NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met May 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

25C-0183 – 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 12 May 2025.

25C-0184 – ROLL CALL

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

Absent: Behlke

Gates took his seat at 6:50 p.m.

25C-0185 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

25C-0186 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

25C-0187 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

None.

25C-0188 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

Kathy Thimmesch, 515 Park Avenue – Thimmesch expressed concern that residents were not informed or consulted before Lead Mine Boomsticks, a gun store, opened across from her home. She said the lack of public input and firearm handling in public areas has made neighbors feel unsafe. Thimmesch emphasized that Park Avenue is zoned residential and that gun sales are inappropriate for the area. She urged the council to take corrective action, noting other neighborhoods had opportunities to oppose similar developments, but Park Avenue did not.

Barb Hocker, 606 Dewey Avenue - Hocker thanked Hillary Dickerson for helping with the city cleanup and appreciated Matt Oldenburg and Mayor Renner’s participation in “Breakfast with the Mayor,” noting such events keep the business community informed.

Amelia Wilson, 505 Park Avenue – Wilson opposed Lead Mine Boomsticks, disputing claims that no complaints had been made by citing her prior communication with city officials. She criticized the advice to call police about a legally approved business, saying it could undermine residents’ concerns. Wilson also challenged the claim that the business was “grandfathered in,” recalling it was clarified in a previous meeting that it was not. She raised safety concerns about gun sales occurring near children, including one with special needs, and an Airbnb that shares the driveway.

Eric Balayti, 513 Park Avenue – Balayti expressed concern over the lack of notice and transparency regarding the gun business, which he and his wife learned about through community chatter rather than official communication. When they spoke to the owner, he downplayed it as a hobby to support a trap shooting team, but Balayti found this misleading, noting the business sells AR-15 rounds not used in trap shooting. He also cited high traffic volume, contradicting claims it serves only friends and family, and said the activity has made the neighborhood feel unsafe.

Tyler Weidmer, 511 Park Avenue – Weidmer pointed out that the business owner’s website lists over 160 high-capacity magazines, many of which are illegal in Illinois, raising serious legal and regulatory concerns about the store’s compliance with state law.

Lilly Weidmer, 511 Park Avenue – Weidmer emphasized that, as of January 10, 2023, Illinois law prohibits the sale of rifle magazines over ten rounds and handgun magazines over fifteen rounds. She noted the business website lists 164 high-capacity magazines, suggesting potential violations of state firearms laws.

Emily Sprenglemeyer, 411 Park Avenue – Sprenglemeyer expressed frustration with the city council’s handling of the firearms business, criticizing members for joking about flamethrowers listed on the store’s website. She found the remarks dismissive given the seriousness of residents' concerns. Sprenglemeyer also questioned how officials could claim ignorance of the items being sold, noting the information was easy to find, and raised doubts about whether any proper research or vetting was done before approving the business.

Matthew Blaum, 245 Council Fire Circle – Blaum clarified he has no connection to or financial interest in his brother’s firearms business. He defended his brother’s character and qualifications, noting his eight years with the NSA, including overseas service on a U.S. Army base. Blaum emphasized that, due to involvement with alcohol and firearms, his brother is highly regulated and described him as responsible and community minded. He dismissed concerns about flamethrowers as misinformation, explaining they were drop-shipped items not kept on-site. Blaum argued the opposition stems from personal dislike rather than any wrongdoing and called the backlash unfair.

SWEARING IN OF OFFICIALS

25C-0189 – SWEARING IN OF MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, AND CITY CLERK

Mayor Renner swore in City Clerk, Mary Beth Hyde. City Clerk, Hyde swore in Alderpersons Jerry Kieffer, Roger Gates and Katie Wienen. Alderperson Gates took his seat at 6:50 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA CA25-9

25C-0190 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 28, 2025

25C-0191 – APPROVAL OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY LOAN 17-6109 REQUEST #15 IN THE AMOUNT OF $99,245.34, INCLUDING FIVE STAR PAY APPLICATION #13 AND ORIGN DESIGN INVOICE #81766

25C-0192 – APPROVAL OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY LOAN 147-6109 CHANGE ORDER #9 Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen to approve Consent Agenda CA25-9.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer noted a correction to the minutes was made under item 25C-0162. The motion to approve was corrected to read motion carried.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

25C-0193 – QUARTERLY REPORT BY GALENA COUNTRY TOURISM

Terry Matteson gave the quarterly report for Galena Country Tourism.

Fiscal Year Q3 & Calendar Year Q1 Highlights

• Earned Media: Achieved 4.6 million views in Q1, with nearly 3,000 QR code scans boosting downtown merchant engagement.

• Digital Advertising: Generated over 1.5 million impressions via Google Ads. 

• Local Media Presence: Secured front-page coverage in the Gazette, enhancing community engagement.

• Visitor Guide: Released a new edition; planning for the next one begins in June. 2024 Annual Performance

• Lodging Tax Revenue: Set a record at $2.2 million, marking a 10% increase from pre pandemic levels.

