NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met June 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

25C-0244 – 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 23 June 2025.

25C-0245 – ROLL CALL

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

25C-0246 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

25C-0247 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

25C-0248 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

None.

25C-0249 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

None.

CONSENT AGENDA CA25-12

25C-0250 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 9, 2025

25C-0251 – APPROVAL OF TASK ORDER WITH ORIGIN DESIGN TO DESIGN A RETAINING WALL ON SUMMIT STREET

25C-0252 – APPROVAL OF MAY FINANCIAL REPORT

25C-0253 – APPROVAL OF QUOTE TO INSTALL CAMERAS AT WATER WELL SITES AND RECREATION PARK

25C-0254 – APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER #2 FOR THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL RADAR DETECTOR PROJECT TO REPLACE THREE CONTROLLERS

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer to approve Consent Agenda CA25-12.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer noted legal fees for litigation expenses in May totaled $17,632. She is hopeful these expenses indicate the litigation is nearing completion.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

25C-0255 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE SIGNATORIES FOR ILLINOIS FUNDS

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve a resolution to authorize signatories for Illinois Funds, 25C-0255.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0256 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN ANNUAL AGREEMENT WITH GALENA ARC FOR FUNDING TO SUPPORT YOUTH SPORTS SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve an agreement with Galena ARC for funding to support youth sports services to the community, 25C-0256.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer suggested increasing ARC funding to $50,000-$100,000 for its role in the community as both a park district and childcare provider. It was noted additional funding would require a formal request from the ARC, including a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be used. Renner noted it is important for the city to be fiscally responsible when allocating taxpayer money, especially to nonprofits. Any funding must be tied to an agreement clearly outlining what the city receives in return.

Council was supportive of the ARC’s role and potential future funding but would like more information and accountability before considering an increase.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0257 – U.S. WATER MONTHLY WATER AND SEWER OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE REPORT

Andrew Schuler gave the US Water Operations and Maintenance report for the period April 22, 2025 – May 21, 2025.

∙ Wastewater Treated: 12.7 million gallons.

∙ Drinking Water Produced: 12.7 million gallons (with 73% billed)

Budget Status:

∙ May operations were under budget by $15,985.63.

Operational Notes:

∙ Routine operations and maintenance (O&M) ongoing

∙ Hydrant flushing expected in August.

25C-0258 – WARRANTS

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Gates, to approve the Warrants as presented, 25C-0258.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0259 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Comprehensive Plan Meeting – Wienen reminded everyone of the Comprehensive Plan Meeting to be held Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Numerous meetings have been held previously, generating valuable community feedback.

Thank you – Wienen thanked Andrew Schuler for getting the meters installed.

Pride Picnic – Tegtmeyer stated the Pride Picnic was successful with lovely weather and no rain.

Juneteenth – Tegtmeyer stated she would like to look into having city offices closed next year in observance of Junteenth.

ARC – Tegtmeyer stated she would like to see if she can get another alderperson on board to get the ARC more money.

25C-0260 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

EV Charger Installation – KW Electric is expected to begin soon. The project has been delayed by the weather.

Downtown Filming – Scheduled filming for Thursday, June 26th has been postponed with no rescheduled date yet.

Construction Projects – Hill Street and Elm Street water main projects have been advertised. The bid opening will be July 9th with expected bid results to council at the July 14th meeting.

Pool Slide – The slide has arrived in three shipments and is being stored. We are awaiting a state permit to install after the pool season ends.

Pickleball Courts – Work on surfacing, bollards and poles will resume in the coming weeks.

Volleyball Court – Installation will begin once the ground dries out and weather allows. The sand will be removed from the parking lot.

Comprehensive Plan – The open house is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25th from 4:30-6:00 PM. A presentation and public hearing will begin at 6:30 PM with the Planning Commission.

Storm Prep – The Army Corps of Engineers has issued a flash flood warning. City crews have prepared the levee to prevent potential river backup like last year.

25C-0261 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Renner noted the weekend was busy and the wine festival was well attended. He encouraged all to stay cool!

25C-0262 – ADJOURNMENT

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

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:44 p.m.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/Council_Packet_07_4FA54C1162D2F.pdf