Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met June 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Call to Order: Mayor Myers called the Regular Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM. All rose to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Present: Aldermen Eiker, Gruner, Hillier, Moore, Reed and Taylor; Mayor Myers, Treasurer Barnum, Chief Poyner, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: Alderman Hope, Attorney McCoy, Engineer Cooper. Also present: Mr. Chuck Semande, Mrs. Joan Semande, Mrs. Carolyn Hise, Ms. Tracey Quinn, Mrs. Susie Lenz, Mrs. Jo Placher, Ms. Penny Flesner, and one additional man and one additional woman.

Public Comments:

• Joan Semande stated that there is a property in her neighborhood with tall grass, garbage in the yard, both of which are attracting varmints. She stated that it is a health hazard, and wants the property cleaned up.

o Mayor Myers responded that there are two citations in process for 206 S Line St.

o Chief Poyner reviewed the abatement procedures.

• Carolyn Hise stated that daily she cleans up trash that has blown into her yard from that address and asked if additional complaints from neighbors would make a difference in getting the clean-up process escalated.

o Chief Poyner responded that once the abatement process has started, additional complaints cannot expedite the process.

• Susie Lenz asked if the current residents of that address could be evicted as they are not the owners.

o Chief Poyner responded no, not at this time.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the May 15, 2023 City Council Meeting. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

GENERAL REPORTS

Attorney Report: No report.

Engineer Report: No report.

Treasurer’s Report: No report

City Clerk’s Report: Clerk Wilt stated that she would provide the 2022-2023 financial report before the June 19, 2023 Council meeting.

INFORMATION ITEMS

None.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Final TIF Approval – Tim Eagle 240 E Main St: Mayor Myers stated that Mr. Eagle has completed most of his updates to his property, but he is waiting on a final contractor to complete the project. He had asked if he could receive a payment for the items that were completed, and another payout when the project is finalized. The Economic Development Group has approved the preliminary grant application for Tim Eagle for 240 E Main St, with an additional payout when the project is finished. Alderman Moore moved to approve the distribution of a TIF grant for $38,522.31 for Tim Eagle. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with six (6) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

2. Central Park Gazebo Roof Repair: Mayor Myers stated that the singles are curling up and coming off the roof of the Central Park gazebo. Alderman Gruner moved to contract with Brad’s Home Improvement for a new gazebo roof for $6,000.00. Alderman Taylor seconded the motion, which passed with six (6) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

3. Resolution 2023-34 Hire Part Time Grounds Maintenance Worker Tyler Hillery: Alderman Eiker moved to approve Resolution 2023-34 to hire Part Time Grounds Maintenance Worker Tyler Hillery at $13.00 per hour. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion, which passed with six (6) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

Mayor’s Report:

• The solar farm at the Wastewater Treatment Plant is getting ready to go online. The lot is not being mowed by the solar company, as promised, and is getting out of control.

• Let Mayor Myers know if any other trees are needed to be planted within the City, as there are additional resources available through the Knoxville Community Fund.

• The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the City Hall Annex. Preceding that meeting, there will be an Appropriations work session at 6:00 PM.

Committee Reports:

• Administration: No report.

• Cemetery: No report.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: Alderman Reed stated that the pickleball courts at James Knox Park should be started soon.

• Police: No report.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: No report.

• Water/Sewer: Alderman Gruner reported that the IL EPA lead line replacement program is still in process.

Adjourn: At 7:40 PM, Alderman Gruner moved to Adjourn the Meeting; Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent. The meeting was adjourned.

https://kville.org/wp-content/uploads/minutes-agendas-newsletters/Minutes_2023-06-05.pdf