NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met July 8

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

24C-0262 – 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 08 July 2024.

24C-0263 – ROLL CALL

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

24C-0264 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

24C-0265 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

24C-0266 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

No reports.

24C-0267 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

Rick Pariser, 113 S High Street – Pariser urged the council to vote no on item 24C-0269, appointments to the zoning board. Pariser noted the three individuals up for appointment have actively supported the Parker Project. He feels there are many other well qualified, thoughtful and sensitive citizens who could serve on the zoning board. Pariser noted one of the individuals has served well over a dozen years on the zoning board. Pariser feels it is time for change.

Tessa Flak, 513 Bouthillier Street – Flak requested council rescind Ordinance O.23.27. Flack advised it has come to their attention that the land must be unencumbered.

Gerald Podraza, 304 Territory Drive – Podraza updated the council on the project to revive the Twin Cities Zephyr. Jo Daviess and Whiteside Counties have passed a resolution in support of a feasibility study. Included in the resolutions is also a station in West Galena. Podraza advised there is a new mass transit agency for region one. While it is not clear what their job is, Podraza stated it appears on paper that their job will be to coordinate local transit agencies.

Jim Durand, Treasurer, Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society, 513 Bouthillier Street – Durand urged the council to renew the lease for the Blacksmith Shop. Durand advised the lease is the same other than a paragraph was added with regard to maintaining liability insurance and providing proof to the city.

James Boho, Rocky Hill Road - Boho voiced concern with regard to the 4th Street and Highway 20 intersection. He feels available information with regard to critical crashes with injuries was never brought forward. Boho feels the appointment of Mr. Baranski to the zoning board is a safety issue.

Pat Smith, 712 Park Avenue – Smith agreed with comments made by Rick Pariser and feels it is time for a change on the Zoning Board. She urged the council to think about what is best for the town and not what is best for a few friends.

Darlene Farrey, - Farrey stated Jim Baranski does not belong on the Zoning Board as he has too many conflicts of interest.

Joan Murray, 706 Park Avenue – Murray voiced concern with people on boards that have to abstain from voting. She feels when someone has to abstain over and over, they should not be on the board. Murray urged the council to consider that when appointing and approving members for a board.

CONSENT AGENDA CA24-14

24C-0268 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 24, 2024

24C-0270 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT BA24-03 FOR LEGAL EXPENSES

Tegtmeyer requested item 24C-0269 be removed from the Consent Agenda.

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Bernstein, to approve Consent Agenda CA24-14 with the exception of item 24C-0269.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner NAYS: None

The motion carried.

24C-0269 – APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENTS OF JIM BARANSKI, STEVE MONAHAN, AND ROGER GATES TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS FOR THE TERMS AUGUST 1, 2024-JULY 31, 2029

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson, to deny the appointments of Jim Baranski, Steve Monahan and Roger Gates to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the term August 1, 2024- July 31, 2029, 24C-0269.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer voiced concern with the process for filling the positions. She would prefer to develop an open submission process in which applicants submit a letter of interest with background information, qualifications and potential conflicts of interest. Johnson agreed.

Bernstein voiced concern with denying the appointments, questioning if this would mean the zoning board would not be able to operate. She would be inclined to renew the appointments because these members have experience and expertise. She would be in favor of discussing how the process can be changed to make things more transparent and to find ways to encourage other individuals to step up.

Westemeier advised appointments to committees are made by the mayor.

Renner noted the zoning ordinance was revamped in 2003. The job of the zoning board is to make sure the application fits into what the zoning ordinance states. The appointments should not be made because of a certain project.

Tegtmeyer feels the Parker Project has been mentioned because it specifically points out conflict of interest.

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

The motion was denied.

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the appointments of Jim Baranski, Steve Monahan and Roger Gates to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the term August 1, 2024- July 31, 2029, 24C-0269.

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

24C-0271 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS

Mayor Renner recommended the following appointments:

∙ Joel Holland (Chairperson)

∙ Matt Blaum

∙ Deserey Einsweiler

∙ Damon Heim

∙ Steve Monahan

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve the appointment of Joel Holland (Chairperson), Matt Blaum, Deserey Einsweiler, Damon Heim and Steve Monahan to the Planning Commission for the comprehensive planning process, 24C-0271.

Discussion: Wienen feels it is a good mix of people who are involved in the community.

Tegtmeyer stated once again she was not aware we were appointing a planning commission. Again, she preferred to see an application process with an advertisement letting people know there are open positions. She feels this is a prime opportunity to solicit people from the community to serve.

Renner advised openings are passed on by word of mouth. He advised he reached out to numerous people to serve. He reminded the council there will be public meetings and everyone will have the chance to talk.

Tegtmeyer recommended tabling action until such time as they could see if there are more people interested.

Westemeier advised there would need to be an ordinance change if it were opened up to an application process. The current ordinance states the mayor makes appointments.

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

The motion carried.

24C-0272 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON RESCINDING AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF PROPERTY FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM THE GALENA-JO DAVIESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (O.23.27)

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve rescinding the ordinance accepting the donation of property for right-of-way from the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society, Ordinance #O.23.27, 24C-0272.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner NAYS: None

The motion carried.

24C-0273 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE RENEWAL OF THE LEASE WITH THE GALENA-JO DAVIESS COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM FOR THE BLACKSMITH SHOP

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Bernstein, to approve the renewal of the lease with the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Museum for the Blacksmith Shop, 24C-0273.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner NAYS: None

The motion carried.

24C-0274 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTON ON A CONTRACT FOR THE 2024 ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

The following bids were received:

Company Cost M & N Sproule Construction $268,128.40 Louie’s Trenching Service $295,048.00

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the bid for the 2024 Access Improvements Project from M & N Sproule Construction in the amount of $268,048.00, 24C-0274.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner NAYS: None

The motion carried.

24C-0275 – WARRANTS

Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve the Warrants as presented, 24C-0275.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer noted the city is continually adding to the budget approval for legal expenses that are adding up.

Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner NAYS: None

The motion carried.

24C-0276 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Tree – Bernstein reported there is a large, downed tree in Cemetery Park.

Thank you - Bernstein stated it is nice to be back and thanked everyone who acknowledged her “advancing age.” The council was happy to have her back.

4th of July – Wienen thanked city staff, police, public works and fire personnel for their help with the 4th of July festivities.

Flooding – Tegtmeyer thanked staff for their work with flood control.

Litigation Updates – Tegtmeyer advised a hearing will be held July 9th. A decision will be made in the weeks following. The council will discuss the outcome and options from there.

24C-0277 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Flooding – Moran reported the blowout on Green Street is from flooding. It caused a manhole to burst. Moran thanked Matt Oldenburg and the Public Works Department for their help managing the flooding. He also expressed appreciation for the visits from the Core of Engineers.

Absences – Moran advised we will have two absences at the next meeting. He will attempt to keep the agenda light.

Tree – Moran advised Public Works is aware of the large tree down in Cemetery Park. Unfortunately, it is too wet to get equipment in to clean it up at this time.

24C-0278 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Renner welcomed Alderperson Bernstein back. The 4th of July festivities were very nice, and he appreciates everyone’s work on the flooding. Renner advised he would be absent for the next meeting.

24C-0279 – ADJOURNMENT

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

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Renner NAYS: None

The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/cc070824_AA13E49D66A62.pdf