• Visitor Spending: Direct spending reached $333 million, with a total economic impact of $554 million.

• Employment: Supported 3,000 jobs in the tourism sector.

2025 Outlook

• Early Indicators: January and February show strong performance; March figures pending.

• Visitor Trends: Maintaining momentum with occupancy rates within 1% of peak levels.

• Future Bookings: Reports indicate robust future bookings, particularly for summer.

Upcoming Events & Initiatives

• Annual Awards Banquet: Scheduled for May 22, 2025, to honor industry professionals.

• New Campaigns: Launching mid-week getaway promotions and resident sentiment strategies.

• International Outreach: Participating in the IPW convention in Chicago this June to attract international visitors.

Strategic Planning

• Budget Planning: Initiating the 2026 fiscal year budget, starting July 1.

• Marketing RFP: Currently in the field to enhance promotional efforts.

• Technology Integration: Introducing augmented reality tools like Skynav and Visit Widget.

Tegtmeyer requested clarification on the Marketing RFP. Matteson explained that Galena Country Tourism is seeking new agency partners through a standard RFP process to improve the visitor guide and overall marketing. The RFP is open to agencies specializing in creative development, digital strategy, and media buying, as part of ongoing efforts to refresh and strengthen marketing efforts.

Wienen reported that April 2025 occupancy in Northwest Illinois is trending downward, potentially by double digits, with weekends remaining strong but midweek (Sunday–Thursday) occupancy needing more support. She emphasized the need for consistent midweek marketing efforts. Wienen also expressed concern that the marketing RFP was not adequately publicized within Galena, limiting access for local businesses and taxpayers. She requested a clearer breakdown of tasks that can be handled in-house versus outsourced, especially with new staff. Wienen noted that while past performance was driven by high ADR (Average Daily Rate), it is not sustainable long-term and suggested focusing on RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) as a more reliable metric for evaluating lodging performance.

Gates reiterated concerns about midweek occupancy, noting that while leisure tourism is strong, there is an opportunity to boost weekday visitation. He highlighted that Galena has facilities suitable for small conferences and meetings, which he believes are underutilized, and questioned whether marketing strategies are targeting small group and conference tourism.

Matteson confirmed that Sunday-Thursday occupancy is already a focus in current strategy and budget planning. He acknowledged past challenges with small conferences in Galena, noting that marketing for this segment is relationship-driven and requires a dedicated sales strategy. Galena continues to focus on leisure travelers and group tours, which better align with current infrastructure demand.

He also mentioned that new staff roles and agency partnerships are being aligned to attract value-driven visitors, with initiatives like packaging and discounts for midweek stays. Additionally, Matteson clarified that Galena Country Tourism is a state-designated promotional agency funded by lodging tax revenues, which are legally restricted to tourism promotion, not infrastructure. He pointed out that the City of Galena retains 8% of lodging tax revenue, which can be used for infrastructure projects at its discretion.

25C-0194 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF EMPLOYEES FOR THE PERIOD MAY 12, 2025, TO MAY 11, 2026

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve the appointments of employees for the period May 12, 2025, to May 11, 2026.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer questioned if Matt Oldenburg would serve as deputy building official after a new city engineer is hired. She was advised he would not.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0195 – APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE OF STREETS AND HIGHWAYS (MOTOR FUEL TAX RESOLUTION)

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve a MFT resolution for maintenance of streets and highways in the amount of $270,000, 25C-0195.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0196 – APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGES TO THE CITY OF GALENA PERSONNEL POLICY HANDBOOK

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve a resolution approving the proposed personnel policy handbook to incorporate all 2025 proposed revisions, 25C-0196.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0197 – APPROVAL OF HERBICIDE USE AND APPLICATOR TRAINING

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Gates, to approve the use of Spruce herbicide on city properties once the proper certification has been obtained, 25C-0197.

Discussion: Westemeier explained that city crews are currently manually removing weeds from brick and cement areas using small blade tools, a method that is labor-intensive and time consuming. He added that a tested herbicide, which is safe and non-toxic to animals, people, and the environment, could be used to maintain these areas more effectively.

Tegtmeyer expressed concern about reintroducing herbicides, referencing past decisions to stop their use. She recommended a targeted approach to treat only problematic or high-traffic nonresidential areas and avoid widespread application.

Council agreed to explore limited, responsible herbicide use on targeted public areas while prioritizing safety, aesthetics, and community transparency.

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

NAYS: Tegtmeyer

The motion carried.

25C-0198 – APPROVAL OF STREET CLOSURE PERMIT BY GALENA COUNTRY TOURISM FOR FILMING FROM 7 A.M. TO 11 A.M., JUNE 26, 2025

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the street closure permit request by Galena Country Tourism for filming from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., June 26, 2025, 25C-0198.

Discussion: Council discussed a planned film production set to shoot in Galena, as part of a three-location project that includes Iowa City and Quincy, IL.

