NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met March 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

25C-0105 – 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 24 March 2025.

25C-0106 – ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, the following members were present: Behlke, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer (present via teleconference), Westemeier, Wienen, Renner

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to allow Alderperson Tegtmeyer to join via teleconference due to illness.

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

25C-0107 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

25C-0108 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

25C-0109 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

None.

25C-0110 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

Megan Abeyta & Nate Gawlik, 209 S. West Street – Abeyta and Gawlik wish to propose a new ordinance for digital lockers near Main Street, intended for both tourists and residents as a service option. The proposal is based on personal experience and feedback from guests at the hotel. While the current ordinance may classify lockers under vending machines, they argue that digital lockers are a new and different service that should be addressed separately. They requested an item be placed on the agenda for Monday, April 14, 2025.

Bill Grosshans, 418 Harrison Street – Grosshans requested the council deny the proposed text amendment on the agenda. Grosshans argues the applicant is seeking to bypass city regulations on short-term vacation rentals by proposing an amendment that would allow a two room extension to his existing inn. The proposal is a short-term vacation rental disguised as an inn extension and is not in line with the city’s zoning codes for residential districts.

Grosshans feels approving the text amendment would be unfair to property owners on the waiting list for short-term vacation rental licenses.

The applicant is requesting the addition of language that would allow small inns on land with common boundaries and ownership, which Grosshans believes could lead to the following issues:

1. It could create scattered guest accommodations across entire city blocks.

Regular Board Meeting 24 March 2025

2. It conflicts with the city rule limiting the number of guest accommodations per 25-acre area.

3. The amendment’s definition of "common boundary" is unclear, and this could lead to complications if parcels of land are sold or divided.

Grosshans noted the city’s comprehensive planning process, which included input from various community groups, raised concerns about the impact of short-term rentals, including housing shortages and rising rental costs.

Grosshans believes the applicant should wait like everyone else on the short-term rental waitlist and use the property as a long-term rental in the meantime.

Vonda Wall, 928 Clinton Street – Wall spoke in opposition to the text amendment to the zoning code (Item 25C-0116). She acknowledged most residents of Galena are supportive of growth and improvements but stressed the importance of following zoning ordinances fairly for everyone, not just for one individual or corporation.

Wall mentioned that at the start of a zoning board meeting on the 12th, two members were heard saying the zoning changes were being made specifically to benefit one person, "Matthew," rather than the broader needs of the city.

Wall is concerned that the proposed changes in the zoning ordinance appear to favor one individual.

Matt Carroll, 407 Meeker Street – Carroll spoke in favor of the proposed text amendment (Item 25C-0116), which updates the ordinance to allow small inns to operate across more than one building.

Carroll clarified that the amendment is not creating an exception to zoning laws for any one individual but instead offers a thoughtful and sustainable approach for the zoning board to consider small inns that operate in multiple buildings.

Carroll advised existing small inns that have been grandfathered in have operated successfully without issues. The amendment does not allow for a takeover by vacation rentals and the zoning board will still have oversight through the special use permit process to ensure compliance.

Carroll advised there has been no opposition from other small inns, B&Bs, or vacation rental properties, nor has anyone on the waiting list spoken out against the amendment.

Carroll stated small inns are integral to Galena’s community, as they contribute locally by shopping, banking, and insuring within the town. They also sponsor events, donate time, money, and rooms, and support the community in various ways.

Rebekah Martin, 628 Field Street– Martin stated in the beginning she voiced concerns about the potential noise issues related to the proposed pickleball courts at Rec Park, specifically regarding possible violations of both the city’s noise ordinance and state law.

Martin appreciates that these concerns were taken seriously and considered by those involved in the project. A sound study was conducted to assess whether the new location of the courts would still result in unacceptable noise levels. The sound study recommended using fencing that can support sound curtains as a mitigation measure in case additional noise control is needed in the future.

Martin stated it is her understanding that the bids for the pickleball courts include the new court location and the necessary fencing for potential future noise control. Martin feels with the new location of the courts as well as including the fencing for future needs, she believes the noise concerns have been sufficiently addressed and expresses support for moving the pickleball project forward.

