Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met Sept. 6.

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, and Larry Cox, 7. Present via Telephone: Council Member Sarah Davis, 1. Also Present: Interim City Manager Wayne Carl and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz.

Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Reverend Andrew Jowers gave the invocation.

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Wallace, to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from August 15, 2022.

Roll Call #2:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA #2022-17

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

22-2049

Approve Resolution 22-44 supporting the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Home Repair and Accessibility Program.

22-2050

Approve an MFT Resolution for the City’s share of a project to modernize traffic signal equipment at twelve signalized intersections. The City’s share is estimated at $6,704.

22-2051

Approve Resolution 22-45 authorizing the transfer of $20,720 from the TIF District II Fund to the TIF District IV Fund to provide redeveloper assistance to R3DOGS, LLC (Cherry Street Brewing Company).

22-3031

Approve the bid from 9 to 5 Computer in the amount of $34,500 for the replacement of three servers for City Hall network services.

22-4079

Approve a revised contract with Assured Partners to provide Benefits Consulting and Wellness Services for the period January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025.

22-4080

Approve a Technical Services Agreement with Western Illinois Regional Council in the amount $1,500 to submit an application for the Housing Rehabilitation and Act grant program.

22-4081

Approve waiving normal purchasing policies and approve the purchase of phosphate inhibitor from Hawkins, Inc. at a cost of $0.662 per pound.

22-4082

Approve a joint agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for a project to modernize traffic signal equipment.

22-5013

Receive a Schedule of Rates for Big Daddy Cab Company, effective September 1, 2022. Taxi rate information will be posted on the City’s website.

22-6003

Approve the following commission appointments:

Airport Advisory Commission

David Carlton, term expires September 2025.

Aaron Repp, term expires September 2024.

Planning & Zoning Commission

Katina Cochrane, term expires June 2025.

22-8016

Approve bills in the amount of $1,704,118.71 and advance checks in the amount of $572,878.66.

Council Member Wallace moved, seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters, to approve Consent Agenda 2022-17.

Roll Call #3:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Abstain: Council Member White, 1.

Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.

22-4083

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve a contract for legal services with Barash & Everett, LLC in the amount of $8,333.33 per month. Justin Raver, CEO, addressed the Council and explained the process should a conflict of interest arise.

Roll Call #4:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Paul Mangieri joined the Council at the dais as the Interim City Attorney at 5:42 p.m.

PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

22-1026

Ordinance on first reading authorizing the sale of a vacant lot formerly known as 848 South Broad Street for the amount of $100.

22-1027

Ordinance on first reading authorizing the purchase of 1212 Maple Avenue for a cost of $8,000.

22-1028

Ordinance on first reading authorizing the sale of unused or retired vehicles, miscellaneous obsolete parts, miscellaneous tools, and various office storage items and equipment through PurpleWave Auctions

BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS

22-3032

Council Member Wallace moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve a bid from CAD Construction in the amount of $1,988,197 for exterior and structural repair to the Hawthorne Pool building.

Bill Butts addressed the Council and thanked them for all the work they have done so far with the pool project, especially Elizabeth Varner and Administration. He added that Hawthorne Pool is one of a kind and he hopes it is promoted as such.

Molly Miller addressed the Council and hopes that the City sees the potential and value in keeping the pool properly maintained and investing in its upkeep.

Pam Davidsion addressed the Council as a lifelong resident of Galesburg and is proud that the City is fixing the pool. The pool, which is public and not private, is open for the entire community and surrounding communities and an entity that the City needs to maintain. She hopes the Council will vote yes on the improvements.

Steven, a native of Galesburg, addressed the Council and stated that he is a former lifeguard. He feels that the pool gives everyone the opportunity to take lessons, which is a lifelong skill, and is powerful for our community.

Linda Miller read some history on the pool from the former Mayo Clinic to the State Research Hospital and how it has served our community and citizens since 1943. In February, a petition with 1,215 signatures was submitted to the City in support of Hawthorne Pool. She implored the Council to keep the historic gem open.

Reverend Jowers stated that he and his wife have recently gotten involved with the Save the Hawthorne Pool group and feels that keeping the pool open is a positive initiative the Council can approve. He hopes they are open, creative, and innovative in ways to get the funding.

