NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met July. 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

25C-0284 – 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-0285 – ROLL CALL

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

Absent: Johnson

25C-0286 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

25C-0287 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

25C-0288 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

None.

25C-0289 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

None.

CONSENT AGENDA CA25-14

25C-0290 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 14, 2025

25C-0291 – APPROVAL OF JUNE FINANCIAL REPORT

25C-0292– APPROVAL OF A STREET CLOSURE PERMIT BY GALENA COUNTRY TOURISM FOR FILMING WITH UPDATED DATES, TIMES AND STREETS

25C-0293 – APPROVAL OF A QUOTE TO RENEW WINCAN SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION FOR XROVER SEWER CAMERA SYSTEM

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer to approve Consent Agenda CA25-14. Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Johnson

The motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

25C-0294 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON RENEWAL OF THE DEPOT BUILDING LEASE WITH GREATER GALENA MARKETING

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to renew the lease for the Depot Building with Greater Galena Marketing, with a lease amount set at the appraised value for tax purposes plus $5,000, 25C-0294.

Discussion: Gates clarified that the proposed lease would be $5,000 plus full property taxes, ensuring the city nets $5,000, with the tenant covering the property tax liability.

Wienen raised concerns about continuing the $1 lease, especially given GGMI’s reported $300,000 in surplus funds and consistent revenue. She was in favor of a more equitable lease policy across all city-owned properties.

City Attorney Nack confirmed that charging $5,000 rent would subject the property to real estate taxes. Preliminary estimates suggest the annual property tax could range from $8,500 to as high as $45,000. The wide gap reflects uncertainty about how the building will be assessed.

Tegtmeyer cautioned against changing the $1 lease structure, citing risks of setting a precedent and creating inconsistencies with other properties like the History Museum, also leased for $1. She recommended exploring donation-based contributions or future lease adjustments instead.

Westemeier was opposed to formal rent, preferring the city not act as a landlord. He proposed raising the current 8% hotel/motel tax revenue share to 10%. However, it was noted the current 10-year agreement (with 5.5 years remaining) cannot be altered unilaterally.

Mayor Renner supported the $1 annual lease, emphasizing the value of a reliable tenant, preserving the nonprofit tax exemption, and increasing building maintenance to $5,000 under the new contract.

Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Wienen

NAYS: Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Gates, Renner

ABSENT: Johnson

The motion was denied.

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve the lease as presented for the duration of the contract, 25C-0294.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: Kieffer, Wienen

ABSENT: Johnson

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

25C-0295 – QUARTERLY REPORT, FY ’26 BUDGET, FY ’26 MARKETING PLAN, FY ’25 ANNUAL REPORT BY GALENA COUNTRY TOURISM

Terry Matteson presented the FY’26 Budget, the FY ’26 Marketing Plan and the FY ’25 Annual Report for Galena Country Tourism.

Tegtmeyer inquired about Galena Country Tourism’s involvement in smaller local events such as the 5K Stair Challenge, Half Marathon and Harvest Fest.

Matteson explained that GGMI actively promotes small events such as these through its platforms, primarily serving as a resource to boost attendance. The organization also provides cash sponsorships, with support levels varying by event. A grant program is being developed to formalize and better track local event investment.

Wienen requested a more detailed breakdown of building maintenance costs, including landscaping, snow removal, and the distinction between contracted, in-house, or ad-hoc services. She also asked for a breakdown of the $854,000 in digital fees, separating subscriptions and third-party service fees from direct advertising spend, and recommended including this information in future quarterly reports.

Matteson noted that a detailed 5-page ledger of maintenance expenses had previously been provided in response to Wienen’s request. He reported that annual maintenance costs typically range from $30,000 to $40,000 and highlighted that Galena Country Tourism has invested $170,000 in building improvements under the lease. He added that future reports can include a more detailed breakdown of digital and marketing expenses, with approximately $700,000 of the $854,000 total attributed to direct media purchases.

Gates stated while he acknowledges the strong work being done in leisure tourism, he would like to see an increased focus on small conferences and regional meetings. This would bring visitors midweek (Monday-Thursday), which could fill tourism gaps.

