City of Galena City Council met April 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
23C-0121 – 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 10 April 2023.
23C-0122 – ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, the following members were present: Bernstein, Hahn, Kieffer, McCoy, Wienen, Renner
Absent: Westemeier
23C-0123 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Mayor Renner announced a quorum of Board members present to conduct City business. 23C-0124 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge was recited.
23C-0125 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
No reports.
23C-0126 – CITIZENS COMMENTS
Steven Ciangi, Galena’s General Express LLC, 378 N. Pilot Knob Road – Ciangi voiced concerns with approval of the license for Uber. Ciangi stated it would impede his business and take away his chance of survival. He noted they are already going to be competing with the free shuttle. Uber would just be another one and his business would probably not recover from that. Ciangi stated he originally started out with Uber and Lyft in 2020. Lack of cellular data made it very hard to get rides when the system was overwhelmed during the busy tourist season. He then invested in opening a local service to provide reliable transportation.
Ciangi feels uber drivers who come from out of town are not familiar with the area and will increase the chance for accidents. Often times Uber drivers pick up customers and drop them downtown only to log off the system and leave them stranded with no way back. Ciangi urged the council to deny a license to Uber and support a local business.
Cindy Tegtmeyer, 603 S. Dodge Street – Tegtmeyer requested that all future meetings be streamed on zoom for those that can’t attend in person. She recommended recording them as well so people can get the information they desire.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
23C-0127 – PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 CITY OF GALENA OPERATING BUDGET
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Bernstein, to open the public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2023-24 City of Galena Operating Budget.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Hahn, Kieffer, McCoy, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
Testimony: Cathy Buck West, 229 Council Fire Circle - West urged the council to add funds for electronic locks for the landfill as well as funds for security cameras. She further recommended training for everyone responsible for burning at the landfill.
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to close the public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2023-24 City of Galena Operating Budget.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, McCoy, Wienen, Bernstein, Hahn, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
LIQUOR COMMISSION
Motion: McCoy moved, seconded by Hahn, to adjourn as the City Council and reconvene as the Liquor Commission.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: McCoy, Wienen, Bernstein, Hahn, Kieffer, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
23C-0128 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPLICATION BY CASEY’S GENERAL STORE, 10889 W. RED GATES ROAD, FOR A CORPORATION MANAGER LIQUOR LICENSE FOR HALEY THRASHER
Motion: McCoy moved, seconded by Bernstein, to approve the application by Casey’s General Store, 10889 W. Red Gates Road, for a corporation manager liquor license for Haley Thrasher, 23C-0128.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Hahn, Kieffer, McCoy, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
23C-0129 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES FOR THE PERIOD MAY 1, 2023, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2024
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve the renewal of liquor licenses for the period May 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024, with changes presented, 23C-0129.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Hahn, Kieffer, McCoy, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Hahn, to adjourn as the Liquor Commission and reconvene as the City Council.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Bernstein, Hahn, Kieffer, McCoy, Wienen, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA CA23-7
23C-0130 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 27, 2023, AND THE BUDGET MEETING OF ARIL 3, 2023
23C-0131 – APPROVAL OF TOUR OPERATOR LICENSE RENEWALS FOR THE PERIOD MAY 1, 2023, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2024
23C-0132 – APPROVAL OF A TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY LICENSE FOR RAISER, LLC (DBA UBER) FOR THE PRIOD MAY 1, 2023-APRIL 30, 2024
23C-0133 – APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE GALENA PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT FOR THE “TOUCH-A-TRUCK” EVENT IN DEPOT PARK, July 15, 2023
23C-0134 – ACCEPTANCE OF 2022-23 YEAR-END ARCHERY DEER HUNTING REPORT
23C-0135 – APPROVAL OF NW ILLINOIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPOMENT HISPANIC BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT AT RECREATION PARK, MAY 25, 2023
23C-0136 – APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH IPS FOR REHABILITATION OF THE SWIMMING POOL SLIDE
23C-0137 – APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH GARAGE FORCE FOR INSTALLATION OF FLOORING SYSTEMS AT THE POOL BUILDING, REC PARK, AND GRANT PARK
23C-0138 – APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE GALENA LION’S CLUB FOR THE ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST AT DEPOT PARK, SPETMBER 30, 2023
Hahn requested item 23C-0132 be removed from the consent agenda.
Motion: Hahn moved, seconded by McCoy, to approve Consent Agenda CA23-7 with the exception of item 23C-0132.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Hahn, Kieffer, McCoy, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
23C-0132 – APPROVAL OF A TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY LICENSE FOR RAISER, LLC (DBA UBER) FOR THE PRIOD MAY 1, 2023-APRIL 30, 2024
Motion: Hahn moved, seconded by McCoy to deny the request by Raiser, LLC, DBA Uber, for a Transportation Network Company License for the period May 1, 2023-April 30, 2024.
Discussion: Hahn stated he has heard complaints as well that people are only able to get a ride one way. Hahn feels Uber has not been reliable and has not been doing a good job. Bernstein agreed.
Kieffer stated he was in favor of giving the local guy a chance.
Renner advised the city had two cab services which both went by the wayside. At that time the taxis and drivers were licensed through the city, which gave some control over what was going on. Renner stated he didn’t have a problem with not approving the license; however, this was created to keep more cars out of downtown. The contract with the Jo Daviess County Transit and parking at the depot lot should help with parking as well.
