NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met June 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

25C-0231 – 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 9 June 2025.

25C-0232 – ROLL CALL

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

Absent: Wienen

25C-0233 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

25C-0234 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

25C-0235 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Comprehensive Plan Update – Hillary Dickerson provided a brief update on the comprehensive plan. City staff are currently reviewing the implementation section of the plan and will be submitting comments soon. An open house is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25th from 4:30- 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. It will be a casual drop-in event where residents and stakeholders can review draft plan components on information boards, read the draft plan document, ask questions and provide feedback. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing immediately following at 6:30 p.m. Both events will be advertised in the Galena Gazette, on social media, the city website, and at City Hall.

25C-0236 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

None.

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer to approve Consent Agenda CA25-10. Discussion: None.

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

ABSENT: Wienen

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

25C-0238 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN CITY AND COUNTY TO INITIATE FURTHER STUDY OF BLACKJACK ROAD REALIGNMENT

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the memorandum of understanding between the city and the county to initiate further study of Blackjack Road realignment, 25C-0238.

Discussion: Council agreed that conducting a study is a good idea and should be pursued soon. It was clarified that the memorandum of understanding is nonbinding and covers the initial traffic study, intersection design study, and coordination with state and federal agencies. Tegtmeyer expressed appreciation for the transparency of the scope.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Wienen

The motion carried.

25C-0239 – WARRANTS

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Gates, to approve the Warrants as presented, 25C 0239.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Wienen

The motion carried.

25C-0240 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Dodge Street Standpipe – Westemeier noted there are dead pine trees near the Dodge Street standpipe.

Blackjack Road Project – Westemeier addressed public confusion as people were calling it “Disneyland” or the “Wisconsin Dells”, which it is not.

Blackjack Road Project – Gates clarified that the bypass road project is separate from the Parker project and not connected. He emphasized the need to inform the public about this distinction.

Blackjack Road Project – Kieffer shared that some people fear losing green space in the area. Oldenburg advised the green space will be preserved.

Blackjack Road Project – Johnson stated the study is important, noting the 4th Street intersection is problematic and alternative routes need to be explored.

Blackjack Road Project – Tegtmeyer noted that although the bypass road and the Parker projects are separate, they are adjacent and related enough to generate natural public curiosity. She emphasized the importance of transparency, public engagement, and clear communication rather than dismissing public concerns.

Pride Picnic - Tegtmeyer reminded everyone of the Pride Picnic to be held on Saturday, June 14. She hopes for a safe and enjoyable gathering.

25C-0241 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Audit – Wipfli will be on site at the end of June to do audit work for this year’s audit.

Slide Permit – The state has reviewed the pool slide permit, and the consultant is currently addressing the state’s comments. We are hoping to secure the permit soon.

Projects – Oldenburg reported two projects are nearly ready to go out for bid within the next few weeks: the Elm Street water main connection from Fulton to Council Fire Circle and the Hill Street reconstruction project, which includes storm and sanitary sewer work.

25C-0242 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Renner shared that Jerry Pettigout, a Galena native and highly respected high school basketball coach in the tri-state area, has passed away. Known for being the winningest coach in Wisconsin high school history, he was well-regarded in the community and often visited Galena. He will be greatly missed.

25C-0243 – ADJOURNMENT

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

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Wienen

The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/Council_Packet_06_662FE955428E9.pdf