Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met Oct. 2.

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, Hope, Moore, Rainey, Reed, and Taylor; Mayor Myers, Treasurer Barnum, Chief Poyner, Superintendent of Public Works Rossell, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: Attorney McCoy, Engineer Cooper. Also present: Mr. Brett Wright, Mrs. Mandy Balser, Mrs. Jessica Collins, Ms. Penny Flesner.

Public Comments: Mr. Brett Wright and Mrs. Mandy Balser, members of the Advisory Board of the Knoxville Community Foundation, addressed the Council about pending projects to draw attention to Knoxville. The Foundation would purchase, install, and maintain a large “K” to serve as a focal point and photo opportunity for both residents and visitors. The Foundation proposed placing the “K” in the green space at the intersection of Main St, Henderson Rd, Route 150, and Division St. This matter will be placed on the October 16, 2023 Council agenda.

Mrs. Jessica Collins, 709 E Main St, asked permission to hold a lighted parade in downtown Knoxville in October 2024, and volunteered to head up the project. This matter will be placed on the October 16, 2023 Council agenda.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the September 18, 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 the 2022-2023 Treasurer’s report had been filed on time with the County Treasurer’s office, and had been published in the Knoxville Bulletin as required.

INFORMATION ITEMS 

None.

OLD BUSINESS 

None.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Review Water Billing Cycle: Mayor Myers stated that Water Superintendent Johnson and Account Specialist Tuthill have suggested changing the water billing procedures from reading and billing two cycles per month to one cycle, starting with the fiscal year 2023-2024. This matter will be placed on the October 16, 2023 Council agenda.

2. Change Work Hours for Street, Sanitation, Parks, Cemetery and Water Departments: Employees working in the field have requested to change their work hours from 7:30AM-4:15PM to 7:00AM-3:30PM, and change the length of lunchtime from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. Alderman Eiker moved to change work hours to 7:00AM to 3:30PM Monday through Friday, with a 30 minute lunch, for the Street, Sanitation, Parks, Cemetery and Water Departments. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

3. Resolution 2023-38 Hire Part Time Police Officer Jack Sperry: Alderman Gruner moved to approve Resolution 2023-38 to hire Part Time Police Officer Jack Sperry at $21.50 per hour. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes. Officer Sperry is already certified in police training.

Mayor’s Report: 

• The results of the testing at 109 W Main St came back negative for asbestos, so demolition can now move forward.

• Rockriver Energy has recommended that Knoxville participate in the Community Solar Project. More information is needed.

• The next regularly scheduled Council Meeting will be on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 7:00 pm.

Committee Reports: 

• Administration: No report.

• Cemetery: Alderman Hillier reported that a new mower will be purchased in the Spring of 2024, to replace one that can no longer be repaired.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: No report.

• Police: No report.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: No report.

• Water/Sewer: Alderman Gruner reported that the Wastewater Treatment Plant new roof will be installed this fall. Also, the step screen at the plant is leaking fluid, and repairs will cost $2,000.00.

Adjourn: At 7:43 PM, Alderman Hillier moved to Adjourn the Meeting; Alderman Eiker 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_2023-10-02.pdf