Mark Moran, City Administrator | City of Galena
Mark Moran, City Administrator | City of Galena
City of Galena City Council met Sept. 9.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
24C-0342 – 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 09 September 2024.
24C-0343 – ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, the following members were present: Bernstein (via teleconference), Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner
24C-0344 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Mayor Renner announced a quorum of Board members present to conduct City business. 24C-0345 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge was recited.
24C-0346 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
No reports.
24C-0347 – CITIZENS COMMENTS
Peggy Stortz, 112 Olde Maple Court – Stortz read a prepared statement opposing the Parker Project. Stortz voiced concern a mega resort will increase overcrowding, increase parking problems and will commercialize our town.
Ted Williams, 535 S. High Street – Williams quoted Frank Einsweiler as saying, “the trick is to attract tourists without becoming a tourist trap”. Williams voiced concern the city is already running at below standard occupancy rates in most of our hotels. We do not need more occupancy. The city has already attracted people to the level that our infrastructure is struggling to accommodate it. Tourism levels are at an all-time high and adding on to it is only going to deeply affect our culture. Williams encouraged the council to consider the impact of the project and the negative impact it will have on the quality of life and vote to keep Galena the wonderful place that it is.
Jess Farlow, 411 Meeker Street – Farlow feels an appeal would add more dollars to an already excessive amount paid to enable a project that the majority Galena residents opposed. Farlow recommended the council vote against an appeal, save additional wasteful dollars and allow the Parker Project to pass away peacefully.
Jana Frohlich, 401 Boggess Street – Frolich read a prepared statement opposing an appeal of the Clark vs. City of Galena litigation.
Elizabeth Boggess, 519 4th Street – Boggess spoke with regard to the appeal of the Clark vs. City of Galena litigation. Boggess feels it is time to survey the residents to see what they want.
James Boho, Rocky Hill Road – Boho spoke on the Local Roads for Safety Program, noting the city has added it to the website. Boho expressed his concerns about who will be educating the public. He also voiced concern with burial grounds near the Marine Hospital.
Vonda Wall, 928 Fulton Street – Wall recommended the city spend money on our roads and sidewalks rather than the lawsuit and urged the council to listen to the residents.
Mary Hartman, 510 Gear Street – Hartman quoted a country song from years ago, “What part of no don’t you understand”.
Joe Berning, 11051 West Cross Road – Berning spoke in opposition to the appeal of the Clark vs. City of Galena litigation stating there are other ways to make revenue for Galena without ruining this town.
Brenda Holmes 516 Dewey Avenue – Holmes questioned if the city was ever going to address the parking in Galena. She voiced concern with tourists parking in residential areas.
CONSENT AGENDA CA24-17
24C-0348 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 26, 2024
24C-0349 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT BA24-05 FOR $5,295 OF NEW LITIGATION EXPENSES
24C-0350 – APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF $57,841 OF BUDGETED PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR REC PARK PLAY STRUCTURE
24C-0351 – APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH GALENA COUNTRY FAIR CHARITIES, INC. FOR THE USE OF GRANT PARK FOR GALENA COUNTRY FAIR, OCTOBER 10-14, 2024, AND THE REC PARK PARKING LOTS ON OCTOBER 13 AND 14 FOR REMOTE EVENT PARKING
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve Consent Agenda CA24-17. Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
24C-0352 - PRESENTATION BY WIPFLI OF THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING APRIL 30, 2024
Matt Schueler, partner with WIPFLI gave a summary of the audit. The city was given a clean unmodified opinion.
Tegtmeyer thanked Schueler for the presentation and stated, in the future, she would like to see him use the screen so the public can follow along.
The audit as well as the summary will be made available on the city’s website. Mayor Renner also thanked WIPFLI for their prompt service.
24C-0353 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A RECAPTURE AGREEMENT WITH THE BTK GROUP, LLC FOR SEWER CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Bernstein, to approve a recapture agreement with the BTK Group, LLC for sewer construction costs, 24C-0353.
Discussion: None.
Page 6 of 75
Regular Board Meeting 09 September 2024
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
24C-0354 – SECOND READING AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP FOR 9808 US HWY 20 WEST FROM LIMITED AGRICULTURAL TO PLANNED COMMERCIAL
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve the second reading of an ordinance amending the zoning map for 9808 US Hwy 20 West from limited agricultural to planned commercial, 24C-0354.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
24C-0355 – SECOND READING AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE TO ANNEX THE 1.34 ACRE PARCEL AT 9808 US HWY 20 WEST
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve the second reading of an ordinance to annex the 1.34-acre parcel at 9808 US Hwy 20 West, 24C-0355.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
24C-0356 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CONTRACTS FOR HIGHWAY 20 TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE WITH WAVETRONIX AND AG ELECTRIC
Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve contracts for Highway 20 traffic signal maintenance with Wavetronix and AG Electric in the amount of $73,820, 24C-0356.
