NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met Nov. 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

24C-0456 – 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 25 November 2024.

24C-0457 – ROLL CALL

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

Absent: Bernstein

24C-0458 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

24C-0459 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

24C-0460 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

No reports.

24C-0461 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

Tim Vincent, Superintendent, Galena Unit District #120, 10780 East Golf View Drive – Vincent, appeared before the council to respectfully appeal against the recent decision made by the Zoning Board of Appeals concerning the proposed digital sign. He emphasized that the sign would be an essential communication tool for keeping the community informed about school events, student achievements, and important updates. According to Vincent, the digital sign is necessary in an era where traditional methods of communication, such as social media, may not always effectively reach all residents. The proposed digital sign would be used exclusively for school-related purposes, with no advertising permitted. Vincent feels the absence of board members and recusals during the meeting affected the decision, and he respectfully urged the council to reconsider the zoning board's ruling.

John Rosenthal, 503 South Street – Rosenthal representing the Galena School District, addressed the council in support of the proposed digital sign. He expressed hope that the council would recognize the value of the sign in keeping the community informed about school activities and updates. Rosenthal agreed with Superintendent Tim Vincent's point that the absence of board members and recusals during the zoning board meeting had an impact on the decision. He reinforced the idea that these procedural issues may have affected the outcome, and hoped the council would consider the proposal favorably.

Dick Wienen, Contractor – Wienen speaking on behalf of a project at 442 N. High Street for Victor Trujilo, addressed the council regarding a challenge he encountered with the historic board. He explained that the windows had already been purchased and were at the warehouse, ready for installation. However, the historic board had denied his request for approval. Wienen asked if there could be an alternative solution, such as leaving the storm windows in place and installing the new windows from the inside. He urged the council to approve this approach to allow the project to move forward.

LIQUOR COMMISSION

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to adjourn as the City Council and reconvene as the Liquor Commission.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bernstein

The motion carried.

24C-0462 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPLICATION FOR A CORPORATION MANAGER LIQUOR LICENSE FOR RACHEL ROBBINS, MANAGER FOR SCI GALENA LLC, DBA STONEY CREEK INN, 940 GALENA SQUARE DRIVE

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the application for a corporation manager liquor license for Rachel Robbins, Manager, for SCI Galena LLC, DBA Stoney Creek Inn, 940 Galena Square Drive, 24C-0462.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Wienen

ABSENT: Bernstein

The motion carried.

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to adjourn as the Liquor Commission and reconvene as the City Council.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bernstein

The motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA CA24-22

24C-0463 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2024

24C-0464 – APPROVAL OF THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF MATTHEW CARROLL TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION FOR A TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

24C-0465 – APPROVAL OF THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF JEREMY WHITE TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION FOR A TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

24C-0466 - APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF EMILY DOYLE TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION FOR A TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

24C-0467 - APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF STEVE MONAHAN TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION FOR A TERM ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 2025

24C-0468 – APPROVAL OF ILLINOIS EPA PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY LOAN 14-6109 LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT REQUERST #10 IN THE AMOUNT OF $121,878.30, INCLUDING INVOICE #8117 FROM ORIGIN DESIGN

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve Consent Agenda CA24-22.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer noted a correction was made to the minutes for item 24C-0444, where it was clarified that the second reading had been waived. This correction was reflected in the updated minutes.

Tegtmeyer further noted citizens comments were not a verbatim transcript of what was said,

Tegtmeyer questioned if Steve Monahan would be serving on both the Zoning Board and the Historic Preservation Commission. Mayor Renner advised a member of the Historic Preservation Commission is set to resign at the end of the year, and Monahan will fill that vacancy starting in January. In the meantime, the city is looking for someone to replace him on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bernstein

The motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

24C-0442 – SECOND READING AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF THE 2024 TAX LEVY ORDINANCE FOR TAXES TO BE COLLECTED IN 2025

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the second reading of the 2024 Tax Levy Ordinance for taxes to be collected in 2025 in the amount of $1,593,744.00 which freezes the rate to the current year amount, 24C-0442.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bernstein

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

24C-0469 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPEAL BY CONTRACTOR, GALENA BUILDERS, AND HOMEOWNER, VICTOR TRUJILO, OF A DECISION BY THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION TO DENY THE INSTALLATION OF VINYL WINDOWS AT 442 N. HIGH STREET

Alderperson Wienen recused herself from discussions on this item.

Motion: Johnson moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to send this back to the Historic Preservation Commission with the new information, specifically the addition of storms windows, for further review.

Discussion: Johnson felt it was appropriate to send it back to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) given that new information has been presented, specifically the use of storm windows over the new windows. The council discussed and there was concern about whether the proposed changes would be acceptable under the city’s historic preservation guidelines.

Johnson and Tegtmeyer questioned how the contractor did not know the house was located in the historic district. Some council members do not believe it is appropriate to approve the changes simply because the house already has vinyl siding (which some viewed as a historic violation from a previous renovation). Others felt the updated proposal, with the inclusion of storm windows, might resolve the issue and would not drastically alter the building’s appearance.

The council agreed to send the request back to the HPC for reconsideration with the new information.

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

NAYS: Kieffer

ABSENT: Bernstein

The motion carried.

24C-0470 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPEAL BY THE GALENA UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT OF A ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION TO DENY A VARIANCE FOR AN ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN IN FRONT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Westemeier, to send the request back to the Zoning Board of Appeals to revise the ordinance to allow for digital signs, 24C-0470.

