City of Galena City Council met Sept. 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
23C-0341 – 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 11 September 2023.
23C-0342 – ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, the following members were present: Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner
23C-0343 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Mayor Renner announced a quorum of Board members present to conduct City business.
23C-0344 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge was recited.
23C-0345 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
No reports.
23C-0346 – CITIZENS COMMENTS
James Boho, 1477 S. Rocky Hill Road – Boho apologized for being a bit out of bounds at the last meeting. Boho once again addressed the dangers of Highway 20 and 4th street. Boho urged the Mayor and Council to work with the IDOT Strategic Highway Safety Plan and the Federal Highway Administration Local Road Safety Plan and form a committee to host a community road safety program.
LIQUOR COMMISSION
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen, to adjourn as the City Council and reconvene as the Liquor Commission.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0347 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A REQUEST FOR A CLASS S CORPORATION LIQUOR LICENSE FOR LANE CREATION, LLC, DBA BOARD AND BRUSH CREATIVE STUDIO, 310 N. MAIN STREET
Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve the request for a Class S Corporation Liquor License for Lane Creation, LLC, DBA Board and Brush Creative Studio at 310 N. Main Street, 23C-0347.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0348 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A REQUEST FOR CORPORATION MANAGER LIQUOR LICENSE FOR JENNIFER MAE LANE, FOR LANE CREATION, LLC, DBA BOARD AND BRUSH CREATIVE STUDIO, 310 N. MAIN STREET
Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the request for a corporation manager liquor license for Jennifer Mae Lane, for Lane Creation, LLC, DBA Board and Brush Creative Studio at 310 N. Main Street, 23C-0348.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to adjourn as the Liquor Commission and reconvene as the City Council.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA CA23-16
23C-0349 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 28, 2023
23C-0350 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT BA23-04 FOR POOL ROOF PROJECT AND LEGAL FEES
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve Consent Agenda CA23-16. Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
23C-0331 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN AGREEMENT WITH MONTGOMERY TRUCKING FOR SOLID WASTE SERVICES (GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL)
Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the agreement with Montgomery Trucking for solid waste services, 23C-0331.
Discussion: Bernstein questioned if the truck they would be using could handle more than one size can. Casey Lange, representative for Montgomery Trucking, advised they typically offer 65- or 95-gallon containers; however, they would be willing to entertain a smaller container under special circumstances. Lange noted the truck does not pick up the smaller 35-gallon containers as easily as the 65- or 95-gallon containers. Bernstein voiced concern older people might have difficulty handling the 65-gallon containers and added the terrain doesn’t lend easily to getting the large carts up and down steps. Bernstein suggested Montgomery Trucking consider having an option for citizens to do a 35-gallon container if they so choose. Lange agreed they could work with people on it.
Johnson noted in the paperwork it references a 1-800 number. She questioned where people can find that number and how do they know who to contact. Lange advised citizens should continue to call the local number which will be printed right on the containers.
Tegtmeyer questioned how they would define “special circumstances” and how would this change be communicated to the residents? Lange advised they would work with city hall on the timeline and notification to residents.
Lange advised they currently have a truck ready in Freeport. The truck lifts from the right side only.
Renner questioned when they would need to know the number of residents requesting the smaller containers. Lange advised they typically wait until the contract is signed before ordering totes. Once approved it takes approximately 8-10 weeks for production and delivery. If the contract is approved, they would need to know as soon as possible in order to get the containers ordered. Lange advised the container goes with the property. Montgomery Trucking will own the containers. Should someone wish to downsize, it would be done at no charge one time.
Renner questioned how they would handle pickup on one-way streets. Lange advised workers would wheel the containers over to the truck to be dumped and then would wheel it back.
Wienen noted the contract expired August 31st. She feels the city owes it to the contractor to either get the contract done or move on.
Tegtmeyer questioned if residents would have the option of simply placing a bag at the curb. Lange advised the new truck sits high enough where they wouldn’t want their drivers throwing bags up and over. Residents would be required to use the containers.
Tegtmeyer questioned the 30 percent increase in pricing. Lange advised it is mainly due to inflation, cost of tires and the cost of the new truck.
Johnson noted according to the breakdown, Hanover has two 30-gallon garbage containers. Lange explained Hanover negotiated their rates prior to them moving forward with totes. They are currently in negotiations with Elizabeth and Galena. They will eventually work with Hanover to move them in the same direction.
Roll Call: AYES: Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
23C-0351 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON FINANCING FOR 2023 CAPITAL PROJECTS
Responding Bank Loan Origination Fee Interest Rate Illinois Bank and Trust $250.00 5.98%First Community Bank of Galena $500.00 3.85%
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Westemeier, to award financing for the 2023 Capital Projects to First Community Bank in the amount of $1,328,000.00 at 3.85% interest, 25C-0351.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0352 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON RENEWAL OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH, DENTAL, LIFE, DISABILITY AND VISION INSURANCE POLICIES AND HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT DISTRIBUTIONS
∙ Health, Life and Disability Blue/Cross
∙ Dental Guardian
∙ Voluntary Vision Program Blue/Cross
∙ Voluntary Critical Illness Program Blue/Cross
∙ Voluntary Accident Program Blue/Cross
Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Bernstein, to approve the renewal of employee health policies as per the recommendations made on page 45 of the packet (see above) along with distributions of HSA funds to employee accounts, effective January 1, 2024, in accordance with the Health Savings Account Policy, 23C-0352.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0353 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A CONTRACT TO REPLACE THE ROOF OF THE SWIMMING POOL BATHHOUSE BUILDING
The following quotes were received:
Elevated Roofing, Stockton $39,596.38 (No plywood included in quote. $100 per sheet)Mapes Roofing, Stockton $42,352 (including 15 sheets of plywood. Additional is $80 per sheet)Mid-America Roofing, Galena $41,985 (No plywood included in quote. $125 per sheet)
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve the contract to replace the roof of the swimming pool bathhouse building with Elevated Roofing, Stockton, for $39,596.38 with additional decking at $100 per sheet, 23C-0353.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0354 – WARRANTS
Regular Board Meeting 11 September 2023
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the Warrants as presented, 23C 0354.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
23C-0355 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS
403 S. Main Street – Bernstein stated whatever is decided with the building at 403 S. Main Street, she would like to see restrooms included.
Tax Returns – Wienen noted in looking at the Department Head Report, she noticed there are 31 delinquent tax returns. She questioned what is being done to get those up to date. Wienen stated she appreciated the detailed work put into the report.
Mowing – Johnson thanked Don Gervais for mowing along Stagecoach.
Baby Changing Tables – Johnson noted, after experiencing a baby changing emergency, she discovered there are no diaper changing tables in the restrooms at Grant Park.
403 S. Main Street – Tegtmeyer stated when she ran for office it was her goal to facilitate transparent decision making. She noted recent votes were made twice to table 403 S. Main Street. This proved to be frustrating and unfair to the constituents. Tegtmeyer stated the building was purchased using tax dollars and urged the council to stop delaying the free process of gathering information, studying criteria and choosing options.
IML Conference – Tegtmeyer stated she, along with Alderperson Johnson, will be attending the Illinois Municipal League Conference in Chicago. She urged anyone interested in a particular session for her to attend to please let her know.
23C-0356 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Street Construction – Street construction has begun in residential areas. Civil has finished all of the prep work on the west side and should complete paving tomorrow. Most of the east side has been prepped. They hope to complete everything by the end of the week. Staff will continue to use Code Red to notify residents.
Paid Parking – Hotspot boosters have been installed in the parking lots for use by anyone trying to pay using ParkMobile.
Verizon Lease – The lease has been approved and they are moving forward with the antennas. They should be installed by the end of the year or early next year.
23C-0357 – MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Renner noted there is a lot of activity downtown and thanked everyone for their patience. The work will be completed soon.
Mayor Renner asked for a moment of silence in observance of 9/11.
23C-0358 - MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to recess to Executive Session to discuss the following:
∙ Section 2 (c) (11) – Pending, probable or imminent litigation
∙ Section 2 (c) (21) – Review of Executive Session Minutes.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
The meeting recessed at 7:04 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 7:10 p.m.
23C-0359 – ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Johnson, to adjourn.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner
NAYS: None
The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
https://www.cityofgalena.org/documents/filelibrary/side_tabs/agendas__minutes/city_council_minutes/2023/cc091123_9F38F2890F7A2.pdf