City of Galena Council met Nov. 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
18C-0421 – CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Renner called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Chambers at 101 Green Street on 13 November 2018.
18C-0422 – ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, the following members were present: Allendorf, Bernstein, Fach, Hahn, Kieffer, Westemeier, Renner
18C-0423 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Mayor Renner announced a quorum of Board members present to conduct City business.
18C-0424 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge was recited.
18C-0425 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEE
Turner Hall Committee – A meeting was held November 1st. Everything is going smoothly. A copy of the minutes was distributed. Fach reminded Council of the upcoming Galena High School play, “The Nerd”, which will be held Thursday, November 15th through Saturday, November 17th at Turner Hall. He encouraged all to attend.
18C-0426 – CITIZENS COMMENTS
Mayor Renner recognized Owen Wells for his work on the Galena River Trail. Owen installed 15 signs, 5 posts, assembled and installed 5 benches, built bat houses and bird houses along the trail. Owen completed this project to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
CONSENT AGENDA CA18-21
18C-0401 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 22, 2018
18C-0428 – SECOND READING AND APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 151.24 OF THE GALENA CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING THE DEMOLITION OF NON-HISTORICAL STRUCTURES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT
18C-0429 – SECOND READING AND APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 79 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO REMOVE THE PARKING SPACE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ON BENCH STREET IN FRONT OF THE COURTHOUSE
18C-0430 – ACCEPTANCE OF THE SEPTEMBER 2018 FINANCIAL REPORT
18C-0431 – APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH KEITH AHLVIN FOR REPRODUCTION LIGHT FIXTURES FOR TURNER HALL
Motion: Hahn moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the Consent Agenda, CA18-21. Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Bernstein, Fach, Hahn, Kieffer, Westemeier, Allendorf, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
18C-0324 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON REQUEST BY THE GALENA POLICE DEPARTMENT TO INITIATE A K-9 PROGRAM
Chief Huntington presented the following budget for the program:
| New Ford Explorer quad car with all equipment | $55,597.73 |
| Dog/training/lodging/certification bullet proof vest | $15,725.00 |
| Kennel/equipment for dog | $1,081.92 |
| Yearly budget for K-9 program | $3,000.00 |
| Grand Total | $75,404.65 |
Motion: Allendorf moved, seconded by Bernstein, to approve the request by the Galena Police Department to initiate the K-9 Program.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Fach, Hahn, Kieffer, Westemeier, Allendorf, Bernstein, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
18C-0410 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A REQUEST BY THE GALENA-JO DAVIESS HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM FOR A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE NEW MUSEUM PROJECT
Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Hahn, to approve the request by the Galena-Jo Daviess Historical Society and Museum for a letter of support for the new museum project.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Hahn, Kieffer, Westemeier, Allendorf, Bernstein, Fach, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
18C-0432 – PRESENTATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2017-18 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT BY O’CONNOR BROOKS & CO.
This item was withdrawn and will be added to the next agenda.
18C-0433 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A CONTRACT FOR PREPARATION OF THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2021
The following proposal was received from O’Connor Brooks:
| Actual Fees | Proposed Fees | ||||||
| Item | FY 16 | FY 17 | FY 18 | FY 19 | FY 20 | FY 21 | |
| City of Galena Audit | $22,000 | $22,300 | $22,700 | $22,700 | $22,900 | $23,200 | |
| Single Audit | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | |||
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Westemeier, Allendorf, Bernstein, Fach, Hahn, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
18C-0434 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GALENA TO BORROW FUNDS FROM THE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY LOAN PROGRAM
Motion: Hahn moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the first reading of an Ordinance authorizing the City of Galena to borrow funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program.
Discussion: This would be a low interest loan with the possibility of getting 75 percent of it forgiven if all comes together. The loan would be for water system improvements on the East side of the river.
Moran advised if approved, the first reading of the loan ordinance would be presented at the November 26th meeting. Bidding would be done this winter with the contract ready to for early spring. At that point, the City would enter into a loan agreement with the Illinois EPA. If at that time, the City doesn’t like the plan, the agreement could be terminated.
Moran advised assuming the scenario presented with a $1.4 million dollar project cost with a 1.38% interest rate over 20 years with 75% forgiven, residents would have a rate increase of $.84 cents per month. The loan does not have a prepayment penalty. He is looking at using it more like a grant and paying it back within the first year or two. The $.84 cents could be added to the base fee.
