City of Galena City Council met Aug. 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
23C-0316 – 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 28 August 2023.
23C-0317 – ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, the following members were present: Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner
23C-0318 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Mayor Renner announced a quorum of Board members present to conduct City business.
23C-0319 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge was recited.
23C-0320 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
No reports.
23C-0321 – CITIZENS COMMENTS
Tony Kieffer, 1203 Hill Street – Kieffer stated, according to the contract, the garbage hauler is proposing 65-gallon totes for each household. Kieffer stated elderly people may have a tough time getting those large containers up and down driveways. He advised where he lives in Florida, they have an option of three different sizes to choose from. He also noted there are a lot of small garages that will not be able to fit two 65-gallon totes inside. Kieffer urged the council to make a recommendation to the hauler to give the option of selecting the size of container.
James Boho, 1477 S. Rocky Hill Road – Boho voiced his concerns about the safety at the intersection of 4th Street and Highway 20.
Scott Toot, Jo Daviess County Administrator – Toot advised he was present should the council have any questions with regard to item 23C-0328.
David Schmit, Northwest Economic Development Organization – Schmit advised he was present on behalf of item 23C-0309 and stated he looks forward to the council’s approval.
Elissa Farrel, 505 S. Bench Street – Farrel thanked the Jo Daviess County Transit and the Chamber of Commerce for putting through the plan by JoDaviess County Transit to bus from hotels to the downtown. Farrel questioned if this shuttle replaces the original shuttle which ran from Depot Park to City Hall. She questions who is paying for the new shuttle and how long it would continue. Farrel stated she is asking in hopes that it will continue to alleviate the issue of parking on Bench Street on Saturdays.
Robert Rogala, 519 Spring Street – Rogala voiced concern with the angle and steepness of the apron to his garage since the highway construction. Rogala stated the road has been raised fifteen inches which has made the apron to his garage a very steep angle. He would like someone to tell him what is going to be done about it as it needs to be addressed. Rogala feels the rain and run off will be bad because his property sits so far below the street level. Rogala urged the council to address the situation.
Eric Bonnetain, 217 S. Main Street – Bonnetain presented his idea for a Pizzaiolo restaurant at 403 S. Main Street. The restaurant would be a grab and go pizza pickup and drive through. In return Bonnetain stated he would take on responsibility for managing the public restrooms. Bonnetain requested the council’s support.
CONSENT AGENDA CA23-16
23C-0322 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 14, 2023
23C-0323 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT BA23-03 FOR U.S. WATER CONTRACT YEAR-END EXPENSE RECONCILIATION
23C-0324 – APPROVAL OF THE LEAD SERVICE LINE DRINKING WATER PROJECT CONTRACT NOTICE OF AWARD
23C-0325 – ACCEPTANCE OF JULY 2023 FINANCIAL REPORT
23C-0326 – APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH JO DAVIESS COUNTY COUNTRY FAIR CHARITIES, INC. FOR THE USE OF GRANT PARK, OCTOBER 5-8, 2023, FOR THE ANNUAL COUNTRY FAIR
23C-0327 – APPROVAL OF THE HIRING OF LYNN HOUY FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE DISPATCHER WITH RESIDENCY OUTSIDE OF GAENA
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve Consent Agenda CA23-16. Discussion: Bernstein requested item 23C-0326 be removed from the consent agenda.
Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0326 – APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH JO DAVIESS COUNTY COUNTRY FAIR CHARITIES, INC. FOR THE USE OF GRANT PARK, OCTOBER 5-8, 2023, FOR THE ANNUAL COUNTRY FAIR
Bernstein noted they are asking for a reduction in the gate receipts to the city from $5,000 to $4,000. She questioned why they were asking for this. Mayor Renner advised, they are anticipating less gate revenue as there are not as many crafters and attendance has been down. Renner feels if things pick up again, the city can renegotiate at that time.
Tegtmeyer stated this is the only event where the city gets a portion of the gate proceeds. She stated, while the city is not trying to make money off of the event, we do pay for the cleanup and law enforcement for the event.
Wienen feels the $1,000 in lost revenues are more than made up in taxes from the visitors through the hospitality industry. She also noted Jo Daviess County Country Fair Charities donate money back to nonprofits in the area.
Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the agreement with Jo Daviess County Country Fair Charities, Inc. for the use of Grant Park, October 5-8, 2023, for the annual Country Fair, 23C-0326.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
23C-0286 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A PLAN OF USE FOR THE CITY OWNED PROPERTY AT 403 S. MAIN STREET
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to table discussion and possible action on a plan of use for the city-owned property at 403 S. Main Street, 23C-0286.
Discussion: Johnson stated she would like to see a traffic study done before allowing a drive through restaurant at that end of Main Street. She voiced concern with cars being backed up on to Main Street.
