Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met March 17

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, Rainey and Reed; Mayor Myers, Chief Poyner, Engineer Cooper, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: Aldermen Moore and Taylor, Treasurer Barnum, Attorney McCoy. Also present: Ms. Barb Kirchgessner, Mrs. Jill Davis, Mr. Aaron Steele.

Public Comments: None

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Eiker moved to approve the Minutes of the March 3, 2025 City Council Meeting. Alderman Gruner 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: No report.

Payment of City Bills: Alderman Gruner moved to approve payment of the City Bills.

Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed with six (6) Yes votes and two (2) Absent.

INFORMATION ITEMS

Alderman Gruner suggested that the category “Information Items” be removed from further agendas, as any informational items could be announced in the Mayor or Committee reports. The category will be removed.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Downtown Streetscape Project: Engineer Cooper presented the proposed Downtown Streetscape Project. Phase I includes new paving on the east and west sides of the Public Square, ADA compliant sidewalk ramps, sidewalk improvements on East Main St and South Timber St, sidewalk railings on Main St and new street lighting, with a projected cost of $748,000.00. Phase I would start in 2025, and a projected Phase II, if implemented, could occur after 1-2 years. Alderman Gruner moved to approve Phase I of the Downtown Streetscape Project, appropriating $500,000.00 from the Motor Fuel Tax funds, and the balance from the TIF account. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with six (6) Yes votes and two (2) Absent.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Utility Billing & Financial Management Software: The software provider for the City’s utility billing, payroll and accounting functions has announced that the end of life for the current software will occur in 2026. Upgrading to a new system with the current vendor has an initial cost of $56,000.00, with an annual fee of $23,000.00. Account Specialist Tuthill has been researching other vendors with less costly options, and there will be a demonstration by a possible provider on March 26, 2025 at City Hall.

2. Consideration to Increase Utility Rates: City utility rates for water/sewer/sanitation were last raised in 2021, and need to be reviewed again for necessary increases. Mayor Myers suggested implementing an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase. This matter will be discussed at the April 7, 2025 Council meeting.

3. First Mid Bank & Trust Accounts: As the Knoxville branch of First Mid Bank & Trust will be closing in August, other banking options are being considered. Mayor Myers is meeting with a representative of First Mid Bank & Trust on March 31, 2025 to discuss options and interest rates. This matter will be discussed again at the April 21, 2025 Council meeting.

4. Knoxville Junior High School Recognition Sign Request: Alderman Hillier moved to approve signage recognizing Knoxville Junior High School student James Long’s state championship in the IESA Class A 185 pound weight class. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent.

Mayor’s Report:

• A letter from the Knoxville Community Fire Protection District was circulated, thanking the Council for the $10,000.00 TIF grant to be applied to the purchase of a new pumpertanker fire truck.

• There was a good turnout for the Shamroxville parade and events on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The pond at James Knox Park was dyed green for the event.

• There was no damage to City property during the windstorms on March 14, 2025.

• The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 7:00 pm, with an Administrative Committee meeting to be held at 6:00 pm.

Committee Reports

• Administration: No report.

• Cemetery: No report.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: Alderman Reed reported that the Knoxville High School Key Club will be painting tables and other items at James Knox Park for a service project on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

• Police: No report. 

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: Alderman Eiker reported that portable LED hazard lights had been ordered to increase employee safety during any night work.

• Water/Sewer: No report.

Adjourn: At 7:25 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_2025-03-17.pdf