with other communities. He added that most people are following the rules.
Council Member Schwartzman stated that he appreciates what Administration and the Fire Department have done but that we are not yet back to “normal.” He urged everyone to stay vigilant so that the virus doesn’t return later. He also asked Reverend Jowers to give his contact information to the City Clerk so that he can reach out to him.
Mayor Pritchard also praised the Fire and Police Departments for their work and rescue on the fire over the weekend. In light of the murder of George Floyd, he also thanked them for protecting us.
The Mayor also thanked Adam Vitale for his help on the outdoor operation guidelines, especially since the State did not offer any protocol.
Mayor Pritchard reminded everyone to stay safe and continue to wash their hands, social distance and use a face covering if needed. He believes that our community has fared well during this pandemic due to our citizens following these positive practices.
There being no further business, Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.
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/1/20/06012020_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
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