City of Galesburg City Council met July 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Public Hearing: Proposed TIF 6 Grand Avenue
Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting
Called to order by Mayor Peter Schwartzman at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call #1: Present: Mayor Peter Schwartzman, Council Members Bradley Hix, Wayne Dennis, Evan Miller, Dwight White, Heather Acerra, and Steve Cheesman, 7. Absent: Council Member Sarah Davis, 1. Also Present: Acting City Manager Steve Gugliotta, Interim City Attorney Paul Mangieri, and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz.
Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Proclamation: Parks & Recreation Month
Bonnie Ericson gave the invocation.
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from June 19, 2023.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Davis, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Interim City Attorney Paul Mangieri opened bids for the sale of 905 Maple Avenue. One bid was received in the amount of $100 from Wynkoop Group Ltd.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Reverend Andrew Jowers addressed the Council and the agenda item for the HT Custer Park renovations. He noted that there has been vandalism at the Dale Kelly Tot Lot and other parks, and also stated that the grass at the tot lot needs to be mowed. He was glad to see the proclamation for Parks & Recreation on the agenda. Reverend Jowers expressed his concern about the cost of 435 East Third Street and hopes the Council does their due diligence on the building.
He also applauded the appointment of Wayne Carl as the Interim City Manager and encouraged him to use his power in the position. He added that America was founded by white men and that white men run the City. He also hoped people would think about how it would feel if their families were put into slavery, a life of servitude.
Bernie Cowan addressed the Council and stated that he saw many Council Members at the Juneteenth celebration, but also missed some and wondered why they weren’t in attendance and had hoped they would have supported the event. Council Member Miller noted that he was out of town.
Gabriel Wynkoop addressed the Council as the sole bidder for the purchase of 905 Maple Avenue. He stated that their purpose for the bid would be to create a space where Knox County neighbors would have a space for a workshop, childcare, wood shop, and a space of collaboration for adults. He hopes their proposal is considered.
Carl Dortch addressed the Council and stated that he moved to Galesburg from Chicago when he was nine years old due to the danger of the city. He enjoys working with and providing feedback from the youth of Galesburg and is currently working with the basketball camp at the high school. He lives on Iowa Court and knows that the area is still considered the housing projects by some in the community. He told the Council that he would love to be part of the Community Center Task Force.
Tom Simkins addressed the Council and thanked them for presenting a proclamation for Parks & Recreation. He also implored the City to be watchful of the illegal fireworks that are causing his dog, as well as other animals and veterans, issues due to the loud noise. He would appreciate more enforcement if possible.
Robert Cain addressed the Council and believes the City should not be in the real estate business and needs to stop purchasing land and buildings.
CONSENT AGENDA #2023-13
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
23-8012
Approve bills in the amount of $1,015,442.27 and advance checks in the amount of $688,067.02.
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve Consent Agenda 2023-13.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Davis, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried by omnibus vote.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
23-2027
Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to discuss the purchase of 435 East Third Street.
Council Member White stated that when the building purchase was first discussed, it was talked about using it as a homeless shelter and warming center. Council Member Miller stated that he talked to the neighbors within a three-block radius of the building and none wanted a homeless shelter or warming center. He agrees that the City should not be in the real estate business and is against purchasing the building.
Council Member Cheesman stated that he is in favor of turning over the information for this property to the Community Center Task Force as well as other possible viable locations.
Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to commit this item to the soon-to-be formed Community Center Task Force.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Davis, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
A recess was called at 6:36 p.m.
The Council Meeting resumed at 6:46 p.m.
Mayor Schwartzman stated that the retail building on the property at 435 East Third Street was discussed to be a possible warming shelter. If not purchased, he noted that the City will need to find alternate sites for the future. While the Knox County Housing Authority did provide a viable option last year, it was not the preferred site.
23-2044
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve Resolution 23-41 appointing Wayne Carl as Interim City Manager.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Davis, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
23-3020
Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve the bid submitted by Hein Construction in the amount of $697,000 for H.T. Custer Park renovations. It was noted that there are no plans to resurface the field at this time.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Davis, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-3021
Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve the proposal submitted by Novagradac in the amount of $52,500 to complete a Housing Needs Assessment Study. If approved, the study will begin immediately and be completed in the spring. Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Davis, 1.