Bobby Hahn, 9720 Highway 20 West - Hahn spoke in support of the pickleball project and provided an update on the project's cost breakdown.

Initially, the bid for the project was $420,000, but through donations and cost-saving measures (including deducts from Louie’s Trenching), the cost has been reduced to $303,250.

After accounting for the donations and the city’s contributions, there is a shortfall of $49,250. Hahn noted originally, the city was expected to cover some of the furnishings, so that funding will need to be reconsidered if they are not added back in.

The total funds still needed for the project are $71,628, with the donations covering $220,777, and city funds contributing $221,628 if the furnishings are added back in, creating a 50/50 cost sharing arrangement between the city and donations.

Hahn stated Louie’s Trenching is not making money on the project, emphasizing that they are not profiting from their involvement. Hahn gave his full support to the project. He is concerned if the project were put back out for bid, the cost will likely increase to $500,000. He urged the council to move forward with the current plan.

Shirley Rosenthal, 503 South Street – Rosenthal urged the council to accept the bid from Louie’s Trenching to get construction underway on the pickleball courts.

Rosenthal emphasized that pickleball is a growing sport enjoyed by people of all ages, and it has become a serious global sport with widespread popularity. She noted that 130 new public pickleball locations are being built per month across the U.S., and even small communities are funding similar projects.

Rosenthal believes that the pickleball court is an important addition to the city's park and should be a priority. The city's financial records show a $4 million surplus in the general fund. Rosenthal suggests using part of this surplus to fully leverage the community’s generous donations for the project.

Rosenthal acknowledged that donations slowed down due to delays in getting the project out for bid, but after overcoming several obstacles, they have raised an additional $3,400, bringing the total raised to $119,943.

Marc McCoy, 216 S. High Street – McCoy spoke in favor of the outdoor pickleball court project, emphasizing that this should be a community-driven effort.

The project has had tremendous community involvement and financial support over the past year. He urged the council to show their appreciation by accepting the low bid proposal.

Mccoy invites everyone to join in and try pickleball!

Larry Wiedenheft, 816 Shadow Bluff - Wiedenheft spoke in favor of the pickleball project.

The council initially selected Rec Park as the venue for the project back on May 13, 2024, but there were some unexpected issues encountered, including the proximity of the court to a nearby residence.

Upon realizing that the location was too intrusive to the neighborhood, the courts were moved, which required new engineering designs and work. Noise concerns also emerged, and in response, they funded a $88,000 acoustic engineering study, which took two months to complete. Wiedenheft thanked the city for their involvement in addressing sound mitigation and which has put the project on the right track.

Despite some delays, Wiedenheft is encouraged by the community's support, as they were able to raise nearly $120,000 in less than two months. He urged the council to approve the project, emphasizing the dedication and effort that has gone into making this happen.

Nate Gawlik, 209 S. West Street – Gawlik expressed full support for the pickleball court project and is eager to take advantage of it once completed.

Gawlik stated he also supports the proposed amendments for the small inn ordinance. He believes this change is applicable to other small inns that already have multiple buildings.

CONSENT AGENDA CA25-6

25C-0111 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 10, 2025

25C-0112 – ACCEPTANCE OF THE FEBRUARY 2025 FINANCIAL REPORT

25C-0113 – APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A NEW JOHN DEERE GATOR FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FROM SLOAN IMPLEMENT IN THE AMOLUNT OF $27,500

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier to approve Consent Agenda CA25-6. Discussion: Tegtmeyer noted the following corrections to the minutes:

∙ Page 6, Item 25C-0095, second motion reads motion denied, corrected to read motion carried.

∙ Page 8, Item 25C-101, Grants, corrected to read IL Eats in place of Illinois Easts.

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

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

25C-0114 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A REQUEST BY THE GALENA POLICE DEPARTMENT TO INITIATE A K-9 PROGRAM

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the request by the Galena Police Department to initiate a K-9 Program, 25C-0114.

Discussion: The department has received a $20,000 grant, which will cover all costs related to the K9 program. The department already owns a K9 vehicle, so there are no additional expenses in that regard.

