Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met Aug. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Public Hearing: Proposed 10-year extension of Special Service Area Number One

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, Sarah Davis, and Steve Cheesman, 8. 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.

A moment of silence was observed in lieu of an invocation.

Proclamation: National Black Business Month

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from August 7, 2023.

Roll Call #2:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Tom Simkins, Special Project Coordinator, for the City of Galesburg thanked Elizabeth Varner, Don Miles, and the Tree Commission for the new tree tags at Standish Park. He also expressed his full support for the OSLAD grant application for the Cooke School property and added that the southwest side of town is an underserved area for parks. He noted that the Master Park Plan addresses community, neighborhood, mini, and specialty parks, and that this park would be a great addition. Simkins also thanked Gayla Pacheco for her work on this project, and is excited about the possibility of having a trailhead there that would connect to the proposed Sandburg Trail near Third Street.

Mike Spinks addressed the Council and invited everyone out to the skating rink, which has provided a safe and positive space for kids and their families. He mentioned that he is now offering free baseball lessons to the kids at Woodland Hills in order to get them involved with the sport and hopes to add mini golf and go-kart racing soon.

Linda Wilson addressed the Council related to an issue her sister, Laurie Wilson, is having in her neighborhood on Rock Island Avenue. She stated that the Grim Reapers have a clubhouse in the area, and they are having issues with noise at all times of the day and night. The Wilsons will provide contact information to the City Clerk.

CONSENT AGENDA #2023-16

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

23-2045

Approve Resolution 23-42 approving the donation of a vacant lot formerly known as 848 South Broad Street.

23-4082

Approve the waiving of normal purchasing policies and approve the purchase of one bulk delivery of approximately 46,000 pounds of phosphate inhibitor from Hawkins, Inc. at a cost of $0.795 per pound.

23-4083

Approve the renewal of a one-year service contract with Western Illinois Area Agency to provide riders 60 years of age and older transportation.

23-4084

Approve the renewal of a one-year service contract with Carl Sandburg College to provide students, faculty, and staff unlimited rides.

23-5008

Receive the March 31, 2023, Investment Schedule.

23-8015

Approve bills in the amount of $767,935.22 and advance checks in the amount of $292,863.29.

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve Consent Agenda 2023-16.

Roll Call #3:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried by omnibus vote.

PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

23-1015

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve Ordinance 23-3704 on final reading authorizing the use of a portion of the Series 2023 General Obligation Bonds proceeds to be used for the Irwin Street storm sewer and street reconstruction in the amount of $550,000.

Roll Call #4:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

23-2046

Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve Resolution 23-43 dedicating funds derived from the transfer of funds to the Planning Fund to be used for community center expenses.

Roll Call #5:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

23-2047

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve Resolution 23-44 authorizing the use of City funds for any costs, up to a maximum of $250,000, not covered by a potential Safe Routes to School grant award. It is estimated that design costs for the City would be approximately $30,000-$35,000 if done in-house.

Roll Call #6:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

23-2048

Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve Resolution 23-45 authorizing staff to submit an application for the 2024 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant application for the property located adjacent to the former Cooke School.

The Mayor noted that he received an email that the application for the OSLAD grant has been delayed to September 15th. Council Members Miller and Cheesman stated that this is a great project and much needed in that part of town. Gayla Pacheco was also thanked for her work on this project.

Roll Call #7:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

23-2049

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve Resolution 23-46 for the City’s share of construction costs for the Carl Sandburg Drive resurfacing project.

Council Member Cheesman inquired about using local contractors. Interim City Manager Carl stated that the bid will be let and awarded by IDOT to a prequalified contractor, of which we have one local and some in the area.

Roll Call #8:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS

23-3027

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve the bid from Neidig Trucking & Excavating in an amount not to exceed $332,370 for the demolition of 140-144 East Main Street. It was noted that this area will remain green space unless there is an interested developer.

Roll Call #9:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Fire Chief Hovind made an announcement that residents can visit the following locations that are set up as temporary cooling centers:

● Galesburg

○ Public Safety Building - 150 South Broad Street (24 hrs)

○ YMCA - 1324 W. Carl Sandburg Dr (5 am to 9 pm)

● Knoxville - 137 N Public Sq, Knoxville (Can be opened upon request. Contact number will be on the front entry door.)

● East Galesburg - Village Hall - 100 E First St, East Galesburg (8 am - 5 pm)

● Oneida Fire Station - 210 Sage St, Oneida (8 am - 8 pm)

● Wataga Fire Station - 310 W Willard St, Wataga (8 am - 8 pm)

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS, ETC.)

Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to reconsider agenda item 23-4081.

