City of Galesburg City Council met Aug. 16.
Here are 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. 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.
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from August 2, 2021.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2021-16
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
21-2022
Approve Resolution 21-20 authorizing the submittal of the application for Rebuild Illinois Transit Capital Grant Program under the Illinois Department of Transportation.
21-4079
Approve the submission of a one-time grant application to Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging for Title III funding for use in fiscal year 2021.
21-4080
Approve the submission of an application for an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant (OSLAD) for HT Custer Park.
21-4081
Approve the submission of an application for a Boat Access Area Development Grant (BAAD) for the east boat ramp in Lake Storey Park.
21-4082
Approve a Highway Authority Agreement (HAA) for the right of way on North Seminary Street adjacent to 383 East Fremont Street.
21-4083
Approve a Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement for the right of way on North Seminary Street adjacent to 383 East Fremont Street.
21-5014
Receive the June 30, 2021, Investment Schedule.
21-6002
Approve the following appointments:
Community Relations Commission
Yoknyam Dabale, term expires February 2023
Overall Code Review Commission
Jeremy Shultz, term expires June 2024
Public Transportation Advisory Commission
Victoria Jowers, term expires June 2024
21-8015
Approve bills in the amount of $537,020.30 and advance checks in the amount of $214,610.97.
Council Member Smith-Esters, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve Consent Agenda 2021-16.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
21-1015
Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve Ordinance 21-3643 on final reading amending Appendix V of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to remove a parking restriction on Pearl Street near South Street. Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1016
Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters, to approve Ordinance 21-3644 on final reading amending Chapter 51 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to add a requirement for the replacement of lead water service lines with no cost to the water customer and also requiring access for inspection of water service lines.
It was clarified that there is a one-year warranty on the new line from the installing company and then the City takes over the warranty for up to five years. It was also discussed if the ordinance should sunset or be removed when all the water service lines are complete. It was City Attorney Nolden’s recommendation that once complete, the Council can repeal the ordinance at that time.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-1017
Ordinance to amend Chapter 30 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to create a City Council Student Representative.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to table agenda item 21-1017.
Council Member Smith-Esters stated that this is not a small decision by the Council and that they want to take the responsibility of revamping the current Youth Commission and possibly co-oping with other organizations. Council Member White stated that he does want a youth representative on the Council but that the process needs to be discussed. He would like to see other students participate as well so that their voices can be heard.
Council Members Hix and Dennis echoed the sentiments of the other Council Members and believe that the structure and responsibilities of the Youth Commission need to be looked at first.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ken Springer, Knox County Area Partnership president, announced as part of the State’s economic recovery strategy, they have brought forward a $250 million Back to Business grant program. The program is aimed to deploy small businesses recovery grants for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant program builds on the success of last year's Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program. He noted that there are 13 industry categories that have been hit hard who will receive priority. He also stated that Galesburg is located in a Disproportionately Impacted Area, which will receive $100 million in funding. Mr. Springer stated that KCAP is available to assist small businesses with the application process, which opens on Wednesday, August 18th.
Ms. Schultz addressed the Council and stated that she has swam in many pools and that Hawthorne Pool is a gem. She believes that there is a lot of community outreach taking place on the pool with local schools, the Tri-County Divers, private parties, etc. She believes that we could do more by reaching out to college and high school students and possibly offering water polo. She also added that the pool provides a great service but that she understands it needs help.
Linda Miller addressed the Council and stated that she has been able to lose 170 pounds and gain her strength and health back through the use of Hawthorne Pool. She encouraged the Council to keep it open and emphasized that the citizens need the pool in our community.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A. August Traffic Advisory Committee report received.
B. A Work Session will be held on Monday, August 30th, 5:30 p.m. Topics will include Community Policing and a PFAS Update.
C. City Manager Thompson announced that Steve Gugliotta has been promoted to the role of Community Development Director and thanked him for his good work.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
21-4084
Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve a service contract between the City of Galesburg Transit and Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging to provide transportation to riders aged 60 or older through September 2022.
