Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met July 1

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 Reed; Mayor Myers, Treasurer Barnum, Attorney McCoy, Chief Poyner, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: Alderman Taylor. Also present: Mr. Dan Hiett, Mrs. Jill Davis, Ms. Penny Flesner.

Public Comments: None.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the June 17, 2024 City Council Meeting. Alderman Hillier 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: No report.

INFORMATION ITEMS

OLD BUSINESS

1. Possible Parking Restrictions on Narrow Streets: Attorney McCoy presented a draft ordinance addressing parking restrictions for trailers and related vehicles, and providing potential for faster tow times for abandoned vehicles. This item will be discussed at the July 15, 2024 Council meeting.

2. Wheel Tax Sticker Compliance: Attorney McCoy presented options to obtain resident compliance for purchasing annual wheel tax stickers, including issuing a mailing outlining fines for non-compliance. Mayor Myers stated that possibly a fuel tax could be added to replace the wheel tax sticker program, even though Knoxville is not home rule. A tax would need to be voted on by citizens. Attorney McCoy will investigate.

3. Demolition of 209 N Hebard St: Attorney McCoy reported that the bank who now owns 209 N Hebard St was supposed to demolish it, but that a realtor had contacted him and stated she was told to attempt to sell the house. Attorney McCoy suggested that the Council authorize someone to tear down the house, and present that back to the bank, giving them a deadline for demolition. This matter will be discussed at the July 15, 2024 Council meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Employee Health Insurance 2024-2025: Mr. Dan Hiett of Hiett Insurance stated that the Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance premium renewal for 2024-2025 has a 15% increase. He also provided a comparable plan with a higher rate from United Healthcare. Mr. Hiett was asked to investigate other types of plans for review, and to work with Clerk Wilt to obtain individual health information from current covered employees.

2. Zoning Board of Appeals – Building Variance 509 W Main St: Mr. Tyson Walters had asked for a variance to add a 300 sq ft addition to an accessory building larger than 1,000 sq ft at 509 W Main St. At their June 25, 2024 meeting, the Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed and recommended this variance. Alderman Eiker moved to approve the variance to add a 300 sq ft addition to an accessory building at 509 W Main St. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

3. TIF Final Approval – Drew Schmitt & Christopher Morrow – Lincoln Apartments 301 E Main St: The Economic Development Group has approved the finalized grant application for 301 Lincoln Apartments LLC. Alderman Gruner moved to approve the distribution of a TIF grant for $40,000.00 to Drew Schmitt & Christopher Morrow for 301 Lincoln Apartments LLC at 301 E Main St. Alderman Reed seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

4. City Uniform Policy: Mayor Myers stated that a uniform policy was needed regarding any additional wording or logos other than the City of Knoxville designation on clothing provided to employees. The mayor will work with Clerk Wilt to draft a policy.

Mayor’s Report:

• When the north and south sides of the public square are blacktopped, ramps and guardrails are required on the sidewalk.

• As Petersen Healthcare has filed for bankruptcy, they are considered in default with their TIF agreement, so the agreement is terminated. This equates to a savings of approximately $134,000.00.

• TIF funds can be used for sidewalks and concrete for all of the Main Street business district. This project will be discussed at the July 15, 2024 Council meeting.

• Ameren Illinois will not fund decorative streetlights.

• A Public Hearing on the 2024-2025 Appropriations Ordinance will be on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM. The Regular Council Meeting will immediately follow the Public Hearing.

Committee Reports:

• Administration: No report.

• Cemetery: Alderman Hillier noted that Librarian Michelle Walker was recognized at the June Library Board meeting for her work done during the temporary closure of the Galesburg Public Library during their moving process. The Knoxville Public Library became a destination for distribution of materials ordered through the Galesburg Public Library.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: No report.

• Police: No report.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: No report.

• Water/Sewer: No report.

Adjourn: At 7:45 PM, Alderman Gruner moved to Adjourn the Meeting; Alderman Hillier 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_2024-07-01.pdf