NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met Jan. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

25C-0001 – 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 13 January 2024.

25C-0002 – ROLL CALL

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

25C-0003 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

25C-0004 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

25C-0005 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

No reports.

25C-0006 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

Elizabeth Boggess, 519 4th Street – Boggess shared her experience as president of her homeowner’s association emphasizing that even though elected officials may have the confidence of their constituents, it is essential to actively engage with them to understand their true opinions. Boggess voiced concerns about the lack of opportunities for the public to directly ask questions of the decision-makers during a public hearing. Boggess suggested that a referendum could be a good solution to better gage public opinion, allowing people to voice their preferences. Boggess noted the Municipal Electoral Board unanimously supported Mr. Wiedenheft’s objections, ruling all three questions presented were unacceptable. Boggess urged the council to take the initiative in formulating their own questions to submit for referendum.

CONSENT AGENDA CA25-1

25C-0007 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 23, 2024

25C-0008 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT BA24-11 FOR CLARK VS. CITY LITIGATION EXPENSES

25C-0009 – APPROVAL OF PWS LOAN 17-6109 REQUEST #11 IN THE AMOUNT OF $146,829.80 INCLUDING ORIGIN DESIGN INVOICES #81340 AND #81200, CFPS INVOICE #6 AND FIVE STAR PAY APPLICATION #9 FOR THE LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

25C-0010 – APPROVAL OF PWS LOAN 17-6109 CHANGE ORDER #5 FOR THE LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve Consent Agenda CA25-1.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer highlighted item 25C-008 noting an additional $3,650.04 was added for litigation expenses for the lawsuit. The total amount spent this fiscal year is now $65,849, bringing the grand total to just over $177,000.

Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner NAYS: None

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

25C-0011 – QUARTERLY REPORT FROM GALENA COUNTRY TOURISM

Terry Matteson gave an overview of the activities and progress of Galena Country tourism, highlighting the following:

∙ Galena Country earned 6.4 million views of media coverage, with 4.3 million views occurring in December of 2024 alone. That is more than the entire year FY23. ∙ 189,000 visitor guides were mailed out with 8,000 visitors walk-ins at the visitor center. ∙ Website activity had 561,073 users with 2.3 million page views.

∙ Facebook has 3,048 likes and Instagram reaches 139,000.

Matteson advised they have welcomed new board members, filled key staff roles, completed the 2025 Visitors Guide, photographed more than sixty locations, and filmed a guys’ getaway video. Winter digital ads are live, the Longwood Resident Sentiment survey is complete, and they have recently launched a lodging co-op. They have also launched a “This week in Galena Country”

QR code for businesses.

25C-0012 – WARRANTS

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the Warrants as presented, 25C-0012. Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Westemeier, Wienen, Tegtmeyer, Johnson, Renner NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0013 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Comprehensive Plan Survey – Johnson questioned when they would receive an update on the responses to the Comprehensive Plan survey.

Thank you – Johnson thanked the citizens that got together and tried to get answers for us. Thank you – Tegtmeyer thanked Terry Matteson for his report.

Municipal Officials Electoral Board Hearing – Tegtmeyer thanked Elizabeth Boggess and Cathy Elwell. Tegtmeyer explained there was a Municipal Officers Electoral Board hearing today for the consideration of objections to the petitions for referenda to be voted on. She advised the meeting was recorded so people could go back and watch it on the city’s YouTube channel if they wished to.

Survey Platform - Tegtmeyer stated she has always been a proponent of getting a survey platform. There was some talk about it being rolled into the Comprehensive Plan. Tegtmeyer feels this would be a great opportunity to have an unbiased way to question Galena constituents as well as the wider community.

Downtown Parking – Wienen stated she would like to do something for local residents who come downtown to support local businesses and shops.

Thank you – Westemeier thanked Fallon Oldenburg for accepting her new position and coming back to Galena.

25C-0014 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

On behalf of Mark Moran Mayor Renner gave the City Administrator’s Report.

Dewey Avenue Bridge Repairs – The bids are out for the temporary repairs to the Dewey Avenue Bridge over Hughletts Creek. The bids will be returned for review at the next meeting.

Shade Structures – Bids are out for the new shade structures at the pool. Bids will be returned by the first meeting in February.

Budget – Staff have started the procedures of developing the budget for Fiscal Year 25/26. Moran will be sending out the proposed schedule later this week.

25C-0014 – MAYOR’S REPORT

No report.

25C-0015 – ADJOURNMENT

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

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner NAYS: None

The motion carried.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/Council_Packet_01_51FEA89DAFFA0.pdf