Discussion: The current ordinance prohibits digital signs; however, a variance can be requested. The council discussed and agreed it would be more effective to revise the ordinance to allow digital signs. This would prevent future complications for other businesses or organizations that might make similar requests.

Vincent emphasized the community benefit of having the electronic sign, especially for emergency information and public visibility.

The council agreed to send the matter back to the zoning board for review and revision of the ordinance. A public hearing will be held. Once rewritten and approved by the zoning board, the updated ordinance will be presented to the council for approval. If the new ordinance passes, the issue of the electronic sign at the school will no longer require an appeal provided it complies with the new ordinance. The school’s project is not expected to be completed for a few years, giving ample time to update the ordinance before the sign is needed.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bernstein

The motion carried.

24C-0471 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 78 OF THE GALENA CODE OF ORDINANCES TO INSTALL A YIELD SIGN FOR NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON UPPER THIRD STREET BETWEEN ADAMS STREET AND JEFFERSON STREET

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve the first reading, waive the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 78 of the Galena Code of Ordinances to install a yield sign for northbound traffic on upper Third Street between Adams Street and Jefferson Street, 24C-0471.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bernstein

The motion carried.

24C-0472 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR THE 2024 ACCESS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve the grant application to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the 2024 Access Improvement Project, 24C-0472.

Discussion: Wienen noted this has to do with sidewalks and streets. She feels it would be nice to get the focus out of the downtown area as there are lots of sidewalks in the community that need work.

Tegtmeyer noted the grant was already given. The city is retroactively applying for the $31,000 for sidewalks that have already been done.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bernstein

The motion carried.

24C-0473 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A CONTRACT WITH VORTEX INTERNATIONAL FOR A NEW WATERSLIDE AT THE ALICE T. VIRTUE WATERPARK

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve a contract with Vortex International for a new waterslide at Alice T. Virtue Waterpark, 24C-0473.

Discussion: Wienen noted the slide replacement and repair project came in under budget.

Renner noted there were some ongoing issues with the slide, particularly with minor cuts to swimmers. The slide replacement is expensive, but it is considered an essential upgrade for the facility.

Tegtmeyer noted that some repairs to the stairs and roof were included as part of the slide replacement project. These repairs would have been separate and additional costs, by bundling them together with the slide work, they are covered.

The council agreed the upgrade is needed for the overall safety and functionality of the facility, making the expense worthwhile.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bernstein

The motion carried.

24C-0474 – WATER AND SEWER OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MONTHLY REPORT FROM U.S. WATER

Andrew Schuler gave the report for the month of October. The wastewater treatment plan treated 15.6 million gallons of water in October. 14.7 million gallons of water were produced, with 69% billed. They have seen positive results from replacing some of the old meters which has led to more accurate readings. Initially, there were some concerns with errors in some meters, but after further inspection and calibration by Core and Main, the meter proved accurate, so more water is now being properly recorded.

Schuler advised non-revenue water has been a significant problem in the past, and they will continue to work at reducing it.

Wienen requested a detailed breakdown of the new meters that have been installed, especially the five larger meters. Schuler advised staff is currently working on a spreadsheet to track those meters, and new installations will be added to the list as they happen. The report will track water usage year to date and will compare the data over the last five years.

Schuler advised one industrial-sized meter has shown a significant amount of water usage that was previously unrecorded. This is helping reduce the lost water and improving the accuracy of the water billing. They will continue monitoring and updating the report to reflect the improvements in the new meters, and he will include a breakdown of the installed meters in future reports.

24C-0475 – WARRANTS

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve the Warrants as presented, 24C 0475.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bernstein

The motion carried.

24C-0476 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Weekends – Westemeier commented on the great weekend weather and stated he hopes to have good weeks the rest of the year.

Living Windows – Wienen noted living windows will be coming up in a couple of weeks. She feels discussions need to be had with regard to safety issues during the event.

Holiday Decorations – Kieffer stated it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the decorations downtown look great. Johnson agreed.

Happy Thanksgiving – Johnson wished everyone a “Happy Thanksgiving.” Good vibes – Tegtmeyer sent well wishes to Alderperson Bernstein.

Zoning Board – Tegtmeyer advised there is an open position on the zoning board. Those interested should apply.

Historic Home Repairs – Tegtmeyer stated, as we are working on the Comprehensive Plan, she would like to find a way to help residents who are trying to maintain their historic houses. She suggested the possibility of a fund they could use to pay the cost of repairs.

Sign – Tegtmeyer noted Veterinary Associates has asked for lighting on their sign a number of times. She expects that as the ordinance changes, businesses like this may request lighting for their signage as well.

Happy Thanksgiving – Tegtmeyer wished everyone a “Happy Thanksgiving.”

24C-0477 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Donation – Moran announced the city received a check for $41,000 from the Galena Foundation last week. He thanked them for the donation and noted the Galena Foundation has put money towards a lot of city projects.

Holiday Lights – Moran thanked the Galena Fire Department, the Downtown Business Association and the Galena High School Key Club for their help with the downtown wreaths.

24C-0478 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Renner wished everyone a “Happy Thanksgiving” and reminded everyone Santa Clause is coming to town! Renner asked everyone to keep Alderperson Bernstein in their prayers.

24C-0479 – ADJOURNMENT

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

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Bernstein

The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/Council_Packet_12_D2D00DA871404.pdf