Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council Met April 19.

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 Benjamin, Eiker, Gruner, Hillier, Hope, Howard, Myers and Reed; Mayor Maurer, Treasurer Whitney, Chief of Police Poyner, Attorney McCoy, Engineer Cooper, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: None. Also in attendance: Mr. Rick Helton, Mrs. Kathey Helton, Mr. Josh Gibb, Mr. Lance Humphreys, Ms. Megan Brown, Mr. Keith Vaughn.

Public Comments: Mr. Keith Vaughn, co-owner of Beavers Teeth Brew & Chew, 320 E. Main St, stated that even though he previously told the Council he did not intend to offer gaming machines at his establishment, he will need to install them now to augment the amusement machines he currently offers, as per the terms of the company maintaining the machines.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Howard moved to approve the Minutes of the April 5, 2021 City Council Meeting. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed by voice vote with one (1) Abstention.

GENERAL REPORTS

Attorney Report: Attorney McCoy stated that he would be pursuing training cost reimbursements from former Officers Cudd and Keith, as no contact has been made by either gentleman. Alderman Howard stated that he would like to wait to see if the Illinois State Training Board will reimburse the City for some of these costs before taking any further action. By general consensus, the City will wait until July before taking any further action. Engineer Report: Engineer Cooper reported that ground had been broken on the new City Hall. He also provided a map for the proposed 2021 Street maintenance program, and suggested cutting back on some streets to conserve funds for other projects. He also suggested holding off on resurfacing the City square until 2023. The City will need to pay 20% of the $350,000.00 of the Henderson Road project, with IDOT paying the balance. The Motor Fuel Tax resolution for Henderson Rd will be placed on the May 3, 2021 Council meeting agenda.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Whitney stated that more CD’s will be maturing soon. City Clerk’s Report: No report.

Payment of City Bills: Alderman Gruner moved to approve payment of the City Bills; Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

INFORMATION ITEMS

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

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Knoxville Community Fund Grant Opportunity: Galesburg Community Foundation President Josh Gibb and Knoxville Community Fund members Lance Humphreys and Megan Brown informed the Council that an anonymous donor, formerly from Knoxville, would like to donate $50,000.00 for trees to replace older trees lost in public areas of Knoxville. After discussion as to the selection and care of these trees, Alderman Hope volunteered to serve as a liaison between the Council and the Community Fund for this project.

2. Variance Request 105 W North St – Zoning Board of Appeals Recommendation: The Zoning Board of Appeals met on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 to consider a variance at 105 W. North St to build a 20 x 32 garage addition, which makes it larger than the maximum size allowed, plus the building would be 20 feet tall, higher than the current allowable height. The Zoning Board of Appeals found that the lot coverage and the setbacks are both within limits, and have recommended approval of the variance. Mr. Rick and Mrs. Kathy Helton, owners of the property, were in attendance. The Helton’s were reminded that frost footings would be needed for the additional size and height of the building. Alderman Myers moved to approve this variance at 105 W. North St. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

3. James Knox Park Skateboard Park: Alderman Reed stated that he would like to remove the Skateboard area at James Knox Park, and revert the space back to a tennis court. The question will be posed to the public through the City Facebook page to determine local interest, and the item will be placed on the May 3, 2021 Council agenda.

4. Appointment of City Attorney, City Engineer, Auditor: Alderman Myers moved to appoint Rob McCoy with Miller, Hall and Triggs as City Attorney, Kevan Cooper with Bruner, Cooper, & Zuck as City Engineer, and Ben Burgland with Blucker, Kneer & Associates as Auditor. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

5. Resolutions 2021-04 through 2021-40 Employee Compensation 2021-2022: Alderman Eiker moved to approve Resolutions 2021-04 through 2021-40, Employee Compensation 2021-2022, effective May 1, 2021. Alderman Benjamin seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

6. City Wide Yard Sales: Alderman Myers moved to hold City Wide Yard Sales on Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12, 2021. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

7. Appoint Rose Garrison to Public Library Board: Alderman Gruner moved to appoint Rose Garrison to the Public Library Board, as recommended by the Library Board. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

Mayor’s Report:

• The #1 2021-2022 Wheel Tax sticker, featuring the Knoxville High School FFA, was donated to the FFA for their annual banquet and auction. The sticker sold for $105.00, with proceeds benefitting the FFA chapter.

• There was a new City Hall construction meeting held on April 13, 2021, with another to follow on April 27, 2021.

• The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be held on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Alderman Myers stated that a reception recognizing out-going Mayor Maurer will be held prior to the meeting at 6:30 pm.

Committee Reports

• Administration: Alderman Myers reported that he will be appointing a City Treasurer, a Ward 3 Alderman, and a golf cart inspector at the May 3, 2021 Regular Council meeting. 

• Cemetery: No report.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: No report.

• Police: Chief Poyner reported that he is in the process of obtaining and installing necessary data obtained through body camera systems. He is deciding on purchasing a server to maintain this data versus using a cloud-based system.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: No report.

• Water/Sewer: No report.

Adjourn: At 8:20 PM, Alderman Gruner moved to Adjourn the Meeting; Alderman Reed 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_2021-04-19.pdf