Abstain: Council Member Hix, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS, ETC.)
23-4059
Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve the Minor Plat of the 2200 Henderson, LLC Subdivision. Adam Bell, Core Acquisitions, was available for questions via Google Meet.
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 6. Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Davis, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4060
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve the proposal submitted by Hutchison Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $319,541 to complete the engineering/architectural work for the Simmons Street Parking Lot and Streetscape project. The project would be put out for bid in early spring.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Davis, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4061
Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve the purchase of playground equipment, installation, and surfacing for H.T. Custer Park from GameTime in the amount of $234,911.60 as part of the 2023 Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Statewide Training and Funding Initiative. The City will be responsible for 50% or $68,542.60 of the cost under the OSLAD Grant.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Davis, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
23-4062
Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve the proposal submitted by Farnsworth Group in the amount of $18,400 to provide construction administrative services for H.T. Custer Park.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Davis, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to sit as the Town Board. The motion carried.
TOWN BUSINESS
23-9014
Trustee Dennis moved, seconded by Trustee Miller, to approve Town bills and warrants to be drawn in payment of same.
Fund Title Amount
Town Fund $8,613.55
General Assistance Fund $8,329.39
IMRF Fund
Social Security/Medicare Fund
Liability Fund
Audit Fund
Total $16,942.94
Roll Call #12:
Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Trustee Davis, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Trustee Miller moved, seconded by Trustee Acerra, to resume as the City Council. The motion carried.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Dennis thanked Steve Gugliotta for a great job as Acting City Manager and is glad for him that he will be able to return to his normal duties.
Council Member Miller also thanked Mr. Gugliotta for the excellent job, professional service and for assisting him on several issues.
Council Member White announced that there have been three independent days celebrated over the last few weeks - Juneteenth, Lipanda, and tomorrow, Independence Day. He added that he was amazed at the great concert for Lipanda at the Orpheum Theatre and that he had a great time.
Council Member White also stated that he doesn’t understand his job as a Council Member anymore and always thought it was about helping the community, people who were at the bottom, and those that needed to be looked after.
Council Member Acerra stated that she too enjoyed the Lipanda celebration and was able to have her and her husband’s toy company participate as well. She noted how much immigrants appreciate our country and have been willing to sacrifice so much. She feels very blessed to live in our country too and hopes everyone has a great and safe holiday.
Council Member Cheesman stated that many of the Congolese are known to him through the Gale Scholars program. He thanked everyone who planned the Juneteenth celebration, as well as the other festivals in our community. He noted that he is looking forward to the Community Center Task Force and the work they will be doing. He thanked Steve Guliotta for his impressive work during very challenging circumstances.
Council Member Hix stated that he has worked with a couple of Congolese individuals on finding a business location and a home. He also thanked Steve Gugliotta for his work during a challenging time and always appreciated him addressing his concerns quickly.
Mayor Schwartzman thanked Steve Gugliotta for his great job and hard work as Acting City Manager. Gugliotta thanked everyone for their kind words and stated his appreciation for all the help from the directors and staff.
The Mayor stated that the Parks & Recreation proclamation was well deserved, and he thanked Elizabeth Varner for the information on all the programs for the month of July. He also announced that the Lipanda celebration was full of life, energy, and the hope was contagious. He appreciated the fact that the Orpheum was packed with people and that there was limited clean up that had to be done.
Mayor Schwartzman thanked Eloise Spurgeon, Stacie Hart, and other volunteers for their work on the second successful year of the Spurgeon Farm Project. He hopes that the 4th of July brings celebration, reflection, and a time to learn from each other. He asked that people be respectful of fireworks around animals and veterans and hopes that everyone has an opportunity to see the show at Lake Storey.
The Mayor reported that some of the worst air quality was seen last week in Galesburg, and especially Chicago, with readings of an AQI (Air Quality Index) over 200. He hopes people take precaution and will be working with the Health Department in order to be prepared in the future.
There being no further business, Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:18 p.m.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 6.
Nays: None
Absent: Council Member Davis, 1.
Chairman declared the motion carried.
https://cms7files.revize.com/galesburg/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/City%20Council/2023/07032023%20City%20Council%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf
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