Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met May 20

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, Rainey, and Reed; Mayor Myers, Treasurer Barnum, Chief Poyner, Attorney McCoy, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: Aldermen Hope, Moore, and Taylor. Also present: Mrs. Dawn Hutchinson, Mrs. Jill Davis, Ms. Penny Flesner. 

Public Comments: None. 

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the May 6, 2024 City Council Meeting. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed by voice vote with no dissent. 

GENERAL REPORTS 

Attorney Report: Attorney McCoy noted the following: 

• Two of the homeowners on Route 150 west of the city limits have requested to annex in to the City. An Ordinance will be drafted. 

• 209 N Hebard St - the yard is not mowed, and the bank that now owns the property is ignoring any contact. 

• 206 S Line St - the City and neighbors have been mowing the yard as needed.

• The annual appropriations ordinance must be filed by July 31, 2024. A public hearing is required. Mayor Myers set an appropriations work session at 6:00 PM on June 17, 2024, before the regular Council meeting. 

Engineer Report: No report. 

Treasurer's Report: No report. 

City Clerk's Report: No report. 

Payment of City Bills: Alderman Gruner moved to approve payment of the City Bills. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed with five (5) Yes votes and three (3) Absent. 

INFORMATION ITEMS 

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

OLD BUSINESS 

None. 

NEW BUSINESS 

1. Park Water Fountain: The drinking fountain at James Knox Park has a leak and is not considered repairable. A new fountain would cost about $6,000.00, including a new, potable water source. Alderman Eiker moved to remove the drinking fountain at James Knox Park and not replace it. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with five (5) Yes votes and three (3) Absent. 

2. Yard Waste Bag & Sticker Pricing: Clerk Wilt stated that the cost of yard waste bags had been increasing steadily, and that the most recent bags purchased cost $1.04 each. The cost to residents has not changed in at least 12 years. Alderman Hillier moved to increase the price of city yard waste bags from $1.25 to $1.50, effective immediately. Alderman Reed seconded the motion, which passed with five (5) Yes votes and three (3) Absent. The yard waste sticker price will remain at $1.75. 

3. Resolution 2024-35 - Temporary Road Closure for Homecoming Parade September 20, 2024: Alderman Hillier moved to approve Resolution 2024-35 Temporary Road Closure for Homecoming Parade September 20, 2024. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed with no dissent.

Mayor's Report: 

• The Farmer's Market starts May 22, 2024 at the west end of Central Park. 

• There were more applicants for open police positions after the base pay rate was increased on May 1, 2024. 

• The James Knox Park bathrooms have been vandalized. The possible purchase of new, no-touch fixtures will be discussed at a future Council meeting. 

• The process has begun to select streets to tar and chip for this year's street maintenance program. 

• A letter from Knoxville High School Project Graduation was circulated, thanking the Council for sponsorship. 

• The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

Committee Reports 

• Administration: No report. 

• Cemetery: No report. 

• Economic Development: No report. 

• Parks: Alderman Reed reported that he is working with a school group on setting up a fundraising pickleball tournament to be held at James Knox Park. 

• Police: Chief Poyner has issued 29 abatements so far in 2024, mostly for unkept yards. Sanitation: No report, 

• Streets: No report. 

• Water/Sewer: Alderman Gruner reported that the blower at the wastewater treatment plant may need repair soon.

Adjourn: At 7:17 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/2024/06/Minutes-5-20.pdf