Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met Aug. 19

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, Moore, Rainey, Reed and Taylor; Mayor Myers, Chief Poyner, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: Alderman Hope, Treasurer Barnum, Attorney McCoy. Also present: Mr. Roy Collins, Mrs. Jessica Collins, Ms. Penny Flesner.

Public Comments: None.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the August 5, 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: Clerk Wilt reported that, as of August 21, 2024, Water Superintendent Mike Johnson has achieved ten years of employment with the City.

Payment of City Bills: Alderman Eiker 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. Lighted Halloween Parade & Activities: Roy and Jessica Collins requested permission to allow vendors to set up booths in the Central Park Square, and hold to a tug of war following the parade on October 19, 2024. As the park has minimal lighting in the evening, they will explore alternatives for the vendors.

2. Demolition of 209 N Hebard St: Mayor Myers reported that the demolition of this property is still pending.

NEW BUSINESS

1. July 15, 2024 Storm Tree Removal Invoices: A storm on July 15, 2024 caused extensive tree damage throughout the City, including many terrace and cemetery trees and some park trees. Clerk Wilt presented three invoices from tree removal companies Lee’s Tree Service, Riverbottom Tree Service, and Three K Farms, totaling $20,525.00, which included $17,325.00 for tree removal following the July 15, 2024 storm, and $3,200.00 for pre-storm work. These invoices exceed the amounts appropriated for this type of work. These invoices have been turned over to insurance, but it is unknown if they will be covered. Alderman Gruner moved to pay $20,525.00 from the Street Department Contracted Labor line item. Alderman Taylor seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

2. Resolution 2024-43 Utility Employee Johnathan German Rate Increase: Alderman Taylor moved to approve Resolution 2024-43, increasing the rate for Utility Employee Johnathan German to $20.50. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent. Mr. German has achieved CDL certification.

3. Sidewalk Removal Request 302 S Division St: Mayor Myers reported that the homeowner at 302 S Division St had removed his broken sidewalk after receiving permission from City Hall. City Hall employees were unaware of the proper procedure, which was to get City Council permission for removal. Alderman Rainey moved to allow the removal of the sidewalk at 302 S Division St. Alderman Taylor seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent. The homeowner does not plan to replace the sidewalk.

Mayor’s Report:

• We are still waiting to receive an estimate for concrete and street lights for the Main St business district.

• There are 39 sets of double utility poles and 41 additional poles that Ameren is supposed to remove.

• The easement area on the west side of town where Burlington Northern trimmed and cut down trees is the City’s responsibility after all. The City will need to clean up and maintain the area to allow access to the part of the Galesburg to Knoxville water main that runs through there. The railroad will pay for any fences damaged in the process.

• A different provider for the annual oil and chip project will need to be found as the Knox County Highway Department will not be performing the work in 2025.

• Brightspeed is going ahead with their fiber optic build project.

• The annual TIF Joint Review Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 9:00 am at City Hall.

• The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 7:00 pm.

Committee Reports

• Administration: No report. 

• Cemetery: No report.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: Alderman Reed reported that 14 teams participated in the pickleball tournament at James Knox Park on August 17, 2024.

• Police: No report.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: No report.

• Water/Sewer: Alderman Gruner noted that a resident had a large water bill due to a household leak, and she had requested relief on the bill. Gruner stated that he told the resident that she would be responsible for the full amount of the bill, but that the City would work out a payment plan if requested.

Adjourn: At 7:27 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_2024-08-19.pdf