Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met Oct. 7

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, Evan Miller, Dwight White, Heather Acerra, Sarah Davis, and Steve Cheesman, 7. Absent: Council Member Wayne Dennis, 1. Also Present: City Manager Eric Hanson, City Attorney Dan Alcorn, and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz.

Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Semenya McCord provided an invocation.

Proclamation: Physical Therapy Month

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from September 16, 2024.

Roll Call #2:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Miller, White, Acerra, Davis, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Member Dennis, 1.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Rob Benedict addressed the Council to give an update on the Churchill building. He reported that they have finished the painting and the floors in order for Hope Head Start to move in on January 1st. He will also be applying for permits to begin phase one of updating the heating and cooling. He also thanked the City for the upkeep of the surrounding grounds of the building and invited any Council Members to stop by and take a look at the improvements.

Carl Dortch addressed the Council and stated that he is there representing the youth in our community. He is concerned with all the establishments, billboards, and advertisements in our town related to smoking and drinking. He noted that on Henderson Street, near the high school, there are seven shops that sell these things or have billboards that advertise them. He added that kids are vaping and growing up thinking that this sort of behavior is acceptable. He believes this has to change, and if it doesn’t, instead of being the historic town of Galesburg, we will end up being a casino town where people become drunks. He hopes one day this changes, because as of right now, he would not want his children to grow up here where people consider drinking and smoking the only fun.

CONSENT AGENDA #2024-17

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

24-2023

Approve Resolution 24-22 ceding the City’s 2024 private activity bonding authority to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority (QCREADA).

24-2024

Approve Resolution 24-21 in support of the application and matching funds in the amount of $10,000 toward a competitive Healthy Houses Grant application.

24-3043

Approve the bid submitted by USA Recycling—Excavating, LLC, in the amount of $320,498.64 for the demolition and cleanup of two commercial properties.

24-3044

Approve the bid submitted by Givsco Construction Company in the amount of $216,000 for the purchase and installation of a prefabricated restroom at ON Custer Park.

24-5010

Receive the Fire Pension Municipal Compliance Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

24-5011

Receive the Police Pension Municipal Compliance Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

24-6004

Approve the appointment of Troy Plummer Treash to the Landmark Commission, term expiring June 2027.

24-8016

Approve bills in the amount of $1,089,560.61 and advance checks in the amount of $1,259,504.88.

Council Member White asked about the process regarding the demolition of the two commercial properties. Community Development Director Steve Gugliotta explained that once the properties are torn down and final payment to the contractor is made, the City will file liens on the properties. After the liens, the City could have the option of potentially foreclosing, or if they are behind in their taxes, and the trustee takes ownership, the City would have the option of purchasing the property for a minimal cost.

Council Member Dennis entered the meeting at 6:11 p.m.

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve Consent Agenda 2024-17.

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

24-1019

Special Ordinance on first reading vacating Abingdon Street south of West Third Street and a portion of West Fourth Street lying east of Abingdon Street.

Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member White, to suspend the rules and move agenda item 24-1019 to final reading.

Roll Call #4:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: Council Member Davis, 1.

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve Special Ordinance 24-626 on final reading vacating Abingdon Street south of West Third Street and a portion of West Fourth Street lying east of Abingdon Street.

Roll Call #5:

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

24-3045

Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve the bid submitted by Breslin’s Floor Covering in the amount of $47,957.81 to install luxury vinyl tile in City Hall.

Roll Call #6:

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 Cheesman, to approve the bid submitted by Miller Trucking & Excavating in the amount of $194,480 for the installation of drainage systems 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.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

City Manager Hanson reported the following:

● Council Members received a draft budget tonight and should feel free to reach out to him with any questions.

● He commended the Police Department and specifically Lieutenant Anderson for his application and receipt of a $100,000 grant towards updating car and body camera equipment. Lt. Anderson is also working on a grant for the remaining $80,000 to complete the project, all of which would otherwise come from the City's general fund.

● The City Manager recognized the Fire Department on another outstanding MDA fundraiser, as they eclipsed the $30,000 mark this year and currently stand second in the state, only behind Chicago.

● He noted that the City was recently designated as a regional airport, which is important as it moves us up the list to receive state and federal funds for airport improvements. It also increases the City’s annual allocation by approximately $150,000 each year. He thanked all those who were involved with securing that status.

● Lastly, the City Manager wished a happy birthday to Council Member Acerra.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS, ETC.)

24-4063

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve a development agreement with Thrushwood Farms Quality Meats, Inc. for the expansion of their food production operations.

The Council collectively thanked the City Manager for his work on bringing this agreement before them and for the great economic development win for the community. They also thanked Steve Gugliotta and Ken Springer, and appreciate them being part of a great team with the City Manager. It was noted that this project is a huge encouragement to the citizens of our community and will have a positive impact.

Roll Call #8:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

24-4064

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve a minor plat of the Car Wash Addition.

Roll Call #9:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

24-4065

Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve a minor plat of the Benedict Subdivision.

Council Member Davis stated that she would be abstaining from this vote because she serves on the First Lutheran Executive Committee, who owns the property in question to be subdivided.

Council Member Cheesman also noted that he would be abstaining from the vote as a member of First Lutheran Church. Both are in support of the subdivision.

Roll Call #10:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, Miller, White, Acerra, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Abstain: Council Members Davis and Cheesman, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

24-4066

Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve waiving normal purchasing policies and approving sole source repairs to hybrid bus 1701 in the amount of $61,726.29 from Interstate Power Systems.

