Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met Oct. 16.

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, and Taylor; Mayor Myers, Treasurer Barnum, Attorney McCoy, Chief Poyner, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: Alderman Reed. Also present: Mr. Ben Burgland, Mrs. Jessica Collins, Mrs. Debbie Worden, Ms. Penny Flesner.

Public Comments: None.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the October 2, 2023 City Council Meeting. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

GENERAL REPORTS

Attorney Report: Attorney McCoy stated that the demolition process for 109 W Main St was progressing, and that the demolition order for 209 N Hebard St becomes final on October 25, 2023. Also, he said that he is seeking to have the resident at 206 N Line St declared in contempt of court for not maintaining that property as directed. Finally, he noted that the annual tax levy needs to be passed by the Council and filed before the last Tuesday in December 2023. Engineer Report: No report.

Treasurer’s Report: No report.

City Clerk’s Report: No report.

Payment of City Bills: Alderman Hillier moved to approve payment of the City Bills. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Mayor Myers noted that the monthly departmental operating reports were available in the online Council packet.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Review Water Billing Cycle: Clerk Wilt stated that Account Specialist Tuthill had sent a letter to those who usually pay their water bill by phone, letting them know that after January 1, 2024, that would no longer be an option, and gave them alternative methods of payment.

NEW BUSINESS

1. 2022-2023 Audit: Mr. Ben Burgland with Blucker, Kneer & Associates stated the 2022- 2023 audit was completed with no issues found, and that he had submitted the completed the financial report to the state in compliance. He noted that the City had a good financial year.

2. Knoxville Community Fund Project: No one from the Community Fund was present to discuss this project. The item will be discussed at a future Council meeting.

3. 2024 Lighted Parade: Mrs. Jessica Collins requested permission to hold a lighted Halloween-themed parade on October 19, 2024 at 6:00 PM. She is securing sponsors, and is investigating liability insurance. By general consent, Mrs. Collins will be allowed to move forward with this parade. She will present a route map and further information in January 2024.

4. Property Line Approval 315 and 317 E North St: Scott Barnum, 315 E North St, has purchased 317 E North St and demolished the house. Mr. Barnum would like to square off the property with a fence on the north side. The City owns the land directly north, and a survey was presented. Alderman Eiker moved to approve transferring the 30’x30’ section to Mr. Barnum at no cost. Alderman Taylor seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

5. Power Wash North Water Tower: Alderman Gruner moved to contract with National Wash Authority to wash the north water tower for $7,500.00. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent. The work will be scheduled for the first quarter of 2024.

6. Ordinance 2023-07 Sale of Personal Property: Alderman Hillier moved to approve Ordinance 2023-07 Sale of Personal Property to dispose of a 2006 John Deere X540 lawnmower. Alderman Taylor seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent. The mower is unable to be repaired.

Mayor’s Report:

• The Knox County Scenic Drive finished up on October 15, 2023. Thanks to Dawn Hutchison for directing the Knoxville Stop.

• The equipment from the former skateboard park at James Knox Park needs to be sold for scrap. The item will be placed on the November 6, 2023 Council agenda.

• There is currently a credit with Ameren IL for the electric service at the wastewater treatment plant. The solar company has found a contractor to execute grounds maintenance in the solar field.

• We are still waiting on the vendor to install the poles for the playground equipment at James Knox Park.

• A trailer is needed for the Council to ride on for the Christmas Parade on December 2, 2023. Mrs. Deb Worden offered a trailer that Big Catz BBQ owns.

• The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 7:00 pm.

Committee Reports

• Administration: No report.

• Cemetery: No report.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: No report.

• Police: No report.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: Alderman Eiker stated that the bucket for the backhoe has been received. Mayor Myers stated that the backhoe had been broken again but was now repaired.

• Water/Sewer: No report.

Adjourn: At 7:35 PM, Alderman Gruner 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_2023-10-16.pdf