Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met April 1

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Called to order by Mayor Peter Schwartzman at 6:00 p.m. 

Roll Call #1: Present: Council Members Bradley Hix, Wayne Dennis, Evan Miller, Dwight White, Heather Acerra, Sarah Davis, and Steve Cheesman, 7. Also Present: City Manager Eric Hanson, Attorney Jason Jording, and Deputy City Clerk Ericka Gugliotta. 

Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

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

Proclamation: Library 150th Anniversary 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Hix, to approve the minutes of the  City Council’s regular meeting from March 18, 2024, 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 

David Amor spoke regarding the bid being approved for the widening of the Lake Storey Trail. Mr. Amor expressed his excitement towards the project, considering there is only a difference of a couple of hundred dollars between bids, he asked the council to reconsider and to keep the work and funds in Galesburg. 

Tracy Robertson also spoke regarding the bid for the Lakey Storey project. She implored the council to keep the funds local, our tax dollars would be better kept here than to be given to an  out-of-town company. 

Anthony Robertson encouraged the City Council to hire a local contractor for the Lake Storey Trail  project and to keep as much of the taxpayer’s money local as possible.  

CONSENT AGENDA #2024-06

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

24-3012 

Approve the bid from Davies Imperial Coates Inc. for 2024 traffic paint supplies. 

24-3013 

Approve the three-year agreement with Rock Valley Health to provide annual medical  evaluations for Fire Department staff.  

24-4021 

Approve MFT resolution for purchase of salt, hot mix, asphalt, concrete, CA-6 gravel, and high performance patching mixture for the 2024 calendar year. 

24-4022 

Approve Joint funding agreement with Illinois Department of Transportation for the Safe Routes to School Project. 

24-6000 

Approve the following reappointments and new appointments to Board and Commissions: COMMISSION TERM EXPIRES 

Community Relations Commission 

Courtney Wallace February 2025 

Carrie McKillip February 2026 

Christina King February 2026 

Electrical Licensing Board 

Dale Sugden May 2027 

Nathan Brunnelson May 2027 

Ken Swanson May 2027 

Fire Pension Board 

Kelli R. Bennewitz April 2027 

Bradley Nolden April 2027 

Fire & Police Commission 

Bernie Cowan (New) April 2027 

Diane VanHootegem April 2026 

Tom Peters April 2025

Golf Commission 

Rodney Bunch June 2027 

Robert Reedy (New) June 2025 

Jerry Reynolds June 2026 

Overall Code Review Commission 

Cody Basham June 2025

Dale Sugden June 2026 

Planning & Zoning Commission 

Mark Lee June 2025 J

ason Paulsgrove (New) June 2025 

Police Pension Board 

Kelli Bennewitz May 2027 

David Christensen May 2027 

Tree Commission 

Ann Pennington June 2027 

Bill Sime June 2026 

Daniel Thompson June 2027 

Youth Commission 

Andrew Jowers December 2025 

Courtney Wallace December 2025 

Mia Haneghan December 2025 

Chantiara Jackson December 2025 

Zakary Warfield December 2024

Leontez Glenn (New) December 2024

Addison Painter (New) December 2024

Landon Sweitzer (New) December 2024

Makayla Medley (New) December 2024 

24-8005 

Approve bills in the amount of $1,062,794.08 and advance checks in the amount of $577,777.74. 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve Consent Agenda 2024-06 

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 

24-1002 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve Ordinance 24- 3724 on final reading to amend Chapter 112 regarding transportation network companies. Roll Call #4: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

24-1003 

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve Ordinance 24- 3725 on final reading repealing the additional fee for all grave openings in Linwood Cemetery  and East Linwood Cemetery after 2:00 p.m. on any day. It was noted that there had been no additional fees collected since the ordinance was adopted on January 1, 2024. 

Roll Call #5: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

24-1004 

Ordinance on first reading on first reading authorizing the sale of surplus city owned real estate. Community Development Director Gugliotta stated that anyone wanting information in regards to these lots can contact Community Development. 

24-2006 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve Resolution 24- 07 supporting Career and Technical Education (TCE) in Illinois, and specifically the Galesburg Area Vocations Center (GAVC). The resolution illustrates the City’s strong support for the request for additional funding for Career and Technical Education in Illinois. 

Roll Call #6: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

24-2007

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member White to approve Resolution 24- 08 authorizing the acceptance of the OSLAD 2024 Grant Award Agreement from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fund fifty percent of the cost of developing Cooke Parke. Roll Call #7: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

24-2008 

Council Miller Moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve Resolution 24-09 and  MFT Resolution 24-2008 appropriating the funds for the City’s local share of the construction for the Safe Routes to School (STRS) project for sidewalk improvements near King School and Lombard School.  

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 

24-3014 

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Accera, to approve the bid from Brandt Construction Co. in the amount of $71,433.55 for widening and resurfacing a section of the Lake Storey Park multi-use path.  

Council Member Cheesman moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to amend the bid awarding it to Gunther Construction in the amount of $71,620.07. Council Member Cheesman explained that due to the minimal difference between bids, it would be better to support a local company.  