Tom Rynott from VisitGalena advised VisitGalena will serve as the primary liaison between the production team and the community.

Three total scenes to be filmed in Galena on Main Street, Diagonal Street and Bench Street. Filming will begin at 7:00 a.m. to avoid impacting local businesses, with the goal of being finished before 9:00 a.m. No single location will be occupied for more than 45 minutes. Access and through traffic will be maintained during filming.

The production carries general liability insurance and will be coordinating with Ehrler Ranch for scenes involving a horse and buggy.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0199 – WARRANTS

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the Warrants as presented, 25C-0199.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer noted that legal fees for Clark vs. City of Galena totaled $16,787.50 last month, more than double the monthly average of $7,500 based on the $90,000 annual budget. She expressed concern that the case is exceeding budgeted legal expenses.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0200 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

National Police Week – Tegtmeyer wished the police Department a “Happy National Police Week” and thanked our police and EMS services for the excellent job they do.

Gear Street – Tegtmeyer stated she had a constituent request a center line be painted on Gear Street and on West Street from Highway 20 to Gear Street.

Lead Mine Boomsticks – Tegtmeyer expressed her appreciation for community members who attended and voiced concerns, acknowledging that participation is not always easy, especially for those unfamiliar with all the details.

She noted the owner claims the operation is not a business, while the city has classified it as a minor home occupation. Tegtmeyer voiced concerns believing both the owner and city may have mishandled parts of the original licensing process.

She pointed out recent licensing language changes that prohibit such operations in residential zones, yet a grandfather clause was implied without formal documentation. No explicit vote on grandfathering occurred at the November 12, 2025, meeting and questioned the legal validity of any assumptions made. She requested clarification from the city attorney on the basis for any grandfathering and whether decisions were made based on assumptions rather than code.

Tegtmeyer expressed concern over perceived efforts to accommodate the business despite continued neighborhood objections.

Lead Mine Boomsticks – Johnson stated we have done what we could do. She stressed the importance of citizens paying attention to agendas when they come out.

Open Burn – Johnson stated she has a neighbor that has requested an additional burn day be added due to the rain day during the original open burn.

Welcome – Kieffer welcomed Roger Gates to the table.

Appreciation – Gates stated he is honored to attend his first meeting and to serve on the city council. He thanked city staff for their support and warm welcome. He is committed to collaborating with fellow council members and the entire community moving forward.

Death of a Brewer Movie – Gates shared that there is an 18-minute pilot film, produced last summer, which can be found online by searching “Death of a Brewer.”

The pilot was used to pitch the concept to Hollywood, which gained traction and led to the development of the feature-length motion picture now in production.

Lead Mine Boomsticks – Westemeier feels he runs a legitimate business and does not believe people are going over there and buying guns in the yard.

Past Due Taxes – Wienen noted there are fourteen business behind on their taxes of which three of them are behind two months more. She questioned why we continue to allow this and questioned if they are being fined.

Substandard Properties – Wienen questioned at what point the three addresses on the substandard properties list start to be fined.

Apology – Wienen stated she wished to publicly apologize if it seemed like she was mocking a flamethrower at the previous meeting. That was not her intention at all.

25C-0201 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Next Council Meeting Reminder - Due to Memorial Day, the next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27, instead of Monday, May 26.

Yard Waste Collection - Curbside pickup will take place every Tuesday in May. This service is free but requires advance scheduling with the city by noon on Monday prior. Details are available on the city website.

Lead Line Restoration Update - Final restoration work from the lead service line replacement project is expected to be completed by the end of May. He thanked residents for their patience during traffic disruptions.

IDOT Highway Repairs - Patchwork is complete. Radar detector installation at three Highway 20 intersections is still pending.

Pickleball Court Project - Progress continues with asphalt base installation scheduled this week.

Water Data Analysis & Accountability -

• Analysis of 13 months of water production vs. billing was completed by staff (thanks extended to Jen Schmidt, Mary Beth Hyde, and Sue Simmons).

• A discrepancy was found between production data (calendar month) and billing data (varied 22–35-day cycles).

• With aligned data, accountability range improved from 51%–83% to a more accurate 58%–71%.

• Replacement of large commercial meters led to improvement in accountability—from 60% pre-replacement to 67% post-replacement.

• Sixteen large-use meters have been replaced; four remain.

• Staff are now reviewing billing exception reports, non-functioning meters, and radio read devices.

• Staff are working with Sensus on permanent AMR installations. A propagation study is underway to assess feasibility based on city topography. Once complete, cost estimates and implementation plans will be brought to the council.

25C-0201 – MAYOR’S REPORT

The mayor welcomed new council member Roger Gates as well as returning members and thanked all attendees for their participation and input during the meeting.

25C-0202 – ADJOURNMENT

Regular Board Meeting 12 May 2025

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

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

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

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/cc051225_7E7A5C2703497.pdf