Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met Feb. 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

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

All rose to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Present: Aldermen Eiker, Gruner, Hillier, Hope, Howard, and Myers; Mayor Maurer, Chief of Police Poyner, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: Alderman Benjamin, Treasurer Whitney, Engineer Cooper, and Attorney McCoy. Also in attendance: Johnathan Reed, David Wilt.

Appointment of 4th Ward Alderman Johnathan Reed: Alderman Myers moved to accept Mayor Maurer’s appointment of Johnathan Reed for the open position as 4th Ward Alderman. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with six (6) Yes votes and one (1) Absent. Mayor Maurer administered the Oath of Office to Alderman Reed.

Public Comments: None.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Hillier moved to approve the Minutes of the February 1, 2021 City Council Meeting. Alderman Howard seconded the motion which passed with seven (7) Yes and one (1) Absent.

GENERAL REPORTS

Attorney Report: Mayor Maurer reported for Attorney McCoy that an agreement was reached with former Officer Shawn Keith to repay his training costs.

Engineer Report: Mayor Maurer reported for Engineer Cooper that the bid opening for the City Hall addition will be held on February 18, 2021, and that the bids will be discussed at the March 1, 2021 Council meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: No report.

City Clerk’s Report: No report.

Payment of City Bills: Alderman Eiker moved to approve payment of the City Bills; Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Mayor Maurer noted that the monthly departmental operating reports were available in the online Council packet.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

1. James Knox Park Amenities: James Knox Park restrooms and skateboard equipment were recently vandalized. Cameras are set up, but are not working due to outdated technology. Alderman Myers will get the camera system evaluated. There is a handicap accessible swing that will be donated to the park that will need to be installed. There was discussion concerning removing the skateboard equipment and making that area either a tennis or basketball court.

2. Downtown Business District Sidewalk Snow Removal: Section 24-1-3 of the City Code states that snow must be removed from sidewalks. Mayor Maurer reported that Attorney McCoy stated that any business in non-compliance with this ordinance can be informed via letter that they should comply or be fined. Alderman Myers suggested creating a program for City employees to clean the entire downtown area for a charge.

3. TIF Topics: Mayor Maurer noted that the agreement schedule with Petersen Health Care/Courtyard Estates will take longer than what the developer had portrayed, and it will be completed around 2025 instead of 2021. Mayor Maurer stated that Mr. Elias Sahyouni has submitted TIF applications for his properties at 218 E Main St and 222 E Main St. Mayor Maurer will ask Mr. Sahyouni to attend the March 1, 2021 Council meeting to answer questions about these applications. Also, Mayor Maurer will set up a virtual meeting with The Economic Development Group for the FY 2019 and 2020 Joint Review Board. The Mayor also noted that there is pending legislation for municipalities with TIF districts to make local loans or grants to businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Alderman Myers moved to cancel the 2021 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

Mayor’s Report:

• Newly appointed Alderman Reed will take over the Parks Committee. Alderman Howard will take over the Police Committee.

• A representative from the Western IL Regional Council will be present at the March 1, 2021 Council meeting to answer questions about their programs.

• The owner of 312 E. North St has been sent a letter stating that the empty home is in disrepair and that it must be repaired or torn down. The owner has responded back that he is getting bids for repair.

• Mayor Maurer will check to see if the City can intervene to compel an owner to repair a garage roof if it is falling in.

• Comcast provided their 2020 cable customer service report.

• A note from Doug Slaton, Library Board Chairman, was circulated, thanking the Council for the donation made in memory of his wife Barbara Slaton.

• Wheel Tax design suggestions included downtown businesses and the Knoxville High School FFA.

• The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be held on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 7:00 pm.

Committee Reports

• Administration: Alderman Myers stated that the Administrative Committee will meet at 6:00 pm on March 15, 2021, prior to the regular Council meeting.

• Cemetery: No report.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: No report.

• Police: No report.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: No report.

• Water/Sewer: No report.

Adjourn: At 8:12 PM, Alderman Myers moved to Adjourn the Meeting; Alderman Gruner 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_2021-02-15.pdf