Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council Met Feb. 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Due to the current Illinois Governor’s Executive Order regarding the COVID-19 Stay at Home Mandate, this Regular City Council meeting was held via remote access in accordance with current Open Meetings Act guidelines.

Call to Order: Mayor Maurer called the Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Present: Aldermen Eiker, Gruner, Hillier, Howard, and Myers; Mayor Maurer, Treasurer Whitney, Chief of Police Poyner, Attorney McCoy, Engineer Cooper, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: Aldermen Benjamin, Hope, and Naslund. Alderman Hope joined the meeting at 7:06 PM.

Public Comments: None.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the January 18, 2021 City Council Meeting. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion which passed with five (5) Yes votes and three (3) Absent.

GENERAL REPORTS

Alderman Hope joined the meeting at this point.

Attorney Report: Attorney McCoy reported that he had been contacted by an attorney representing the Knox County Sheriff’s Department to discuss a settlement concerning the training payback contract with former officers Cudd and Keith.

Engineer Report: Engineer Cooper reported that the City Hall addition project is out for bid, with a bid opening scheduled for February 18, 2021.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Whitney stated that he is combining maturing CD’s as needed. Interest rates for investments are currently very low.

City Clerk’s Report: No report.

INFORMATION ITEMS

Resignation of 4th Ward Alderman Lester Naslund: Mayor Maurer reported that Alderman Naslund had resigned via letter effective January 18, 2021. The Mayor stated that he will reach out to Ward 4 resident Johnathan Reed, who is running for the open Ward 4 position in the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election, to see if he would agree to be appointed to this open position now.

Resignation of Police Officer Barry Petzold: Mayor Maurer reported that Police Officer Barry Petzold turned in a letter of resignation dated January 13, 2021.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Employee COVID Vaccination Guidelines: Mayor Maurer stated that when the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available for city employees, guidelines for non-participants should be in place. It was suggested that if an employee declines vaccination, and contracts COVID-19, that employee should be required to use personal time to cover the absence. Attorney McCoy suggested forming a committee to set guidelines. Mayor Maurer will draft a letter to employees to inform them how the Council will proceed.

2. 221 W. Ann St Sidewalk Replacement: Alderman Myers reported that a City tree damaged the sidewalk at 221 W. Ann St, and that the healthy tree was removed with City approval at the homeowner’s expense. Alderman Myers moved to repair the sidewalk and grind the stump at 221 W. Ann St. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with six (6) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

Mayor’s Report:

• David Amor, Knox County Board Vice-Chairman, had contacted Mayor Maurer asking if the City of Knoxville would like to add a member to the Western Illinois Regional Council. This Council provides grant administration and other assistance. Mr. Amor will be invited to join a future Council meeting to provide more information.

• The Illinois Municipal League’s Statehouse Briefing Newsletter provided information on two proposed legislative bills. One could give the Council of non-home rule municipalities the authority to impose a sales tax, and one would allow storm water utility charges towards storm water infrastructure.

• The Administrative Committee needs to meet soon to discuss employee wage increases. The IL minimum wage increased to $11.00 per hour effective January 1, 2021. 

• Alderman Benjamin reported to Mayor Maurer that it may be too late to plan a St. Patrick’s Day Parade for March. A resolution would need to be enacted by the February 15, 2021 Council meeting to allow enough time for IDOT approval.

• 2021-2022 Wheel Tax sticker design ideas are requested.

• The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be held in person on Monday, February 15, 2021 at the Police Station.

Committee Reports

• Administration: No report.

• Cemetery: No report.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: Alderman Howard stated that the James Knox Park bathrooms and skateboard park had recently been vandalized with graffiti, and that employees have worked to remove the graffiti. It was noted that although park signs indicate the area is covered by cameras, the camara technology is old and no longer in working order. James Knox Park amenities will be placed on the February 15, 2021 Council agenda.

• Police: No report.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: Alderman Myers stated that not all downtown businesses clean snow off their sidewalks, leaving them unsafe, and asked that this be placed on the February 15, 2021 Council agenda.

• Water/Sewer: No report.

Adjourn: At 7:53 PM, Alderman Gruner moved to Adjourn the Meeting; Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent. The meeting was adjourned.

https://kville.org/wp-content/uploads/minutes-agendas-newsletters/Minutes_2021-02-01.pdf