Matteson explained that Galena’s primary challenge in attracting meetings and conferences is limited infrastructure, with only Chestnut Mountain and the DeSoto Hotel being realistically suited for such events. He noted that sales for meetings rely on relationship-based outreach rather than digital advertising, which would require dedicated sales staff. Given current limitations, he cautioned that these efforts would largely benefit just a few venues, raising concerns about community-wide return. He added that developing infrastructure like a city-owned conference center would require major investment and new revenue sources, and most such centers operate at a loss with ongoing public funding.

Gates clarified the interest was not in large-scale conventions, but rather small, regional meetings, which could still be well-suited in the area and provide consistent weekday traffic.

25C-0296 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPLY FOR IL DCEO SITE READINESS PROGRAM TO ATTRACT NEW INDUSTRIES AND CREATE JOBS IN THE SCENIC MEADOWS AREA

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve applying for the IL DCEO Site Readiness Program to attract new industries and create jobs in the Scenic Meadows area, 25C 0296.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Johnson

The motion carried.

25C-0297 – U.S. WATER MONTHLY WATER AND SEWER OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE REPORT

City Administrator Matt Oldenburg provided a summary report covering water system performance. He noted that water accountability has improved to approximately 78% revenue water, with an additional 1% classified as non-revenue. The city is nearing its mid-80% target, consistent with industry standards. Improvements were attributed to meter replacements for large users, leak detection, better routine maintenance, and more accurate meter readings. There were no water main breaks reported for the month. Oldenburg also noted that U.S. Water will conclude its fiscal year on July 31, 2025, and capital expenses are expected to yield reimbursements or returns in the next cycle.

25C-0298 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO REORGANIZE CITY STAFF FOR ENHANCED SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to table item 25C-0298.

25C-0299 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION FOR CITY STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND SALARY ADJUSTMENTS

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to table discussion and possible action for city staff appointments and salary adjustments, 25C-0299.

Discussion: Wienen requested revised job descriptions that clearly outline duties being added and removed under the new organizational structure, along with clarified roles for existing staff transitioning into updated positions. She recommended conducting a wage study comparing compensation with similar roles in comparable communities and assessing how skills, certifications, and functional responsibilities should influence pay. Wienen expressed concern that a flat percentage increase may not fairly reflect the differences in job duties. It was noted that the proposed $64,000 increase would be distributed among five employees.

25C-0300 – WARRANTS

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Gates, to approve the Warrants as presented, 25C-0300.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer noted that legal fees for the Clark Vs. City litigation have exceeded $7,613, likely surpassing the annual budgeted amount. She noted she will continue to monitor expenses and stated she is looking forward to an update and final decision.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Johnson

The motion carried.

25C-0301 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Grass – Wienen noted there is some grass that it is getting a little tall. She asked that Sam would start enforcing it. Gates noted the best way for citizens to file a complaint about tall grass is to contact city hall.

Tegtmeyer added during a recent trip to Northfield, Minnesota, many properties featured well maintained wildflowers and gardens, which she felt contributed to the town’s overall beauty. She feels there is a way to make it beautiful and not only focusing on the height of a person’s grass.

Blood Drive - Tegtmeyer stated the blood drive went well.

Generals on the Levy - Tegtmeyer shared that she has received community feedback over the past two weeks concerning the decision to install the Generals on the levee. She urged the council to consider reopening the discussion to allow for public input before the installation proceeds.

5K Stair Challenge – Tegtmeyer reminded everyone that September 13, 2025, is the 5K Galena Stair Challenge. Participants can register by vising the VisitGalena website or runsignup.com and searching for “Galena 5K Stair Challenge.” The event raises funds for local EMS services.

25C-0302 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

EV Charger Installation – The installation was delayed due to a utility conflict, which has now been resolved. Work is scheduled to begin tomorrow, with progress expected soon.

Green Street Storm Repair – Repairs were completed to the seal around the manhole by the contractor under warranty. Brickwork was restored by public works with minimal effort compared to last year’s issues.

Storm Cleanup – City crews are actively addressing storm damage from the storm earlier today. They are working to clear the bike trail and reopen it.

Small Business Funding Opportunity – Oldenburg advised he has received information from Northwest Illinois Economic Development about the Small Business Assistance Development Fund. This program provides gap funding support for small businesses. Those interested should contact Northwest Illinois Economic Development for details.

25C-0303 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Renner thanked everyone for coming and thanked staff for their work.

25C-0304 – ADJOURNMENT

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

Discussion: None.

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

ABSENT: Johnson

The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/cc072825_593BB9725F926.pdf