NW Illinois News

City of Galena City Council met Sept. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

25C-0370 – 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 22 September 2025.

25C-0371 – ROLL CALL

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

25C-0372 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

Mayor Renner announced a quorum of board members present to conduct city business. 25C-0373 – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

25C-0374 - REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

No reports.

25C-0375 – CITIZENS COMMENTS

Susan Bookless, 11420 Chetlain Lane – Bookless spoke in opposition to the purchase of 11422 Chetlain Lane, citing lack of transparency, unanswered financial questions, hidden infrastructure costs, and failure to consider alternative properties. Bookless urged the council not to proceed until all options are fully explored.

Elizabeth Boggess, 519 Fourth Street – Boggess questioned the process for relocating the police station, noting lack of public input and outreach to affected residents. She disputed the claim that the property is “turnkey.” She questioned if architectural and cost estimates have been obtained and raised concerns about taxpayer expense. She also questioned whether approval from the Historic Preservation Commission has been secured for the potential demolition of the Main Street building.

CONSENT AGENDA CA25-18

25C-0376 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

25C-0377 – APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT FOR GENERAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN THE CITY OF GALENA AND JO DAVIESS COUNTY TRANSIT

25C-0378 – APPROVAL OF A PROCLAMATION DECLARING OCTOBER AS “DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE CITY OF GALENA

25C-0379 – APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH GEOSTAR MECHANICAL FOR BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE INSPECTION AT $52.50 PER DEVICE

25C-0380 – ACCEPTANCE OF SUMMER 2025 YEAR-END SWIMMING POOL REPORT

25C-0381 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT 25-02 FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT SOFTWARE SUPPORT AND BODY/SQUAD CAMERA ANNUAL INSTALLMENT EXPENDITURES

25C-0382 – APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY GALENA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION FOR ON-STREET PARKING RESERVATION AND THE JEEP JINGLE PARADE ON NOMEMBER 29, 2025

25C-0383 – APPROVAL OF JULY 2025 AND AUGUST 2025 FINANCIAL REPORTS

25C-0384 – APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH GALENA COUNTRY FAIR CHARITIES, INC. FOR THE USE OF GRANT PARK FOR GALENA COUNTRY FAIR, OCTOBER 8-12, 2025, AND THE REC PARK PARKING LOTS ON OCTOBER 11 AND 12 FOR REMOTE EVENT PARKING

25C-0385 – AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH WORK CHANGE DIRECTIVE ON WATER SLIDE REPLACEMENT PROJECT AT ALICE T. VIRTUE MEMORIAL POOL

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Kieffer to approve Consent Agenda CA25-18.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer reminded everyone that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Riverview Center is the local resource, with a hotline at 815.777.3680, and informational materials are also available in the lobby.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

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

Motion: Gates moved, seconded by Wienen to approve the reconsideration of the generals’ statues and approve the location on the North end of the levee near the blacksmith shop as recommended by the Historic Preservation Commission, 25C-0336.

Discussion: Council members expressed appreciation for relocating the statue to the opposite end of the levy, noting improved detail on photos, size, and spacing. Approval is contingent upon approval from the Corps of Engineers. The new location provides ADA accessibility.

Roll Call: AYES: Kieffer, Tegtmeyer, Westemeier, Wienen, Gates, Johnson, 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 Gates, to approve the Country Fair weekend and Halloween parade public parking lot operations plan, 25C-0364.

Discussion: Tegtmeyer noted that the city was not attempting to take control from the music boosters; the situation arose because the booster group had become smaller. The matter has been resolved, and the city will support the music boosters to ensure events can proceed safely.

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

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Wienen

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

25C-0386 – PRESENTATION BY WIPFLI OF THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING APRIL 30, 2025

Josh Faivre, CPA, WIPFLI presented the audit for Fiscal Year ending April 30, 2025.

25C-0387 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON RENEWAL OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH, DENTAL, VISION, ACCIDENT, LIFE AND DISABILITY INSURANCE POLICIES, HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT DISTRIBUTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH INCENTIVES

Motion: Tegtmeyer moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the renewal of the employee health, vision, accident and life and disability insurance policies with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois and dental insurance with Guardian, in the amount of $500,412, 25C-0387.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: Tegtmeyer

ABSTAIN: Wienen

The motion carried.