Regular Board Meeting 24 March 2025

Council discussed ensuring the officer assigned to the K9 would be committed for a long term. Mayor Renner stated the officer expected to handle the K9 has promised to stay for an extended period.

The K9 will not be an attack or drug-sniffing dog. It will be used to assist with finding lost children and to provide officer protection.

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

The motion carried.

25C-0115 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON BUDGET AMENDMENT BA24-14 TO ESTABLISH THE GALENA POLICE DEPARTMENT K-9 PROGRAM AND RELATED REVENUE AND EXPENSE LINE ITEM

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve budget amendment BA24-12 to establish the Galena Police Department K-9 Program and related revenue and expense line item, 25C-0115.

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

25C-0116 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ZONING CAL. NO. 25A-01, A REQUEST BY MATTHEW CARROLL FOR A TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AMEND SECTION 154.406 (D) (8), PUBLIC ACCOMODATIONS, SMALL INN

Due to a conflict of interest, Alderperson Johnson recused herself from discussions on the next two items and removed herself from the table.

A motion to approve was made and died for lack of a second. No additional motions were received.

25C-0117 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 154.406 (D)(8) – PUBLIC ACCOMODATIONS, SMALL INN

No action required.

25C-0118 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A CONTRACT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF NEW PICKLEBALL COURTS AND RELOCATION OF EXISTING VOLLEYBALL COURT AT REC PARK

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Behlke, to approve a contract for the installation of new pickleball courts and relocation of existing volleyball court at Rec Park with Louie’s Trenching in the amount of $420,027, 25C-0118.

Discussion: Johnson questioned whether the new project includes fencing for future sound mitigation. Hahn advised the contract does include a provision for a future fence on which the sound mitigation curtains could be installed if needed, but the $420,000 bid does not cover this cost directly.

Council discussed whether the city should contribute more funding, with concerns about the budget. The city had already pledged $150,000. Tegtmeyer voiced concern about the additional costs and questioned if the project should take priority over other city needs. She noted that other special interest groups (like the dog park and skate park) had to raise their own funds.

Tegtmeyer raised concerns about the possibility of exceeding the budget or being unable to finish the project, similar to issues faced with the 403 S. Main building project. She emphasized the importance of ensuring the project stays within budget and the city does not end up in a difficult financial situation later.

It was noted that if additional donations come through, the city's contribution might decrease, but the project would still need further discussions and come back for reevaluation based on the final funding amount.

Roll Call: AYES: Behlke, Kieffer, Westemeier, Wienen

NAYS: Johnson, Tegtmeyer

The motion carried.

25C-0119 – WARRANTS

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Behlke, to approve the Warrants as presented, 25C-0119. Discussion: None.

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

ABSTAIN: Wienen

The motion carried.

25C-0120 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Text Amendment – Kieffer expressed his disappointment that the text amendment did not get on the table.

Pickleball Courts – Kieffer was glad the pickleball courts when through.

Reminder – Johnson reminded people as it is getting warmer, kids will be outdoors. She urged people to slow down around parks and schools.

Digital Lockers – Tegtmeyer stated she would support looking into an ordinance for digital lockers. Westemeier agreed, adding he thinks it is a great idea.

Pickleball Courts – Wienen thanked the supporters adding she lives by Rec Park and the park is underutilized. She is pleased to see people working together on a cohesive project.

School Project – Behlke noted there are a lot of changes happening at the school.

25C-0121 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Budget – The first budget work session will be held Monday, April 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Schmidt advised she is putting the finishing touches on the budget, and it will be out soon.

25C-0122 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Regular Board Meeting 24 March 2025

Mayor Renner stated he is glad to see some things getting settled and thanked all who donated.

24C-0123 - MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION

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

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

∙ Section 2 (c) (2) – Collective Negotiating Matters and Deliberations Concerning Salary Schedules

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

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

The meeting recessed at 7:13 p.m.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:41 p.m.

25C-0124 – ADJOURNMENT

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

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Behlke, 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/cc032425_DAFE0B94660C3.pdf