Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met Jan. 20

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. 

Mayor Myers introduced Ms. Barb Kirchgessner, candidate running for City Clerk in the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election.  

Roll Call: Present: Aldermen Eiker, Gruner, Hillier, Hope, Moore, Rainey, Reed and Taylor;  Mayor Myers, Treasurer Barnum and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: Attorney McCoy. Also present: Ms. Susan Bates, Mr. Kevin Bowman, Mr. Jacob Sharp, Ms. Barb Kirchgessner, Mrs. Jill Davis. 

Public Comments: Ms. Susan Bates, 302 S Broad St, spoke to the Council about trespassing, property damage, harassment, and retaliation that she has experienced at her property over the past three years. Knoxville Police and Knox County Police have both been at  the scene multiple times. The most recent incident occurred on January 17, 2025. Ms. Bates appreciated the responses and follow-ups made by Chief Poyner and Officer Nichols. She also stated that these actions have been allowed to occur due to the fact that  the alley behind her property has not been vacated by the City, and the alley is being damaged by other residents living adjacent to the alley. The alley in question is in the 300 block between Broad and Timber Streets. Alderman Eiker stated that he had viewed ruts in the area. Mayor Myers directed Alderman Moore to follow up with the Police Department to look further into the matter.  

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the January 6, 2025 City Council Meeting. Alderman Eiker 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 January 14, 2025 was the twenty-one year work anniversary for employee Melanie Tuthill. 

Payment of City Bills: Alderman Eiker moved to approve payment of the City Bills. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed with eight (8) Yes votes. 

INFORMATION ITEMS 

• Mayor Myers noted that the monthly departmental operating reports were available in the online Council packet. 

OLD BUSINESS 

None. 

NEW BUSINESS 

1. Hidden Hills Winery 5K Run: Hidden Hills Winery asked permission to hold a 5K run on city streets, not including Main St, on July 19, 2025. Alderman Eiker moved to allow the Hidden Hills Winery 5K Run on July 19, 2025. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed by voice vote with no dissent.  

2. Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission – Twin Valley Subdivision: Tracy  Sharp submitted an application for subdividing Parcel 10-32-266-013 for the purpose of building a house. At their January 14, 2025 meeting, the Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission recommended the approval of the Twin Valley Subdivision for Parcel 10-32-266-013 on South Division St. Alderman Hillier moved to approve the Twin Valley Subdivision. Alderman Taylor seconded the motion, which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.  

Mayor’s Report: 

• There is currently a water main leak near Love’s Truck Stop on Knox Hwy 9. It is too cold to dig right now.  

• Additional emergency clothing and equipment for frigid and/or wet work is needed. Aldermen should poll department heads for suggestions of items needed. 

• In February, plans will be formulated to work on the pond in James Knox Park, plus any additional park maintenance or improvements for 2025. 

• A five year truck replacement plan is needed.  

• The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be held on Monday, February 3, 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: No report.

Adjourn: At 7:15 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_2025-01-20.pdf