NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met April 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

25C-0125 – 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 14 April 2025.

25C-0126 – ROLL CALL

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

25C-0127 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

25C-0128 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

25C-0129 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

None.

25C-0130 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

None.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

25C-0131 – PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 CITY OF GALENA OPERATING BUDGET

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer to open the public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025-26 City of Galena operating budget, 25C-0131.

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

City Attorney Nack swore in anyone wishing to testify.

Testimony: Christine Baxter, 215 S. Prospect Street – Baxter raised concerns about a $30,000 budget item for sidewalk replacement in Galena Square Drive listed in the FY 2025–26 budget. She questioned the need for the expenditure, noting there are no existing public sidewalks in that area—only deteriorating commercial entrances on private property. Baxter criticized the potential use of public funds for private corporate benefit and cited rumors about a minor sidewalk addition for student safety that would not justify the full expense. She contrasted this with neglected residential sidewalks on High Street, calling for budget clarity and a focus on true public infrastructure needs, especially in the absence of cost-sharing from nearby property owners.

Cindy Pepple, 218 S. High Street – Pepple voiced ongoing concerns about the city's inconsistent approach to sidewalk infrastructure and the absence of a structured sidewalk replacement program. She pointed out that such a program was proposed in the 1999 Capital Improvement Plan, but only Ward 1 has been surveyed to date. Despite significant increases in CIP allocations—from $200,000 in 2023 to $750,000 in the latest plan—Pepple noted the actual FY 2025–26 budget still only includes $30,000 for sidewalk work in Galena Square, which she sees as misaligned with stated goals.

She criticized the process as lacking transparency and strategic planning. Drawing from her personal effort walking most of the city's streets, Pepple highlighted a spending disparity: since 2018, over $1.4 million has gone to downtown sidewalks compared to just $161,000 for residential areas. She contrasted this with the quick funding of a pickleball facility ($150,000+), which was not part of the CIP, to illustrate skewed priorities.

Pepple also referenced the city’s 2003 Comprehensive Plan goal to implement a sidewalk program—still unmet as the city prepares a new 2025 plan. She concluded by urging the Council to take resident concerns seriously, especially since the issue has been publicly raised multiple times, and to commit to more meaningful action and investment in residential sidewalk infrastructure.

Motion: Wienen, moved, seconded by Westemeier to close the public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025-26 City of Galena Operating Budget, 25C-0131.

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

LIQUOR COMMISSION

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

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

25C-0132 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPLICATION FOR A CORPORATION MANAGER LIQUOR LICENSE BY ALLYN JOHN BATTAGLIA FOR CASEY’S RETAIL COMPANY, DBA CASEY’S GENERAL STORE #3451, 10889 WEST RED GATES ROAD

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer to approve the application for a corporation manager liquor license by Allyn John Battaglia for Casey’s Retail Company, DBA Casey’s General Store #3451, 10889 West Red Gates Road, 25C-0132.

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

25C-0133 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPLICATION FOR A CORPORATION MANAGER LIQUOR LICENSE BY JOY ENSIGN FOR JJJ GALENA PARTNERS, LLC, DBA IRISH COTTAGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL/FRANK O’DOWD’S, 9853 U.S. 20

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier to approve the application for a corporation manager liquor license by Joy Ensign for JJJ Galena Partners, LLC, DBA Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel/Frank O’Dowd’s, 9853 U.S. 20, 25C-0133.

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

25C-0134 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPLICATION FOR A CORPORATION MANAGER LIQUOR LICENSE BY TODD LARSON JR. FOR WALMART INC., DBA WALMART #5044, 10000 BARTELL BOULEVARD

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Wienen to approve the application for a corporation manager liquor license by Todd Larson, Jr., for Walmart, Inc, DBA Walmart #5044, 10000 Bartell Boulevard, 25C-0134.

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

25C-0135 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE RENEWAL OF CURRENT LIQUOR LICENSES FOR THE PERIOD MAY 1, 2025, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2026

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Behlke to approve the renewal of current liquor licenses for the period May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, 25C-0135.

Discussion: Approvals are contingent upon complete applications being submitted.

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

The motion carried.

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

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA CA25-7

25C-0136 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 24, 2025, AND THE BUDGET WORK SESSION OF APRIL 7, 2025

25C-0137 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT BA24-15 FOR CLARK VS. CITY LITIGATION EXPENSES

25C-0138 – APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE GALENA LIONS CLUB FOR THE ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST EVENT, OCTOBER 4, 2025

25C-0139 – APPROVAL OF A REQUEST (REVISED SINCE FEBRUARY 24, 2025) BY THE GALENA FIRE DEPARTMENT, GALENA POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND GALENA EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE DISTRICT FOR THE GALENA 5K STAIR CHALLENGE, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025

25C-0140 – APPROVAL OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY LOAN 14-6109 REQUEST #14 IN THE AMOUNT OF $192,911.63, INCLUDING FIVE STAR PAY APPLICATION #12 AND ORIGIN DESIGN INVOICE #81656

25C-0141 – APPROVAL OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY LOAN 17-6109 CHANGE ORDER #8 Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier to approve Consent Agenda CA25-7.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer noted that the current expenditure for the Clark vs. City of Galena litigation was $18,368, bringing the fiscal year-to-date total to $96,688.39—the highest observed to date for this case. The total amount spent on the case to date is $128,051 and litigation is ongoing.

Tegtmeyer noted that, should the proposed budget be approved as written, future legal costs related to this case will be incorporated as part of the operating budget’s average expenses, rather than requiring separate line-item amendments.

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

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

25C-0142 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CONTRACT FOR HIGHWAY 20 TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE WITH WAVETRONIX

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the contract for Highway 20 traffic signal maintenance with Wavetronix, 25C-0142.