Roll Call #11:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

24-4067

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with the Sangamon Mass Transit District for providing transit vehicle repairs outside the capabilities of the transit shop.

Roll Call #12:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

24-4068

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Davis, to approve a new five-year lease and maintenance agreement for multi-function copiers with Office Specialists, Inc. in the amount of $2,461.50 per month.

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 Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to sit as the Town Board.

The motion carried.

TOWN BUSINESS

24-9020

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 $7,639.53

General Assistance Fund $4,094.29

IMRF Fund $4,456.80

Social Security/Medicare Fund

Liability Fund

Audit Fund

Total $16,190.62

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 Acerra, to resume as the City Council. The motion carried.

CLOSING COMMENTS

Council Member White stated that he had the opportunity to attend the Illinois Municipal League conference and feels that it's a great place to learn, meet people from all over the state, and it's an eye-opening and great learning experience. He enjoys getting to see what other people are doing in their cities and bringing home some of their ideas. He thanked the City for allowing him to attend. He feels that Galesburg is moving forward and thanked the City Manager for all the work he's doing and believes the Council is much more cohesive.

Council Member White also noted that he went to a band competition in Morton and started talking to a gentleman about why he should come to Galesburg. He told him to search on the internet and look for Judy's Café and go there for breakfast, the Landmark for lunch, and Craft for dinner. These things would keep him here all day, where he can spend some money and enjoy our city. He feels that Galesburg is a great place to live and that we're going to continue to grow and move forward. He thanked Mr. Dortch for coming in and spending his time and giving his opinion as well.

Council Member Acerra reiterated that the City has had some really exciting news today and great projects for our economic development. She wanted to give a shout-out to a little town 35 minutes from here, a place she went for an early birthday celebration, in Roseville, Illinois. She stated that they have remodeled the Roseville bowling alley and have great food, was very charming, and they had an excellent time. It's a very small town, under a thousand people, but they have their own little economic development going on, too. She also wanted to mention that she is on the board of the public television station in Peoria, WTVP, and Galesburg is part of the viewing area. She does not have a date yet, but they will be looking to get some feedback from viewers and will likely be hosting some round table discussions with their CEO in the near future.

Council Member Davis stated that she wanted to bring up a topic that most have not heard about before and one that has helped her be more discerning about people’s behavior. The concept is an acronym called DARVO. She summarized that researches from the University of Oregon describe this acronym as Deny Attack Reverse Victim Offender. This refers to a reaction that perpetrators of wrongdoing may display in response to being held accountable for their behavior. The perpetrator or offender may deny the behavior, attack the individual who is confronting them about their behavior, and reverse the roles of victim and offender. The perpetrator then assumes the victim role and turns the true victim or the whistleblower into an alleged offender. DARVO is a symptom of abuse and is a behavior of abusers.

Council Member Cheesman thanked Mr. Dortch for attending the meeting and respects him for speaking up and sharing his ideas. He stated that the City had some anniversaries this week, including Lindstrom’s on Main Street, which has now been there for 100 years, and the Mother Bickerdyke Bridge is now 10 years old. He again stated the positive impact of all the economic development projects that are ongoing, including the Western Smokehouse Partners and Thrushwood Farms, the new emergency room at OSF, the Graham Hospital systems, and the new status with our airport. He added that connected to all this is the GAVC, which this year has added 100 new high school students. These students are the potential workers in these kinds of businesses and we certainly want to promote that.

Council Member Cheesman also announced that he was privileged to be a part of a group that was started by Evan Massey, Rodney Bunch, and Jimmy Carr, in naming the Galesburg High School Field House the Albert and Elbert Kimbrough Fieldhouse. He thanked Jay Redfern of WGIL and Michael Penn for the great coverage in allowing our city to be informed in our local area news, which is a very important part of democracy.

Council Member Hix thanked the City Manager again for his performance since he’s been here, as well as his staff. He also thanked Steve Gugliotta for his help on different projects and his willingness to always help, even on the weekends. He is also thankful for the Airport Authority, which was talked about at a past Strategic Planning Session and came to fruition. Mike Doi, Public Works Director, has taken the helm of that from a staff perspective, and it's great to get the news this week. He added that we are fortunate to have staff across the board that does a good job and puts in the work.

Mayor Schwartzman echoed all the comments made tonight by the Council and is glad to hear everyone invigorated by a lot of the good news. He announced that early voting has begun in Galesburg and citizens can come to City Hall and vote, 8 a.m. — 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

We want to ensure that everyone in our community has a voice. Everyone is focused on the national election, but there are local elections as well that people should pay attention to. He also added that the naming of the field house is a big deal and he appreciated Council Member Cheesman announcing the information. He also added that the numbers on the GAVC are tremendous as well.

The Mayor noted that this weekend he had an opportunity to go to Lake Storey and visit the Walk of the Dead. Thanks to Darla Krejci, this event is very popular. He noted that he had never been a patron, only an actor, and enjoyed walking through and experiencing it. It's a fantastic project, and will be every Friday and Saturday for the rest of the month. He stated that he had the great opportunity to spend time with Council Member Miller in a combine this weekend, which was a great experience. He learned a lot and has a renewed respect for Mr. Miller and all the work that he and his crew do, working 12 hours on Sunday. Farmland, that surrounds our community, is an economic driver and it takes people like Mr. Miller to do that work. It has been mentioned before, but people have to be careful when driving out in the rural areas because there are vehicles that drive slowly, and those are real people with families.

There being no further business, Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:53 p.m.

Roll Call #15:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/City%20Council/2024/10212024%20City%20Council%20Packet_.pdf