Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met June 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.

Swearing in of New Council: Mayor Myers administered the Oath of Office to elected Alderman Travis Moore.

Roll Call: Present: Aldermen Eiker, Gruner, Hillier, Hope, Moore, Rainey, Reed, and Taylor; Mayor Myers, Treasurer Barnum, Chief of Police Poyner, City Clerk Kirchgessner. Also present: Mrs. Jill Davis, Ms. Penny Flesner, Ms. Tara Ruff and Mr. David Blake.

Public Comments: Ms. Penny Flesner requested that the Council reconsider posting employee wages to the website as she feels that taxpayers should be informed.

Mr. Blake introduced himself and Ms. Ruff from Tompkins State Bank and stated that they were there to answer any questions that might arise under new business.

Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the May 19, 2025, City Council Meeting. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed by voice vote (6) yes and (2) abstentions (Hope and Moore).

GENERAL REPORTS

Attorney Report: No report.

Engineer Report: Mayor Myers reported that due to the vast amount of infrastructure, Phase 1 of the downtown project will not be going out for bid until early next year.

Treasurer’s Report: No report.

City Clerk’s Report: No report.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

1. New Parks Zero Turn Mower: Alderman Reed explained the need for a new mower and submitted a bid from Birkey’s in the amount of $10,776.51. Alderman Reed made the motion to purchase the new 2023 Pro Z mower from Birkey’s. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

2. Community Water Purification Grant: Mayor Myers explained that International Pure Water has an agreement with the State of Illinois in which every household would be eligible to receive a free water pitcher if the grant is obtained. Alderman Hope made a motion to move forward with the grant. Alderman Gruner seconded the motion which passed with a voice vote with no dissent.

3. Knoxville Community Fund Base/Rock: Mayor Myers explained that the Knoxville Community Fund received a donated rock and were having it engraved and requested it be placed at James Knox Park along the sidewalk for visibility. Alderman Moore moved to accept the rock and placement of the rock. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed with a voice vote with no dissent.

4. New Garbage Truck: Alderman Hope discussed the purchased of new garbage truck she stated that prices had increased since appropriations. Alderman Hope made the motion to purchase the 2025 McNeilus 20 yard HD RL w/International HV607 Chassis (w/ Rear loader body) garbage truck for the purchase price of $274,680.00 with no additional trade in. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed with eight (8) Yes votes.

Mayor’s Report:

• The city is going to start the transition of switching the city bank accounts to Tompkins State Bank.

• The Knoxville Community Fund is moving forward with the Welcome to Knoxville signs. The signs will replace the existing signs at the main entrances to Knoxville.

• The next regularly scheduled Council Meeting will be on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

Committee Reports:

• Administration: No report.

• Cemetery: Alderman Hillier reported that she had received many compliments on the cemetery and was pleased with the appearance.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: Alderman Reed report that Knoxville Community Fund provided a grant for the screen and Movies in the Park will be coming soon.

• Police: No report.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: Alderman Eiker reported that the new backhoe was working great.

• Water/Sewer: Alderman Gruner reported that there was a problem with lift station near McDonalds. Public Works Supervisor Rossell and Bock Inc are working together to alleviate the problem. A third-party company was called in to assist in the removal of the sludge.

Adjourn: At 7:42 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_2025-06-02.pdf