Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met Feb. 21.

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, Kevin Wallace, Dwight White, Jaclyn Smith-Esters, Sarah Davis, and Larry Cox, 8. Also Present: City Manager Todd Thompson, City Attorney Bradley Nolden, and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz.

Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present at 5:30 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Semenya McCord gave the invocation.

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from February 7, 2022. Council Member Smith-Esters made a friendly amendment to the minutes to note that she had voted to abstain from approval. Roll Call #2:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried as amended.

CONSENT AGENDA #2022-04

All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.

22-2007

Approve a Supplemental MFT Resolution in the amount of $250,000 for the 2021 seal coat contract.

22-2008

Approve an MFT Resolution in the amount of $350,000 for the McClure Street reconstruction project.

22-4010

Approve a grant agreement modification with the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Help Eliminate Lead Program grant.

22-4011

Approve waiving normal purchasing policies and purchase phosphate inhibitor from Hawkins, Inc. at a cost of $0.44 per pound.

22-4012

Approve a Pledge and Custodial Agreement from F&M Bank.

22-6000

Approve the following appointments to the Public Transportation Advisory Commission:

Genevieve Gibson, Carl Sandburg College, term expires June 2024

Shannon McVey, OSF Healthcare, term expires June 2024

22-8003

Approve bills in the amount of $978,463.99 and advance checks in the amount of $420,717.81.

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve Consent Agenda 2022-04.

Roll Call #3:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.

PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

22-1001

Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Ordinance 22-3662 on final reading amending Chapter 113 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to allow for the delivery of alcoholic liquor by authorized licensed retailers.

Roll Call #4:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-1002

Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 97 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to allow plantings in the terrace portion of the public right away.

City Manager Thompson reported that the Council voted to put a moratorium on encroachment violations and that this ordinance is for establishing criteria for private plantings and landscaping features on the terrace of the City’s right-of-way. He noted that there is already an ordinance that regulates trees and shrubs and that this ordinance addresses other types of plantings.

This ordinance would allow for plantings that do not interfere with sight lines or the public’s use of space on the sidewalk or street. It would allow plantings up to 30”, or 18” at intersections with streets and driveways. It would also require a 2’ setback from the curb and sidewalk.

Council Member Davis asked if there was any community involvement with the drafting of this ordinance. The City Manager stated that staff engaged with the University of Illinois Extension office and that citizens are always welcome to provide feedback or address the Council; one reason why there are always two readings for ordinances. He also noted that this ordinance does not regulate what people can plant, only their heights and borders.

Council Member Smith-Esters asked if some terrace plantings would be grandfathered. The City Manager stated that some would but that they would still have to conform to the ordinance. If there is a sight issue, the homeowner may be asked to trim or remove the item. He again reminded Council that this ordinance does not regulate the plantings of trees or bushes. Issues are generally brought to the City on a complaint basis when a sight or traffic nuisance is present. City Manager Thompson reiterated that the City’s number one priority is safety for motorists and pedestrians.

Council Member Wallace stated that he would also like to see the public have input into the ordinance but understands the safety issues as well.

Council Member White asked about the criteria that was used for the 2’ setback. Public Works Director Wayne Carl stated that they looked at the average terrace width of 12’ but recognizes that not all terraces will be able to have plantings. The City Manager stated that the 2’ setback would also accommodate for a planting that fell over so that it didn’t block the sidewalk.

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member White, to postpone 22-1002 and revisit as the first reading until the March 21, 2022, City Council Meeting. Roll Call #5:

Ayes: Council Members Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 4.

Nays: Council Member Hix, Dennis, and Cox, 3.

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-1003

Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 152 of the Galesburg Municipal Code in regard to Residential Gardens.

Council Member Davis expressed that this was the most ridiculous ordinance she has ever seen and feels that it is based on people who don’t like what they see in their neighbor’s yard. She read language from recently passed Public Act 102-0180, which went into effect January 1, 2022, and is intended to encourage and protect the sustainable cultivation of fresh produce at all levels of production. This includes residential property for personal consumption or non-commercial sharing. The Public Act does limit home rule powers so that local governments may not regulate gardens in a manner inconsistent with the act. Council Member Davis believes this ordinance’s entire basis is on being a bad neighbor and limiting our community.

Council Member Smith-Esters added that recently the Galesburg Community Foundation has been working on collaborations and partnerships to assist with food insecurity and doesn’t feel this ordinance would provide sustainability for families to be able to help with this. She also stated that she doesn’t understand why the City would go against the Public Act but instead encourage growing gardens which would also enable youth to learn gardening skills.

22-2009

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Resolution 22-06 adopting the City Council’s 2022 Strategic Plan and Mission Statement. Roll Call #6:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jim Jacobs addressed the Council and is thankful for Council Members Smith-Esters and Davis for their passionate comments on the garden ordinance and that we already have several ordinances that hurt poor people. He is in favor of a youth center and the pool and agrees with the Police Chief’s magazine that juveniles need something to do in order to stay out of trouble. He feels that new construction would be too expensive.

Pat Henrikson addressed the Council in support of saving Hawthorne Pool. She stated that she had a boss that always looked at problems as opportunities and that this is how she feels about the pool. Permanently closing the pool is unconscionable to her and that many people are paying attention to the group’s effort. Henrikson again noted that the City has $1.4 million budgeted for a lazy river at Lakeside, which she believes is a huge expense for a pool that is only open three months out of the year. She implored the Council to keep an open mind.

Collin Sevigny addressed the Council and stated that he grew up at the Hawthorne Pool and learned to swim with KCAP. He had birthday parties there and attended with friends after many baseball games. He noted that not everyone can afford a membership to the YMCA or Lakeside.

David Selkirk, Golf Commission member, announced that they will again offer youth golf scholarships this year. Last year, fourteen youth from the community were presented scholarships. He will also be working with Council Member White in trying to get youth to the golf course to expose them to golf and learn the basics.

Ted Hoffman addressed the Council regarding the terrace ordinance and commended Director Carl on his work with the draft. He reminded the Council that safety should be a priority. As a retired firefighter, clear sight lines are important and many times the Department has had to deal with items blocking hydrants such as cars, trailers, dumpsters, and tall growth.

Molly Miller addressed the Council regarding the terrace ordinance and noted that she lives near the house on the corner of Fremont and Florence Street for which this ordinance was drafted. She stated that the owner works hard at taking care of her yard, with no weeds, keeps it mulched, and has raised beds. She has never seen an issue with the overgrowth affecting the sidewalks or streets.

Miller also reported that the CDC has listed that drowning is the number two leading cause of death for children ages 1-14. Hawthorne is the only public pool that is open year round that benefits children of all ages. She noted that there needs to be better ways to get kids to participate and wished the pool was open during the day. She added that hopefully a full complex could be added near the pool in the future.

Linda Miller addressed the Council and reported that their group has been contacted by Quinn Adamowski, Landmarks Illinois, about the Hawthorne Pool. She stated that the organization was founded in 1971 and is the State’s leading voice for historic preservation. They promote preservation, restoration and adaptive reuse of buildings and sites. Miller noted that she has sent Mr. Adamowski both pool studies and that he will be reaching out to the Mayor in the near future. She hopes the Council and Mayor listen to what he has to say and that they keep an open mind.

Derek Antoine, Knox County Housing Authority Executive Director, addressed the Council and reported that on December 6th, Cheryl Lefler, Assistant Director, attended the Council meeting where the City approved to provide ARPA funds to their rental assistance program. He thanked the Council for their responsible stewardship of that taxpayer money and gave an update for the Council: sixty-five signed agreements were received from families, sixty of which met all their requirements (provide one months’ rent and attend a financial literacy workshop). Fifty-eight of the initial 160 families paid off their balances on their own accord, twenty-five balances were less than $100 and staff will be working with them individually, and fourteen families declined assistance (seven reached out to other resources for help, six were not interested, and one was paid by a local church). Four families moved out, two balances were paid by the Salvation Army and the Veterans Administration, and two residents signed agreements but did not attend a workshop or provide a month of rent. He stated that four balances were unaccounted for and that unfortunately will face eviction. He remarked that four out of 160 is a remarkable number and that 98% of the targeted families were able to avoid eviction this winter.

