NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met Sept. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

25C-0347 – 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 08 September 2025.

25C-0348 – ROLL CALL

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

25C-0349 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

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

25C-0350 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

25C-0351 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

No reports.

25C-0352 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

Jason Van Hemert, 11345 W. Horseshoe Lane – Van Hemert spoke regarding agenda item 25C-0364, expressing concern over the city reassigning the long-standing parking fundraiser from the Galena Music Supporters to another group without notice or stated cause.

Patrick Murphy, 115 N. Commerce Street – Murphy spoke in opposition to reassigning the parking lot fundraiser, noting it provides about 75% of the Music Boosters’ annual income and directly supports scholarships, instruments, travel, and student opportunities. Murphy urged the city to reconsider and continue the long-standing partnership with the Music Boosters.

Susan Bookless, 11420 W. Chetlain Lane – Bookless spoke in opposition to the proposed purchase of property near her home for relocation of the police station, citing concerns about family safety, zoning changes, lack of transparency, and a rushed process. Bookless urged the council to vote “no” on the contract to allow time for community input and due diligence.

Rosean Shromen, Dubuque – Shromen offered an alternative site for the proposed police station, suggesting the former Miller Body Shop property on US Highway 20. The property is approximately 3 acres, has good visibility and no nearby residences. She expressed a willingness to negotiate the terms for its sale.

Rachel Lenstra, 12747 W. Cross Road – Lenstra spoke in opposition to purchasing 11422 West Chetlain Lane for a police station, citing safety concerns for neighboring families, increased traffic and noise, loss of central access, rezoning issues, property valuation questions, lack of transparency in the process, and absence of the project from recent capital and budget plans. She urged the council to have more public discussion and planning before proceeding.

Rick Pariser, 113 S. High – Pariser expressed support for providing the police department with a new facility but opposed approving the $900,000 purchase with limited public notice. He urged the council to defer the decision and allow more time for community input and consideration of alternative locations.

Lynn Giles, 230 Poplar Avenue - Giles questioned the sudden proposal to relocate the police station, noting recent upgrades to the current facility. She questioned why this site was chosen, whether alternative sites were considered and why the public was not informed earlier.

CONSENT AGENDA CA25-17

25C-0353 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2025

25C-0354 – APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE FARMERS MARKET FOR AN ADDITIONAL WEEK OF OPERATION THIS SEASON

25C-0355 – APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE GALENA ARC TO HOST A PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT AT THE RECREATION PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS ON OCTOBER 4, 2025

25C-0356 – APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY CONNOR KRIPPENDORF FOR SECONDARY EMPLOYMENT WITH THE VILLAGE OF ELIZABETH AND THE VILLAGE OF STOCKTON AS A PART-TIME POLICE OFFICER

25C-0357 – APPROVAL OF U.S. WATER CONTRACT YEAR-END EXPENSE RECONCILIATION

25C-0358 – APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE (SUPPLEMENTAL MOTOR FUEL TAX RESOLUTION FOR 2025)

25C-0359 – APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION TO APPLY TO IDOT FOR A SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT

25C-0360 – APPROVAL TO REMEDIATE MOISTURE ISSUES AND PURCHASE NEW TURNOUT GEAR LOCKERS AT THE GALENA FIRE DEPARTMENT

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer to approve Consent Agenda CA25-17.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

25C-0361 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A SIDEWALK PROJECT AT MCDONALD’S AT 957 GEAR STREET

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the sidewalk project at McDonald’s at 657 Gear Street, 25C-0361.

Discussion: Council discussed connecting sidewalks near the old Primary School lot for safer pedestrian access toward Walmart and surrounding areas. The project includes ADA ramps, crosswalks, and coordination with McDonald’s, which is redeveloping its parking lot and will install a sidewalk at its cost in exchange for a perpetual easement. The city’s contribution totals $65,000 (including $30,000 budgeted funds and up to $35,000 in tax abatement over 10 years). Consensus was to move forward with the project.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0362 – FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AT 11422 W CHETLAIN LANE

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the first reading of an ordinance for the purchase of real estate at 11422 W. Chetlain Lane in the amount of $900,000 subject to two appraisals being received, 25C-0362.