Council Member Smith-Esters inquired about the original budget. Interim City Manager Carl stated that it was originally budgeted for $1.285 million but that the project came in at $1.9 million. The first phase is estimated at $2.2 million, with the HVAC at $1.2 million, for a total of $3.4 million.

Council Member Hix asked about funding. Carl stated that he is recommending an additional $900,000 come from ARPA funding, which had not been earmarked yet.

Council Member Smith-Esters stated that she hoped in the meantime, when the pool is closed over the winter, staff can meet and contract with hospitals and physical therapy facilities to use the pool when it reopens. She is in full support of renovating the pool but understands that the City will need help in offsetting costs. She hopes that the Save the Hawthorne Pool group helps with this initiative, as well as the Community Center project.

Roll Call #5:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-3033

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve a bid from Aquatic Renovation Systems, Inc. in the amount of $81,725 for the replacement of the indoor pool liner for the Hawthorne Pool.

Roll Call #6:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

September 6, 2022 Page 4 of 8

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)

22-4084

Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters, to approve a Tax Increment Financing Redeveloper Agreement with R3DOGS, LLC (Cherry Street Brewing Company) for the redevelopment of the property located at 57 South Cherry Street. The total interior project is estimated at $138,134. The proposed incentive would be approximately 15% of the eligible expenses or $20,720.

Roll Call #7:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-4085

Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters, to approve a Business Startup Assistance grant in the amount of $7,500 for MBS Food Truck, LLC. Food Truck Zones will be sent to the Council for their information.

Roll Call #8:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-4086

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters, to approve a Business Startup Assistance grant in the amount of $10,000 for Olympia’s Restaurant, LLC.

Roll Call #9:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-4087

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve a Water Infrastructure grant in the amount of $10,000 for Bible Center Church and the Galesburg Rescue Mission for the property located at 547 North Farnham Street.

Council Member Smith-Esters asked if there are requirements for grant applicants that they be inclusive to the entire community. Interim City Manager Carl stated that there are no requirements at this time.

Roll Call #10:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-4088

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve a Water Infrastructure grant in the amount of $10,000 for D’Agnolo International, LLC for the property located at 354 East Main Street.

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 Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to sit as the Town Board. The motion carried.

TOWN BUSINESS

22-9019

Trustee Dennis moved, seconded by Trustee Smith-Esters, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.

Fund Title Amount

Town Fund $868.25

General Assistance Fund $9,406.94

IMRF Fund

Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,250.81

Liability Fund

Audit Fund

Total $12,526.00

Roll Call #12:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Wallace, to resume as the City Council. The motion carried.

CLOSING COMMENTS

Council Member Wallace stated that over the last year, Council has been aggressive about many items and understands that the cost for many of these have increased. He noted that they may have to do some shuffling of projects but also hopes that the community will donate their money and time to them. He added that possibly the Save the Hawthorne Pool group could have a campaign and noted that the Council has to also be respectful of the public’s money as well.

Council Member White stated that the Labor Day Parade, one of the longest running, was great but was disheartened to not see any African Americans in any of the unions. He was a plumber and pipefitter but never made it into the union after trying for three years. He still tries to recruit young men into the trades and noted that college isn’t for everyone.

Council Member White added that he is in favor of the pool and that the maintenance has been deferred for too long.

Council Member Smith-Esters is encouraged to hear that the pool will reopen in May 2023 and hopes that the word spreads what a great opportunity the pool is and that people take advantage of it.

Mayor Schwartzman thanked the Council for their support of the pool, which will be remembered for years to come. He also thanked the Save the Hawthorne Pool group for their support.

The Mayor thanked Ken Springer, KCAP, for his hard work, especially on the four companies who received incentives tonight. He knows that he is getting phone calls constantly and appreciates his dedication.

Mayor Schwartzman noted that this is a trying time for the City but that he is confident in our resources and believes it was the right decision to support the pool. He added that many exciting projects are coming up, including the work on the pool, the library, and the proposed community center. A work session will be held soon on the community center project. All of these projects are investments in our community and our residents and he is confident in the City’s Administration and Finance Director.

He also announced that the Stearman Fly In is taking place and encouraged everyone to go to the airport and support this event.

Council Member Cox moved, seconded by Council Member White, to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:43 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1).

Roll Call #13:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

During the Executive Session, Council Member Smith-Esters, seconded by Council Member Hix, to adjourn the Executive Session at 7:45 p.m.

Roll Call #14:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared motion carried.

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