NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met Aug. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

25C-0305 – 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 11 August 2025.

25C-0306 – ROLL CALL

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

Absent: Gates

25C-0307 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

25C-0308 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

25C-0309 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

GGMI Finance Committee – Wienen reported the GGMI Finance Committee had a board meeting on July 29th. The information presented matched the report given to council on the 28th. A small lodging board seat is currently open, interested individuals should contact Terry Mattson. The executive team is reviewing how to define “small lodging,” particularly in light of VRBO-type rentals.

25C-0310 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

Michelle Finley, Galena EMS - Finley announced the first-ever 5K Stair Challenge, hosted by Galena EMS, the police and fire departments, and the sheriff’s office. She thanked the city council for their support. In addition to the race, Green Street will feature family-friendly activities, including food trucks, coffee vendors, the sheriff’s K9 unit, mounted patrol, fire and police vehicles, and other attractions. Participants can also receive medals and T-shirts. She encouraged both runners and non-runners to join the event.

PUBLIC HEARING

25C-0311 – PUBLIC HEARING ON 2025-26 ARCHERY DEER HUNTING PROGRAM No one wished to speak; therefore, the public hearing was not held.

LIQUOR COMMISSION

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer to adjourn as the City Council and reconvene as the Liquor Commission.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

25C-0312 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPLICATION FOR A CLASS D CORPORATION LIQUOR LICENSE BY MARIA AYALA FOR LA MICHOACANA IRMANAJU CORPORATION, 110 S. MAIN STREET

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Johnson to approve the application for a Class D Corporation Liquor License by Maria Ayala for La Michoacana Irmanaju Corporation, 110 S. Main Street, 25C-0312.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

25C-0313 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN APPLICATION FOR A CORPORATION MANAGER LIQUOR LICENSE FOR JULIAN GARCIA AYALA, MANAGER, LA MICHOACANA IRMANAJU, 110 S. MAIN STREET

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson to approve a corporation manager liquor license for Julian Garcia Ayala for La Michoacana Irmanaju, 110 S. Main Street, 25C-0313.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

Motion: Johnson moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer to adjourn as the Liquor Commission and reconvene as the City Council.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA CA25-15

25C-0314 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 28, 2025

25C-0315 – APPROVAL OF A QUOTE FROM ALTRONEX TO REPLACE VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVES AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

25C-0316– APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT 25-1 FOR FINAL PAY APPLICATION – WELL #7 WATER TOWER PAINTING TO ERA VALDIVIA CONTRACTORS

25C-0317 – APPROVAL OF REQUEST BY OFFICER ASHLEY FORTH FOR SECONDARY EMPLOYMENT TO SERVE AT GALENA AREA EMS

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen to approve Consent Agenda CA25-15. Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

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

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the reorganization of city staff for enhanced sustainability management, 25C-0298.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer stated the reorganization was well thought out and will improve operations and align well with current leadership.

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

NAYS: Kieffer, Wienen

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson, to suspend the rules and move item 25C 0299, discussion and possible action for city staff appointments and salary adjustments until after executive session.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: Kieffer

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

25C-0318 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING A 1% MUNICIPAL GROCERY RETAILER’S OCCUPATION TAX, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to approve the first reading of an ordinance implementing a 1% Municipal Grocery Retailer’s Occupation Tax, effective January 1, 2026, 25C 0318.

Discussion: Council discussed the recent repeal of the 1% grocery tax by the state. Municipalities can choose to retain or eliminate it. Council agreed to maintain the tax and emphasized that keeping the tax does not increase anyone’s taxes, it only continues what has been in place.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

25C-0319 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE 2024-25 ARCHERY DEER HUNTING PROGRAM

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve the 2024-25 Archery Deer Hunting Program, 25C-0319.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer raised concern about the effectiveness of the current deer management strategy. She questioned whether the efforts, including time, money, and closing paths are worthwhile given that they only got eight deer last year.

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

NAYS: Tegtmeyer, Johnson

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

25C-0320 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF MUNICIPALLY OWNED PERSONAL PROPERTY, INCLUDING HURST EXTRICATION TOOLS AND A 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the first reading, waive the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the sale of municipally owned personal property, including Hurst extrication tools and a 2013 Chevrolet Volt, 25C-0320.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

25C-0321 – WARRANTS

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Wienen, to approve the Warrants as presented, 25C-0321. Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

25C-0322 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Dewey Avenue – Westemeier advised he has received complaints regarding weekend traffic on Dewey Avenue between Shear Street and Brown Street. The lack of adequate pullover space is causing confusion and safety issues. Westemeier suggested considering the removal of one or two parking stalls in that block to create safer pullover areas, especially for drivers unfamiliar with the area.

Cobblestone Lighting – Wienen advised she has received complaints about inadequate street lighting on Cobblestone. She asked that staff follow up on the issue to make sure it gets addressed.

Pool – Johnson reminded everyone that Sunday, August 17th is the last day for the pool this season. She encouraged everyone to attend and say goodbye to the staff. Tegtmeyer noted there were some fun videos put out to watch.

School – Tegtmeyer reminded everyone school starts August 18th.

Thank you – Tegtmeyer thanked Michelle Finley for coming out to talk about the stair climb, thanked Matt and Hillary for getting the stair climb on the website and for the mic adjustments.

25C-0323 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

EV Charging Stations – Construction is underway with one unit installed; completion is expected soon.

Highway 20 Bridge – The IDOT bridge patching project scheduled for August 1 has been withdrawn and postponed. This works in the city’s favor to avoid construction during the busy season.

Rains – Oldenburg reported the recent rains have caused washouts and stormwater issues; crews are actively addressing these. He thanked everyone for their patience.

Filming – Filming of the movie Death of a Brewer will take place next week, potentially impacting traffic at certain times and locations. Coordination will be maintained to minimize disruption.

Evacuation Safety Day – Oldenburg announced August 11th is Excavation Safety Day. He reminded people to call before you dig.

Slide Construction – Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin September 8th.

25C-0324 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Renner thanked Hillary and the pool employees for keeping the pool clean and well managed this season.

24C-0325 - 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) (21) – Review of Executive Session Minutes.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

The meeting recessed at 6:53 p.m.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:21 p.m.

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

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve staff appointments and salary adjustments as follows: The positions of Social Deputy Administrator, Environmental Deputy Administrator, and Economic Deputy Administrator shall be set at an annualized salary of $90,000, contingent upon a salary freeze for these roles for the next three years. Additionally, to approve an increase to Jason Bingham’s annualized salary to $80,373 and Sam White’s salary to $59,000.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Johnson

NAYS: Westemeier, Wienen, Kieffer

ABSENT: Gates

The motion was denied.

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve staff appointments and salary adjustments giving the three deputy administrators, Jennifer Schmidt, Hillary Dickerson and Jonathan Miller an immediate raise of $5,000 with a review in six months, and approving $80,373 for Jason Bingham and $59,000 for Sam White for Zoning Administrator, 25C-0299.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer stated she feels a six-month period is insufficient to provide meaningful insights or conclusions. This timeframe fails to account for the recent restructuring and the expanded roles and duties assigned to the three individuals in question. Consequently, it does not allow for a thorough analysis of their performance and responsibilities.

Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Westemeier, Wienen

NAYS: Johnson, Tegtmeyer

ABSENT: Gates

The motion was carried.

25C-0326 – ADJOURNMENT

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

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Gates

The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/cc081125_F128FAEB2845A.pdf