Discussion: Council discussed concerns raised by residents, including safety, shared driveways, noise, and traffic.

Several council members noted the current police building is in poor condition, unsafe, and largely unworkable. The proposed building is nearly turnkey, requiring minimal renovations and reuse of existing equipment.

Council feels relocation could improve police response times by providing better access to city streets and avoiding downtown bottlenecks.

Council acknowledged the rapid pace of the proposal, noting the property became available unexpectedly, but emphasized transparency: appraisals are pending, no contracts signed, and public discussion is ongoing.

Measures such as fencing along driveways and coordination with neighbors were discussed to mitigate safety concerns.

Council confirmed that public facilities can be located in any zoning district under city authority.

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

NAYS: Tegtmeyer

The motion carried.

25C-0363 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH JO DAVIESS COUNTY FOR A PARKING FACILITY AT 312 N. MAIN STREET

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Johnson, to move ahead with a memorandum of understanding with Jo Daviess County for a parking facility at 312 N. Main Street, 25C-0363.

Discussion: Council discussed contingency plans for the police station, noting potential high costs (up to ~$2 million) to renovate the current building and safety concerns with nearby structures.

The proposed parking facility downtown was reviewed as a potential solution to parking shortages and revenue generation.

Current preliminary discussions with the county involve them using 40 of 50 parking spaces Monday–Friday, with revenue sharing considerations.

Council members suggested renegotiating the revenue split, potentially adjusting from 50/50 to a 60/40 ratio, to account for midweek usage and maximize fairness.

Emphasis was placed on the preliminary nature of the MOU; final terms and agreements will be brought back for future discussion.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0364 – APPROVAL OF THE COUNTRY FAIR WEEKEND AND HALLOWEEN PARADE PUBLIC PARKING LOT OPERATIONS PLAN

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Tegtmeyer, to table the Country Fair weekend and Halloween parade public parking lot operations plan, 25C-0364.

25C-0365 – WARRANTS

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the Warrants as presented, 25C-0365. Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0366 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Grant Park – Johnson expressed concern about the lack of crosswalks near Grant Park, particularly near VanBuren Street, where pedestrians navigate between parked cars.

Sidewalk/Bike Path Safety – Johnson raised concern about cars jumping the curb near the new sidewalk/bike path near Stoney Creek and Dell Street, noting high speed traffic on Highway 20. She requested safety measures to better separate pedestrians and cyclists from vehicles.

Reporting – Johnson urged residents to promptly report any incidents or concerns to the police, rather than waiting, so the city can take timely action.

Pickleball Tournament – Johnson stated attention should be given to parking availability for the approved pickleball tournament, noting limited spaces at the pool during summer and the need for additional parking as the sport grows in popularity.

Thank you – Tegtmeyer thanked everyone for coming and speaking up about their ideas and concerns.

Stair Climb – Tegtmeyer reminded everyone the Stair Climb Challenge is on Saturday, September 13th.

Cobblestone Lights – Wienen requested an update on the Cobblestone lights.

Pickleball Courts – Wienen stated the pickleball courts look great. It is lovely to see people over there. She noted the noise is no more than a skateboard.

Thank you – Westemeier thanked the fire department, police department and city crew for their response to the recent car fire on Commerce Street.

Pickleball – Gates praised the new pickleball courts at Rec Park, thanking everyone involved. The courts were used over the weekend and will continue to grow in popularity.

25C-0367 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Pickleball Courts – The pickleball courts opened Saturday. There are some minor drainage issues to be addressed before closing out the contract.

EV Chargers – The chargers have been installed and are awaiting programming for activation. Pool Slide – Construction is scheduled to begin next week.

25C-0368 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Renner thanked everyone for coming and thanked the fire and police for taking care of the recent vehicle fire. He is happy to see the pickleball courts open for public use.

25C-0369 – ADJOURNMENT

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

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/Council_Packet_09_2B13BF107C282.pdf