Bernstein recommended putting a public notice in the paper including an explanation that the City will likely have 75 percent of the loan forgiven. She feels it is important to advise the public that the City doesn’t anticipate that all of the money would be paid by the City.
Hahn noted the water mains being replaced are in extremely poor condition. If it isn’t done now, it could cost a whole lot more to do in the future.
Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Allendorf, Bernstein, Fach, Hahn, Kieffer, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
18C-0435 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A CONTRACT FOR REPLACING THE FURNACE AND AIR CONDITIONER AT THE MARKET HOUSE RESTROOM BUILDING
Motion: Hahn moved, seconded by Kieffer, to table item 18C-0435 to the next meeting.
18C-0436 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE RISK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION MINIMUM/MAXIMUM CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
Motion: Hahn moved, seconded by Allendorf, to approve the first reading and waive the second reading of an Ordinance authorizing the execution of the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Bernstein, Fach, Hahn, Kieffer, Westemeier, Allendorf, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
18C-0437 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ESTABLISHING THE AMOUNT OF THE 2018 TAX LEVY FOR TAXES TO BE COLLECTED IN 2019
Motion: Hahn moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the amount of the property taxes the City of Galena expects to levy in 2018, to be collected in 2019, as $1,439,693.
Discussion: Hahn feels, overall, it is a very minor increase. He noted if the City were to turn it down, it is not only that much for this year but every year here on after.
Roll Call: AYES: Hahn, Kieffer, Bernstein, Fach, Renner
NAYS: Westemeier, Allendorf
The motion carried.
18C-0438 – WARRANTS
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Allendorf, to approve the Warrants as presented, 18C-
0438.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Westemeier, Allendorf, Bernstein, Fach, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Hahn
The motion carried.
18C-0439 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS
Thank you – Council thanked Bev Coffey for her generous donation to the Police Department for the K-9 Program adding it is wonderful when citizens step up to help out with needs in the community.
Hill Street Steps – Bernstein advised she has received a complaint on the Hill Street Steps. They are covered with wet leaves. She asked that Public Works clean them off at some point.
Invitation – Bernstein shared an invitation with Council members for an event taking place on November 29th at the Galena Brewing Company. Lodging establishments and businesses will be recognized for their green designation. Light refreshments will be served.
K-9 Program – Westemeier believes within the first year the dog will make a difference and Officer Halstead will do a great job. Allendorf agreed.
Gear Street – Westemeier stated he is glad to see Gear Street getting finalized. He wishes all of it could have been completed this year. He noted he is not a fan of the 2 foot grassy area between the street and the sidewalk. He feels this space should have been used to make the street wider.
Highway 20 Bridge – Allendorf questioned if the City could contact IDOT with regard to the poor condition of the Highway 20 bridge. He feels it will only get worse as we put salt down this winter.
18C-0440 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Thank you – Moran thanked Chief Huntington for all the work she did behind the scenes for the Halloween Parade. She was responsible for all of the parade safety planning. It is a huge event and a lot of work goes on behind the scenes.
Thank you – Moran thanked Owen Wells for his work on the Galena River Trail.
Gear Street – Moran advised the 2 foot grassy area is complements of the Federal Government.
They require a separation between the street and sidewalk.
18C-0441 – MAYOR’S REPORT
Thank you – Mayor Renner thanked Bev Coffey for her generous donation.
Thank you – Mayor Renner thanked Owen Wells for his help on the Galena River Trail.
Congratulations – Mayor Renner congratulated the Galena Girls Volleyball Team on their successful season. They certainly made Galena proud.
Halloween Parade – The parade had an astronomical amount of people. Mayor Renner thanked the Galena Police Department and all involved for keeping the people safe.
County Committee – Mayor Renner advised the County has asked if anyone from the Council would like to sit on an Adhoc Committee for Economic Development for the County.
EMS Committee – The EMS Committee is also looked for an elected official to sit on their committee.
Mayor Renner asked anyone interested in sitting on either committee to please let himself or Mark Moran know.
18C-0442 - ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Hahn moved, seconded by Kieffer, to adjourn.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Allendorf, Bernstein, Fach, Hahn, Kieffer, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
http://www.cityofgalena.org/documents/filelibrary/side_tabs/agendas__minutes/city_council_minutes/2018/cc111318_D65436FED8A5E.pdf
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