Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council Met Dec. 7.

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, Corine Andersen, Wayne Allen, and Larry Cox, 8. 

Present via Google Meet: Council Members Hillery and 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. 

A moment of silence was observed in lieu of an invocation. 

Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve the minutes of the City Council meetings from November 16, 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 #2020-23 

All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. 

20-2031 

Approve Resolution 20-27 to authorize the execution and amendment of the Downstate Operating Assistance Program Grant Agreement. 

20-4097 

Approve the renewal of the Law Enforcement Liability Insurance Policy with QBE Specialty Insurance Company brokered through Molyneaux in the amount of $35,779. 

20-5093 

Receive a petition to annex the property located at 692 U.S. Highway 150 East. 

20-5094 

Receive a petition to annex the properties located at 696, 698, and 700 U.S. Highway 150 East. 

20-6006 

Approve Deja Jenkins to the Youth Commission, term expiring December 2021. 

20-8022 

Approve bills in the amount of $1,161,436.48 and advance checks in the amount of $1,798, 406.80. 

Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve Consent Agenda 2020-23. 

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. 

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.) 

20-4098 

Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Allen, to approve the December 31, 2021, annual budget as follows: 

Total Revenues: $59,853,905 

Total Use of Fund Balance and/or Other Financial Resources: $7,800,340 

Total Expenditures: $67,203,615 

General Fund Revenue Total: $23,760,335 

General Fund Expenditure Total: $24,298,350 

General Fund Use of Fund Balance: $538,015 

Council Member Schwartzman inquired about the amounts budgeted for the fire and police pensions and if it would cause a shortfall. City Manager Thompson stated that due to the uncertainty and concerns over the budget next year, it is being recommended that pensions be funded at the statutory minimum. If the City’s finances are better than expected, it will be recommended to make an additional payment, which has been done in the past. 

Roll Call #4: 

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried. 

PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 

20-1027 

Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Special Ordinance 20-600 on final reading approving the 2020 Property Tax Levy in the amount of $9,457,940, which is an increase of .20 percent compared to the 2019 tax levy extension. The estimated property tax rate for the City will be approximately $2.660 or .005 cents more than the 2019 tax levy rate. 

Roll Call #5: 

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried. 

20-1028 

Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve Special Ordinance 20-601 on final reading approve the 2020 Special Service Area #1 tax levy in the amount of $148,335. 

Roll Call #6: 

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried. 

20-1029 

Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Hillery, to approve Ordinance 20-3623 on final reading amending Section 50.40 (A) of the Galesburg Municipal Code increasing the solid waste rates effective January 1, 2021. 

Roll Call #7: 

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried. 

20-1030 

Council Member Hillery moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve Special Ordinance 20-602 on final reading authorizing the sale of 833 East Brooks Street to Alex L. and Clara J. Shinn in the amount of $500. 

Roll Call #8: 

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried. 

20-1031 

Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve Ordinance 20-3624 on final reading amending Traffic Appendix X of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg Municipal 

December 7, 2020 Page 3 of 9

Code to restrict parking on both sides of South Farnham Street between the railroad tracks and Clay Street during school hours. 

Roll Call #9: 

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried. 

20-1032 

Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 152 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding landscape regulations. 

Council Member Cox thanked the Administration for bringing the ordinance, especially since the last one was onerous. He added that not having one on file isn’t helpful in beautifying the city or protecting neighborhoods as well. 

Council Member Schwartzman concurred with Council Member Cox and is glad the ordinance is coming forward. He suggested that in the future the City help small businesses with possibly providing small trees and shrubs as an incentive. 

Tom Simkins, representing the Galesburg on Track Stewardship committee, addressed the Council regarding the Landscape ordinance. He stated that having the ordinance is something the community is in favor of as it provides a positive image, reduces runoff, increases property values, and makes people feel good in general. He stated that he met with Ryan Berger, Community Development Director, on the ordinance and is also thankful to former Director Roy Parkin for the work on the issue. Simkins noted that he sent an email to Council Members regarding several businesses that have landscaped despite not having an ordinance on the books, as well as several that he believes are in need of landscaping. He expressed the group's support and offered assistance for volunteers to the City. 

Karrie Heartlein, also with the Galesburg on Track Stewardship committee, echoed what Tom Simkins stated and encouraged the Council to adopt this simple ordinance which would allow for a welcoming environment, show the community cares, and would make a difference in the city. She also stated that the ordinance could encourage new developments and help with tourism. Heartlein also offered support and willing hands if needed. 

Council Member Andersen also supports the ordinance and noted that several residential areas have also been neglected in terms of landscaping. She hopes that many people consider efforts towards these areas as well. 

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). 

20-1034 

Ordinance on first reading annexing the property located at 692 U.S. Highway 150 East. 

20-1035 

Ordinance on first reading annexing the properties located at 696, 698, and 700 U.S. Highway 150 East. 

20-1036 

Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 94 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding chronic nuisance properties. If approved, this ordinance would take effect January 1st. 

Council Member Cox noted that he supports the ordinance but stated that it must be administered fairly and without prejudice. Council Member Hix thanked Administration and staff for their assistance with the ordinance. 

20-1037 

Ordinance on first 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. 

Council Member Cox stated that this has been a long time issue and that all utility companies need to be made aware of the fact that they will now need a permit. He suggested that in the future, if the utility companies are not compliant, then the City could start charging a fee for the permits. 

BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS 

PUBLIC COMMENT 

Tom Simkins, Galesburg on Track, addressed the Council and thanked them for the $50,000 gift to start the Heart & Soul project. He also reminded the Council of the eight Value Statements that were presented in January 2018: 

1. We value and take pride in our history and cultural heritage. 

2. We value our welcoming community. 

3. We value a healthy business climate. 

4. We value quality education. 

5. We value our town's image. 

6. We value our town's services and amenities. 

7. We value easy accessibility. 

8. We value having things to do (arts, entertainment, recreation). 

He stated that the group has been very active with community activities such as providing assistance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Master Parks & Recreation Plan, Standish Park, United Way feeding program, Walking School bus, and most recently the installation of 520 red bows across the City. He thanked the Council for their help, specifically Don Miles, Tony 

Oligney-Estill, and Wayne Carl. It is the group’s intention to attend Council meetings in the future and provide assistance in the positive image of Galesburg. 

Brittany Grimes, NAACP president, addressed the Council and thanked them for the nice gesture of the proclamation tonight but it is their hope that they can understand why some of the wording changes were made. She hopes to discuss the issue of racism with the Council and Mayor in the future and possibly have the Council adopt a formal resolution based on information provided in the November 2nd report provided by the NAACP. She also inquired as to what the training and education would look like, as noted in the proclamation, to make Galesburg a better place. 

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT 

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.) 

20-4099 

Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve the City’s annual Springbrook Maintenance fees in the amount of $71,649.90. 

Roll Call #10: 

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried. 

20-4100 

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve the demolition process on properties located at 513 North Henderson Street, 551 Monroe Street, and 1275 South Cherry Street. 

Roll Call #11: 

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 

20-9029 

Trustee Dennis moved, seconded by Trustee Hix, to approve Ordinance 20-05 on final reading approving the Township Budget and Appropriation for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2021, and ending December 31, 2021, showing the following: 

December 7, 2020 Page 6 of 9

General Town Fund $503,230 

Audit Fund $9,000 

Liability Fund $7,800 

Social Security/Medicare Fund $34,000 

Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) $34,000 

General Assistance Fund $467,400 

Total Appropriations $1,055,430 

Roll Call #12: 

Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried. 

20-9030 

Trustee Cox moved, seconded by Trustee Hix, to approve Ordinance 20-06 on final reading approving the 2020 Property Tax Levy for the Town of the City of Galesburg in the amount of $531,000. 

Roll Call #13: 

Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Hillery, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried. 

20-9031 

Trustee Allen moved, seconded by Trustee Cox, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same. 

Fund Title	Amount
Town Fund	$2,119.19
General Assistance Fund	$6,172.46
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund	$2,317.50
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total	$10,609.15

Roll Call #14: 

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 Cox thanked the Mayor and Council for the proclamation and appreciated the Galesburg on Track report. He also wished his granddaughter, Kyah, a happy birthday. 

Council Member Schwartzman thanked the members of Heart & Soul who were present for the report and their efforts. It is his hope that even more can be done in 2021. 

He also read the following statement and asked that it be entered into the record: “I have a statement to make regarding the Proclamation that was issued today by Mayor Pritchard. It is an important step and it is one I support. However, it took too long to be formulated and I sincerely hope it will not end up being mere words. A resolution similar to it was delivered to us (the City Council and the City Administration) by our local chapter of the NAACP on June 18th of this year. It is now, December 7th. That is nearly 6 months, 182 days to be exact. During this protracted period, there was little discussion of the NAACP’s resolution by the City's elected officials. 

Though dozens of emails and public comments spoke in favor of action, the Mayor and most of the City Council didn’t respond. One response, Mayor Pritchard’s questioning the presence of “systemic racism” in Galesburg, resulted in a forty-two page research project presented to the Council by the NAACP on Nov. 2nd. This well-documented report entitled, “On Systemic Racism in the City of Galesburg,” focuses on four areas (Economics, City Employees, Criminal Justice, and Education) and contains substantial evidence chronicling the existence of systemic racism in our city. It also contains many policy recommendations and specific data that would be helpful in the future if we are earnest in our desire to combat and dismantle racism wherever it is found. That was more than a month ago. I have yet to hear responses to this report and the specific recommendations that it offers. I hope that in the early months of 2021, we, the elected representatives of this City, will have deliberative and purposeful dialogues on such matters. Then, and only then, will the proclamation read tonight be of great significance.” 

Council Member Andersen stated that she agrees with Council Member Schwartzman and hopes that the reading of the proclamation is only the beginning. She believes there still needs to be a conversation on how the City will implement some of the action items in the document. 

Council Member Hillery concurs with both Council Members Schwartzman and Andersen. 

Council Member Hix thanked the Mayor and Council for the proclamation. He also thanked the managers at both Hy-Vee stores for their assistance with the very successful “Stuff the Bus” food campaign. He also thanked the public for their help and stated that there is still a great need in the community. 

Mayor Pritchard congratulated the Downtown Council for their new light display and urged everyone to make a trip to see the lights. He also stated that there will be follow-up with tonight’s proclamation, which will likely commence after the new year. 

December 7, 2020 Page 8 of 9

The Mayor also reported that COVID cases continue to grow but that the hospitals are seeing some relief from the surge. He asked people to continue to use caution, wear a mask, and practice social distancing where possible. He added that the Health Department is doing a great job and a lot of work on the plan for an upcoming vaccine. 

Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to adjourn into Executive Session a 6:29 p.m. for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining and approval of the minutes from the September 21, 2020, executive session meeting (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (2) and (21). Roll Call #15: 

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 Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to adjourn the Executive Session at 7:16 p.m. 

Roll Call #16: 

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 7:17 p.m. 

Roll Call #17: 

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/1/20/12072020_City_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf