City of Galesburg City Council met Dec. 21
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, Wayne Dennis, Lindsay Hillery, Corine Andersen, Wayne Allen, and Larry Cox, 7.
Present via Google Meet: Council Member Peter Schwartzman, 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.
Semenya McCord gave the invocation.
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve the minutes of the City Council meetings from December 7, 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 #2020-24
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
20-2032
Approve the following Resolutions abating property tax on General Obligation Bonds:
1. Approve Resolution 20-28 to abate property tax on General Obligation Refunding Bond, Ordinance 2011-3332, Series 2011C (Abatement- $313,928)
2. Approve Resolution 20-29 to abate property tax on General Obligation Bond, Ordinance 2013-3418, Series 2013A (Abatement-$111,080
3. Approve Resolution 20-30 to abate property tax on General Obligation Refunding Bond, Ordinance 2015-3484, Series 2015 (Abatement-$619,413)
4. Approve Resolution 19-31 to abate property tax on General Obligation Bond, Ordinance 2016-3508, Series 2016 (Abatement- $636,613)
5. Approve Resolution 19-32 to abate property tax on General Obligation Bond, Ordinance 2017-3540, Series 2017 (Abatement- $710,331)
20-3034
Approve the following vendors for the annual supply of fill and patch materials for the City of Galesburg for the 2021 calendar year:
Supply Fill and Patch Materials – Galesburg Builders Supply
Hot Mix Asphalt Binder and Surface Course – River City Supply
Coarse Aggregate CA-6 (Gravel or Crushed Stone) – Mill Creek Mining
Mason Sand FA-9 (Picked Up) – Galena Road Gravel
Fill Sand FA-1 (Picked Up) and 3/8” Pea Gravel CA-16 – Roanoke Concrete Products High Performance Patching Mixture – Tickle Asphalt Company
20-4101
Approve the Transit Advertising Policy and Fee Schedule.
20-4102
Approve the renewal of a service contract between the City of Galesburg Transit and Carl Sandburg College to provide students, faculty, and staff unlimited rides from September 2020 through August 2021.
20-4103
Approve the City of Galesburg Transit Grants Management Manual.
20-4104
Approve the insurance amendment to the development Agreement with the National Stearman Foundation.
20-4105
Authorize approval to the Galesburg Tourism and Visitors Bureau to make modifications and improvements to the Visitor’s Center located at 2163 East Main Street.
20-5015
Receive the 2021 regular schedule of meetings.
20-8023
Approve bills in the amount of $1,219,332.32 and advance checks in the amount of $320,054.82.
Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Consent Agenda 2020-24.
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
20-1032
Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Ordinance 20-3625 on final reading amending Chapter 152 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding landscape regulations.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1033
Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 152 of the Galesburg Municipal Code adding Rage Rooms as a Special Use in various business and industrial zoning districts (B2, M1, and M2).
Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to table agenda item 20-1033.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1034
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve Ordinance 20-3626 on final reading annexing the property located at 692 U.S. Highway 150 East. Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1035
Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Ordinance 20-3627 on final reading annexing the properties located at 696, 698, and 700 U.S. Highway 150 East.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1036
Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Ordinance 20-3628 on final reading amending Chapter 94 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding chronic nuisance properties.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-1037
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Ordinance 20-3629 on final reading amending Chapter 97 of the Galesburg Municipal Code requiring all excavators, including recognized utility companies, to obtain a permit from the City prior to excavating in a contaminated soil zone located in the public right of way.
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
Ken Springer, president of the Knox County Area Partnership, addressed the Council regarding the Galesburg COVID Small Business Relief Program, which will be providing a total of $250,000 in funding to small businesses that have experienced significant disruption or temporary closure of their business attributable to the COVID-19 public health emergency. These grants will provide financial assistance and help address the cost of business interruption expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020.
He reported that the City and the Knox County Partnership will be holding a joint information session over Zoom at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, December 22nd. Businesses are encouraged to visit the City of Galesburg Website or the KCAP facebook page for a link to the meeting.