Tegtmeyer stated she was hoping to form a committee to identify the criteria and accept a plan of use. The committee could be composed of impartial council members, members from Galena Country Tourism as well as the Galena Downtown Business Association.
Kieffer was opposed to forming a committee stating if the building is converted to all bathrooms, there would not be any property taxes. If the city allowed a vendor in the building, the taxes would be approximately $9,000 per year.
Westemeier pointed out nothing would be done this year as there is no budget for it. The city can budget something next year which gives the council time to talk about it. He prefers not to rush into anything and stated he is opposed to bathrooms.
Tegtmeyer felt it was a mistake to table it again. She noted the city cannot move forward in the spring without a plan. Forming a committee would allow a plan to be discussed and developed without having to have lengthy discussions at council meetings.
Wienen felt there was not a need for a committee. The council has time to review. She was in favor of a traffic study.
Kieffer stated he would be in favor of getting some architectural drawings as soon as possible.
Mayor Renner recommended the council give it some thought and decide if they would like just restrooms or restroom and retail.
Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner
NAYS: Tegtmeyer
The motion carried.
23C-0309 – SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE CREATING A PACE AREA AND ESTABLISHING THE ILLINOIS FINANCE AUTHORITY PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM FOR RECORD OWNERS OF PROPERTY THAT, FROM TIME TO TIME, MAY VOLUNTARILY REQUEST THE LEVY OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS TO SECURE THE FINANCING OR REFINANCING OF THEIR PACE PROJECTS; AUTHORIZING PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS TO ACT THEREUNDER; DESIGNATING THE ILLINOIS FINANCE AUTHORITY AS THE SOLE ISSUER OF BONDS AND NOTES; AND APPROVING RELATED MATTERS
Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve the second reading of an ordinance creating a C-PACE Area and establishing the Illinois Finance Authority Property Assessed Clean Energy Program for record owners of property that, from time to time, may voluntarily request the levy of special assessments to secure the finance or refinancing of their C PACE Projects; authorizing program administrators to act thereunder; designating the Illinois Finance Authority as the sole issuer of bonds and notes; and approving related matters, 23C 0309.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
23C-0328 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ZONING CALENDAR NO. 23PD-01, AN APPLICATION BY JO DAVIESS COUNTY, 330 NORTH BENCH STREET, FOR PRELIMINARY PLAN APPROVAL FOR THE COURTHOUSE PROJECT ADDITION
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve Zoning Calendar No. 23PD-01, an application by Jo Daviess County, 330 N. Bench Street, for preliminary plan approval for the courthouse project addition, 23C-0328.
Discussion: Kieffer stated he liked the way it looks. The zoning change only affects the courthouse property and not adjacent properties.
Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0329 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE 330 NORTH BENCH STREET TO PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT WITH AN UNDERLYING DISTRICT OF DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL FOR THE COURTHOUSE ADDITION PROJECT
Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve the first reading of an ordinance to rezone 330 N. Bench Street to Planned Unit Development with an underlying district of Downtown Commercial for the courthouse addition project, 23C-0329 amended to include waiving the second reading.
Discussion: None.
Amended
Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to amend the motion to include waiving the second reading.
Discussion: None
Amended
Motion
Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
Main
Motion
Roll Call: AYES: Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0330 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN OSLAD GRANT PROGRAM RESOLUTION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE SPLASH PAD PROJECT
Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve an OSLAD Grant Program Resolution of Authorization for the splash pad project, 23C-0330.
Discussion: Council likes the idea of the splash pad and hopes the grant goes through.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0331 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN AGREEMENT WITH MONTGOMERY TRUCKING FOR SOLID WASTE SERVICES (GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL)
Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to continue negotiations on the contract with Montgomery Trucking, 23C-0331.
Discussion: Bernstein stated she has a number of questions. She likes the idea of having the option in terms of the size of container provided. It was her understanding they intended to swap out the new containers. Bernstein questions if they plan to recycle the bins and what do they intend to do with the trash cans?
Kieffer stated he would like to see the annual fee increase lowered to zero to six percent depending on the cost of living.
Tegtmeyer voiced concern increasing from the current 45-gallon limit container to a 65-gallon container could increase the amount of garbage being put in the landfill. Having to pay for extra garbage made people think about recycling more. Recycling is still unlimited with the new containers. Tegtmeyer feels the increase is substantial and feels a solution could be reached if we offered different size containers or picked them up every other week. She was in favor of going back to negotiations and asking questions about options.
Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0332 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE DECLARING SURPLUS PROPERTY (FIRE DEPARTMENT PICKUP TRUCK AND BREATHING APPARATUS)
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve the first reading, waive the second reading of an ordinance declaring surplus property, Fire Department pickup truck and breathing apparatus, 23C-0332.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0333 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE PURCHASE OF NEW LIGHTS FOR THE HIGHWAY 20 BRIDGE
Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the purchase of new lights for the Highway 20 bridge, 23C-0333.
Discussion: Mayor Renner advised staff to look into the use of aluminum to avoid future salt issues.
Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0334 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CHANGE ORDER #1 TO THE 2023 SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Bernstein, to deny Change Order #1 for the 2023 Sidewalk Replacement Program.
Discussion: Tegtmeyer advised these sidewalks are in front of and surrounding the historic Market House which is currently vacant property. She felt the bricks add to the historic nature. She also noted these sidewalks were not included in the current budget and would add $58,000. Bernstein agreed stating she would like to see these brick sidewalks retained.
Kieffer stated he would like to see the sidewalks removed as they are slippery when wet, uneven and are a danger. Westemeier agreed.
Wienen was in favor of removal from a health life safety standpoint.
Renner advised he talked to Terry Miller with the state historic sites, and he agreed it would be ok to remove them. Renner was in favor of removing the brick sidewalks.
Tegtmeyer questioned how many accidents have been reported and questioned where the money would come from if this were approved.
Roll Call: AYES: Bernstein, Tegtmeyer
NAYS: Johnson, Kieffer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner
The motion was denied.
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve Change Order #1 for the 2023 Sidewalk Replacement Program.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner
NAYS: Tegtmeyer, Bernstein
The motion carried.
23C-0335 – U.S. WATER OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MONTHLY REPORT
Andrew Schuler reported the Wastewater Treatment Plant treated eighteen million gallons. This was an increase of 4,000 gallons over last month due to the recent storm. Drinking water was 14,022,000 gallons which was 532,000 gallons less than last month with 76 percent billed for a 23 percent loss. June was 66 percent billed and 33 percent lost. New flow meters are being installed at Well #7 as well as new chemical injection caps and quills. Expenses were $13,000 over on chemicals and $42,000 over on electricity.
Staff have been flushing hydrants in Industrial Park. They will continue to use the code red notification system to notify residents of hydrant flushing.
In response to a question, Schuler advised fluoride is injected constantly at .6 to .8 milliliters.
Renner questioned if the new motors have been installed in the lift stations. Schuler advised there is a 15 week wait time.
23C-0336 – WARRANTS
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the Warrants as presented, 23C 0336.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0337 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS
Thank you – Westemeier thanked Adam Johnson for the quick drawings he did of 403 S. Main Street.
Middle School Sidewalks – Westemeier noted with the new sidewalks at the Middle School, it would eliminate the parking on Franklin Street.
Lead Service Line Grant – Tegtmeyer stated she is excited to hear about the additional $755,000 on the lead service line grant. That puts the grant at $2,755,000.00.
519 Spring Street – Tegtmeyer stated she visited the driveway at 519 Spring Street. She agrees the grade is nearly impossible. She assured Mr. Rogala the city will work with IDOT on a solution. Wienen agreed.
Pesticide Spraying – Tegtmeyer stated she would like to see an agenda item added to an upcoming agenda with regard to pesticide spraying. She would like to make it a permanent change for the entire city.
Contact Information – Johnson advised people can always contact her by email at any time. If she cannot answer immediately, she will acknowledge receipt and will get back to them.
Basketball Garage – Johnson stated she likes the new basketball garage in the park. 23C-0338 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Street Paving – The street paving project will start the week of 9/11; however, is subject to change.
Downtown Sidewalk Project – Moran reported the downtown sidewalk project is moving along nicely. They are currently working on Hill Street and will do some final crosswalk replacements.
Shuttle – Moran advised the new shuttle did not replace the shuttle from the Depot Lot. It is a separate shuttle. The new shuttle will end the last week of October. The City of Galena is paying for it out of the parking lot revenues received.
Pesticide Spraying – Moran advised the city has stopped the use of pesticide spraying everywhere. He noted the city stopped using Roundup several years ago and had most recently been using an earth friendly spray.
Basketball Garages – Moran recognized Coach Matt Wienen for donating the basketballs for the new basketball garages.
23C-0339 – MAYOR’S REPORT
Thank you – Mayor Renner thanked the public and the businesses for their patience during this year’s Spring Street project, adding everyone will be happy when it is completed.
519 Spring Street – Mayor Renner agreed the problem will be looked at and corrected.
Glass Recycling Container – Mayor Renner reminded everyone to please refrain from putting cardboard, plastic and window frames in the glass recycling dumpster. This dumpster is for glass only and nothing else.
Pool – Mayor Renner stated the pool is closed. There are a couple of problems to look at and he thanked staff for their help and cooperation.
23C-0340 – ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Johnson, to adjourn.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
https://www.cityofgalena.org/documents/filelibrary/side_tabs/agendas__minutes/city_council_agenda/2023/Council_Packet_09_DF63F8FD095DE.pdf
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