Antoine also informed the Council that he is willing to make himself available to those wishing to know more about the KCHA. He added that in recent months it has come to his attention that comments have been made about the Authority that are not factual. He added that as a government agency, they take their reputation very seriously and that they are used to such comments as the opinion of public housing is typically and historically unfavorable. He noted that many of these comments appear on Facebook but have nothing to do with their agency, programs, or tenants. Antoine stated that he has a concern when comments from individuals whose opinions hold great sway either maintain or further narratives about their agency that aren’t accurate. As a governing body, the City Council’s comments are viewed as informed and that their statements afford credibility. When the Council’s discussion on these matters are uninformed, misinformation is more effectively spread.

Antoine pointed out that he is not stating that the Council is willfully spreading misinformation, but instead wants to offer that his door is open to all Council Members if they would like to discuss any issue. He further stated that the KCHA is a dynamic force in the community providing high quality housing opportunities for individuals and families while promoting self sufficiency, empowerment and a sense of community development. They build community, people, and partnerships, and that their families live, sleep, and pay taxes in this community.

He further added that the Agency has a history of working with local, state and federal agencies for the betterment of their residents and programs which in turn makes Knox County a better, more inclusive place to call home. They have readily stepped up and worked with all community partners on many initiatives including safer neighborhoods, GED programs, wellness programs, financial literacy, meal assistance, back to school and after school events, educational opportunities for our youth, and health fairs. In closing, he stated that the KCHA staff remain dedicated, engaged, and ready to partner with the City and Council Members. He thanked the Council again for all that they have done and continue to do for the City and the Authority.

Rhonda Brady addressed the Council and commended Council Members Smith-Esters and White for their comments. She stated that she is a Master Gardener with the University of Illinois Extension and she was dismayed that she was not contacted for her input on the garden and terrace ordinances. She added that the Council needs to do all they can to have a diverse community and challenged the Council to reach out to her.

Kendall Bolen addressed the Council asking them to look into making motorized bikes, golf carts, and side-by-sides street legal. He noted that they could require them to have stickers, turn signals, brake lights, etc. Council Member Wallace stated that he has been approached by friends asking the same questions and that he would like to investigate the opportunity as well.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

City Manager Thompson reported that the next Work Session will be held on Monday, February 28th. The agenda will include ideas for the use of ARPA funding, proposed nuisance ordinances, and if the Council would like, they can discuss the landscaping ordinances.

He also noted that the City has a new complaint/citizen engagement system that has a mobile app. Interested individuals can download it from their Play Stores.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)

22-4013

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve the following new business incentive programs: Minority Business Collateral Assistance Program, Minority Business Startup Assistance program, Southside Occupancy Assistance Program, and the Urban Ag Pilot Program. Grant assistance in the amount of $10,000 to $25,000 will be available. The City and the Knox County Area Partnership will partner to implement and monitor the grants.

Ken Springer, Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development President, reported KCAP has been given the opportunity to create several new ideas for business assistance programs to complement the existing portfolio of loan programs that the City currently operates. The four proposed programs that would utilize a portion of the City’s ARPA money to achieve specific economic development objectives include:

1. Increasing the number of minority and women-owned businesses in Galesburg

2. Increasing the number of businesses operating south of Main Street

3. Developing the urban agriculture industry in Galesburg

KCAP wholeheartedly supports all three objectives and the approval by the City Council. He noted that as with any newly-created program, staff will carefully monitor how these tools are utilized and tweak them after implementation if needed. He believes it would be a good practice to return to Council in a year and review how the programs are being used. He thanked the Council for their consideration.

Council Member Cox stated that on the first initiative, minority businesses, he hopes these are not just business start-ups but successful long-term businesses. He also questioned whether the use of funds on this initiative could only be used for collateral and not expenses. Springer stated that it would be strictly for collateral. He added that several years ago the State put together a packet of incentive programs and there was a collateral assistance program. He has had conversations with commercial lenders and they believe it would be useful for loan origination.

Roll Call #7:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-4014

Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve a funding request of $30,000 from the Galesburg Area Vocational Center to support establishing a SkillsUSA program that helps develop and recognize students involved in occupational training.

Council Member Cox stated that he supports this initiative but wondered about the level of funding from the School District. Jeff Huston, Galesburg Area Vocational Center, reported that the School District invested approximately $2 million toward the technology and upgrades to the Center.

Mayor Schwartzman congratulated Jeff Huston and Ken Springer for their hard work on this initiative, which is an incredible asset for the community.

Council Members White and Wallace are excited to hear about the diversity with gender and race within the program.

Kirk Mustain, GVAC computer science teacher and SkillsUSA coordinator, stated that they currently have 21 students participating in the program.

Roll Call #8:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-4015

Council Member Wallace moved, seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters, to approve the request for proposals for animal sheltering services.

Curt Kramer, Prairieland Animal Welfare Center, addressed the Council and stated that they are against splitting the animal sheltering and animal control. He inquired about dogs running at large and City Manager Thompson noted that the successful bidder would continue to be responsible for picking up animals. It is being recommended that the City provide enforcement and investigation related to animal cases, which would be completed by civilian and sworn personnel of the Police Department. Utilizing Police personnel for investigation and enforcement would allow the City to have more control and accountability to ensure citizens receive a high level of service.

Kramer stated that PAWC has not asked for an increase in their contract since 2016 and does not plan to do so when submitting a bid. He noted that he was an officer with the Police Department when their personnel handled animal control and that it was not successful. Kramer stated that the City compiled a spreadsheet of issues and problems they have had with PAWC and that he had addressed them; however, it was his understanding that some Council Members did not receive the information.

Kramer stated that many of the problems with PAWC were untrue and that at times their staff do make mistakes that are hopefully quickly corrected. He stressed that PAWC does a good job of taking care of the animals and invited Council Members to come view the new improvements to the shelter.

Council Member Smith-Esters asked if a sworn officer would be taking animal control calls. Chief Idle explained that in the past that is what was done; however, a Community Service Officer would take on this responsibility. She asked what led to the request for proposals and the City Manager explained that the contract was ending and that PAWC has not performed to his level of satisfaction. He noted that several years ago, in 2013, an animal control working group of the City recommended the same scenario as being proposed with this RFP.

Council Member Smith-Esters stated that she would like to meet and discuss animal control and feels that they are not being kept aware of issues. She doesn’t feel prepared to make a recommendation but that she wants to do what is appropriate.

Mayor Schwartzman stated that it was his understanding that the City has repeatedly asked PAWC to meet and that they have been unwilling to do so. Kramer stated that that was not true and that they met three times with the City. He noted that the City did ask to meet again after the third meeting but that PAWC did not want to discuss splitting the duties of this contract. He felt there was no reason to discuss the subject and had better things to do with his time than discuss the proposal again.

Council Member Wallace also feels that he needs more information and clarity on the contract. He noted that open discussions need to be had especially in light of some of the past incidents that have gone unchecked.

Council Member Hix inquired about the hiring of Community Service Officers to perform these duties. Chief Idle stated that the two CSOs that were included in the 2022 budget would be handling those responsibilities. Staff would be evaluated in the future. Council Member Hix stated that he is not in favor of adding more staff due to the pension crisis.

Council Member Dennis asked if the Police Department would be on call 24/7 to handle animal pick up. Chief Idle noted that with this proposal, PAWC, or the successful bidder, would continue to pick up animals. The City and Police Department would only take over the issuing of citations and enforcement.

City Manager Thompson stated that PAWC will have the opportunity to bid on the contract for Council consideration. If fair, the Council can approve it and direct staff to negotiate a contract. There is no plan to budget additional staff since the Police Department already has two Community Service Officers who will handle animal control duties.

Council Member White asked if enforcement and investigations would be done 24/7. Chief Idle stated that there could be a time when an investigation needed to be done outside of the normal hours, but only if there was imminent danger or if it was a dog bite situation. Most issues won’t be a time sensitive emergency and a follow up investigation would be done the next day. Chief Idle noted that GPD is doing this now, especially if someone’s safety is in danger.

Council Member Wallace left the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Council Member White stated that Mr. Kramer is a retired police officer and likely understands how things work with animal control and investigations. He doesn’t understand why two other staff people need to be hired to do something that PAWC does with experience.