Additional information and the program application are located on the City's website. Applications and supporting documentation must be completed and returned to the City by January 11th.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A. December Traffic Advisory Report received.
B. New City of Galesburg Transit logo.
C. The Lake Storey feasibility study is on the City’s website for public review.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
20-4106
Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve a Water Infrastructure grant with PLC Realty, LLC for the property located at 66 North Seminary Street. Roll Call #10:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4107
Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve a Tax Increment Financing Redeveloper Agreement with PLC Realty, LLC for the property located at 66 North Seminary Street.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4108
Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Allen, to approve the 2021 Classification and Salary Schedule for Fire, Police, AFSCME, Exempt, Non-Represented Hourly, and Temporary Seasonal and Part-Time Hourly employees.
Roll Call #12:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4109
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve a contract for engineering services in an amount not to exceed $53,593 with Hutchison Engineering for the Galesburg Municipal Airport.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-4110
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve the City of Galesburg COVID Small Business Relief Program.
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
20-9032
Trustee Andersen moved, seconded by Trustee Hillery, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.
| Fund Title | Amount |
| Town Fund | $12,420.80 |
| General Assistance Fund | $8,024.84 |
| IMRF Fund | $2,633.56 |
| Social Security/Medicare Fund | $2,312.33 |
| Liability Fund | |
| Audit Fund | |
| Total | $25,391.53 |
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
20-9033
Trustee Allen moved, seconded by Trustee Cox, to approve Resolution 20-02 to hire Blucker Kneer to audit the Township Funds for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. Roll Call #16:
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 Allen stated that this has been a trying year for everyone, all communities and businesses. He thanked the Mayor, City Manager, and others who have helped the City fair well throughout this time. He urged everyone to be diligent over the holidays and stay safe.
Due to technical issues, Council Member Schwartzman sent the following closing comments to City Clerk Bennewitz for the record: Galesburg lost one of its greatest cheerleaders this past week. Pete Thierry passed on and we will all be less full because of it. My sincerest condolences to his family.
This past week I became involved with the folks supporting the Blessing Box program in Galesburg. I want to thank them for all they are doing. Times have been increasingly tough for many in our community. These giving, compassionate people are keeping us afloat. We are all indebted to them.
Council Member Andersen noted that with the Winter Solstice the year will soon come to an end. She reminded everyone that even with the vaccine they need to wear a mask and stay safe.
Council Member Dennis encouraged everyone to visit downtown Galesburg to see the new holiday lights. He also expressed his condolences over the passing of Pete Thierry.
Council Member Hix thanked the City Manager and staff for their assistance on the Chronic Nuisance ordinance. He noted that several of his constituents from Bateman Street have contacted him regarding the ordinance and it is his hope that they will be about to address an issue in that neighborhood with this ordinance. He wished everyone happy holidays.
Mayor Pritchard reported that a letter has been sent to all liquor license holders (except package licensees) explaining that they City will not be charging for their licenses January through April 2021. It is his hope that this will provide some assistance to those businesses. He also encouraged all small businesses to apply and attend the meeting for the City’s relief program.
The Mayor stated that he and City staff are having conversations with the Blessings in a Box organization and hope to provide some heated storage space in the near future. Many individuals have taken advantage of the boxes and many are in desperate need of items. He is thankful and grateful for those who are helping as it shows we are a great community.
The Mayor closed by stating that he knows it has been a difficult time that has lasted more than anyone could have imagined. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah and to be safe over the holidays.
Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to adjourn into Executive Session a 6:01 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the sale of property and approval of the minutes from the September 21, November 16, and December 7, 2020, executive session meetings (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (6) and (21).
Roll Call #17:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
During the Executive Session, Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to adjourn the Executive Session at 6:14 p.m.
Roll Call #18:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
There being no further business, Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:15 p.m.
Roll Call #19:
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/1/20/12212020_City_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
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