NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met Aug. 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

25C-0327 – 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 25 August 2025.

25C-0328 – ROLL CALL

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

25C-0329 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

25C-0330 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

25C-0331 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

No reports.

25C-0332 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

None.

CONSENT AGENDA CA25-16

25C-0333 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 11, 2025

25C-0334 – APPROVAL OF GHS HOMECOMING PARADE AND TAILGATE IN CITY HILL PARKING LOT, SEPTEMBER 5TH

25C-0335– APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FROM SUE SIMMONS FOR SECONDARY EMPLOYMENT AT THE GALENA EAGLES LODGE

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier to approve Consent Agenda CA25-16. Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

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

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

Discussion: This is a tax that is already there and puts $90,000-$100,000 in the general fund. This tax does not affect resident’s taxes; what people are currently paying remains the same. The only change is that the revenue shifts from the state to the municipality.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

25C-0336 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A RECONSIDERATION OF THE GENERALS STATUES

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Gates, to reconsider the location of the generals statues. Item 25C-0336.

Discussion: None.

Roll Call: AYES: Tegtmeyer, Wienen, Gates, Johnson, & Kieffer

NAYS: Westemeier

The motion carried.

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to refer the reconsideration of General Statutes Item No. 25, C-0336, back to the Historic Preservation Commission."

Discussion: Council members emphasized the importance of not restricting the artist’s work, noting molds have already been poured.

Requested accurate renderings and mockups of all statues, including final placement and scale. Public feedback prompted reconsideration of location; members suggested using visual tools to preview alternate sites.

Clarified that reconsideration is appropriate due to new information and the item’s relevance to the historic district.

General support expressed for involving the HPC and ensuring decisions are based on feasible options.

Roll Call: AYES: Wienen, Gates, Johnson, Kieffer, & Tegtmeyer,

NAYS: Westemeier

The motion carried.

25C-0337 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A LICENSE REQUEST BY KIRK & COLLEEN POCHOCKI, FOR 301 MADISON STREET, TO CONSTRUCT A GARDEN SHED, RETAINING WALL AND FENCE IN THE THIRD STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the request for a license by Kirk & Colleen Pochocki for 301 Madison Street to construct a garden shed, retaining wall and fence in the Third Street right-of-way, 25C-0337.

Discussion: Johnson expressed support for the proposed development, noting that adding property to the city’s tax rolls is beneficial. The location was deemed appropriate, as the adjacent street is unlikely to be reopened and visibility is limited.

Regular Board Meeting 25 August 2025

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0338 – APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION ON THE REVIEW AND POSSIBLE RELEASE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve the resolution on the review and possible release of executive session minutes, as presented by the city clerk. Item 25C-0338.

Discussion:

Staff clarified that audio recordings of meetings may be discarded once official minutes are transcribed and approved.

• A concern was raised regarding potential relevance of recordings to ongoing litigation (Parker case).

• Legal counsel confirmed that approved minutes serve as the official record and recordings are not required to be retained beyond that point.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0339 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ZONING CALENDAR NO. 25A-04, A REQUEST BY SCOTT AND BRIDGET FRANSON, 812 S. BENCH STREET, FOR A MAP AMENDMENT OF PARCEL 22-101-353-00 FROM HEAVY INDUSTRIAL TO MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Westemeier, to approve Zoning Calendar No. 25A 04,a request by Scott and Bridget Franson, 812 S. Bench Street, for a map amendment of parcel 22-101-353-00 from heavy industrial to medium density residential, 25C-0339.

Discussion: It was noted the area should be zoned for medium-density residential use to avoid heavy industrial development. It was suggested that past industrial use by the railroad may have influenced prior zoning classifications.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0340 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP FOR PARCEL 22-101-353-00 FROM HEAVY INDUSTRIAL TO MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the first reading and waive the second reading of an ordinance amending the zoning map for parcel 22-101-353-00 from heavy industrial to medium density residential, 25C-0340.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0341 – WARRANTS

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Gates to approve the Warrants as presented, 25C-0341.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer inquired about the $14,000 expense listed for interview rooms. Oldenburg clarified that the cost covers the camera system and software subscription.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0342 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Gates expressed support for referring the statue placement decision to the Historical Preservation Commission, noting their expertise in evaluating appropriate locations. Emphasis was placed on ensuring the chosen site accommodates the intended statue height and artistic vision. Confidence was expressed in the commission’s ability to provide sound recommendations.

Wienen reported resident concerns about drainage backup at 749 Dewey. Although the ditch was cleaned out 4–5 years ago, it now requires more than routine maintenance. A request was made to address the issue and consider adding it to the city's regular maintenance schedule.

Tegtmeyer promoted participation in the Stair Challenge fundraiser, encouraging sign-ups via RunSignUp and friendly competition to raise more funds. Participants were invited to support Cindy in her effort to outperform Lynn Gallagher.

25C-0343 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Oldenburg reported:

- EV Chargers: Installation is complete; awaiting transformer upgrades from Jo-Carroll before testing and activation.

- City Hall Closure: City Hall will be closed to the public on Monday for Labor Day. - Reorganization Update: No consensus was reached on recent reorganization proposals involving deputy administrators; the matter is on hold.

- Job Openings: Full-time positions are available in the Police Department and Public Works. Applications are encouraged.

25C-0344 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Renner reported attending a regional meeting in Oregon Illinois with Oldenburg, fellow mayors from Ogle and Carroll Counties, along with Representative McCombie. The group discussed statewide issues, local challenges, and potential support for municipalities. The meeting was productive and provided valuable connections with neighboring officials.

24C-0345 - MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Johnson, to recess to Executive Session to discuss the following:

• Section 2 (c) (5) – Purchase or Lease of Real Estate

• Section 2 (c) (21) – Review of Executive Session Minutes.

Discussion: None.

Regular Board Meeting 25 August 2025

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

The meeting recessed at 7:32 p.m.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:55 p.m.

25C-0346 – ADJOURNMENT

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

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/cc082525_BE9BB0299D24E.pdf