Council Member Smith-Esters confirmed that the City will be asking for proposals and will then decide to accept one or not.

Council Member Wallace returned to the meeting at 7:32 p.m.

Council Member Esters moved to amend the motion to request that each function (animal sheltering and animal control) be bid out separately, seconded by Council Member Wallace.

Curt Kramer stated that PAWC does not want to see two separate proposals and instead keep the status quo and in-house with the Humane Society.

Council Member Wallace asked if it was considered to have the CSO officers be PAWC employees. Chief Idle stated that it was not a consideration since CSOs have other duties specific to City government, such as code enforcement, inspections, etc. The Mayor noted that when the two CSO positions were added to the budget it was not done so specifically for animal control. If approved, they would take on these responsibilities as additional duties.

The City Manager reported that the CSOs were added to provide many different services for GPD. He also noted one fundamental aspect to remember is that under a contractor relationship the City is not able to supervise the employees. He believes that investigations for dangerous dogs and bite cases should be done by City Police personnel.

Former Police Chief John Schlaf addressed the Council and stated that he was Chief 27 years ago when the City performed animal control duties. He noted that there are typically five different approaches to efforts by law enforcement and animal control:

1. Ordinary Rights Approach - Humane Society’s power is equivalent to that of an ordinary citizen and they perform more traditional roles of operating an animal shelter and educating the community about animal abuse and neglect.

2. Animal Rescue Approach - Humane Society still performs the traditional role of caring for abused and neglected animals, but are more involved with investigating animal cruelty and support law enforcement.

3. Limited Law Enforcement Approach - Humane Society agent is given limited law enforcement powers and duties to enforce animal cruelty laws.

4. Law Enforcement Approach - Humane Society is vested with all the police powers to enforce animal cruelty and neglect laws. These powers include the ability to investigate, execute search warrants, seize animals and property, and arrest offenders.

5. Community Policing Approach - Law enformcent investigates and enforces animal cruelty laws.

Schlaf stated that the City Manager is proposing the Community Policing Approach but to remember that the number one concern and priority for everyone involved is the safety and welfare of the animals. He believes that PAWC’s concern is that animals would suffer if animal control is eliminated from the contract. He noted that through his conversations with PAWC, it’s not about the money but instead the welfare of the animals.

Torry Carnes, Knox County Sheriff’s office animal control liaison, addressed the Council and suggested that possibly GPD needs an animal control liaison similar to the County to investigate dangerous dogs and animal bites with PAWC staff. The Humane Society does assist with temperament testing and does a good job with sheltering and adoptions. He doesn’t believe that GPD would be able to perform these responsibilities due to their call volume.

City Attorney Nolden wanted to clarify that the amendment does not reference two separate RFPs but instead one RFP with the option to provide alternate bids. Council Member Smith-Esters concurred.

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member White, to amend agenda item 22-4015 to provide for one RFP with an alternative to include a bid for animal enforcement.

Roll Call #9:

Ayes: Council Members Wallace, Smith-Esters, and Davis, 3.

Nays: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, and Cox, 4.

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion failed.

City Clerk Bennewitz called the following vote for original agenda item 22-4015 as recommended for the request for proposal for animal sheltering services. Roll Call #10:

Ayes: Council Members Wallace, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 4.

Nays: Council Members Hix, Dennis, and White, 3.

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-4016

Council Member Smith-Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Wallace, to approve a service contract between the City of Galesburg Transit and Knox College to provide students, faculty, and staff unlimited rides March of 2022 through February 2023.

Roll Call #11:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, Davis, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters, to sit as the Town Board. Approved by voice vote.

TOWN BUSINESS

22-9004

Trustee White moved, seconded by Trustee Davis, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.

Fund Title Amount

Town Fund $8,276.92

General Assistance Fund $5,779.78

IMRF Fund

Social Security/Medicare Fund

Liability Fund

Audit Fund

Total $14,056.70

Roll Call #12:

Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Wallace, Smith-Esters, White, Davis, and Cox, 7. 

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Trustee Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Trustee White, to resume as the City Council. Approved by voice vote.

CLOSING COMMENTS

Council Member Dennis stated that he was disappointed by the RFP animal sheltering vote.