Roll Call #10:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

23-4081

Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to initiate the process to have an appraisal of the Churchill property located at 905 Maple Avenue.

Council Member Acerra expressed her concern over the value of the building being “in the eye of the beholder,” and that options for different or multiple uses should be considered when looking at the value. Community Development Director Steve Gugliotta did note that an appraiser stated that this appraisal would be difficult due to not having comparables available. An appraiser will be asked to give a range and include depreciation, including factors for repairs and abatements. It was also noted that the appraisal will only be for the building, not the contents or the separate green space.

Roll Call #11:

Ayes: Council Members Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Abstain: Council Member Hix, 1.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

23-4085

Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve an agreement with James Kelly Law Firm to provide legal services as the City Attorney.

Jim Kelly addressed the Council and stated that they will hold office hours in City Hall two days a week and Council is welcome to contact them via phone or email as well.

Council Member Cheesman thanked Interim City Attorney Mangieri for his help and assistance over the last several months.

Roll Call #12:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

23-4086

Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve the 2023 Classification and Salary Schedule for exempt employees.

Council Member Davis stated that she is in favor of this salary increase, which will help with recruitment and retention. Good skills can be hard to come by, and we want what is best for the City. Council Member Cheesman concurred and added that all City positions should be looked at in the same way.

Roll Call #13:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

23-4087

Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve a change order in the amount of $33,400 to an engineering agreement with Klingner and Associates for a risk analysis and mapping study for the water transmission main from Oquawka to Galesburg. Roll Call #14:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

23-4088

Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve an updated City of Galesburg Public Transportation Advertising Policy and Fee Schedule. Roll Call #15:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

23-4089

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve a one-year service contract with the Knox County Veterans Assistance for curb-to-curb paratransit transportation services.

Roll Call #16:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

23-6006

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve the appointment of Sharon Custer to the Community Center Task Force.

Roll Call #17:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: Council Member White, 1.

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member White, to sit as the Town Board. The motion carried.

TOWN BUSINESS

23-9017

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

Fund Title Amount

Town Fund $8,847.69

General Assistance Fund $17,856.37

IMRF Fund $4,915.12

Social Security/Medicare Fund

Liability Fund

Audit Fund

Total $31,619.18

Roll Call #18:

Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

Trustee White moved, seconded by Trustee Dennis, to resume as the City Council. The motion carried.

CLOSING COMMENTS

Council Member White thanked Gayla Pacheco for her great work with the Cooke School property. He’s looking forward to being at the park and seeing kids there again. He also thanked the Council Members for approving the appraisal for 905 Maple Avenue and added that the citizens thank them too and that they all need to work together.

Council Member Acerra thanked Paul Mangieri for his service to the City of Galesburg. She also noted that she wasn’t prepared to present information on another local company but hopes to highlight one of our local growing businesses at the next meeting.

Council Member Davis reminded everyone to be mindful and on guard of children now that school has started.

Council Member Cheesman stated that it was wonderful to see the individuals here for the National Black Business Owner proclamation, as well as those at the Hispanic dance over the weekend, doing what it takes to make Galesburg great. He also addressed vocational education and opportunities in our community and the skills and abilities that it teaches. He has become more aware of how these skills help our economy and better Galesburg and hopes it can be promoted more to our kids.

Council Member Hix thanked Interim City Attorney Mangieri for his services and advice over the last several months. He also congratulated Bryan Luedtke, Bunker Links Golf Professional for qualifying for the Senior PGA.

Council Member Dennis also thanked Interim City Attorney Paul Mangieri for his fine work and assistance.

Council Member Miller also thanked Judge Mangieri for accommodating him on occasion and for his professionalism. He noted too that this week he will be meeting with members of the Fire Department and putting on fire gear and running through the training site. He has appreciated learning about each City department first hand.

Mayor Schwartzman thanked Interim City Attorney Mangieri and Leslie Day for their service to the City and for extending their contract. He also reported that Bunker Links had a record number of rounds played in July (5,212), and thanked Bryan Luedtke and other Parks & Recreation staff for their hard work to make this happen.

The Mayor also noted that school is back in session and that the tennis courts look great with the recent resurfacing, as well as the pickle ball courts. He also announced that he will be having upcoming videos on his new website, One Human Now, which has received a lot of views on his recent video on a community center.

Council Member Cheesman moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to adjourn into executive session at 7:05 p.m. for the purposes of discussing approval of the executive session meeting for July 12, 2023, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21); Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) and Personnel, 5 ILCS/2(c)(1).

Roll Call #19:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

During the Executive Session, Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to adjourn the Executive Session at 8:33 p.m.

Roll Call #20:

August 21, 2023 Page 8 of 9

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

There being no further business, Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:33 p.m.

Roll Call #21:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

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