Motion: Westemeier moved, seconded by Kieffer, to approve distribution of HSA funds and alternative health incentive payments effective January 1, 2026.

Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Wienen

The motion carried.

25C-0388 – SECOND READING AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AT 11422 W. CHETLAIN LANE

Motion: Kieffer moved, seconded by Johnson to approve the second reading and approve an ordinance approving the purchase of real estate at 11422 W. Chetlain Lane and authorize the mayor and city clerk to execute the contract with the contingency of two satisfactory appraisals, 25C-0388.

Discussion: Kieffer supported the purchase, noting that the additional land could be useful for equipment storage or a potential satellite fire station.

Johnson noted the city previously moved City Hall due to building issues, and with the newly available building requiring minimal work and having additional land, it is considered the best decision for the city at this time.

Tegtmeyer advised the Illinois Municipal Leage has verified that the process was properly followed. The purchase is contingent upon satisfactory appraisals. The property has been described as mostly “turnkey,” with existing ADA bathrooms, vehicle garage, and cubicle space; only minor alterations such as bulletproof glass and internet are needed. She advised other properties were considered, and zoning is appropriate for a police station. Accommodation for nearby residents will be addressed if the purchase moves forward. Tegtmeyer noted if approved, there will be public notices in the Gazette for the next two weeks.

Nack clarified the appraisals have not yet been ordered and will only be requested if the contract is approved.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0389 – WATER AND SEWER OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MONTHLY REPORT FROM U.S. WATER

Andrew Schuler provided the operations and maintenance report for the periods of June 21–July 21 and July 22–August 22. During the first reporting period, the wastewater plant treated 12.7 million gallons, while in the second period it treated 24.46 million gallons. Water production totaled 14.5 million gallons from June 21–July 21, with 80% billed, and 17 million gallons from July 22–August 22, with 66% billed. Routine system flushing and other necessary repairs were also completed during this time.

Wienen questioned if there are any plans to buy additional large meters. She would like to stay on top of that as the new meters installed appear to be showing improvements. She would like to get more meters ordered and installed. Oldenburg advised he would like to allocate more money for meters in the capital improvement plan. Schuler recommended starting to sequence out old residential meters as well.

Westemeier advised the red hydrant at Franklin and Hickory should be looked at. The shutoff can be easily turned by hand.

25C-0390 – WARRANTS

Motion: Wienen moved, seconded by Gates to approve the Warrants as presented, 25C-0390. Discussion: None.

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

NAYS: None

The motion carried.

25C-0391 – ALDERPERSONS’ COMMENTS

Cobblestone Lighting – Wienen stated she has had a couple of people inquiring about additional lighting on Cobblestone.

Dog Waste Bags – Wienen stated she has received a request that more dog waste bags be placed in the parks.

Rec Park – Westemeier stated he had a chance to go to Rec Park and walk around. The pickleball courts look great, the skate park looks newly painted, and work has begun on the new slide. The park looks great. Kieffer agreed.

Sidewalks – Westemeier questioned when work would start on sidewalks.

Pickleball Tournament – Johnson advised the first pickleball tournament will be held in two weeks.

Thank you – On behalf of the Johnson family, Cindy thanked everyone for their kind words and condolences for the loss of Carl Johnson. A celebration of life will be held in October.

Thank you – Tegtmeyer thanked staff for their quick responses to her last-minute requests.

Pickleball – Tegtmeyer reported the total spent for the pickleball courts to date is $373,072, donations count for over half at $152,835. The city spent roughly $120,000.

Stair climb – Tegtmeyer reported the stair climb went well. They had over one hundred participants and raised a few thousand dollars for local EMS, fire and first responders.

25C-0392 – CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City vs. Clark Lawsuit – Oral arguments are scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025. A ruling should be made later this year.

Peace in Union Painting – Staff is in the process of getting an appraisal of the painting. This is in preparation for moving it to the new museum and meeting proper insurance requirements.

Sidewalks – Sidewalk work will be put out for bid later this fall.

Pickleball Project – The project will be wrapping up in the next week or two with last minute punch list items.

25C-0393 – MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Renner thanked everyone for coming and expressed his condolences to the Carl Johnson family. Carl was a great asset to Galena and will be sadly missed.

25C-0394 – ADJOURNMENT

Motion: Johnson moved, seconded by Kieffer, 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_10_BCE698CF7512B.pdf