Council Member Wallace stated that tonight’s meeting discussions have opened the door for a lot in our community. He thanked the work from KCAP on the business incentive programs which will hopefully keep the youth in our community. He added that he believes the Council as a whole is moving in a positive direction.

Council Member White stated that he received an email last week from a constituent asking him to keep his closing comments to City business and not his own Democrat party talking points. Council Member White noted that at the last meeting he spoke on freedoms, Black History Month, and the fact that there are still people who are fighting to have the opportunity to vote. He believes this is a human right and not a Democrat issue.

Council Member White encouraged the public to look up the history and actions of Viola Violaliuzzo and her importance to Black History Month. He added that there are people who have given their lives so that others who look like him can have the opportunity to be free in this nation. He will also use this platform to speak on things that are close to his heart. Council Member White also thanked and acknowledged Council Member Cox for reviewing the City’s budget document with him.

Council Member Smith-Esters thanked the Knox County Housing Authority for attending and opening the door of communication and partnership with the City, which is important to be successful. She also thanked all those who participated in the Chocolate Festival and supported the Historical Society.

Council Member Smith-Esters also noted that gardening in our society is becoming a lost art and that youth aren’t aware of what things are anymore. She hopes it can be brought back and Galesburg can set a standard for the importance and knowledge of horticultural history. She also hopes everyone enjoys the warmer weather.

Council Member Davis stated that the Chocolate Festival was an incredible event and appreciates having a delightful event to enjoy in a new venue as a community.

She also wanted to sum up her comments from earlier, noting that some didn’t appreciate her tone of voice, but stated that she wouldn’t apologize for it. She believes that when an issue such as planting a garden in your yard comes up she believes it’s an overstepping of boundaries by the City, an abuse of the privileges we have, and a refusal to walk in someone else’s shoes to see how severely it could limit and hurt them. She feels this is a very significant issue of oppressor vs. oppressed and that she will always and emphatically stand on the side of the oppressed when it comes to these issues.

Council Member Cox stated that he has a few budget questions and requests, which he will forward in an email to the City Manager and copy Council Member White.

Council Member Hix stated that the idea of legalizing side-by-sides interests him and he’s willing to work with Council Member Wallace and the City on regulations. He thanked Mr. Bolen for bringing it to their attention but does believe we may need to have stricter guidelines as a larger city.

Mayor Schwartzman shared the news that there have recently been great athletic accomplishments in our community. The Galesburg High School Girls Varsity basketball team, which his daughter plays on, has won the Regional Championship and deserve a lot of credit for their hard work. They continue to play tomorrow night in Lasalle Peru.

He also noted that there were two sophomore wrestlers, Gauge Shipp and Rocky Almendarez, who placed at the State tournament and deserve a lot of credit for their hard work as well. Their coach, Greig Leibach, is a former student of his from Knox College who stayed in the community to coach and become an art teacher.

He thanked Mr. Selkirk for coming forward and announcing several wonderful things for the future of golf in our community. Last year the City made a commitment to support the youth in golf and he’s looking forward to seeing them get involved again this year. He plans to support the initiative as much as possible.

The Mayor stated that at tonight’s meeting there were some divisive conversations and votes, but there were also several votes that were unanimous. He highlighted those significant items such as the adoption of the City’s new 2022 Strategic Plan and Mission Statement. He added that in December, this Council met for two days to work on the goals for our community over the next five years. He thanked the Administration and Department Directors, who also participated in the effort.

Council Member Wallace left the meeting at 8:16 p.m.

Council also unanimously approved the economic development business incentives in four core areas. He thanked Mr. Springer for bringing those forward and for Administration and Council’s guidance. He believes this will be front page news in the State of Illinois.

He also thanked Mr. Huston for his work related to the SkillsUSA program, an incredibly important program for our youth that will allow them to participate in something other than athletics. It can also provide real sustained jobs in the future. He is excited about this new initiative and that this Council will be specifically involved in supporting.

The Mayor lastly stated that he appreciates the Council’s solidarity and focus for the future of our community.

There being no further business, Council Member Hix, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:18 p.m.

Roll Call #13:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Smith-Esters, White, Davis, and Cox, 6. 

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Wallace, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried.

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