Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met April 7

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Called to order by Mayor Schwartzman at 6:00 p.m.

Roll Call #1: Present: Mayor Peter Schwartzman, Council Members Bradley Hix, Wayne Dennis, Dwight White, Heather Acerra, and Steve Cheesman, 6. Absent: Council Members Evan Miller and Sarah Carrington, 2. 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.

Reverend James Hailey gave the invocation.

Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from March 17, 2025.

Roll Call #2:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

Council Member Cheesman moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve the minutes from the January 6, 2025, Executive Session meeting.

Roll Call #3:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Reverend Andrew Jowers addressed the Council, stating that at the last meeting, he spoke about good governance. He emphasized that participation is a key principle of good governance and was pleased to hear that election results showed increased participation. He offered his congratulations to those who have served the City, such as Council Member Dennis and others. He also expressed gratitude for the Mayor's service, other Council Members, and City staff for their commendable work in relation to good governance.

Reverend Jowers noted that pastors, preachers, and ministers are sometimes "kicked around" in the community but are also the ones who preside over weddings, funerals, and bless children. He believes they are charged with compromise, listening to all sides, and reflecting the example of good governance in a spiritual sense. He announced that Juneteenth will be on Father's Day weekend and invited the Council to attend. He anticipated that plans for the event would be finalized tomorrow.

Elaine Dean, Dover Lane, addressed the Council on behalf of the families residing in the Castlebury and Dover community. She expressed gratitude to City Manager Hanson, Attorney Alcorn, Steve Gugliotta, Steve Cheeseman, and other Council Members for their attention and action in response to the community's concerns. The families are firmly opposed to the project for various reasons. These include the land's original zoning for residential expansion, and concerns about noise, odor, and the potential for pests and diseases associated with sheep. She also highlighted the lack of information about plans for sheep maintenance, shelter, care, and a solution for the inadequate drainage system.

Ms. Dean stated that using Dover Lane as the entrance and exit point for the project, entering and exiting off of South Lake Storey Road, would be extremely dangerous. When she moved into her home, the previous owner told her that the farm ground would continue to be used for crops such as beans and corn, with possible future plans for residential expansion. She also informed the Council that the southeast side of Dover Lane collects water during minimal rain. This area expands at least 30 feet into the roadway, and stagnant water remains for days, if not weeks, which is a breeding ground for insects such as mosquitoes. She added that heavy construction equipment would further destroy the street. She hoped that the Castlebury and Dover residential area would not be considered for the solar and sheep project and expressed gratitude to local officials for hearing their concerns and taking action on their behalf.

David Selkirk, chairman of the Golf Commission, addressed the Council and announced that Bunker Links opened on March 1st. He thanked Matt Miles, Aaron Young, and their crews for their tremendous work on the patio, including installing heaters and two new 65" televisions that offer a view of the golfer on the #18 fairway. Staff also installed a new ball washer for range balls and laid new bricks on the walkway. He noted that bricks are still available for purchase. He also thanked Bryan Luetdke and his crew, many of whom are new, for their work and for offering shirts, hats, shoes, and other items for sale. He noted that the Golf Course purchased all new tables and will be hosting 51 outings this year.

Jeanette Chernin addressed the Council and thanked Council Member Acerra for her help with ongoing trash issues at a nearby apartment building and for providing updates on dilapidated houses. She stated that last year, while volunteering at the City’s Fishing Derby, she noticed and reported the need for handicapped parking. The event this year is on Sunday, May 18th, and will host approximately 500 children between the ages of three and 15, as well as their families. At last year’s event, those with disabilities had to park at Lincoln Park, near the restrooms, which made it nearly impossible for them to get to the Fishing Derby pond due to the grassy hill. She hopes arrangements have been made for accessible parking this year and emphasized that the City should accommodate anyone who wants to fish, making the event as inclusive as possible.

CONSENT AGENDA #2025-07

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

25-2009

Approve Resolution 25-09 authorizing the temporary closure of Main Street for the River 2 River Cruise Night on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

25-2010

Approve Resolution 25-10 authorizing the temporary closure of Main Street for Railroad Days, June 24-30, 2025.

25-2011

Approve Resolution 25-11 reserving the City’s 2025 private activity bonding authority.

25-2012

Approve an MFT Resolution in the amount of $800,000 for the 2025 intermittent resurfacing work.

25-2013

Approve a Supplemental MFT Resolution for street maintenance for 2025, removing the previously approved $800,000 for the City’s intermittent resurfacing work.

25-3007

Approve the bid submitted by Davies Imperial Coatings, Inc., in the amount of $33,605 for the purchase of traffic paint for 2025.

25-3008

Approve the bid submitted by Illinois Civil Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $33,437.33 for the driveway pavement replacement at the Brooks Street Fire Station.

25-3009

Approve the bid submitted by Miller & Son Construction, Inc., in the amount of $76,007 for miscellaneous sidewalk replacement at various locations within the City.

25-8006

Approve bills in the amount of $530,870.25 and advance checks in the amount of

$1,088,537.77.

Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve Consent Agenda 2025-07.

Roll Call #4:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried by omnibus vote.

PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

25-1002

Ordinance on first reading amending Section 113.043 (A) of Chapter 113 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding the limitation of Class A-1 liquor licenses.

Council Member Hix moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to suspend the rules and place agenda item 25-1002 on final reading.

Roll Call #5:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

City Clerk Bennewitz noted that this location is the former La Cantinita establishment. When it closed, they surrendered their license, which is why the Fisks needed to apply for another license from the City Council. It was also noted that this establishment will not only be a tavern, but will offer other items for the community.

Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve Ordinance 25-3748 on final reading amending Section 113.043 (A) of Chapter 113 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regarding the limitation of Class A-1 liquor licenses. Fisk Bier & Wine, LLC, is requesting a Class A-1 license for their business at 240 East Simmons Street.

Roll Call #6:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

25-1003

Ordinance on first reading directing the sale of 13 vacant City-owned properties.

BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS

25-3010

Council Member Cheesman moved, seconded by Council Member White, to approve the bid submitted by Gunther Construction, a division of UCM, in the amount of $73,201.25 for the widening and resurfacing of a section of the Lake Storey multi-use path.

Roll Call #7:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

25-3011

Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve the bid submitted by Lockwood Excavating & Construction, Inc., in the amount of $650,159 for the Cooke Park improvements.

Council Member Cheesman noted that the amount of additions and improvements to the park system in the last number of years have been tremendous. He also thanked the citizens who have partnered with these projects and helped continue to make us the city that we want to be in and be proud of.

Roll Call #8:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

City Manager Hanson announced that the Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place this weekend at Lakeside at 1 p.m. It’s always a great event and the staff has prepared over ten thousand eggs. He recognized the crew, led by Tom Simkins, who continues to plant trees around town.

This past Saturday, they planted 18 and will have another planting this weekend. He added that he couldn’t be happier with the work they have been doing around the community and noted they are quickly approaching 500 tree plantings, with more projects targeted downtown this summer. He also thanked the City staff who participated, as well as the Parks & Recreation staff.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS, ETC.)

25-4025

Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve an agreement with Farnsworth Group to provide construction administration services for Cooke Park in an amount not to exceed $28,500.

Roll Call #9:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

25-4026

Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve a stipulated agreement with the Illinois Commerce Commission for highway-rail grade crossing work at five crossings on the BNSF Peoria Subdivision.

Roll Call #10:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

25-4027

Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve stipulated agreement with the Illinois Commerce Commission for crossing work at 1st Street and Pearl Street on the BNSF Peoria Subdivision.

Roll Call #11:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

25-4028

Council Member Cheesman moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve Budget Adjustment #2 for the budget year ending December 31, 2024.

Roll Call #12:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

25-4029

Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to waive normal purchasing policies and approve a five-year lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management for twenty vehicles at a cost of $145,260 per year.

Roll Call #13:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

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

The motion carried.

TOWN BUSINESS

25-9008

Trustee White moved, seconded by Trustee Cheesman, to approve Town bills and warrants to be drawn in payment of same.

Fund Title Amount

Town Fund $3,050.20

April 7, 2025 Page 6 of 8

General Assistance Fund $7,098.54

IMRF Fund

Social Security/Medicare Fund

Liability Fund

Audit Fund $5,000.00

Total $15,148.74

Roll Call #14:

Ayes: Trustees Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

Trustee White moved, seconded by Trustee Cheesman, to resume as the City Council. The motion carried.

CLOSING COMMENTS

Council Member Acerra wanted to wish a happy birthday to her mom, Rita Ziegler, who she will be seeing after the meeting.

Council Member Cheesman shared information from Jennifer Graves, principal at Bright Futures, about the Week of the Young Child and a parade on Friday, April 11th at 10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. at F&M Bank Stadium. He acknowledged the valuable assistance provided by various nonprofit organizations in Galesburg, highlighting Hope House's meal delivery, clothing, and other support services.

Cheesman congratulated those elected and re-elected, as well as those leaving the Council and individuals involved in the election process. He expressed that he is looking forward to collaborating with the new Council and building upon established foundations and pursuing new priorities. He also reminded residents about ongoing City cleanup efforts and the importance of maintaining their own properties.

Council Member Hix commended Golf Commission Chair Selkirk's comments on the golf course, noting that Bryan Luetdke, Matt Miles, and their crews have done an excellent job preparing it for the season. He expressed his eagerness for warmer weather and the opportunity to play rounds with family and friends.

Council Member Dennis stated that he has one more meeting and that it has been a pleasure serving with the City for the past 16 years. He added that he has enjoyed working for the people of Galesburg, with the Council, and all the constituents in the community.

Council Member White expressed his fondness for Council Member Dennis, stating that he will be missed on the Council. He also noted his appreciation for the attendance at the meeting, indicating community interest. He encouraged everyone to stay informed by signing up for e-notifications on the City's website.

Mayor Schwartzman asked the City Manager to give an update on the new buses that should be arriving in the City.

City Manager Hanson gave credit to Director Gugliotta, Kraig Boynton, and the Transit team for their perseverance with IDOT over the past three years. He stated that the City will receive seven buses, at $120,000 each, free of charge through a state or federally funded grant. The buses will be wrapped with new logos and have safety cameras installed before being put into service within the next few weeks.

Mayor Schwartzman wished Council Member Acerra’s mother a happy birthday and mentioned that his eldest daughter will turn 22 soon. He spoke about his involvement with Knox Community Prairie Kitchen, inviting everyone to their dinner this Thursday at Ascent Church, starting at 5 p.m. The Mayor also mentioned attending an event organized by Nick McMahill for Autism Awareness Month, commending McMahill's efforts to raise awareness about autism and related issues. The event, held at the Stone Hayes Center, was attended by various service providers, along with Representative Swanson and Senator Halpin's office.

There being no further business, Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member White, to adjourn the meeting at 6:47 p.m.

Roll Call #15:

Ayes: Council Members Hix, Dennis, White, Acerra, and Cheesman, 5.

Nays: None

Absent: Council Members Miller and Carrington, 2.

Chairman declared the motion carried.

https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/040725%20City%20Council%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf