NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met July 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

24C-0280 – CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Pro Tem Kieffer called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Chambers at 101 Green Street on 22 July 2024.

24C-0281 – ROLL CALL

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

Absent: Johnson, Renner

24C-0282 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

Mayor Pro Tem Kieffer announced a quorum of Board members present to conduct City business.

24C-0286 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

24C-0284 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

No reports.

24C-0285 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

James Boho, Rocky Hill Road – Boho stated two years ago Alderperson Wienen promised she would check with the state and the county on the dangers of the 4th Street and Highway 20 intersection. To date that has not been done. Boho urged Wienen to act on those words.

CONSENT AGENDA CA24-15

24C-0286 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 8, 2024

24C-0287 – APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE (SUPPLEMENTAL MOTOR FUEL TAX RESOLUTION FOR 2023)

24C-0288 – APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE (MOTOR FUEL TAX RESOLUTION FOR 2024)

24C-0289 – ACCEPTANCE OF THE JUNE 2024 FINANCIAL REPORT

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Bernstein, to approve Consent Agenda CA24-15.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Johnson, Renner

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

24C-0290 – PRESENTATION BY GALENA COUNTRY TOURISM OF THEIR BUDGET AND MARKETING PLAN

Terry Matteson, Galen Country Tourism gave a presentation on the Greater Galena Marketing, Inc. budget and marketing plan. Matteson shared a packet of information which included the budget, tax receipts through April, as well as an overview of the marketing program.

The council was pleased to hear they are planning to do an outreach to the residents. The survey will be done in the entire county.

Wienen stated she read the packet thoroughly. She noted they have identified Milwaukee as a new market; however, Milwaukee has been in reports from the past, so she questions if that is in fact a new market. Wienen questioned what the plan is to fill midweek business. Wienen urged Galena Country to tread lightly when co-oping with Expedia. She advised Expedia is a nightmare for lodging establishments as they are required to pay them 20 percent. Wienen stated it would be nice to see Google analytics of where people are coming from.

Matteson advised they were not currently in the Milwaukee market. They plan to do a shift in mid-week messaging. They are very focused on driving business here. They are attempting to shift resources to fill hotel rooms at other times. He noted the co-ops are options available and not something they are trying to force on anyone. They try to provide a range of opportunities for which not everything will work for everyone.

Tegtmeyer questioned if there was still an opening on the board. Matteson advised they are taking nominations until noon on Thursday, July 25, 2024. He advised there is also an opening for a city representative.

24C-0291 – WARRANTS

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve the Warrants as presented, 24C 0291.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Johnson, Renner

The motion carried.

24C-0292 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

River – Westemeier stated he is glad to see the river is going down.

Highway 20 – Westemeier stated the highway project is looking better and is moving along good.

Lights – Tegtmeyer stated she is happy to see the new lights on the bridge and noted they are dark skies compliant.

Safe Streets for All – Tegtmeyer advised people to go to the city’s website and mark the map for intersections they would like reviewed.

Planning Committee – Tegtmeyer advised she would like the Planning Committee for the Comprehensive Plan to provide monthly reports and updates as well as information on how people can get involved.

24C-0293 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Green Street – Moran reported staff assessed the damage to Green Street today. It does not appear to be too bad under the surface. Matt Oldenburg will be working with the Corps of Engineers to design a change to help prevent this problem in the future.

Archery Deer Hunting Program – A public hearing will be held at the meeting of August 12, 2024, on the archery deer hunting program.

24C-0294 – MAYOR’S REPORT

No report.

24C-0279 – ADJOURNMENT

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Bernstein, to adjourn.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Johnson, Renner

The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uMp3oM9zsE3IvKJfSxjflpwkqOchfyDFZ3pa3T1jtyo/edit