NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met Oct. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

24C-0393 – 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 15 October 2024.

24C-0394 – ROLL CALL

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

24C-0395 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

24C-0396 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

24C-0397 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

No reports.

24C-0398 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

Rebecca Martin 1628 Field Street - Martin expressed her appreciation for the conversations surrounding the pickleball project. She discussed reports on the noise impact of the pickleball courts, emphasizing that the required sound mitigation measures might be necessary due to the lack of ambient noise after 6 p.m. She urged the council to consider implementing the sound mitigation curtains.

Shirley Rosenthal, 503 S. Street – Rosenthal requested council grant authorization for the Galena Pickleball Complex to move to the bidding phase. She noted a noise assessment was conducted voluntarily, and funds for the project were successfully raised from donors, including a forthcoming donation from Galena Country Tourism. Rosenthal expressed her gratitude for the city’s financial commitment and requested the bidding go forward without a noise barrier.

Larry Wiedenheft, 816 Shadow Bluff Drive – Wiedenheft thanked Alderperson Tegtmeyer for her suggestion of an application process for open board positions.

Wiedenheft shared additional information from Sunscape Engineering in reference to Dr. Thunder’s report and highlighted the standards regarding noise in public parks. Wiedenheft advised after a walkthrough of the initial site, it was determined that the site was not appropriate, and it was then moved to the new location.

Jeff Harkness, 746 S. Blackjack Road – Harkness discussed new technology developed to reduce pickleball noise, mentioning specific improvements in paddles and balls designed to decrease the noise output significantly.

CONSENT AGENDA CA24-19

24C-0399 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

24C-0400 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT BA34-07 FOR $3,100 FOR LITIGATION EXPENSES

24C-0401 – APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER #1, IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,167.00 FOR WELL #7 TOWER REPAINTING PROJECT

24C-0402 – APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE GALENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS FOR THE “ART THAT STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD…SCARECROWS” EXHIBIT THROUGH NOVEMBER 1, 2024

24C-0403 – APPROVAL OF CITY-WIDE TRICK-OR-TREAT FROM 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. ON OCTOBER 31, 2024

24C-0404 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF LARRY WIEDENHEFT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION FOR A TERM EXPIRING FEBRUARY 28, 2025

24C-0405 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM TONNE TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS FOR A TERM EXPIRING SEPTEMBER 30, 2029

24C-0406 – APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH GEOSTAR MECHANICAL FOR BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE INSPECTION AT $52.50 PER DEVICE

24C-0407 – APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH GIESE ROOFING IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,460 FOR REPAIRS TO THE TURNER HALL ROOF

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve Consent Agenda CA24-19. Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

24C-0408 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON BIDDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF PICKLEBALL COURTS AT REC PARK

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier to approve going out for bid for the construction of pickleball courts at Rec Park with a bid showing with sound mitigation and a bid showing without sound mitigation, 24C-0408.

Discussion: Wienen asked for clarification on the noise study. Wiedenheft advised the Dr. Thunder report quotes the Illinois Pollution Control Board and public parks are not in their purview. They do not regulate noise in public parks. Dr. Thunder also addresses Galena’s noise ordinances which they feel are obsolete. Wiedenheft stated at some point the city would need to review the entirety of the city noise ordinances which might also include the skateboard park, the pool and any other type of activities. Wiedenheft felt the Thunder report was a bit partisan in that its intention was to create conflict and raise a noise issue. The Sunscape study was simply to investigate. The Thunder report also suggests penalty adjustments for higher noise; the city codes do not include noise penalties. Wienen feels moving the courts back has helped. She felt spending funds for the sound mitigation is not necessary at this time.

Johnson questioned why the first time the site was visited was after the council approved the project. She felt the council should have been presented with a sound study and drawings before they came to the council asking for money. Wiedenheft stated the original location was first considered because of the 48-car parking lot with handicapped parking as well as the flat ground.

Tegtmeyer feels the issue is the fact that there was a spot decided and approved on and then that was found to be incorrect because of the sound study. It was moved and the council was not aware of that. Tegtmeyer questioned why we would not take the extra steps to add the sound mitigation curtains to do it correctly and not to intrude on the neighbors. Tegtmeyer voiced concern there are also two different times when the noise would stop. The study shows 9:00 p.m. and the city ordinances show 10:00 p.m. Tegtmeyer noted the study shows there would be less ambient noise from the street so that makes the noise of the pickleball courts louder. Tegtmeyer feels it would be wise to review the new information in detail to make sure it is correct, figure out where the extra money is going to come from. Tegtmeyer would like to make sure the volleyball courts can go there as well. She questioned if the land has been studied. Wiedenheft advised there are specific engineered drawings for the volleyball courts.

