Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met Oct. 3.

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, Kevin Wallace, Dwight White, Jaclyn Smith-Esters, and Larry Cox, 6. Absent: Council Members Wayne Dennis and Sarah Davis, 2. Also Present: Interim City Manager Wayne Carl, Interim City Attorney Paul Mangieri, and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz.

Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Reverend Vince Rohn, First United Methodist Church, gave the invocation.

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from September 19, 2022.

Roll Call #2:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Cox, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried.

Proclamations: Azer Clinic 40 Years of Service

175th Anniversary of First United Methodist Church

Hispanic Heritage Month

CONSENT AGENDA #2022-19

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

22-3038

Approve the bid submitted by AMP Companies, Inc. in the amount of $84,965 to replace the existing HVAC system at the Lake Storey Pavilion.

22-5014

Receive an updated rate schedule for towing and storage services from Bob’s Towing, Inc.

22-8018

Approve bills in the amount of $1,136,638.65 and advance checks in the amount of $637,814.21.

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Consent Agenda 2022-19.

Roll Call #3:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Cox, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.

PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

22-1029

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve Ordinance 22-3682 on final reading, adjusting various rates and fees collected by the City. It was noted that many fees had not been increased in years and are being recommended due to rising costs of maintenance and the upcoming increase in minimum wage.

Roll Call #4:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Cox, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-1030

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Wallace, to approve Ordinance 22-3683 on final reading authorizing the purchase of 694 U.S. Highway 150 East in the amount of $823.

Roll Call #5:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Cox, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-2058

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve a Resolution in support of continued efforts to resolve public safety concerns regarding the Illinois Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today (SAFE-T) Act.

Council Member Cox stated that while this resolution is more symbolic, he does know many victims live in fear from those who have committed a crime, sometimes a violent crime, and are allowed to walk free. He believes we need to protect the vulnerable in our community.

Council Member Hix read the entire resolution at the request of Council Member White.

Council Member White asked who wrote the ordinance and Interim City Manager Carl indicated that he drafted it and then sent it to the three Council Members who wanted it on the agenda before it was sent to the entire Council on Wednesday.

Council Member White inquired if anyone had read the 764 page Act, especially the section on bail or pre-trial release. He is discouraged that the resolution is before Council to approve the appeal of it when no one has read the entire document. He does not feel it is necessary to discard all of the Act due to a small portion, especially those sections that address the provisions to help victims and crimes by police. He is appalled that this is being brought to the citizens, and though he is not anti police or safety, he will not be supporting the resolution.

Council Member Cox stated that possibly the resolution could be amended to remove the word “repeal.”

Council Member Smith-Esters asked what the intent of the resolution is. Interim City Attorney Mangieri stated that the “whereas” sections of resolution provide the thought behind it but that the “be it resolved” section is what the Council would be asking -- “state legislators work with public safety representatives and all community stakeholders to fix remaining problems with the SAFE-T Act; including, but not limited to, limiting the imposition of cash bail, limiting police officer discretion to make arrests, imposition of police certification and decertification standards, allowing offenders to violate terms of their release, and violating victims’ rights as outlined in Illinois law.”

Police Chief Idle stated that he did work with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and does agree that parts of the Act need to be fine tuned and made more applicable. He stated that it is unrealistic to believe that the state legislature will repeal the Act.

Jeremy Karlin, Knox County State’s Attorney, addressed the Council and stated that his office is tasked to educate law enforcement and implement the Act and that the reality is that the new Act will not be going away. He agrees that there are many difficult things in the statute and contradicts itself and other laws and that everyone across the State is struggling with it.

Council Member Wallace stated that he agrees with much of what the State’s Attorney reported and that he agrees the Act needs to be researched and the resolution amended.

Council Member Wallace moved, seconded by Council Member Smith-Esters, to table agenda item 22-2058 until the November 7, 2022, City Council Meeting.

Roll Call #6:

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

Nays: Council Member Hix, 1.

Absent: Council Members Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried.

Mayor Schwartzman requested that Council Members send input on the resolution to both the Interim City Manager and Interim City Attorney.

BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS

22-3039

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve a bid from J.P. Benbow Plumbing & Heating Company, Inc. in the amount of $93,088 for upgrades to the Hawthorne Pool pump room for operational purposes.

Roll Call #7:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Cox, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Angie Petersen addressed the Council stating that she moved to Galesburg in 2011 and is in full compliance with the State of Illinois to substitute teach. She stated that CUSD #205 is not allowing her to substitute and that the School Superintendent has blocked her from corresponding with anyone besides the District’s Human Resources department. She feels that she has been discriminated against and believes her personal safety is in jeopardy.

Mayor Schwartzman asked Ms. Peterson to provide her contact information to the City Clerk and that someone from the City would contact her.

David Warf addressed the Council regarding loud music and mufflers and vehicles driving the wrong way on one-way Pine Street. He noted that vehicles also park the wrong way on the side of the street and asked if something could be done. The Mayor asked Mr. Warf to provide his information to Police Chief Idle.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)

22-4092

Council Member Wallace moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve a professional services agreement with Klingner Associates, P.C. in the amount of $20,500 for the demolition of 29 Public Square.

Roll Call #8:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Cox, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-4093

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve a forgivable loan agreement in the amount of $2,000,000 with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency through the Public Water Supply Loan Program for replacement of lead water service lines for Phase 6.

Roll Call #9:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Wallace, White, Smith-Esters, and Cox, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-4094

Council Member Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Council Member Wallace, to approve a five year agreement with Waste Management of Illinois, Inc.

