Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met Jan. 6

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, Reed and Taylor; Mayor Myers, Treasurer Barnum, Attorney McCoy, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: None. Also present: Ms. Penny Flesner, Mrs. Jill Davis.

Public Comments: None.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the December 16, 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 remarked that January 6 is the five year work anniversary for employee Trevor Myers. She also stated that a citizen complemented the City on the annual holiday light display.

INFORMATION ITEMS

OLD BUSINESS

1. Resolution 2025-01 Amending Permit Fee Amounts for the Opening of, or Excavation of, Public Streets, Sidewalks, Terraces or Right of Ways: Attorney McCoy presented an updated draft resolution addressing the permit fee structure for larger right-of-way excavation projects. Alderman Hillier moved to approve Resolution 2025-01 Amending Permit Fee Amounts for the Opening of, or Excavation of, Public Streets, Sidewalks, Terraces or Right of Ways. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

2. Flock Safety Cameras: Mayor Myers reported there are still unanswered questions from Knox County concerning ongoing fees for these cameras. This item will be revisited at the February 3, 2025 Council meeting. 

3. Ordinance 2025-01 Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement by and between the City of Knoxville and the Knoxville Fire Protection District: The Economic Development Group drafted an ordinance for the donation, voted on at the December 16, 2024 Council meeting, for distribution of $10,000.00 of TIF funds to the Knoxville Fire Protection District towards fire station capital improvements and/or the purchase of a new fire truck. Alderman Rainey moved to approve Ordinance 2025-01 Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement by and between the City of Knoxville and the Knoxville Fire Protection District. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Ordinance 2025-02 Approving and Adopting an Extension to the Redevelopment Plan, Projects, Redevelopment Project Area and Tax Increment Financing for the Knoxville Tax Increment Financing Project: On November 21, 2024, the Illinois General Assembly approved SB2703, extending the life of the TIF District for an additional twelve (12) years beyond the original date of termination for a total of thirtyfive (35) years, for a new termination date of December 31, 2039. Alderman Hillier moved to approve Ordinance 2025-02 Approving and Adopting an Extension to the Redevelopment Plan, Projects, Redevelopment Project Area and Tax Increment Financing for the Knoxville Tax Increment Financing Project. Alderman Taylor seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

Mayor’s Report:

• The Illinois General Assembly is in its Lame Duck Session from January 4-7, 2025.

• Hidden Hills Winery plans to hold a 5K Run in July 2025. This item will be placed on a future agenda.

• The Knoxville Community School District #202 is reviewing plans to remodel Mable Woolsey Elementary School.

• The transfer of the salt box from the old plow truck to the new one has been completed and the truck has been returned to Knoxville and is ready for use.

• The new backhoe has been ordered for the Street Department and will be appropriated for in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

• The 1989 4x4 tractor in the Street Department should be replaced.

• There is a consideration to buy an easement from the property owner next to the current salt shed to allow access to it for repairs and modifications, which would be less costly than building a new shed.

• The next regularly scheduled Council Meeting will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 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: No report.

• Water/Sewer: Alderman Gruner noted that the water and sewer departments were working on updating their five-year plans.

Adjourn: At 7:21 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_2025-01-06.pdf