Galena City Mayor Terry Renner | City of Galena
Galena City Mayor Terry Renner | City of Galena
City of Galena City Council met July 14.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
25C-0263 – 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 July 2025.
25C-0264 – ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, the following members were present: Gates, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner
25C-0265 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Mayor Renner announced a quorum of board members present to conduct city business.
25C-0266 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge was recited.
25C-0267 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
None.
25C-0268 – CITIZENS COMMENTS
None.
CONSENT AGENDA CA25-13
25C-0269 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 23, 2025
25C-0270 – APPROVAL OF QUOTE TO INSTALL CAMERAS AT GALENA FIRE DEPARTMENT FIREHOUSE
25C-0271– APPROVAL OF QUOTE TO REPLACE WINDOWS AT GALENA FIRE DEPARTMENT FIREHOUSE
25C-0272 – APPROVAL OF GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES FROM TERRACON/ORIGIN DESIGN FOR GALENA FIRE DEPARTMENT FUTURE ADDITION STUDY AND DESIGN
25C-0273 – APPROVAL OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY LOAN 14-6109 REQUEST #16 IN THE AMOUNT OF $131,204.31, INCLUDING FIVE STAR PAY APPLICATION #14 AND ORIGIN DESIGN INVOICE #82066
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer to approve Consent Agenda CA25-13.
Discussion: Tegtmeyer questioned why an item containing two bid prices was included on the consent agenda and questioned whether or not it should be pulled from the consent agenda and approved separately. Oldenburg clarified that smaller projects, even with multiple bids, are typically included in the consent agenda if they fall below a certain threshold. Larger projects requiring formal bidding are handled as separate agenda items.
Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Gates, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
25C-0274 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON INSTALLATION OF NINE GENERAL STATUES ON THE RIGHT DESCENDING BANK LEVEE NEAR THE FLOODGATES
Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Wienen to approve the installation of nine general statues on the right descending bank levee near the floodgates, 25C-0274.
Discussion: Council members discussed the proposed relocation and design of nine general statues. A question was raised regarding the decision to move the statues from the originally proposed location to a new site near Eli Washburn. Terry Miller explained that the new location allows all statues to be grouped together, enhancing visibility and educational value. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved the installation of the statues, pending final placement review and compliance with outlined conditions.
Alternative locations, such as Grant Park and Main Street, were considered in earlier stages of planning. However, concerns about congestion and maintaining the integrity of scenic views led to their dismissal. Miller feels the selected site offers a cohesive and less disruptive placement.
The estimated project cost is approximately $200,000, with no upfront cost to the city; however, the city will be responsible for ongoing maintenance. Concerns were raised by several council members about the height of the statues, which are planned to be eighty-eight inches tall. Some expressed worry that the size may obstruct views of the levee, riverfront, and natural surroundings. A few members suggested reducing the height to eighty inches to minimize visual impact.
In addition to size, the design of the statues—featuring detailed elements such as hats, sashes, and in one case, a sword—was discussed. These features contribute to the overall height and presence of the statues. Accessibility concerns were also raised, particularly regarding ease of access for individuals with mobility challenges.
Council members emphasized the importance of considering public feedback and balancing artistic value with the community's aesthetic and functional needs. Suggestions were made to adjust pedestal heights or partially bury certain elements (like the sword) to reduce overall height without compromising design.
Amended
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer to amend the motion to include requiring the statues to be no larger than 80” in overall height.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Westemeier, Wienen, Gates, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner NAYS: Tegtmeyer
The motion carried.
Main Motion
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Westemeier, Wienen, Gates, Johnson, Renner NAYS: Tegtmeyer
The motion carried.
25C-0275 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON RENEWAL OF THE DEPOT BUILDING LEASE WITH GREATER GALENA MARKETING, INC.
A motion was made and later rescinded to approve the renewal of the depot lease with Greater Galena Marketing, Inc. with a monthly rent of $431.95 ($5,181 annually), including an increase in annual capital expenditures to $10,000, 25C-0275.
Discussion: Wienen pointed out Greater Galena’s proposed budget is flat year-over year, with a slight income increase. Rent of $62,172 annual ($5,181/month) was previously agreed upon. Wages increased by 15%, which now makes up 29.42% of revenue. Ending fiscal year net income is projected at $31,082. The budget includes $33,000 for cleaning, landscaping, lawn care, and snow removal. Wienen feels these line items should be itemized further for clarity.
Concern was raised that charging rent may trigger a tax liability for the city. As a city-owned and rent-free property, it is currently tax exempt. A concern was raised, if taxed, the liability might exceed the rent revenue.
Johnson suggested the possibility of selling the property. Council disagreed, stating it is important to have the building in the event that we would get passenger train service.
Wienen rescinded the original motion.
Motion: Gates moved, seconded by Johnson, to table item 25C-0275.
25C-0276 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A CONTRACT FOR 2025 HILL STREET UTILITY AND STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
| Company | Cost |
| Louie’s Trenching Service | $271,102.00 |
| Fischer Excavating, Inc. | $407,931.00 |
Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Gates, to approve the contract for the 2025 Hill Street Utility Improvement Project with Louie’s Trenching Service in the amount of $271,102, 25C-0276.
Discussion: Tegtmeyer questioned why there is such a large discrepancy in bid amounts. Oldenburg stated that typically a contractor who really does not want a job will bid it high.
Roll Call: AYES: Gates, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
25C-0277 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A CONTRACT FOR THE 2025 ELM STREET WATER MAIN EXTENSION PROJECT
| Company | Cost |
| Louie’s Trenching Service | $170,439.50 |
| Fischer Excavating, Inc. | $224,882.00 |
| Temperly Excavating, Inc. | $262,705.00 |
| M & N Sproule Construction | $178,090.00 |
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Gates, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
25C-0278 – WARRANTS
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve the Warrants as presented, 25C 0278.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Gates, Johnson, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
25C-0279 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS
Updates – Tegtmeyer requested updates on the Main Street hydrant/parking stall, ARC funding and search for a new city engineer.
Parks/Levy – Gates commended the public works department for keeping the parks and levy looking great.
25C-0280 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Highway 20 Bridge Repairs – IDOT let bids for the project in June for bridge patching; no contractors bid. Re-bidding is scheduled for August 1st. Staff are concerned construction could interfere with peak season; the city has requested a delay until spring if work cannot avoid peak months.
Audit – Wipfli has completed all fieldwork. They will present a final report in August.
Movie Filming – Filming has been rescheduled to the week of August 18th, not just one day as originally planned. Additional street closure requests will be presented at the July 28th meeting.
Storm Damage/Green Street - The storm surge caused damage on Green Street, requiring the replacement of approximately thirty bricks. The repairs will be coordinated with the contractor who completed last year’s work.
Landfill Access – The city landfill will be open daily until 8:00 PM this week and weekend to assist with storm debris cleanup. Residents may place large branches by the street for pickup. Anyone wanting a pickup should contact City Hall.
25C-0281 – MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Renner thanked the city crew for the cleanup following the storms.
24C-0282 - MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to recess to Executive Session to discuss the following:
∙ Section 2 (c) (1) – Employee Hiring, Firing, Compensation, Discipline and Performance
∙ Section 2 (c) (5) – Purchase or Lease of Real Estate
∙ Section 2 (c) (21) – Review of Executive Session Minutes.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Behlke, Johnson, Kieffer, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
The meeting recessed at 7:08 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:51 p.m.
25C-0262 – ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Johnson, to adjourn.
Discussion: None.
Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Gates, Johnson, Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Renner NAYS: None
The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/Amended_Council_Packet_072825reduce_1BE0ACFB09F95.pdf
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