City of Galesburg City Council met Aug. 17.
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, Council Members Bradley Hix, Lindsay Hillery, Corine Andersen, Wayne Allen, and Larry Cox, 6. Present via Telephone: Council Members Wayne Dennis and Peter Schwartzman, 2. Also Present: City Manager Todd Thompson, City Attorney Bradley Nolden, and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz. Mayor Pritchard declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Father Deus gave the invocation.
Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve the minutes of the City Council meetings from August 3 and August 10, 2020.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2020-16
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
20-3028
Approve the bid submitted by Bob Ridings Inc. in the amount of $39,496 for the purchase of two pick-up trucks for the Water Division.
20-4060
Approve the retirement of Police canine, Cairo, and the donation of the dog to Office Kyle Wingibler.
20-8015
Approve bills in the amount of $974,201.48 and advance checks in the amount of $18,704.80.
Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve Consent Agenda 2020-16.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
20-1017
Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Ordinance 20-3616 on final reading rezoning from (B1) Neighborhood Business to (B2) General Business for the lot located at 262 North Prairie Street and adjacent vacant lot.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Thompson stated that several City of Galesburg employees have tested positive for COVID-19 but wanted to assure the public that the City is strictly adhering to all policies and best practices to reduce any further spread of the virus to additional City employees or the public. This includes required quarantining and not reporting to work for those diagnosed, necessary precautions and testing for employees which came in contact with diagnosed employees, utilizing face-coverings and social distancing. The City is working in partnership with the Knox County Health Department, and per the typical protocol for all COVID-19 cases, the Health Department is conducting contact tracing.
As an increased precaution, City Hall will be closed to the public this week to allow for cleaning and sanitation. City employees will continue to be available to assist citizens remotely or by appointment.
Council Member Schwartzman inquired about testing for the employees at the Public Safety Building. Chief Idle stated that all Police Department employees have been tested and they continue to work closely with the Health Department on tracing. The City Manager noted that anyone with questions or concerns can contact his office.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
20-4061
Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve a change order in the amount of $12,171.20 for the South Cherry Street Sidewalk Reconstruction Project. Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4062
Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve a Worker’s Compensation Settlement agreement with Robert Hensley.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
20-9017
Trustee Andersen moved, seconded by Trustee Hillery, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.
| Fund Title | Amount |
| Town Fund | $6,387.12 |
| General Assistance Fund | $5,473.50 |
| IMRF Fund | |
| Social Security/Medicare Fund | $2,396.07 |
| Liability Fund | |
| Audit Fund | |
| Total | $14,256.69 |
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Trustee Allen moved, seconded by Trustee Cox, to resume sitting as the City Council. The motion carried by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Schwartzman expressed his appreciation for the Arbor Day proclamation and continues to support tree planting in our community. He believes trees are a good investment and offers habitat for animals, increases quality of life and property values.
Council Member Andersen asked if the water shutoff issue will be discussed at the next work session. The City Manager stated that he plans to have options to the Council prior to that meeting.
Council Member Hix thanked Father Deus, a good friend of his, for providing the invocation for the meeting. He stated that he is also looking forward to the options the City Manager will be providing for the water issue.
Council Member Hix also invited anyone to participate in the Galesburg Public Schools Foundation golf outing on September 17th at Bunker Links. All money goes to students and teachers to help provide programs for opportunities and enrichment.
Mayor Pritchard stated that the virus is center stage at the Public Safety Building but that all precautions are being taken. He reminded everyone to continue to social distance, wash their hands, don’t touch their face, and don’t go out if you’re feeling ill. He also advised people to seek medical attention if needed.
There being no further business, Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 5:52 p.m.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/assets/1/20/08172020_City_Council_Meeting_Minutes1.PDF
Alerts Sign-up