City of Galesburg City Council met Oct. 5.
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 Wayne Dennis, Corine Andersen, Wayne Allen, and Larry Cox, 5.
Present via Telephone: Council Members Bradley Hix and Peter Schwartzman, 2.
Absent: Council Member Lindsay Hillery, 1.
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.
Reverend Leigh Nygard gave the invocation.
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting from September 21, 2020.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Hillery entered the meeting at 6:32 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA #2020-19
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
20-2022
Approve Resolution 20-20 authorizing the pre-annexation agreement for the property at 501 North Soangetaha Road.
20-2023
Approve Supplemental Motor Fuel Tax Resolution 20-2023 for the 2020 seal coat project in the amount of $250,000.
20-8018
Approve bills in the amount of $1,135,682.97 and advance checks in the amount of $790,847.74.
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Consent Agenda 2020-19.
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
20-1018
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Allen, to approve Ordinance 20-3617 on final reading authorizing the purchase of the following properties to be demolished from the Knox County Trustee: 711 Avenue A, 883 West Third Street, and 421-423 Monmouth Boulevard.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1019
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Ordinance 20-3618 on final reading setting the salary for the Mayor for the term beginning May 2021.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1020
Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Ordinance 20-3619 on final reading setting the salaries for the City Council Members for the term beginning May 2021.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
October 5, 2020 Page 2 of 8
20-1021
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Ordinance 20-3618 on final reading setting the salary for the City Clerk for the term beginning May 2021.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1023
Ordinance on first reading to approve the rezoning from (B1) Neighborhood Business to (B2) General Business for the lot located at 1230 East Losey Street.
Mitchell Gibson addressed the Council and explained that he is the one proposing to open the rage room at this location. He stated that he doesn't believe noise will be a factor and that he is currently working on soundproofing the walls. He added that he is proposing the hours of operation be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. but would be willing to amend those if the neighbors asked. He believes the community needs a place to let out aggression, yell, and scream, without being held accountable or using drugs or alcohol.
City Manager Thompson reminded Council that they need to be aware what type of businesses could possibly move in after the rezoning occurred, not just the present business operation.
Council Member Schwartzman encouraged the Council to have more discussions on this item and stated that rage rooms have become very popular in other communities. He does not see the business being problematic.
20-1024
Ordinance on first reading amending Appendix A and B in Chapter 95.18 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to clarify park hours.
20-1025
Special Ordinance on first reading vacating the 16 feet wide Water Street alley located east of North Cedar Street.
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to suspend the rules and move agenda item 20-1025 to final reading.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Allen, and Cox, 6. Nays: Council Member Schwartzman, 1.
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve Special Ordinance 20-599 on final reading vacating the 16 feet wide Water Street alley located east of North Cedar Street.
Roll Call #9:
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
Courtney Wallace addressed the Council regarding a group called Galesburg United. She stated that they are unsure if the proposed NAACP resolution is the answer to the community’s racism issues and distributed a letter to Council with information on their group and suggestions.
City Clerk Bennewitz read a statement received from Noelle Plotts regarding the Lake Storey Expansion. She stated that Plotts and her neighbors are concerned that if the project were approved, taxes would increase, as well as extra pollution. Several of her neighbors are concerned about losing their homes to the project and are leery of making any improvements to their property at this time.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A. Trick or Treat hours in Galesburg: Saturday, October 31, 2020, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. a. Citizens that select to participate are encouraged to follow the Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to remove agenda item 20-4073 from the table.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4073
Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve a change order with Vortex Inc. in the amount of $3,000 to redesign the play feature to conform with the Illinois Department of Public Health regulations.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4075
Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to consider a minor plat of the Henderson-Sandburg Re-Subdivision One located at 2031 National Boulevard.
Roll Call #12:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4076
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve a professional service agreement with Dewberry Engineers Inc. to conduct Phase I of a Risk and resilience Assessment study for the Water Division in the amount of $25,000.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4077
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve an agreement with Western Illinois Regional Council to provide professional and technical services for the grant to reconstruct Phillips Street in the amount of $30,000.
Roll Call #14:
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 Dennis, that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
20-9020
Trustee Allen moved, seconded by Trustee Hillery, to approve Ordinance 20-01 on final reading setting the salary for the Township Supervisor for the term beginning May 2021.
Roll Call #15:
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-9021
Trustee Dennis moved, seconded by Trustee Hillery, to approve Ordinance 20-02 on final reading setting the salary for the Township Assessor for the term beginning January 2022.
Roll Call #16:
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-9022
Trustee Hillery moved, seconded by Trustee Andersen, to approve Ordinance 20-03 on final reading setting the salary for the Township Clerk for the term beginning May 2021.
Roll Call #17:
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Hix left the meeting.
20-9023
Trustee Andersen moved, seconded by Trustee Cox, to approve Ordinance 20-04 on final reading setting the salary for the Township Trustees for the terms beginning May 2021.
Roll Call #18:
Ayes: Trustees Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Trustee Hix, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-9024
Trustee Dennis moved, seconded by Trustee Hillery, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.
| Fund Title | Amount |
| Town Fund | $1,499.28 |
| General Assistance Fund | $3,473.26 |
| IMRF Fund | $2,606.69 |
| Social Security/Medicare Fund | $2,455.37 |
| Liability Fund | |
| Audit Fund | |
| Total | $10,034.60 |
Ayes: Trustees Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Trustee Hix, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Hix rejoined the meeting.
Trustee Allen moved, seconded by Trustee Cox, to resume sitting as the City Council. The motion carried by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council member Allen encouraged the public to stay diligent in social distancing, wearing masks and being careful. He wished everyone well and hoped for a better 2021.
Council Member Schwartzman agreed with Council Member Allen about the virus and asked citizens to stay safe. He added that he appreciated Galesburg United being at the meeting tonight and appreciates any citizen input.
Council Member Andersen also thanked those in attendance and Galesburg United for the information.
Council Member Hillery also expressed her appreciation for the information from Galesburg United.
Council Member Hix thanked Chief Idle and Police Officers Carr and Carpenter for the recent ride-along. He stated that it was informative and eye opening. He also reported that he and City staff met regarding the proposed Nuisance Ordinance and they are working on bringing it to Council for consideration soon.
Mayor Pritchard thanked Courtney Wallace for attending the meeting and distributing information. He plans to talk with her after the meeting or in the near future. He also added that the COVID virus is still here and that Knox County cases have been on the rise. He urged citizens to wear a mask, wash their hands, keep a social distance from others, and stay home if they feel ill. He feels we will all persevere if we remain cautious.
There being no further business, Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:07 p.m.
Roll Call #20:
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/1/20/10052020_City_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
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