Discussion: Council members briefly discussed the integration of radar detection technology with traffic signals. The council is hopeful the new system will function more effectively than the current setup with less delays at intersections.

The radar system should help eliminate issues related to underground signal detection infrastructure, potentially improving both reliability and maintenance needs.

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

The motion carried.

25C-0143 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF MATT OLDENBURG AS CITY ADMINISTRATOR

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the appointment of Matt Oldenburg as City Administrator, 25C-0143.

Discussion: Council members expressed support for Matt Oldenburg noting he has 12 years’ experience with the city and is well-suited for the role and Oldenburg has expressed clear interest in the position.

Council expressed their appreciation to Jennifer Schmidt for her service in the role during the interim period.

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

The motion carried.

25C-0144 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 OPERATING BUDGET

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget, 25C-0144.

Discussion: Council clarified that the $30,000 sidewalk project is not linked to Piggly Wiggly but aims to enhance pedestrian safety—especially for students—by connecting Gear Street to Irvine. The new sidewalk will run from Adobos, across a small island near semi-truck parking, and continue on the McDonald’s side within the public right-of-way.

Originally, $150,000 was budgeted for sidewalk replacement from the general fund, but due to a budget deficit, some funds were reallocated to other sources like the Capital Projects and Public Works Funds. However, the $30,000 for this project remains in the general fund for transparency, as it represents a new sidewalk—not a replacement.

Additional sidewalks, curbs, and gutter repairs are planned for White, Bridge, and South Dodge Streets. The city also plans to introduce a GIS-based sidewalk map, similar to the five-year improvement plan, to provide residents with a clear view of current and future sidewalk projects.

Oldenburg mentioned the Dewey Street Bridge is in the CIP but isn’t in this year’s budget due to delayed county billing. The Council praised city staff, particularly Matt and Jen, for their efforts and emphasized the need for continued transparency and public engagement.

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

The motion carried.

25C-0145 – WARRANTS

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the Warrants as presented, 25C-0145. Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

25C-0146 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Landfill – Westemeier stated the landfill looks nice and very clean.

Sidewalks – Wienen stated she is happy to see a more comprehensive plan being put together for sidewalks. It would be nice to address stuff and know down the road that it’s coming up.

Budget – Kieffer was glad to have the budget approved and wished all a Happy Easter. Johnson agreed.

Garbage Collection Rates – Tegtmeyer noted that while the city's garbage service costs with Montgomery have increased, these additional costs are not being passed on to residents at this time. The city has incorporated the increase into the operating budget.

Property Taxes – Tegtmeyer shared that property taxes for residents are decreasing as a percentage, which is good news for taxpayers.

Galena Country Tourism Contract – Tegtmeyer advised the city is currently midway (5 years into a 10-year contract) with Galena Country Tourism. She requested the council revisit the agreement to gain clarity on how funds are allocated.

Stair Climb – Tegtmeyer stated she is in training for the stair challenge.

Elizabeth Firefighters – Tetmeyer extended thoughts and prayers to the Elizabeth Firefighters who were recently injured. As a reminder she asked that people refrain from outdoor burning due to current safety risks.

25C-0147 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Oldenburg thanked the Mayor and Council for their confidence and expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. Oldenburg extended his appreciation to city staff for ensuring a smooth transition.

Pool Slide Installation - The permit application for the pool slide was submitted in January to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The city is currently #82 in the queue; the department is reviewing applications in the 30s. If a permit is not received by May 1, the slide installation will be postponed until after pool season, although the pool will still open and operate as scheduled.

State senators and representatives have been contacted to advocate on the city's behalf.

Pool Shade Structures - Concrete pads have been poured. Public Works will assemble the shade structures in the coming weeks.

Lead Line Service Replacements - The project is nearing completion, with replacement work finishing soon. The remaining contract period will focus on restoration of disturbed areas, with completion targeted by end of May. Planning for the next round of Illinois EPA funding will begin in June.

Sidewalk Improvements - Foam jacking has been used in various locations (including Bench Street, Grant Park, and Rec Park) to raise sidewalk panels and eliminate tripping hazards. Where foam jacking is insufficient, Public Works will perform full panel replacements.

Financial Audit - Preparation is underway for the fiscal year-end audit (ending April 30). The audit will be conducted by Wipfli, with remote work in June, on-site review (2–3 days) in late June or July with a draft report expected by the end of June.

Comprehensive Plan Presentation - A draft of the comprehensive plan will be presented by Houseal Lavigne on April 23 at 6:30 PM at City Hall. This public session will be held jointly with the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Historic Preservation Commission.

Highway 20 – IDOT will begin concrete patching on Highway 20 in the upcoming week. The affected stretch will run from McDonald’s/Gear Street to Culver’s/Industrial Drive.

25C-0148 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Renner thanked everyone involved in the budget preparation and welcomed Matt to the table.

Mayor Renner also acknowledged the ongoing efforts to expedite the pool slide permit process, noting that numerous contacts have been made with higher officials to try and accelerate the approval.

Mayor Renner wished everyone a Happy Easter!

24C-0149 - 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 7:10 p.m.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:27 p.m.

Alderperson Wienen recused herself for the next agenda item and left the table.

25C-0150 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING CONTRACT WITH THE TEAMSTERS LOCAL #772 FOR THE PERIOD MAY 1, 2025-APRIL 30, 2029

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the collective bargaining contract with the Teamsters Local #772 for the period May 1, 2025-April 30, 2029.

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

Alderperson Wienen returned to the table.

25C-0151 – ADJOURNMENT

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

Discussion: None.

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

The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/cc041425_A9796B01EEB34.pdf