Discussion: The work will provide mounted intelligent sensor loops on the traffic signal mast arms vs the pavement loops currently being used. IDOT recommends the upgrade and will cover 50 percent of the cost.
Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
24C-0357 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON EMERGENCY CONTRACT WITH LOUIE’S TRENCHING SERVICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $19,930 FOR REPAIRS TO FLOOD DAMAGED GREEN STREET PLAZA
| COMPANY | COST |
| Louie’s Trenching Service | $19,930.00 |
| Mike & Nick Sproule Construction | $34,800.00 |
Discussion: Wienen voiced concern that the work was started prior to approval. Tegtmeyer stated it was a necessary emergency repair and they were the low bid.
Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
24C-0358 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A CONTRACT FOR THE DODGE STREET UTILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
| COMPANY | COST |
| Louie’s Trenching Service | $745,834.00 |
| Fischer Excavating Inc. | $896,949.00 |
Discussion: The project includes replacement of watermain and sanitary sewer main on North Dodge Street from Franklin to North High Streets; new hydrants; transfer of water and sanitary services to new mains; select curb & gutter replacement; pavement removal, base preparation and new asphalt pavement.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
24C-0359 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE PURCHASE OF FOUR SHADE STRUCTURES FOR THE POOL FROM GAME TIME/CUNNINGHAM RECREATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,010
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve the purchase of four shade structures for the pool from Game Time/Cunningham Recreation in the amount of $32,010, 24C 0359.
Discussion: With the removal of several trees from the deck area, shade is needed.
Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
24C-0360 – WARRANTS
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve the Warrants as presented, 24C 0360.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
24C-0361 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS
Bernstein stated she appreciates the opportunity to participate remotely.
Name Plates – Tegtmeyer stated she would like to request name plates for the council.
Sound Study – Tegtmeyer stated she would like to see the sound study done on the pickle ball courts. According to a department head report it does comply with the noise ordinance. She also added she would like to hear from the committee when things like this have happened.
Comprehensive Plan Meetings – Tegtmeyer noted in the department head reports it was stated that the initial comprehensive plan meeting was held August 15th. She would like advanced notice when there will be community involvement.
Reminder – Tegtmeyer reminded everyone in attendance that there are two open session items following the executive session. She advised they can wait outside and can return after the executive session.
Board Positions – Tegtmeyer advised applications for the Zoning Board and Historic Preservation Commission are due back by September 30, 2024. She also noted anyone interested in running for council can find information on the city’s website.
Parking – Wienen stated she would like to see the city explore an option for something for the paid lots for people who live here such as a parking pass for locals.
Thank you – Westemeier thanked Jen, Mark and Staff for their outstanding job on the audit adding the city is in great shape.
Parking – Westemeier noted the city has added a lot more parking than we have had in a long time. He recommends looking at the Meeker Street lot for the possibility of additional spaces.
24C-0362 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Water Tower Painting – Moran advised the blue tanks near the school were put in service today in preparation for the water tower painting. One tank is for water storage and the other is for pressure. The work should be completed in the next three weeks. The towner will have the city log on it.
Pickle Ball – Moran advised the committee has been working on a report to bring to the council to bring everyone up to speed. They will make a presentation at the next meeting which will include the sound study.
24C-0363 – MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Renner thanked staff for their work on the audit.
24C-0364 - 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: Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
The meeting recessed at 7:17 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:17 p.m.
24C-0365 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON APPEAL OF CLARK VS. CITY OF GALENA LITIGATION
Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the appeal of Clark vs. City of Galena litigation, 24C-0365.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Westemeier, Bernstein, Renner
NAYS: Tegtmeyer, Wienen, Johnson
The motion carried.
24C-0366 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE SALE OF 403 S. MAIN STREET
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the sale of 403 S. Main Street and accept the offer from Kelsey Milovich in the amount of $395,000 subject to any contingencies, 24C-0366.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer NAYS: Wienen
The motion carried.
24C-0367 – ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to adjourn.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Bernstein, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/Council_Packet_09_0E936A9DB908B.pdf
Alerts Sign-up