NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met May 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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 May 2024.

ROLL CALL

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

ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

No reports.

CITIZENS COMMENTS

Shirley Rosenthal, 503 S. Street – Rosenthal spoke in support of the proposed pickleball courts. Rosenthal advised they have updated the cost estimates, and all lighting has been removed from the project. Both East and West Galena Townships have committed to providing $5,000 to help fund the project. Rosenthal advised they will be going to Rawlins, Guilford and Vinegar Hill Townships to do presentations there in the upcoming weeks. Rosenthal presented a copy of the neighborhood survey that was completed. Out of the nineteen properties surveyed, ten supported the project, four were opposed to the project, three had no opinion and two were unable to be reached. Rosenthal advised they would be present under the agenda item if there were any questions.

Larry Wiedenheft, 816 Shadow Bluff Drive - Wiedenheft spoke in support of the proposed pickleball courts. All objections have been addressed. There is no parking problem, no drainage problem, no noise problem, no traffic problem and no lighting problem. The money is available. Wiedenheft stated while he understands delaying this project might be optimal from a fiscal planning perspective, this project is a recreational/health related project which will benefit many Galena citizens. Wiedenheft urged the council to think about the message they would be sending with their vote tonight.

Jackie LaShalle, 1369 Field Street – LaShalle stated she lives in the house right next to the proposed pickleball courts. It is currently a place of tranquility with lots of turkey, deer and fox. LaShalle feels the pickleball courts will disrupt all of the tranquility. She urged them to find another location for the pickleball courts.

Bobby Hahn, 402 Boggess – Hahn stated he was in favor of the pickleball project. Rec Park was built for recreation in Galena. Hahn feels the location is perfect. Mike Sproule has agreed to donate the excavating and Hahn has agreed to donate the gravel portion of the base. Ben Wienen has agreed to help with the concrete and Hulscher Fencing has agreed to help with the fencing. Civil are currently working on something they can help out with. Hahn stated this is a community project for the people of Galena and the city should be behind the project.

Matthew Blaum, 245 Council Fire Circle – Blaum stated he supports the pickleball project. It is a great sport which brings people of all ages together. Blaum feels it is going to bring people to town and added it is currently the fastest growing sport in America.

Desiree Einsweiler, Highway 20 – Einsweiler spoke in support of the pickleball project.

Larry Wiedenheft, 816 Shadow Bluff – Wiedenheft urged the council to ask questions if there was something they did not understand.

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Bernstein, to suspend the rules to allow the mayor to read a proclamation.

Discussion: None

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

Mayor Renner read a proclamation naming Theodore Williams as the 2024 Poet Laurette.

LIQUOR COMMISSION

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Bernstein, to adjourn as the City Council and reconvene as the Liquor Commission.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPLICATION FOR A CLASS D CORPORATION LIQUOR LICENSE BY ANTONIO COLATORI FOR CUCINA BELLA, INC., LLC, DBA CUCINA BELLA, 124 N. MAIN STREET

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve an application for a Class D Corporation Liquor License by Antonio Colatori for Cucina Bella, Inc., LLC, DBA Cucina Bella at 124 N. Main Street, 24C-0169.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPLICATION FOR A CORPORATION MANAGER LIQUOR LICENSE FOR RODRIGO ANTONIO HERNANDEZ GUTIERREZ FOR CUCINA BELLA, INC., LLC, DBA CUCINA BELLA, 124 N. MAIN STREET

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve a corporation manager liquor license application for Rodrigo Antonio Hernandez Gutierrez for Cucina Bella, Inc., LLC, DBA Cucina Bella at 124 N. Main Street,

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPLICATION FOR A CLASS B CORPORATION LIQUOR LICENSE BY LALIT CHAUDHARY AND OM CHAUDHARY FOR LINUS, LLC, DBA GALENA STATION, 9927 U.S. HIGHWAY 20 WEST

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Bernstein, to approve an application for a Class B Corporation Liquor License by Lalit Chaudhary and OM Chaudhary for Linus, LLC, DBA Galena Station, 9927 U. S. Highway 20 West,

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPLICATION FOR A CLASS D CORPORATION LIQUOR LICENSE BY HECTOR MORAN FOR CANO, INC., DBA SABOR AZTECAS, 216 S. COMMERCE STREET

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve an application for a Class D Corporation Liquor License by Hector Moran for Cano, Inc., DBA Sabor Aztecas, 216 S. Commerce Street,

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to adjourn as the Liquor Commission and reconvene as the City Council.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA CA24-10

24C-0172 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 22, 2024

24C-0173 – APPROVAL OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING CONTRACT WITH THE ILLINOLIS FRATERNAL ORDER OF THE POLICE PATROL OFFICERS AND SERGEANTS FOR THE PERIOD MAY 1, 2024-APRIL 30, 2027

24C-0174 – APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF TEN PICNIC TABLES FOR THE GRANT PARK PAVILION AT A TOTAL COST OF $11,850.19

24C-0175 – APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A NEW TRUCK FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FROM BARKAU AUTOMOTIVE IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,381

24C-0176 – APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SPYGLASS GROUP FOR AN AUDIT OF PHONE, CLOUD, AND SOFTWARE BILLINGS

24C-0177 – APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER #2 IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,187.88 FOR THE DOWNTOWN SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROJECT

24C-0178 – APPROVAL OF UTILITY ACCOUNT WRITE-OFFS OF $4,756.37 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR MAY 1, 2023, TO APRIL 30, 2024

24C-0179 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT BA23-06 FOR FISCAL YEAR-END FUND ADJUSTMENTS

24C-0180 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT BA24-01 FOR LEGAL EXPENSES, PROPERTY TAX EXPENSES AND LIQUOR LICENSE REVENUE

24C-0181 – APPROVAL OF ILLINOLIS EPA PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY LOAN #17-6109 LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT REQUEST #6 IN THE AMOUNT OF $67,097.80, INCLUDING ORIGIN DESIGN INVOICES AND CHANGE ORDER #4

24C-0182 – APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE GALENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS FOR THE USE OF TWO LOADING SPACES IN FRONT OF WASHINGTON PARK ON SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2024, FOR GALENA CHALKFEST

24C-0183 – APPROVAL OF THE 20TH ANNUAL MIDWEST MEDICAL FUN RUN/WALK ON OCTOBER 5, 2024, 7:00 A.M. TO 11:00 A.M., ON THE GALENA RIVER TRAIL

24C-0184 – APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FOR A FESTIVAL PERMIT BY THE WORKSHOP FOR THE THIRD ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW AT THE GALENA ART AND RECREATION CENTER, NOVEMBER 23, 2024

24C-0185 – APPROVAL OF A FESTIVAL PERMIT FOR CORKLESS IN GALENA, JUNE 22, 2024, 11:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M., IN DEPOT PARK

24C-0186 – APPROVAL OF AN EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE GALENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A SEWER MAIN

24C-0187 – APPROVAL OF A MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ORIGIN DESIGN FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve

Consent Agenda

Discussion: Wienen stated she is thankful we have so many opportunities for festivals and fun things to do. She thanked the many organizations for their hard work.

Tegtmeyer thanked everyone involved in the police collective bargaining contract. The contract was approved with increased benefits.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Regular Board Meeting 13 May 2024

24C-0188 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT PUBLIC PICKLEBALL COURTS AT RECREATION PARK

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the location for eight pickleball courts in the greenspace where the old pool was located next to the first parking lot at Rec Park,

Discussion: Johnson urged the council, and everyone involved, to slow down and possibly get more than just a few people’s comments and suggestions with regards to location. Johnson noted the dog park was not approved for Rec Park due to the noise of barking dogs. She feels barking dogs would not have been as constant as the high-pitched sound of pickleball. She noted they like to play at 7:30 in the morning and voiced concern with the noise early in the morning. Johnson questioned what they plan to do for sound mitigation. Rosenthal advised you do wraps on the fencing that is highly affective at reducing the noise and acoustically dampening the sound. They are willing to add this if it is found to be necessary.

Kieffer questioned if they considered putting the pickleball courts at Wienen Park? Rosenthal stated it should not be the responsibility of West Galena Township to provide recreation for all of Galena. She noted West Galena Township already has baseball and soccer programs there.

Bernstein stated she would like to know what other sites were considered and why they chose Rec Park. Wiedenheft stated Rec Park is underutilized. The existing parking lot is used for ride sharing and transit. Wiedenheft feels it makes sense since there is already an existing parking lot which eliminates the need of having to put one in which saves a lot of money. The topography is flat and is an ideal location. Wienen Park would require filling it in in order to build up there. A suggestion was made to use the gravel lot on Irvine Street. Wiedenheftt advised this is not an accessible location as the school has plans for that area. Rec Park is the ideal place with minimal cost.

Johnson noted there would be no room for expansion at this location. Wiedenheft advised eight courts are quite adequate and stated if more courts are needed down the road another venue could be added in another location.

Tegtmeyer stated they are asking the city to take over the project from start to finish. She feels it should follow the process that any other project would follow.

Amended

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson to amend the motion for the approval of pickleball courts contingent upon a study and details being determined within the Comprehensive Plan process which starts in August of 2024.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer feels then that will answer some of the questions and allow us to find out if that is indeed the right place. This would involve other experts and allow for any other surveys we needed to do.

Wienen feels it is fabulous that people are exercising in Galena rather than eating and drinking like many do. Wienen stated the city will be doing pickleball in the city at some point. Delaying it will just make the costs go up. Wienen feels this is not about tourism but is something for the local people. As for the noise, Wienen stated she has lived across from the park for 16 years. When you live next to a park that is the sound that you get. Rec Park is definitely underutilized. As for the dog park, it had more to do with people being outside with kids at the park and the pool and dogs running after them. Wienen was pleased to see three local businesses aligned on the project.

Westemeier stated he does not agree with putting it in the Comprehensive Plan. Doing so would take a good year and the people want to play now. Westemeier voiced concern that if we wait, we could be on our own. Westemeier feels Wienen Park is not the right place. Rec Park is the right location. There has been noise in the park since it was built. It is a good noise. To his knowledge there has never been a complaint from residents near the tennis courts with regard to early morning noise from pickleball. Kieffer agreed, stating it fits in with the other amenities in the park.

Bernstein agrees there will be pickleball in Galena; however, there are a lot of things to consider. She agreed it would not be a bad idea to roll it into the Comprehensive Plan. If it is considered in the Comprehensive Plan, there might be some better ideas to come out of it and it will allow the community to weigh in. She feels it would be fiscally irresponsible to allocate $150,000 to the project at this time as the city cannot project what might be coming down the road. The budget has already passed. Bernstein feels this is not the time to consider it.

Wienen pointed out the original motion was not about money. It was about the location.

Tegtmeyer stated she is not anti-pickleball but pro process. She feels pickleball is not an emergency as people are still able to play pickleball and urged them to allow the city to take a couple steps back and put it in the city process.

Amended

Motion

Roll Call: AYES: Bernstein, Johnson, Tegtmeyer

NAYS: Wienen, Kieffer, Westemeier, Renner

The amended motion was denied.

Main

Motion

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve the site plan subject to the requestor presenting final design by a professional engineer as depicted by Jim Baranski.

Discussion: Bernstein questioned if the city would put it out for bid once that was received. Nack advised the pickleball group will get the professional engineering proposal and present that to the city. The city would then go out for bid.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve not to exceed $150,000 from the general fund to be pledged towards pickleball courts at Rec Park.

Discussion: Kieffer feels Mark can move some money around and still maintain our fund balances.

Wienen was in favor of going back to VisitGalena as they should certainly be able to pay for some of the project. The city has plenty of money in the general fund. Wienen stated this project feels good to her because for once it is not all about tourism. This is something for the local people. This has nothing to do with tax bills and is not going to affect them.

Tegtmeyer feels $150,000 might be doable but also thinks it might not cost that much. She was concerned with the city promising an amount that is not in the budget. She feels we should wait until the numbers come back.

Westemeier noted if the numbers come in less, the remaining funds would go back into the general fund. Westemeier stated we have the money and people that want this. It is well worth it because it is something for the citizens.

Bernstein noted when the people for the dog park came forward, the city told them they had to raise the money. She is concerned with the city now, saying yes to this project.

Tegtmeyer stated she supports pickleball. She would just like to be fiscally conservative and see where the process gets us and then develop.

Wienen questioned if the funding is there, why would we not do it this year rather than next year. She noted the park already has restrooms and the city pays for additional porta-potties. The park is underutilized and more people in the park would be a good thing.

Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner

NAYS: Johnson, Tegtmeyer, Bernstein

The motion carried.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON LEASING THE WATERWORKS BUILDING, 720 PARK AVENUE, TO THE GALENA FOUNDATION

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve leasing the waterworks building at 720 Park Avenue to the Galena Foundation in the amount of $1 per year on the lease fee and paid maintenance on the building and the property,

Discussion: Wienen stated it is nice to see someone going in there. Westemeier agreed, adding the Galena Foundation has done a lot of great work for the city.

Tegtmeyer was happy to see it was a five-year contract.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

24C-0190 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 79 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ENACT LIMITED TIME PARKING IN TWO SPACES ON MAGAZINE STREET FOR GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION

Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the first reading, waive the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 79 of the Code of Ordinances to enact limited time parking in two spaces on Magazine Street for garbage and recycling collection.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer questioned if the 11:00 a.m. cutoff accounted for recycling pick up as well as recycling is usually later. Moran advised Montgomery Trucking stated it should not be a problem.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

24C-0191 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF MUNICIPALLY OWNED PERSONAL PROPERTY, INCLUDING OLD BRIDGE LIGHTS, BENCHES, WELDER, AND CONCESSIONS EQUIPMENT

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve the first reading, waive the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the sale of municipally owned personal property, including old bridge lights, benches, welder and concession equipment,

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

24C-0192 – WARRANTS

Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve the Warrants as presented,

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Recycling – Bernstein advised she received an email from a citizen who is concerned about the state of recycling since the new system was implemented. She feels people really do not understand what should and should not be put in the bins, i.e. greasy pizza boxes should not be recycled. Bernstein suggested finding a way to communicate to everyone what can and cannot be recycled. She suggested running an article in the paper.

Damages – Bernstein questioned if the city is pursuing compensation for damages from the truck that hit the fire hydrant which caused several water main breaks.

Poet Laurette – Bernstein shared, according to the library, Galena is the smallest city in the United States to have a Poet Laurette.

Recycling – Westemeier said there was an article in last week’s Gazette with regard to recycling. Highway Project – Westemeier stated the highway project is coming along nicely.

City – Westemeier noted the city is looking good and will be even better once we get some holes patched.

Hotel Motel/Food and Beverage Tax – Wienen stated it would be lovely if everyone paid their taxes timely. It is not fair to Jen to have to chase people down. She questioned at what point do we start fining people.

Thank you – Tegtmeyer thanked everyone for coming and for their participation, adding she hopes they will let her play pickleball.

Email/Text Alerts – Tegtmeyer reminded everyone they can go on to the new city website and sign up for email and text alerts. Tegtmeyer also urged people to use the city’s Facebook page more and suggested adding information about recycling dos and don’ts on there as well.

Money – Johnson stated she hates the fact that she was made to feel like she does not want to spend money. All she was trying to do was make sure the whole town knew what was happening.

Welcome back Alderman Kieffer!

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

403 S. Main Street – Moran reported bids for 403 S. Main Street were opened. An item will be placed on the next agenda.

Verizon – Moran reminded people using Verizon that they are in the process of building a tower and antennas. It is not yet operational but should be in the next month or two.

Damages – Moran advised staff is pursuing the trucking company’s insurance for damages and apologized to the residents for the inconvenience of the many water breaks.

Poet Laurette – Moran apologized; the Poet Laurette will be at the meeting on May 28th.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Meeting - Mayor Renner reminded everyone the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 28th due to the holiday.

Garbage Containers - Mayor Renner advised Mark Moran received an email that the new 35- gallon containers are in and will be distributed soon.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to adjourn.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/cc051324_8BEF27B6A00B0.pdf