NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met Nov. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

23C-0427 – 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 2023.

23C-0428 – ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, the following members were present: Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner

23C-0429 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

Mayor Renner announced a quorum of Board members present to conduct City business.

23C-0430 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

23C-0431 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

No reports.

23C-0432 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

Barb Hocker, 606 Dewey Avenue - Hocker thanked Public Works, the Police Department, City Staff and everyone who helped with the Halloween parade. It was a great event, and she has received many great comments.

Gerald Podraza, 304 Territory Drive – Podraza stated he was present to answer any questions with regard to the resolution on the revival of Amtrak service from Chicago.

Sherry Seas, 605 N. Dodge Street – Seas spoke in favor of approving the four-way stop intersection at West and Gear Street. The current sign has slowed traffic down and made the neighborhood safer.

Rick Pariser, 113 S. High Street - Pariser stated he echoes the comments made by Seas. The sign at West and Gear Street has slowed the traffic down. Pariser recommended a sign be added at High Street as well.

Pariser noted the draft of the Comprehensive Plan on page 48 only makes a small mention that addresses conflicts of interest. Pariser would like to see the definitions of conflict of interest expanded in this document as well as future documents.

Terry Prindle, 415 Gear Street – Prindle spoke in favor of the stop sign remaining in place at West and Gear Streets. The sign forces people to slow down. Prindle stated it was nice last month seeing three units running radar on Gear Street. He would like to see that more often in order to keep the speed appropriate.

LIQUOR COMMISSION

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, 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-0433 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPLICATION BY AHMEDI JASAR, DBA CHARLIE’S PLACE EATERY, 200 NORTH MAIN STREET, FOR A CLASS D LIQUOR LICENSE

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve the application by Ahmedi Jasar, DBA Charlie’s Place Eatery, 200 North Main Street, for a Class D liquor license, 23C-0433.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, 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: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA CA23-20

23C-0434 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 23, 2023

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve Consent Agenda CA23-20.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

23C-0396 – SECOND READING AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 111 “ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO MODIFY THE ONE DAY CLASS “E” LIQUOR LICENSE

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Bernstein, to approve the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 111 “Alcoholic Beverages” of the Code of Ordinances to modify the one-day Class E liquor license, 23C-0396.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

23C-0417 – SECOND READING AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 111 “ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES” OF THE CODE OF ORIDNANCES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF CLASS A LIQUOR LICENSES

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer to approve the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 111 “Alcoholic Beverages” of the Code of Ordinances to increase the number of Class A liquor licenses, 23C-0417.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

23C-0420 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A FEASIBILITY STUDY TO EVALUATE THE ECONOMIC VIABILITY AND EVERYDAY USEFULNESS OF THE REVIVAL OF AMTRAK SERVICE FROM CHICAGO TO EAST DUBUQUE

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Johnson to approve a resolution in support of a feasibility study to evaluate the economic viability and everyday usefulness of the revival of Amtrak service from Chicago to East Dubuque, 23C-0420 amended to include language to the end stating, “Whereas the City of Galena continues to support initiatives aimed at bringing passenger rail to Northwest Illinois”.

Discussion: Bernstein reminded council members that the city has been supportive of another route from Chicago to Dubuque. The advantage of that route is it will make a stop in Galena. The Amtrak service does not have a top in Galena. Bernstein stated she has no problem supporting this resolution but does not want to be misinterpreted supporting this alternate route.

Amended

Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to amend the motion to include language to the end stating, “Whereas the City of Galena continues to support initiatives aimed at bringing passenger rail to Northwest Illinois.”

Discussion: None.

Amended

Motion

Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

Main

Motion

Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

23C-0435 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SERVICES

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen to approve the issuance of a request for proposals for Comprehensive Plan Services, 23C-0435 which was amended to include the addition of development of community health resources specific to health and mental health.

Discussion: Bernstein stated she would like the list of topics to address to include specific language about health and mental health as there is a serious lack of resources.

Amended

Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Westemeier, to amend the proposal to add development of community health resources specific to health and mental health.

Amended

Motion

Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

Main

Motion

Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

23C-0436 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ESTABLISHING THE AMOUNT OF THE 2023 TAX LEVY FOR TAXES TO BE COLLECTED IN 2024

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer to approve establishing the amount of the 2023 Tax Levy for taxes to be collected in 2024 at $1,593,642.00, 23C-0436.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer stated the tax rate is continually going down and has been for decades. This amount is not the maximum increase. Tegtmeyer stated even if we picked the maximum amount, it would still be the lowest levy rate in the past 30 years. She added when we do not use the maximum rate, we leave money on the table. In this case it is $13,000. The city cannot go back and get that. She noted if the city needed money five years down the road, it would have to go to referendum. Tegtmeyer voiced concern with continually leaving money on the table.

Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

23C-0437 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF PROPERTY FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM THE GALENA-JO DAVIESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson to approve the first reading of an ordinance accepting the donation of property for right-of-way from the Galena-JoDaviess County Historical Society, 23C-0437.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

23C-0438 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 78, SCHEDULE II, “STOP INTERSECTIONS” TO MAKE GEAR STREET AT WEST STREET A PERMANENT FOUR-WAY STOP INTERSECTION

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson to approve the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 789, Schedule II, “Stop Intersections”, to make Gear Street at West Street a permanent four-way stop intersection, 23C-0438.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer stated she has heard from a number of people in the neighborhood. This intersection was dangerous even before the three-way stop. Tegtmeyer feels it would be helpful to have everyone stop at West Street.

Westemeier advised stop signs are not put up to slow traffic down. He noted this is a twenty mile per hour zone and there have not been any accidents at this intersection since 2019. Westemeier feels if the city puts a stop sign there, there are numerous other areas where they should put them as well. Kieffer agreed.

Wienen stated she would like to see some data collected such as number of cars, speed and use. She was in favor of putting this on hold until the data was collected.

Tegtmeyer stated there are people who park there as well as run there. She does not want them to just slow down but to stop. Tegtmeyer did not see the need for a study when it is a safety issue. She would prefer the stop sign not to be removed until construction is totally completed.

Renner noted when a regulatory sign is put up it must be strictly warranted. For example, fatalities, severe injuries or numerous accidents. Renner recommended looking at it again when the construction is completed.

Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer

NAYS: Johnson, Kieffer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner

The motion was denied.

23C-0439 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE ILLINOIS PAID LEAVE FOR ALL WORKERS ACT FOR THE CITY OF GALENA

Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Wienen to approve the first reading and waive the second reading of an ordinance regarding the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act for the City of Galena, 23C-0439.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

23C-0440 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON UPDATES TO CITY OF GALENA INVESTMENT POLICY

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier to approve the updates to the City of Galena Investment Policy, 23C-0440.

Discussion: Council thanked Jennifer Schmidt for updating the policy. Wienen stated she enjoyed reading it and recommended it be updated on an annual basis.

Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

23C-0441 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF MUNICIPALLY OWNED PERSONAL PROPERTY (FIRE DEPARTMENT 1997 ENCLOSED CARGO TRAILER)

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Bernstein, to approve the first reading and waive the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the sale of municipally owned personal property, 23C-0441.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

23C-0442 – WARRANTS

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve the Warrants as presented, 23C 0442.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

23C-0443 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

403 S. Main Street – Johnson stated, in light of recent inquiries, she would like to have the building at 403 S. Main Street put back on the agenda for reconsideration. Tegtmeyer agreed stating she would like to eliminate some of the options in order to make some progress and to make the decisions next year easier.

Amtrak – Johnson stated it is important to get transportation coming to Galena. She advised there was no longer a bus coming to Galena.

Congratulations – Tegtmeyer congratulated the Galena High School Girl’s Volleyball Team on their state championship! Kieffer echoed her comments.

Halloween Parade – Kieffer thanked everyone for their help with the Halloween Parade.

Hospital Project – Westemeier noted the Highway 20 project at the hospital will be completed and opened up tomorrow.

Spring Street – Westemeier stated a great job has been done on Spring Street.

Thank you – Bernstein thanked Jason Bingham and the Public Works Department for responding to her concerns about potholes. They replied promptly and got the job done.

St. Mary’s School – Bernstein stated she is pleased to see the grounds in front of the old St. Mary’s School being cleared. She is hopeful there will be progress on the building.

23C-0444 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

St. Mary’s School – Moran advised the ownership of St. Mary’s School has changed.

Lead Service Line Project – Moran advised the lead service line project is underway. They are currently focusing on the East Side. Letters were sent out. The contractor has been meeting with residents to assess the pipes on the inside. They will then assess the pipe from the outside and move toward excavation and replacement.

Montgomery Trucking – Moran reported Montgomery Trucking is preparing to deliver the new 65-gallon containers. They will start delivery in the first week of December. Staff will work with the Gazette on an article explaining the process. Information will also be on the city’s website as well as a notice will be printed on the utility bills. The information will include how to apply for a cart exemption if you have a physical disability or terrain issue.

23C-0445 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Congratulations – Mayor Renner congratulated the Galena High School Girl’s Volleyball Team on their state championship win!

Thank you – Mayor Renner thanked all involved with the Halloween Parade. It went very well.

Fire Department – Renner reported he attended the Fire Department awards dinner. They have received five new members.

23C-0446 - 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: Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

The meeting recessed at 7:19 p.m.

The meeting reconvened at 7:30 p.m.

23C-0447 – ADJOURNMENT

Motion: Kieffer 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 7:31 p.m.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/documents/filelibrary/side_tabs/agendas__minutes/city_council_minutes/2023/00_03C73F2A305AC.pdf