Steve Gugliotta, Community Development Director, reported on the rates as follows:
● The rate per one-way trip for older adults in Galesburg will be $2.00;
● The rate per one-way trip for older adults living outside the City of Galesburg for townships within Knox County will be $3.00; and
● The rate per one-way trip for older adults outside of Knox County for essential medical appointments only will be $10.00.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4085
Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to renew a service contract between the City of Galesburg Transit and Carl Sandburg College to provide students, faculty, and staff unlimited rides through August 2022.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4086
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve a Phase I engineering agreement with Hutchison Engineering for the Lake Storey Bike Path project in a not-to-exceed amount of $20,000. Phase I is scheduled to be complete in January or February and bids will be solicited in the fall of 2022 for the project.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
21-4087
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve the appointment of Kevin Wallace to the Ward Three Council Member vacancy. All Council Members welcomed Mr. Wallace, thanked him for his service, and stated they are looking forward to working with him.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
21-9018
Trustee Davis moved, seconded by Trustee Smith-Esters, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $7,883.69
General Assistance Fund $3,071.62
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $10,955.31
Roll Call #11:
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Trustee Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Trustee Cox, to resume sitting as the City Council. The motion carried by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Dennis apologized to Carlos Duncan and John Peterson for not being able to attend the graduation ceremony for the “Gloves Not Guns” program. He thanked everyone involved with the program, as well as the City’s support, and is looking forward to even larger participation next year.
Council Member White stated that he was able to attend the ceremony and was able to talk to students and thought it was a great event. He also thanked the City for their support of the program.
Council Member White encouraged everyone to wear a mask, which is a necessity, and to leave politics out of the issue. He implored people to think of others and to get vaccinated, or to at least wear a mask for the sake of others, especially children.
Council Member Smith-Esters praised the National Night Out event and added that it was well attended and provided fun for all.
Council Member Davis echoed Council Member White’s sentiments over masks and vaccines. She noted that the Orpheum Theatre will be hosting a vaccine clinic on August 19th, 6:30 - 8 p.m. She also thanked the members of the public who made comments tonight and understand that it can be unnerving to speak at the podium. She appreciates the views brought forward and is glad to hear from people regarding the Hawthorne Pool. She thanked Ken Springer on providing grant information as well and added that as a CPA she knows small businesses will appreciate the assistance.
Council Member Cox stated that his thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti who have suffered again from a devastating and deadly earthquake, as well as the people of Afghanistan who helped us try to help them form a better government but are now being overrun by the Taliban.
Council Member Hix thanked the citizens who spoke about the pool tonight and reiterated that it will be a budget challenge. He stated that this is one reason he was in favor of the Lake Storey expansion since it would bring in tax dollars to help with such projects. The pool maintenance is estimated at $2.3 million which could possibly warrant an increase in taxes or programs being cut.
Mayor Schwartzman announced that his Mayor’s Appreciation Award is being given to Odette Jackson, daughter-in-law of WC Jackson (Galesburg's first African-American City Council member). She has had a distinguished career in the US military for 30 years and her public service is also exemplary having volunteered for many organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Support Group for African American Affairs, and the Knox Prairie Community Kitchen.
The Mayor thanked and congratulated Steve Gugliotta on his promotion. He also encouraged the public to visit the www.experiencegalesburg.com website, which lists the events and programs that are happening in our community.
Mayor Schwartzman commended Chief Idle and the Police Department on the National Night Out event. He also invited the public to attend a meeting on the Neighborhood Watch Program on Wednesday, August 25th, 6 p.m. at the Public Safety Building.
The Mayor repeated that the Council will hold a Work Session on Monday, August 30th, 5:30 p.m. where community policing will be discussed. He also thanked Kevin Wallace for stepping up and is looking forward to having a full and active Council. He also thanked the other Council Members for their willingness to work with him on this appointment.
There being no further business, Council Member Dennis, seconded by Council Member Cox, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:20 p.m.
Roll Call #12:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Cox, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
https://cms7files.revize.com/galesburg/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/City%20Council/2021/08162021City%20Council%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf
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