Roll Call #9: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

24-3015 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Accera, to approve the bid from  Sebis Direct, Inc. for a five-year agreement to provide utility bill printing and mailing services for the city. The anticipated cost over the first four years is approximately $25,000 annually, with a five percent increase in year five of the agreement.  

Roll Call #10:

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

24-3016 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve the bid from J.P. Benbow Plumbing & Heating in the amount of $56,565.00 for the removal and replacement of the two 1.2M BTU outdoor pool heaters at Lakeside Pool.  

Roll Call #11: 

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 6. Nays: Council Member Davis, 1. 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT 

City Manager Hanson recognized city staff for the nearly $750,000 that was received from grant funding and their hard work bringing money back into the community. 

Hanson also wanted to thank the entire Fire Department, especially Deputy Fire Chief Seitz for  their efforts in the recent fire. The structure was challenging within itself and somehow, they  were able to leave the building next to it unharmed.  

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS, ETC.) 

24-4023 

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve a $10,000  minority and/or woman owned Business Startup Assistance Program and a $10,000 Southside Occupancy Assistance grant for Taste of Candy, LLC. 

Candy Webb, owner of Taste of Candy, LLC explained since opening there have been a number of requests for candies to be sold due to the name of the store. The funds from the grants will be used towards expanding their candy to include unique, hard to find candies and snacks as well as  assisting in hiring additional staff.  

Roll Call #12 

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

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

24-4024

Council Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve the Minor Plat of the Senneff Subdivision at 435 East Third Street. 

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 Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote. 

TOWN BUSINESS 

24-9006 

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

Fund Title Amount

Town Fund $4,273.59

General Assistance Fund $4,227.03

IMRF Fund

Social Security/Medicare Fund

Liability Fund

Audit Fund

Total $8,500.62

Roll Call #14: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared the motion carried. 

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

CLOSING COMMENTS 

Council Member Miller reminded citizens that farming season is upon us and to give farmers space on the road for their safety. Miller complimented the recent improvements at H.T Custer Park. He is looking forward to everyone coming out to use the park this summer. 

Council Member White stated the answer to his question from the last council meeting, Honoring Women’s History Month, are current women serving as City Council Members for St. Paul Minnesota.

White also announced that March 29th was Vietnam Veteran War Veteran’s Day. Mr. White was  unaware of the holiday until he read it in the paper that day. This is disheartening and people should be made more aware of the holiday. Mr. White is a proud Vietnam Veteran and there are many people that still suffer from illnesses due to the war. White urged citizens to learn about  the Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017. 

Council Member White left the meeting at 6:53. 

Council Member Accera expressed her support for the Galesburg Area Vocational Center and the opportunities they provide to the community. Accera also thanked Rob Benedict and Bob Senneff for the development of the Senneff Subdivision. Since the closing of Cottage Hospital there has  been a great need for more medical facilities. Accera is excited to see new businesses opening 

downtown, which keeps it vibrant and provides many options for shopping. Accera commended  the Fire Department and the demolition crew for the tremendous work they did on keeping the area safe from the fire on North Broad Street. 

Council Member Davis also commended the Galesburg Fire department for their response to the  recent house fire. Davis also reminded everyone to file their taxes by the April 15th deadline.  

Council Member White entered the meeting at 6:55. 

Council Member Cheesman noted all the positive things going on in the community. Cheesman congratulated the Galesburg Public Library on their 150th Anniversary. Cheesman recognized the  recent loss of Gary Johnson the first Arborist for the City, who was a dedicated employee and was excellent at what he did.  

Cheesman commended the Fire department and Public Safety who helped with the recent fire. Cheesman stated that buildings and homes in poor condition need to be a top priority for the community. These unsafe properties are a poor image of the city, and Firefighters and Public  Safety employees are risking their lives to protect the neighboring properties.  

Council Member Hix expressed his appreciation to former interim City Manager John Schlaf for his role with KCAP and his efforts with economic development. Hix also congratulated Candy Webb on her new business Taste of Candy. Hix also expressed his appreciation for the Fire Department.  

Mayor Schwartzman commended the Fire department as well as the Police department for their recent efforts in finding suspects and making our community safer.  

The Mayor also added that if you notice a pot hole on city streets please report it to him or your alderman.

Lastly, the Mayor announced that it is Earth Month and encouraged everyone to celebrate earth this month. Along those lines he is also teaching a new course called Environmental Matters in Municipalities. This is the first time he has been able to teach a course that is related to his job as a public servant. Typically, he keeps those separated but with this course he can teach a lot of the interworking’s of the city. He will be posting weekly videos of the class for people to view and welcome the council to come to the class.  

Council Member Cheesman moved, seconded by Council Member Accera, to adjourn into Executive Session a 7:05 p.m. for the purpose of discussing approval of the minutes from the February 19, 2024, executive session meeting (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (21) and Collective Negotiating (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). 

Roll Call #15: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None. 

Chairman declared motion carried. 

During the Executive Session, Council Member Schwartzman moved, seconded by Council  Member Hix, to adjourn the Executive Session at 7:29 p.m. 

Roll Call #16: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairman declared motion carried. 

There being no further business, Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member White, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:29 p.m. 

Roll Call #17: 

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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