Main points of the proposed contract include:

● Refuse collection using a 96 gallon wheeled cart plus up to two additional refuse containers of less than 33 gallon capacity and less than 50 pounds in weight per container

● Bi-weekly curbside recycling using a wheeled carts

● Curbside yard waste collection (including nine months of weekly collection and three months of monthly collection)

● Collection of refuse, yard waste and recycling from various city facilities

● At Your Door service to provide for collection of hazardous waste and other items

● Compost backhaul program where compost will be hauled from the Knox County Landfill

Composting facility to the City Oversized Brush Facility on Pickard Road for residents to pick up and use at their homes.

Interim City Manager Carl stated that the monthly service rate for Waste Management services related to solid waste disposal services would increase from $16.70 (FY22) to $18.54 (FY23) if the contract is approved.

Dave Schaab, Waste Management, explained to the Council how the At Your Door service would work for hazardous materials, which has received very positive feedback in other communities and is unique and popular with residents. He further stated that if approved, they would work hard to provide as much information to residents as possible in order to educate them on the changes. These will include three approaches -- information in the annual Recycling and Refuse Programs brochure, an additional mailing, and a dedicated page on the City’s website with information.

Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Wallace, to table agenda item 22-4094 to the next meeting, October 27, 2022.

Roll Call #10:

Ayes: Council Members Wallace and White, 2.

Nays: Council Members Hix, Smith-Esters, and Cox, 3.

Absent: Council Members Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion failed.

Roll Call #11:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, White, Smith-Esters, and Cox, 4.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Dennis and Davis, 2.

Abstain: Council Member Wallace, 1.

Chairman declared the motion to approve 22-4094 carried.

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

TOWN BUSINESS

22-9021

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

Fund Title Amount

Town Fund $2,581.40

General Assistance Fund $5,957.49

IMRF Fund

Social Security/Medicare Fund $2,218.37

Liability Fund $143.86

Audit Fund

Total $10,901.12

Roll Call #12:

Ayes: Trustees Hix, Wallace, Smith-Esters, White, and Cox, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried.

22-9022

Ordinance on first reading to approve amending the 2022 Township Budget and Appropriation Ordinance to transfer $3,000 from Emergency Miscellaneous to Emergency Rent and transfer $24,000 from Emergency Utilities to Emergency Rent.

Trustee Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Trustee Cox, to suspend the rules and place agenda item 22-9022 on final reading.

Roll Call #13:

Ayes: Trustees Hix, Wallace, Smith-Esters, White, and Cox, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried.

Trustee Smith-Esters moved, seconded by Trustee Cox, to approve Township Ordinance 22-01 on final reading amending the 2022 Township Budget and Appropriation Ordinance to transfer $3,000 from Emergency Miscellaneous to Emergency Rent and transfer $24,000 from Emergency Utilities to Emergency Rent.

Roll Call #14:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried.

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

CLOSING COMMENTS

Council Member White asked everyone to Google “content and components” of the SAFE-T Act and research it before it comes back for a vote. He also stated that the new parking lot on Seminary Street is complete and looks great. He thanked everyone who watches the Council Meeting and implored others to watch as well and added that resident feedback is important.

Council Member White thanked the Fire Chief for attending a presentation at Knox College entitled JustUs: Stories from the Frontlines of the Criminal Legal System.

Council Member Cox stated that probably half of state legislators have not read the entire SAFE-T Act, which is not uncommon. He added that the state imposes many laws and statutes onto municipalities without being fully informed themselves. He is relying on information provided by citizens who have expressed fear and concern, as well as material provided by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

Council Member Cox also stated that he believes it his responsibility to ask questions and that he took an oath to uphold the ordinances of the City, one of which is providing a balanced budget and not overspending. He noted that currently, the City has $3.4 million in unfunded liabilities and that he would not apologize for looking out for the City’s finances.

Council Member Hix stated his agreement with Council Member Cox and added that the SAFE-T Act does have issues that need to be addressed. He also thanked Tony Law for working with him on the proclamation for tonight’s meeting and encouraged everyone to watch the PBS video on the history of the boxcar people. Council Member Hix also stated that he grew up at the 1st United Methodist Church and that it was a privilege to be able to have a proclamation presented to them in honor of their 175th anniversary.

Council Member Wallace thanked Council Member Hix for his involvement with the Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation and hopes everyone will have a chance to celebrate the Hispanic heritage in our community. He acknowledged his grandfather, as well as many Hispanic mentors that he has had over the last forty years. Council Member Wallace thanked Waste Management for attending the meeting and stated his appreciation for their hard work in our community.

Council Member Wallace asked if staff would contact him regarding a constituent’s question if political signs were allowed in City parks.

Mayor Schwartzman stated that there hasn’t been a hazardous waste pick up in the City for a long time and is pleased that the new contract with Waste Management will allow for the discreet disposal of such items.

The Mayor also stated that he believes tabling the resolution on the SAFE-T Act was a wise choice by the Council and that it is unusual to review a State law like this via a resolution. The Mayor also encouraged the community to view the Boxcar People video on the WTVP PBS website, written and produced by Galeburg’s own Will and Luz Schick.

Mayor Schwartzman thanked Bridgeway and Carl Sandburg College for hosting the Discover Wellness Summit 2022 on September 23rd. He also added that he attended the NAACP Gala over the weekend and that it was a fantastic event with over 200 attendees, great speakers and awards.

The Mayor also thanked Elizabeth Varner, Parks & Recreation Department Director, for her hard work on programming and making the community aware of all that the City has to offer.

There being no further business, Council Member Smith-Esters, seconded by Council Member White, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:27 p.m.

Roll Call #15:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Wallace, Smith-Esters, White, and Cox, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Dennis and Davis, 2.

Chairman declared motion carried.

https://cms7files.revize.com/galesburg/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/City%20Council/2022/100322%20City%20Council%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf