Galena City Mayor Terry Renner | City of Galena
Galena City Mayor Terry Renner | City of Galena
City of Galena City Council met Aug. 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
24C-0296 – 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 12 August 2024.
24C-0297 – ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, the following members were present: Bernstein (via teleconference), Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner
24C-0298 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Mayor Renner announced a quorum of Board members present to conduct City business.
24C-0299 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge was recited.
24C-0300 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
No reports.
24C-0301 – CITIZENS COMMENTS
Rick Pariser, 113 S. High Street – Pariser spoke with regard to the budget amendment on page 39 of the packet. Pariser noted the city is only four months into the new budget and has already increased the deficit by over $100,000.
PUBLIC HEARING
24C-0302 – PUBLIC HEARING ON 2024-25 ARCHERY DEER HUNTING PROGRAM
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to open the public hearing on the 2024-25 Archery Deer Hunting Program, 24C-0302.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
Testimony: None.
Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Wienen, to close the public hearing on the 2024-25 Archery Deer Hunting Program, 24C-0302.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA CA24-15
24C-0303 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 22, 2024
24C-0304 – APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION ON THE REVIEW AND POSSIBLE RELEASE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
24C-0305 – APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF LED LIGHT FIXTURES FOR THE INDIAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
24C-0306 – APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A TRENCH PROTECTION SYSTEM AND WORK LIGHT
247C-0307 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT BA24-05 IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,045 FOR LEGAL EXPENSES
24C-0308 – APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF KATIE WIENEN TO THE GALENA COUNTRY TOURISM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tegtmeyer requested item 24C-0304 be removed from the consent agenda.
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve Consent Agenda CA24-15 with the exception of item 24C-0304.
Discussion: Tegtmeyer made note of the budget amendment in the amount of $15,045 for legal expenses. The city is at a total of $36,500 for this fiscal year and total litigation costs are at $147,816.
The council discussed the selection process for the Galena Country Tourism Board of Directors. Tegtmeyer stated she would like the selection process to be more open.
Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
24C-0304 – APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION ON THE REVIEW AND POSSIBLE RELEASE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson, to table the release of the Schedule C, recordings, of the executive session minutes pending the ongoing litigation, 24C-0304.
NEW BUSINESS
24C-0309 – PRESENTATION OF BIRD CITY ILLINOIS DESIGNATION BY THE AUDUBON COUNCIL OF ILLINOIS
Jennifer Kuroda, President of the Audubon Council of Illinois announced the City of Galena has been designated a Bird City in Illinois. She presented the mayor with a certificate and two signs.
24C-0310 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON DETERMINING THE METHOD OF SALE FOR THE SALE OF 403 S. MAIN STREET
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve the method of sale placing the name of each agency in a hat and randomly drawing one name, 24C-0310.
Discussion: Johnson made a recommendation to go with a closed bid option. A minimum price could be set, and the property would go to the highest bidders. This would avoid any realtor costs. Tegtmeyer agreed.
Tegtmeyer requested the money which was budgeted for the reconstruction of the building as well as the profits from the sale of the building be used to solve some of the issues with parking and/or restrooms.
Wienen was opposed to a closed bid option. She preferred using a realtor who can facilitate the sale. Kieffer agreed.
Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Kieffer, Westemeier, Renner
NAYS: Bernstein, Johnson, Tegtmeyer
The motion carried.
Council placed the following agencies in the drawing:
| Company | Address |
| Choice Realty | 308 S. Main Street |
| Coldwell Banker Network Realty | 401 S. Main Street |
| DC Rise Real Estate | 322 N. Main Street |
| First Galena Real Estate | 9332 US Highway 20 |
| Keller Williams Realty Signature Galena | 809 Spring Street |
| Re/Max Prime Properties | 117 Irvine, Suite B |
| Eagle Ridge Realty | 412 S. Main Street |
24C-0311 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A CONTRACT TO INSTALL ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
The following bids were received:
| Contractor | Business Location | Cost |
| Fleege Electric | Galena, IL | $50,277 |
| KW Electric | Stockton, IL | $19,550 |
Discussion: Tegtmeyer questioned the significant difference in the amount of the bids. Renner advised a lot has to do with whether or not they want the job and if they have to hire subcontractors. Staff confirmed with the low bidder that the work would be done to the specifications in the contract.
Roll Call: AYES: Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
24C-0312 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE 2024-25 ARCHERY DEER HUNTING PROGRAM
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the 2024-25 Archery Deer Hunting Program, 24C-0312.
Discussion: Wienen stated the packet of information distributed to residents was good.
Westemeier noted the area on Alexander Street was removed. He would like to come up with a plan for the middle of town. He also voiced concern with only getting 12-14 deer per year, we are falling behind.
Tegtmeyer recommended talking to other rural adjacent cities to see how they are handling this and how we might be able to encourage them to live somewhere else. Renner advised staff has talked with the Department of Natural Resources and will continue to look for new ways.
Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
24C-0313 – WATER AND SEWER OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MONTHLY REPORT FROM U.S. WATER
Andrew Schuler, U.S. Water gave the June monthly report. They treated 39.469 gallons of water, drinking water was 15.38 million gallons with 54 percent billed.
Hydrant flushing is approximately 75 percent complete. They have the downtown area and Park Avenue to do. They found some hydrants that need to be looked at.
Five Star will resume the lead replacement soon.
Highway 20 project all of the water and sewer has been installed. The system has been tested and everything tested good.
They are in the process of finalizing Well #7 in Industrial Park to be painted. The process will begin around Labor Day. Pressure tanks will be brought in to keep the system running normally.
Wienen stated it would be nice to see month over month data or month over quarterly data to see how we are trending. Wienen questioned what the status in on the twenty bigger meters that were ordered. Schuler advised he would need to talk to Sue Simmons with regard to the large meters. He will give a report on that in his next report. Wienen requested information on what the new meters are actualizing vs. what they were using.
The sewer line on Boggess Street was replaced. They found several breaches in the line.
24C-0314 – WARRANTS
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve the Warrants as presented with the addition of a warrant to Nack, Richardson & Nack for legal services, Mary Halstead, janitorial services and Karen White, janitorial services, 24C-0314.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
24C-0315 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS
Thank you – Westemeier thanked the Public Works crew for taking the tractor and cutting along some of the side streets. It looks much nicer, and they did an excellent job clearing Elk Street.
Field Street Sidewalk – Wienen questioned what the status is of the closed sidewalk on Field Street with the broken pipe railing. She feels it should be at the very least trimmed to make it look better and feels the city should take a more active approach to getting it fixed.
Weeds – Weien advised if residents are aware of weeds that are getting too high, the best method is to call city hall and report it.
Archery Deer Program – Kieffer stated he is happy the Archery Deer Program was approved. He has received complaints from people about their flowers getting eaten by the deer.
Verizon Tower – Johnson reported the towers for Verizon are up and they should be going live at the end of August.
Pool – Johnson advised today was the first day for the pool to be closed for the season. She thanked the staff as well as the groundskeepers for a great season. Tegtmeyer agreed.
Street Issues – Tegtmeyer reported the following street issue. At 141 S. West Street there is a large hole that needs to be filled. She questioned when the 100-200 block of S. West Street was due for repaving. She advised that when the street sweeper goes by it breaks up the gravel. Tegtmeyer reported the right turn off of Highway 20 coming from the East no longer has a no right turn on red sign. She also noted when coming off of Main Street to turn left, there is no turn arrow. She recommended getting a turn arrow.
Comprehensive Plan – Tegtmeyer advised the Planning Commission will be starting soon. She would like to see them provide a report to the city council each month to keep the public informed.
24C-0316 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Field Street Sidewalk – Moran advised the rail is in poor condition and staff are looking at replacing the entire thing. It is in the process of being manufactured. The sidewalk will remain closed until the rail is installed. He will talk to Public Works to get it weeded.
Street Concerns – Moran advised he will take care of the street concerns. He advised residents to go to the website to see when their street is scheduled on the street improvement program. He advised the schedule is delayed by one year.
Access Improvement Program – The access improvement program for the installation of sidewalks on Park Avenue is complete. Contractors will be moving to Jail Hill and Indian Ridge this week. They will finish on Cobblestone.
Dodge Street Sewer/Water – The design work is done, and the bids are due back the first week of September.
24C-0317 – MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Renner thanked the pool staff for a great year and the Public Works crew for cutting the grass.
24C-0318 - MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to recess to Executive Session to discuss the following:
∙ Section 2 (c) (6) – Sale or Lease of Public Property
∙ 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 7:20 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:39 p.m.
24C-0319 – ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Johnson, to adjourn.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/cc081222_00C981F487B0C.pdf
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