Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met Dec. 2

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

Public Comments: None.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the November 18, 2024 City Council Meeting. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

GENERAL REPORTS

Attorney Report: Attorney McCoy reported that annex ordinances are in process for two US

Highway 150 East properties.

Engineer Report: No report.

Treasurer’s Report: No report.

City Clerk’s Report: No report.

INFORMATION ITEMS

OLD BUSINESS

1. Storage Rates: Attorney McCoy presented a draft storage rate contract revision. Alderman Gruner moved to approve changing the storage rate contract to charge $75.00 per month for items 25 ft in in length or under, and $100.00 for items over 25 ft in length, and to include a clause noting that the tenant shall not perform any maintenance to their item while in storage. Alderman Taylor seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent. Attorney McCoy was directed to draft a general waiver to use for tenants who need to make unavoidable repairs to items in storage.

2. Terrace Opening Fee: After review of Municipal Code Chapter 24 Streets & Sidewalks, Attorney McCoy noted that the chapter does not specifically use the word “terrace,” but does use the term “right of way” in that chapter. Attorney McCoy was directed to draft an ordinance to clarify this point, and include a $50.00 per parcel opening fee, with a discount for work on multiple parcels. This will be discussed again at the December 16, 2024 Council meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Ordinance 2024-10 2024-2025 Tax Levy: At the Administrative Committee meeting preceding this meeting, the committee recommended making no changes to the tax levy, keeping the same assessments from 2023-2024. Alderman Rainey moved to approve Ordinance 2024-10 2024-2025 Tax Levy, totaling $392,455.00. Alderman Taylor seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

2. Employee Holiday Bonuses: Employee holiday bonuses were discussed in closed session at the December 2, 2024 Administrative Committee meeting. Alderman Gruner moved to approve employee holiday bonuses totaling $11,975.00. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

3. 2025 Galesburg Visitors Guide: Mayor Myers recommended placing an advertisement in this publication. The Galesburg Tourism and Visitor’s Bureau would assist in designing the ad. Alderman Hope moved to place a full page advertisement in the 2025 Galesburg Visitors Guide for $800.00. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

4. Police Body Cameras and Laptop Computers: Chief Poyner reported that the four current vehicle laptop computers are at end of life, and he requested three new Dell 13.3” notebook computers plus adapters and software to replace them. He also requested to purchase five new body cameras plus accessories and training and a 5-month warranty.

The current body cameras need replacing due to the company going out of business and the software is incompatible with any other brands. Alderman Moore moved to purchase three (3) notebook computers plus accessories from Office Specialists for $4,101.00 and five (5) body cameras plus accessories from Midwest Public Safety for $11,525.00. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

5. Ordinance 2024-11 Authorizing the Sale of Certain Personal Property – Police Laptop Computers: Chief Poyner requested disposal of 4 Dell 13” laptop computers that have reached end of life and are no longer compatible with current needs. Alderman Gruner moved to adopt Ordinance 2024-11 Authorizing the Sale of Certain Personal Property – Police Laptop Computers, for not less than $20.00 each. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

6. Newman School Roof Repair: The Newman School roof trusses were damaged during a winter storm in early 2024. Alderman Hillier moved to contract with Brad’s Home Improvement to repair the Newman School roof for $4,750.00, with an additional charge of $450.00 to shore the roof up for the winter. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) Absent.

Mayor’s Report:

• The twelve-year extension of the Knoxville TIF District was approved by the state legislature.

• Mayor Myers has invited State Representative Swanson, State Senator Haplin, and Congressional Representative Sorenson to visit Knoxville.

• It is a priority to address the buckling of the walls at the salt shed.

• Kirgan’s Property Solutions has shown interest in clearing out the water line area on the northwest edge of the City. This item will be addressed at the December 16, 2024 Council meeting.

• The Knoxville Fire Protection District is asking for TIF funding for replacement of a pumper tanker fire truck. This item will be placed on the December 16, 2024 Council meeting agenda.

• Birkey’s has quoted $152,000.00 for a new backhoe that would better meet the City’s needs, and has offered the City $90,000.00 to trade in the current one.

• The Christmas parade will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 4:00 PM. Luminary set-up will begin at 12:00 PM that day.

• The next regularly scheduled Council Meeting will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

Committee Reports:

• Administration: No report.

• Cemetery: No report.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: No report.

• Police: No report.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: Alderman Eiker reported that the transfer of the old box to the new salt truck is in process.

• Water/Sewer: No report

Adjourn: At 7:49 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_2024-12-02.pdf