City of Galesburg City Council Met July 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Called to order by Mayor Peter Schwartzman at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call #1: Present: Mayor Peter Schwartzman, Council Members Bradley Hix, Wayne Dennis, Dwight White, Jaclyn Smith-Esters, Sarah Davis, and Larry Cox, 7. Absent: Council Member Lindsay Hillery, 1. Also Present: City Manager Todd Thompson, City Attorney Bradley Nolden, and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz. Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Semenya McCord gave the invocation.
Presentation: Mike Mallatt, Baker Tilly, Fiscal Year 2020 Audit Presentation
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters, to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from July 6, 2021.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2021-14
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
21-4066
Approve the release of a utility easement for 1691 Outrigger Road.
21-5013
Receive the Fiscal Year 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
21-8013
Approve bills in the amount of $874,893.46 and advance checks in the amount of $320,257.49.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve Consent Agenda 2021-14.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
21-1014
Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Ordinance 21-3643 on final reading amending Chapter 92 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to establish hours for the cemeteries and scattering garden.
Discussion was held on the possible difficulty in getting pre-approval to visit after hours and if the hours should be changed to midnight to 4 a.m. City Manager Thompson noted that he would give the Duty Office discretion and added that this ordinance is simply a tool and wouldn’t be used to punish individuals who are legitimately visiting the cemetery. It was also noted that the cemetery is not well lit and would not be the safest after dark. Chief Idle also stated that the ordinance would allow for flexibility when issues arise such as damage, destruction, and general mischief.
Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to table agenda item 21-1014.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Mayor Schwartzman, 6.
Nays: Council Member Cox, 1.
Absent: Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-2020
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters, to approve Resolution 21-18 authorizing the transfer of $32,467.50 from the TIF II fund to the TIF IV fund. These funds will be utilized to provide redeveloper assistance for eligible renovation costs for the building at 311 East Main Street.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-2021
Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Resolution 21-19 authorizing the transfer of $52,764.89 from the TIF I fund to the TIF IV fund for the cost of Ameren to relocate existing poles and lighting.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Reverend Hailey, Allen Chapel A.M.E., addressed the Council and thanked everyone for attending the Juneteenth celebration. He noted that Allen Chapel takes great pride in being the first black church in Galesburg (1853) and that they honor the struggles and celebrate the victories. He hopes to have even more in attendance next year and thanked everyone for their support.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A. July Traffic Advisory Committee report
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
21-4067
Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters, to approve a facade grant in an amount not to exceed $64,935 or 50% of the actual final project costs, whichever is less, for 311 East Main Street.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4068
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters, to approve Ameren invoices in the amount of $52,764.89 for the relocating poles and removing existing lighting to make room for ornamental street lighting on both sides of Main Street between Cedar Street and Academy Street.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4069
Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve external agency funding requests and fund applications in the amounts listed below for a total expenditure of $84,111.
| Organization | Proposed |
| Bridgeway Inc. | $ 2,500 |
| Christmas In Action Galesburg | $ 1,000 |
| Cremation Assistance Foundation | $ 500 |
| Galesburg Community Chorus | $ 2,961 |
| Galesburg Heritage Days Living History Association, Inc. | $ 8,000 |
| Galesburg Lions Club - Fireworks | $ - |
| Galesburg Symphony Society / Knox-Galesburg Symphony | $ 8,750 |
| Galesburg Youth Athletic Club | $ 5,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Knox County, IL | $ 10,000 |
| KCCDD | $ 2,500 |
| Knox County Fair Board Association | $ 7,000 |
| Knox County Scenic Drive | $ 1,500 |
| Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District | $ - |
| National Stearman Fly-In, NFP, Inc. | $ 8,750 |
| New Limited Rods Of Western Illinois | $ 3,000 |
| Nova Singers $ 3,900Railroad Days | $ - |
| Salvation Army $ 5,000The Great Balloon Race | $ 6,250 |
| United Way of Knox County (Unmet Needs) | $ 5,000 |
| VNA Community Services | $ 2,500 |
| Total | $ 84,111 |
Roll Call #9:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member White, that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
21-9016
Trustee Cox moved, seconded by Trustee Davis, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.
July 19, 2021 Page 4 of 6
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $5,026.46
General Assistance Fund $3,230.06
IMRF Fund $2,375.52
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $10,632.04
Roll Call #10:
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Trustee Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
Trustee Dennis moved, seconded by Trustee Smith-Esters, to resume sitting as the City Council. The motion carried by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member White thanked all the organizers and event volunteers for attending the meeting tonight. He added that they are what makes this community “go,” and appreciates the hard work they do.
Council Member Smith-Esters stated that she believes anyone in an office of leadership should have a higher level of responsibility. She understands that all people make mistakes; however they should take full responsibility for their actions and ask for forgiveness. She added that she is referring to herself, the Mayor, and other Council Members and elected officials, but more importantly she is referring to Lindsay Hillery, Ward 3 Council Member. She stated that her actions over these last few months have been an embarrassment to her constituents and community. She stated that the Council cannot remove her from her Council position unless she is convicted of a felony but does not understand why she would wait for such a public hearing.
Council Member Smith-Esters made a public plea that she resign from her position as Third Ward Council Member as she owes it to her constituents as well as the community.
Council Member Davis thanked everyone in attendance and stated that it is duly noted that they all care about our community. She is looking forward to attending the events and seeing them grow in the future. Council Member Davis also reminded everyone that the Mobile Museum of Tolerance is here this week, July 19-21. The museum will offer three workshops: Civil Rights, The Anne Frank Story, and The Power of Ordinary People.
Council Member Cox echoed what Council Member White stated and thanked all the volunteers for their time and money on these events. He added that many of these organizations are not for profits and he encouraged businesses and residents to support them with their donations of time and money.
Council Member Hix also thanked everyone in attendance and encouraged the community to attend the Great Galesburg Balloon Race and Heritage Days. He also stated that he played in a golf tournament on behalf of the Front Nine Foundation which helps children with serious long-term mental illness.
Council Member Dennis thanked the City for their assistance on behalf of Carlos Duncan, John Peterson, and the “Gloves Not Guns” initiative. He stated that the organization had 21 kids at the last event and has received many donations.
Mayor Schwartzman announced that his Mayor’s Appreciation Award is being given to Jerry Vasquez, a disabled veteran of the Vietnam War and has served our community for over 40 years as a barber. He added that he admires his bravery and work ethic.
The Mayor also reminded the community about the Mobile Museum of Tolerance and encouraged everyone to plan a visit. He also stated that the Council approved funding for 21 events/organization tonight, which equates to approximately $3 per resident. He hopes to work on a better system for next year. He thanked all the volunteers and expressed that many people have been touched by these organizations and events in our community. He’s encouraged to see the list growing for great events with great people and volunteers.
Mayor Schwartzman stated that he has been berated with calls regarding the Third Ward Council seat and explained that it is a difficult situation. He added that it is a serious matter and that it’s working its way through the courts and justice system. He hopes that the matter will be resolved soon and that the Council Member gets needed help. He thanked the community for showing tremendous support and asked for patience and resolve from the public.
There being no further business, Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:19 p.m.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Hillery, 1.
Chairman declared motion carried.
https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/assets/1/20/07192021City_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
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