Wienen noted this generation uses Uber a lot. She likes the idea of keeping it local. She felt it would be useful to see data on how the shuttle has impacted the business. She agreed leaving people stranded was not a good idea. Wienen recommended Ciangi work with the hotel shuttle and partner that way.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, McCoy, Wienen, Bernstein, Hahn, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
23C-0112 – SECOND READING AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF 6.2 ACRES OF PROPERTY IN THE CAROLDON BUSINESS PARK SUBDIVISION
Motion: McCoy moved, seconded by Bernstein, to approve the second reading of an ordinance accepting the donation of 6.2 acres of property in the Caroldon Business Park subdivision.
Discussion: Council thanked the donor for the donation.
Roll Call: AYES: McCoy, Wienen, Bernstein, Hahn, Kieffer, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
23C-0114 – SECOND READING AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE MUTUAL AID BOX ALARM SYSTEM (MABAS MASTER AGREEMENT 2022)
Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by McCoy, to approve the second reading of an ordinance authorizing an intergovernmental agreement for participation in the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS Master Agreement 2022).
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Hahn, Kieffer, McCoy, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
23C-0139 – GALENA HISTORY MUSEUM UPDATE ON NEW MUSEUM PLANNING
Tessa Flack, Executive Director and Nancy Breed, Retired Executive Director gave an update on the Galena History Museum new museum planning. Construction will begin in 2024. The new building will be 8500 square feet. The building will have ADA accessibility. The new building will allow for better preservation of artifacts and will engage more visitors.
Phase 1 of the project has been completed with the purchase of 3.6 acres on Bouthillier Street. Phase 2, which is new building, site development and professional services, is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026. Phase 3 will be exhibits, furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
A capital campaign to raise $12 million dollars has been started. To date $5 million dollars has been raised.
Mayor Renner thanked the committee for taking on the project and advised the city is here to help where we can.
23C-0140 – QUARTERLY REPORT FROM GALENA COUNTRY TOURISM Rose Noble presented the quarterly report for Galena Country Tourism.
23C-0141 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A FESTIVAL PERMIT FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL HOLIDAZE FESTIVAL, DECEMBER 2, 2023
Motion: McCoy moved, seconded by Hahn, to approve a festival permit for the second annual Holidaze Festival, December 2, 2023, 23C-0141.
Discussion: Wienen was in favor of donating $1,500 for the lighting. She hopes it can be used for more events than just the Holidaze Festival.
Moran advised the $1,500 for the lighting was not a part of the request at this time.
Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Hahn, Kieffer, McCoy, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
23C-0142 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING 2.675 ACRES OF TERRITORY IN WEST GALENA TOWNSHIP
Motion: Hahn moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the first reading, waive the second reading of an ordinance annexing 2.675 acres of territory in West Galena Township.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Bernstein, Hahn, Kieffer, McCoy, Wienen, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
23C-0143 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 OPERATING BUDGET
Motion: McCoy moved, seconded by McCoy, to open discussion on the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating Budget.
Discussion: Mayor Renner recommended no action be taken to allow discussion at the next meeting with regard to the water tower, employees and unions. Kieffer stated he would also like to discuss converting 403 S. Main Street into public restrooms.
Bernstein stated she would also like to discuss electronic locks at the landfill disposal site as well.
Wienen likes the idea of the security cameras at the landfill and advised Jason Bingham is currently working on it.
No action taken.
23C-0144 – WARRANTS
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by McCoy, to approve the Warrants as presented, 23C-0144. Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, McCoy, Wienen, Bernstein, Hahn, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
23C-0145 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS
Thank you – Wienen thanked Rose Noble for her service stating Noble definitely elevated the VisitGalena experience. She brought a fresh new brand, outcome and outlook. The city definitely benefited from her in that seat. She will be a hard act to follow. Bernstein agreed stating Noble was a great asset and it would be amazing to find someone equal to her abilities.
23C-0146 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Playgrounds – Moran advised work will begin on the Hill Street playground. Once that is complete, they will move to Cemetery Park.
Garbage/Recycling Contract - Moran advised the next agenda will include the garbage/recycling contract. The council will be asked if they wish to renew or rebid the contract.
Landfill – Moran advised staff met with Sand Prairie for a quote to install security cameras at the landfill. The city is conscious of the area and wishes to keep nearby residents happy while allowing citizens the ability use the landfill for brush and grass disposal. The budget includes enough money under the security camera line item to fund security cameras for the landfill.
23C-0147 – MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Renner advised electronic locks for the landfill would be a different setup with the swinging gates. Mayor Renner advised we don’t know who dumped the insulation or who started the fire adding the landfill is not a place to dump this type of stuff. He is in favor of installing cameras to monitor who is using the landfill in that fashion so we can prosecute.
Mayor Renner stated the downtown sidewalks are looking good. The Easter egg hunt in Grant Park had 250 kids in attendance and went well. Renner pointed out the new light in the city hall parking lot.
23C-0148 - MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Hahn moved, seconded by Kieffer, to recess to Executive Session to discuss the following:
∙ Section 2 (c) (1) – Employee hiring, firing, compensation, discipline and performance.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: McCoy, Wienen, Bernstein, Hahn, Kieffer, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
The meeting recessed at 7:22 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 7:25 p.m.
23C-0149 – ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Hahn, to adjourn.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Hahn, Kieffer, McCoy, Renner
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Westemeier
The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
https://www.cityofgalena.org/documents/filelibrary/side_tabs/agendas__minutes/city_council_minutes/2023/cc041023_4B4AB0E104009.pdf
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