Galesburg Reporter

City of Knoxville City Council met Aug. 18

Here is the agenda 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, Moore, Rainey, Reed, and Taylor, Mayor Myers, Attorney Rob McCoy, Police Chief Poyner, and City Clerk Kirchgessner. Absent: Alderman Hope. Also present: Ms. Jessica Collins, Mr. Bernard Mates, Ms. Dawn Hutchison and Ms. Jill Davis.

Public Comments: Mr. Bernard Mates expressed concern about the lack of visible numbers on side by side vehicles. Mayor Myers explained that he would like Mr. Mates to do a follow-up after the meeting to help eliminate Mates’ concerns.

Approval of Minutes: Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of August 4, 2025, City Council Meeting. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed by voice vote (7) yes and (1) absent.

GENERAL REPORTS

Attorney Report: Attorney McCoy discussed the properties located at 109 West Main, 206 S. Line Street, and Hebard Street.

Engineer Report: No report.

Treasurer’s Report: No report.

City Clerk’s Report: Librarian Michelle Walker is celebrating her 10-year full time employment anniversary in August. Water Superintendent Mike Johnson is celebrating his 11-year employment anniversary. Police Officer Brandon Blake is celebrating his 1-year anniversary.

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

Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed with seven (7) Yes votes and one (1) absent.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Knox County Scenic Drive: Ms. Dawn Hutchison spoke on behalf of the Knoxville stop of the Knox County Scenic Drive. Tents will be allowed to stay up for the weekend. Ms. Hutchison requested the City of Knoxville to help with some of the cost incurred of hosting the Drive in downtown Knoxville. The city council had previously given $1,500.00, however due to rising costs she would like the amount increased to $2,000.00.

Ms. Hutchison will oversee the Knoxville Site again this year. Alderman Gruner moved to give $2,000.00 to the Knoxville Downtown Scenic Drive Site. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion which passed with seven (7) yes votes and one (1) absent.

2. Yard Waste Bags-Shell Gas Station: Alderman Hillier moved that the Shell Station at 319 E Main St be allowed to sell city yard waste bags. Alderman Taylor seconded the motion which passed with seven (7) yes votes and one (1) absent.

3. Halloween Parade: Ms. Collins presented a map and made a request for the Halloween parade to be held October 18, 2025. The parade route would extend from Ontario to Market Street. Ms. Collins requested that the parade time be 7-8pm. Alderman Taylor moved to approve the Halloween parade requests. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed with seven (7) yes and one (1) absent.

4. Resolution 2025-40 Knoxville Homecoming Parade 10-03-2025. Mr. Adam Mize submitted a request to close Main Street for the Knoxville Homecoming Parade.

Alderman Hillier moved to pass the resolution as presented. Alderman Taylor seconded the motion which passed with seven (7) yes votes and one (1) absent

Mayor’s Report:

• The railroad crossings will all be repaired and all four receive new gates. The Carr Street crossing will also be widened as it poses a problem when two vehicles meet at the crossing.

• Sewer lining will be contracted for the fall.

• Bids will be going out in early January for the downtown street and sidewalk refresh.

• Oversized load has become a growing problem with damage to trees etc. Mayor Myer requested this be added to the Sept 2nd agenda.

• The next regularly scheduled Council Meeting will be on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

Committee Reports:

• Administration: No report.

• Cemetery: Alderman Hillier stated that Mid Century had donated to the Knoxville Library summer reading program again this year. They donated a $200.00 Amazon card to purchase books for library and a Kindle Fire.

• Economic Development: No report.

• Parks: Alderman Reed report that he still hadn’t received movie equipment.

• Police: Police Chief Poyner discussed abatements proceeding on properties where buildings are collapsing, falling in or unsightly and let the council be aware he would start issuing citation starting with the worst properties first. Alderman Moore also discussed a citizen concern of traffic at South and Gilson Streets. Chief Poyner also stated Officer Blake had been working on a handout to help alleviate the congestion at the beginning and end of school sessions. The handout would be circulated and hopefully help with the problem.

• Sanitation: No report.

• Streets: No report.

• Water/Sewer: No report.

Adjourn: At 7:32 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_2025-08-18.pdf