Wienen advised this is simply sending it out for bid to figure out what the costs will be. Johnson recommended getting the bid including sound mitigation.

Kieffer stated the group has worked hard to raise the funds. He questions why the council would question their motives. Tegtmeyer stated she is just trying to make sure it is done correctly.

Bernstein feels we will not know the maximum until the bids come back.

Following discussion, the council agreed to seek a bid with and without sound mitigation.

Shirley Rosenthal noted a sound study was not required. They did the study, and the study concurred sound mitigation was not necessary.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

24C-0409 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CHANGE ORDER #1 FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION INSTALLATION PROJECT

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Bernstein, to approve change order #1 for the electric vehicle charging station installation project, 24C-0409.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

24C-0410 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A CONTRACT WITH AQUATIC DESIGN PARTNERS, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,600 FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR A NEW WATER SLIDE AT THE POOL

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve a contract with Aquatic Design Partners, LLC in the amount of $10,600 for design services for a new water slide at the pool, 24C-0410,

Discussion: Council agreed due to safety concerns updates to the slide are necessary.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

24C-0411 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON RENEWAL OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH, DENTAL, LIFE, DISABILITY AND VISION INSURANCE POLICIES AND HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT DISTRIBUTIONS

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the renewal of employee health, dental, life, disability and vision insurance policies and health savings account distributions, 24C 0411.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Wienen

The motion carried.

24C-0412 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE IMLRMA MINIMUM/MAXIMUM CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

Motion: Bernstein moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve the first reading, waive the second reading of the IMLRMA Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement, 24C-0412.

Discussion: Bernstein advised that even though there are unknown factors, the city has faired well in the past.

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

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Wienen

The motion carried.

24C-0413 – WARRANTS

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the Warrants as presented, 24C 0413.

Discussion: Tagtmeyer questioned what portion of the legal fees for Nack, Richardson and Nack were part of the litigation. Nack advised that amount is for their legal work for the city. His office receives nothing for the litigation.

Tegtmeyer also questioned the roof repairs on 403 S. Main Street. Moran advised that is something that came out of the inspection of the building.

Tegtmeyer asked for clarification on the website changes. Moran advised $1,800 of those changes are for the addition of an AI Chatbot to the site. It will be featured on the home page to help the public access information faster.

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

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Westemeier

Regular Board Meeting 15 October 2024

The motion carried.

24C-0414 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Highway 20 Project – Westemeier noted the highway project is coming along. The highway should be opened on October 22nd.

Thank you – Westemeier thanked the public works crew for moving the handicapped sign to the front of the wall.

Flag – Kieffer advised there is a flag hanging down in front of Vinny’s.

Country Fair – Johnson thanked the Galena EMS, Galena Police Department and everyone who helped with her accident at Country Fair on Saturday.

Thank you – Tegtmeyer thanked the city workers and Police Department for their help in directing traffic.

Thank you – On behalf of the Galena Music Boosters and other groups who parked cars over the weekend, Tegtmeyer thanked the city for increasing the split to 75/25. It made a huge difference, and the groups are super thankful.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Tegtmeyer reminded everyone October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and added Riverview Center is a wonderful resource.

Signage – Tegtmeyer stated she would like to see more directional signage to the restrooms.

Goat Rental – Tegtmeyer stated she would like to look into the possibility of renting goats for the dog park to help clear out the back area.

24C-0415 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Spring Street – Moran advised we are concluding the work on Spring Street. The Secretary of Transportation is expected to be here the week of the 22nd for a ribbon cutting.

Comprehensive Plan – Moran advised the Comprehensive Plan project has been added to the website. The link includes a community survey as well as an interactive map. He encouraged residents to do the survey. A meeting will be held on October 29th with the Planning Commission as an introduction to the process. The business community will meet the next morning and a community wide visioning session to be held that evening. Moran reminded residents they can sign up for text alerts and/or emails for upcoming meetings.

24C-0416 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Renner thanked the Police Department, Public Works Department and the Galena EMS for their help over the weekend. The weekend went well.

24C-0417 - MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to recess to Executive Session to discuss the following:

∙ Section 2 (c) (1) – Employee Hiring, Firing, Compensation, Discipline and Performance

∙ Section 2 (c) (21) – Review of Executive Session Minutes.

Discussion: None.

Regular Board Meeting 15 October 2024

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

The meeting recessed at 7:17 p.m.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:26 p.m.

24C-0418 – ADJOURNMENT

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

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/cc101524_CD199274C23CA.pdf