Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met Dec. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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: City Manager Eric Hanson, City Attorney Jason Jording, and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz. 

Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

Bonnie Ericson gave the invocation. 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from December 4, 2023, meeting. 

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 

James Jacobs addressed the Council and stated that he had been out of town and did not attend a majority of the Community Center Task Force meetings. He appreciated Jay Redfern’s reporting on the meetings which allowed him to follow along. He objects to the way Tony Franklin, chairman, was treated and that he should have been allowed to present his final report. He added that two of the Task Force members felt the same way. Mr. Jacobs also stated that he took offense to the comment that Mr. Franklin was a dictator and that in fact he is impeccably honest, fair, thorough and didn’t deserve that treatment. He also commented that he hoped the Council approves the requests from Smokin’ Willies tonight and appreciated Council Member Davis’ holiday attire. 

Roland Williams, Jr. addressed the Council and stated that he has been involved with the renovations of the Dale Kelly Tot Lot, including the planting of trees and the new fence, and is looking forward to the new playground. As part of the neighborhood, he thanked the City for their interest and work, including the Mayor, Council Members White and Miller, Tom Simkins, and the Rotary Club. 

Andrew Jowers addressed the Council and noted that there were several comments in the minutes from the December 4th meeting that were related to him. When he read these, he reviewed the U.S. Constitutional Amendments, including the freedom of speech, press, and religion. He loves Galesburg and does not consider himself to be divisive but is instead part of a group with three other churches to help with unity in our town. He stated that he had the opportunity to spend time with seven families over the weekend who are in need of a community center and encouraged Council to visit neighborhoods they usually don’t visit so they can see the need as well. 

Michael Spinks, Skate Palace, addressed the Council and thanked the Mayor for his recent fundraising efforts for a new floor at Skate Palace. He also thanked those who have already contributed, although there is a long way to go. He noted that he drives to the suburbs three to four times a week, doesn’t make a profit on selling pizzas at the business, and did not ask anyone to cry at the last meeting. He added that he is not bitter about being left out of the Community Center Task Force Report. He gave City Clerk Bennewitz copies of estimates he has received for a new floor, which is approximately $80,000 to $100,000. He implored the Council to make a motion to give Skate Palace funding for a new floor. 

CONSENT AGENDA #2023-24 

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

23-2066 

Approve the following Resolutions abating property tax on General Obligation Bonds: 

1. Approve Resolution 23-60 to abate property tax on General Obligation Bond, Ordinance 2013-3418, Series 2013A (Abatement-$117,680) 

2. Approve Resolution 23-61 to abate property tax on General Obligation Refunding Bond, Ordinance 2015-3484, Series 2015 (Abatement-$624,213) 

3. Approve Resolution 23-62 to abate property tax on General Obligation Bond, Ordinance 2016-3508, Series 2016 (Abatement- $644,713) 

4. Approve Resolution 23-63 to abate property tax on General Obligation Bond, Ordinance 2017-3540, Series 2017 (Abatement- $710,481) 

5. Approve Resolution 23-64 to abate property tax on General Obligation Bond, Ordinance 2023-3692, Series 2023 (Abatement $712,333). 

23-3044 

Approve Roanoke Concrete Products for the annual supply of fill and patch materials for the 2024 calendar year and the following products with the vendors listed below: 

● HMA Surface Course “D” N50 and High-Performance Patching Mixture – Tickle Asphalt Co 

● Trench Backfill FA-6 (Picked Up) – Galesburg Builders Supply 

● Coarse Aggregate CA-6 (Crushed White Stone), Coarse Aggregate CA-6 (gravel or crushed) (Delivered), Mason Sand (Delivered), Fill Sand (Delivered), Trench Backfill Sand (Delivered) and 3/8 Pea Gravel CA-16 (Delivered) – Gunther Construction 

● 3/8 Pea Gravel CA-16 (Picked Up) – Galena Road Gravel 

23-4124 

Approve Annual City of Galesburg Financial Policy. 

23-4125 

Approve Annual City of Galesburg Investment Policy. 

23-5013 

Receive the 2024 Meeting Calendar. 

23-8023 

Approve bills in the amount of $712,546.95 and advance checks in the amount of $1,457,008.13. 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve Consent Agenda 2023-24. 

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 

23-1035 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve Ordinance 23-3719 on final reading amending Chapter 37 of the Galesburg Municipal Code creating section 37.40 allowing the City to opt out of the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act. 

City Manager Hanson and City Attorney Jording both noted that this is new legislation that will likely resurface in the next year; however, the City already complies with the law. Council Member Acerra noted her strong support of the Ordinance. 

Roll Call #4: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

23-1036 

Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve Ordinance 23-3720 on final reading amending Chapter 94 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding Demolitions. 

Roll Call #5: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

23-1037 

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve Ordinance 23-3721 on final reading amending Traffic Appendix V of Chapter 77 of the Galesburg Municipal Code to restrict parking along a curve at the intersection of Monroe Street and Hackberry Road. Roll Call #6: 

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 

23-3045 

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve a bid from Sinacola, LLC in the amount of $80,000 for the replacement of a bridge at Bunker Links Golf Course. 

Roll Call #7: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

23-3046 

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve the bid from Team REIL, Inc. in the amount of $36,443 for the purchase and installation of playground equipment at Dale Kelley Tot Lot Park. 

Roll Call #8: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

23-3047 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve a bid from MTI Distribution, Inc., in the amount of $185,140.68 for the purchase of two 11 foot rotary mowers to be utilized by the Parks Division. 

Roll Call #9: 

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 7. Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

23-3048 

Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to purchase a rotary mower for the Golf Division. 

Roll Call #10: 

Ayes: None 

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

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion failed. 

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT 

1. December Traffic Advisory Committee Report received. 

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS, ETC.) 

Ken Springer, Executive Director for the Knox County Area Partnership on Economic Development, introduced Tania Gibbs and Wayland Cunningham, owners of Smokin’ Willies. They expressed their appreciation to the City Council and are looking forward to making a future in their own building. 

Council Member White stated that he has known the owners for a long time and is proud of their hard work and encouraged them to keep going. 

23-4126 

Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve a five-year Revolving Loan with Smokin Willies BBQ, LLC in the amount of $62,400. 

Roll Call #11: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

23-4127 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve a Facade Grant with Smokin Willies BBQ, LLC, 161 North Cherry Street, in an amount not to exceed $18,991.39, or 50% of the actual final project costs, whichever is less. 

Roll Call #12: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

23-4128 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve a TIF Redeveloper Agreement with Smokin Willies BBQ, LLC, for the property located at 161 North Cherry Street. The estimated eligible expenses of 15% would be approximately $26,135.87. Roll Call #13: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

Council Member Davis left the meeting at 6:37 p.m. 

Council Member Davis returned to the meeting at 6:40 

23-4129 

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve waiving normal purchasing policies and pre-approve the purchase of sixteen 2025 police pursuit vehicles at an amount not to exceed $832,000. 

Chief Idle noted that they are committed to using hybrid vehicles again. Council Member Cheesman thanked the City Manager for the explanation of the large purchase, which he and the public appreciate. 

Roll Call #14: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

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

TOWN BUSINESS 

23-9026 

Trustee Davis moved, seconded by Trustee Acerra, to approve Ordinance 23-02 on final reading approving the Township Budget and Appropriation for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024, and ending December 31, 2024, showing the following: 

General Town Fund $528,200

Audit Fund $19,000

Liability Fund $10,700

Social Security/Medicare Fund $34,000

Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) $34,000

General Assistance Fund $440,188

Total Appropriations $1,066,088.00

Roll Call #15: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

23-9027 

Trustee Miller moved, seconded by Trustee Davis to approve Ordinance 23-03 on final reading approving the 2023 Property Tax Levy for the Town of the City of Galesburg in the amount of $531,000. 

Roll Call #16: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

23-9028 

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

Town Fund $13,535.26 

General Assistance Fund $5,343.77 

IMRF Fund $3,309.06 

Social Security/Medicare Fund 

Liability Fund 

Audit Fund 

Total $22,188.09 

Roll Call #17: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

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

CLOSING COMMENTS 

Council Member Acerra welcomed new City Manager Eric Hanson and is looking forward to working with him. She wished everyone Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas and hopes that everyone feels grateful this holiday season and are able to spend time with family. 

Council Member Davis thanked those who commented on her holiday sweater, which made her smile. She also wished everyone Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, or whatever holiday you celebrate. She hopes everyone has a lovely winter and holiday season. 

Council Member Cheesman welcomed Eric Hanson to the City and wished everyone peace and goodwill during this holiday season. He also thanked those who have asked about his father and added that he is getting better and thanked the people at OSF St. Mary Medical Center and the Knox County Nursing Home. 

Council Member Hix also added that he is looking forward to working with Mr. Hanson and welcomed him to Galesburg. He also thanked the staff at the golf course and stated that the last open day was the 15th. 

Council Member Dennis congratulated Eric Hanson on his appointment to the City. He also announced that he was able to attend a Rock Steady event and thanked John Peterson for his work on this endeavor. There were eight people present and regularly attend the class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 1 p.m. at the Knox County YMCA. 

Council Member Miller also welcomed City Manager Hanson and is looking forward to the new year. He wished everyone happy holidays. 

Council Member White stated that he is pleased to have Mr. Hanson in Galesburg and is looking forward to moving forward in a new era for the City. He wished everyone peace on earth and happy holidays. For him, Jesus is the reason for the season and he is praying for peace. 

Mayor Schwartzman stated that the City has had a very successful year, largely due to the 200+ employees who have done incredible jobs in trying times. Due to the turnover in City Managers, many staff members have had to step up and take on additional roles. He has a lot of respect for everyone and thanked them for their many hours of hard work. He hopes they all have a wonderful holiday. 

The Mayor announced that a public reception would be held for City Manager Hanson on Wednesday, December 20th at City Hall. 

There being no further business, Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:52 p.m. 

Roll Call #18: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

https://cms7files.revize.com/galesburg/121823%20City%20Council%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf