Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg City Council met Sept. 2

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 Wendel Hunigan, Evan Miller, Dwight White, Heather Acerra, Greg Saul, and Steve Cheesman, 7. City Manager Eric Hanson, City Attorney Dan Alcorn, and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz. Vacant: Council Member, Ward 1, following the resignation of Council Member Bradley Hix, effective August 31, 2025.

Mayor Schwartzman declared a quorum present.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Semenya McCord gave the invocation.

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve the minutes of the City Council’s regular meeting from August 18, 2025.

Roll Call #2:

Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Holly McDorman addressed the Council regarding their decision concerning the YMCA funding. She feels that many Council Members did not fully understand previous comments that were made at the last meeting, so she conducted her own research. She stated that she contacted the YMCA, inquiring about a family membership, with no current income. She was quoted $65 a month, which was then offered at a subsidized rate of $32. When she reiterated having no income, she then explained that she was seeking guidance on how to become a member despite lacking income. She was told to return when she had current income. McDorman emphasized that at the last Council meeting, both she and another individual had reported being turned away by the YMCA, a point she felt the Council had not truly heard.

Ms. McDorman also raised concerns about the Summer Food Program, previously through the United Way, which provided her children with a daily lunch for three summers. Because her children are not enrolled in the YMCA's before and after-school program, they are now ineligible for this lunch. She questioned what the Council planned to do about hungry children and families excluded from the YMCA's facilities, despite paying taxes that contributed to the project.

CONSENT AGENDA #2025-17

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

25-2024

Approve Resolution 25-21 to release Executive Session minutes that are no longer confidential and to destroy recordings from Executive Session meetings older than eighteen months.

25-5006

Receive the Motor Fuel Tax Annual Report for January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.

25-4052

Approve waiving normal purchasing policies and approve the quote from Duo Guard in the amount of $25,633 for the replacement of a bus shelter located at the intersection of McClure and McKnight Streets.

25-8016

Approve bills in the amount of $844,801.78 and advance checks in the amount of $831,718.43.

Council Member White moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve Consent Agenda 2025-17.

Roll Call #3:

Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried by omnibus vote.

PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

25-1015

Ordnance on first reading amending Section 113.043 (A) of Chapter 113 of the Galesburg Municipal Code adding one license for a total of 27 Class A-1 liquor licenses.

Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Saul, to suspend the rules and advance 25-1015 to final reading.

Roll Call #4:

Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Saul, to approve ordinance 25-3760 on final reading amending Section 113.043 (A) of Chapter 113 of the Galesburg Municipal Code adding one license for a total of 27 Class A-1 liquor licenses.

Roll Call #5:

Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

25-2025

Council Member Acerra moved, seconded by Council Member Cheesman, to approve Resolution 25-22 to purchase eighteen parcels from the Knox County Trustee for demolition and/or abatement of nuisances.

City Manager Hanson noted that staff would furnish a list of these properties, categorized by ward. He also noted that the City has approximately 70 active projects slated for demolition or clean-up.

Roll Call #6:

Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

City Manager Hanson reminded everyone that this Friday is the final day for the MDA “Fill the Boot” event. It's also the Annual Stearman Fly-In week and the planes are already active, with more expected this weekend. He noted that the City will have a dedication ceremony at the airport on Friday, September 5th, at 4:30 p.m. for the naming of the airport in honor of Harrel Timmons.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS, ETC.)

25-4053

Council Member Cheesman moved, seconded by Council Member Miller, to approve a service agreement between Carl Sandburg College and Galesburg Public Transportation to provide unlimited fixed-route bus service for CSC students, faculty, and staff from September 2025 through June 2027.

Roll Call #7:

Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

25-4050

Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to approve an annual service agreement between Graham Hospital Association and Galesburg Public Transportation to provide origin-to-destination transportation for patients facing barriers to care.

The City Manager stated that this is an on-demand service which provides transportation to all of Graham’s clinics, where users can request a ride by providing their address and appointment time. A fee is associated with this service, but Graham reimburses the City, ensuring the individual incurs no cost. The reimbursement schedule varies based on whether the clinic is local or outside the community as part of the health system.

Council Members White and Cheesman expressed how great both of these services will be for the community.

Roll Call #8:

Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

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

The motion carried.

TOWN BUSINESS

25-9021

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

Fund Title Amount

Town Fund $1,320.68

General Assistance Fund $10,473.75

IMRF Fund

Social Security/Medicare Fund $4,028.79

Liability Fund

Audit Fund

Total $15,823.22

Roll Call #9:

Ayes: Trustees Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

Trustee Miller moved, seconded by Trustee Saul, to resume as the City Council. The motion carried.

CLOSING COMMENTS

Council Member Hunigan extended congratulations to Harrel Timmons, emphasizing his significant impact on the airport. He also commended the volunteers, specifically Tom Simkins and Aaron Olin, who revamped the Kiwanis Park Skate Park, noting it looks brand new and is now a special place for the community. Lastly, he reminded the City Manager that several Ward Two residents plan to visit with him on Thursday to inquire about properties in their Ward and seeking reassurance that the City is listening to their concerns.

Council Member Miller stated that he is looking forward to Friday’s ceremony in honor of Harrel Timmons. He also commended the excellent turnout for the Labor Day parade, noting its reputation as the longest in Illinois, and congratulated all the participants and their floats.

Council Member White stated that he is excited about the progress at Cooke School, noting the quick development of the playground equipment. He thanked the City, particularly Parks & Recreation Director Don Miles and his crew, for their work in bringing the project to fruition. He also reminisced about flying in and out of the Galesburg airport during his military service, and commended the people who have taken it to its current state and encouraged continued good work.

Council Member Acerra noted how great it is to see the increasing number of new restaurants and businesses in Galesburg, specifically mentioning excitement for Judy's Café opening. She extended her gratitude to the City Manager and staff for their dedicated efforts in addressing abandoned and deteriorating properties, and understands this as a significant concern across all Wards. She also stated that she enjoyed the Labor Day Parade, remarking on the large amount of candy distributed, and is looking forward to the Stearman Fly-In.

Council Member Saul noted the experience of taking Harrel Timmons and his wife on a hot air balloon ride and that he found the experience uniquely different from flying in a plane. He expressed his admiration for the Timmons family, acknowledging their significant contributions to the Galesburg community. He regrettably mentioned that he would be unable to attend the dedication ceremony on Friday night as he had a prior commitment to the Hot Air Balloon Race in Macomb.

Council Member Cheesman expressed the Council and Mayor's commitment to making the City appealing, clean, and attractive, a key component of which is addressing dilapidated homes. He noted that the City has done an excellent job with demolitions, allowing residents to maintain their homes when possible. He also extended gratitude to all those in organized labor who participated in the Labor Day parade, acknowledging their daily contributions to the country's progress.

Council Member Cheesman highlighted the expansion of services and options at Graham Hospital Association and OSF St. Mary, which is crucial for our rural health area facing challenges. He echoed Council Member Acerra’s sentiment about new businesses and construction, emphasizing that these bring jobs, opportunities, and more choices. He is proud of the City's positive trends in these areas, acknowledging the great work of the KCAP team and Ken Springer as well. He also congratulated Mr. Timmons, calling him an “aviation icon.” He is looking forward to the dedication ceremony on Friday and the National Stearman Fly-in, which holds significant importance for the community and region.

Mayor Schwartzman expressed his gratitude to Tom Simkins, Director Miles, and the many volunteers for their exceptional work on the skate park. He also shared that he met with the new class of Knox County CEO students, who attended Rotary at 7 a.m., marking the beginning of their year-long entrepreneurial journey. He praised Jeremy Kleine for his third year as director and his fantastic energy and the great work he facilitates for the community. It’s anticipated that the students will meet with approximately 60 local businesses in the coming months. A showcase of their work is planned for the spring.

The Mayor also reminded the community that many students are back in school and urged caution when driving as they will be walking and biking to and from school. He extended his appreciation to the community's hundreds of amazing teachers who help children become productive citizens daily.

Council Member Miller expressed his gratitude to the Police Department for their response, investigations, and efforts in addressing the recent shooting. He fully supports the Department in resolving these issues.

There being no further business, Council Member Miller moved, seconded by Council Member Acerra, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:34 p.m.

Roll Call #10:

Ayes: Council Members Hunigan, Miller, White, Acerra, Saul, and Cheesman, 6.

Nays: None

Absent: None

Chairman declared the motion carried.

https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/City%20Council/2025/090225%20City%20Council%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf?t=202509161042210