Welcome, everyone. It's 6 o'clock. You are at City Council Chambers in Galesburg, Illinois. We are here for the City Council meeting of February 17th, 2025. Ms. Benowitz, can you call the roll, please? Councilmember Hicks? Here. Dennis? Miller? Here. White? Here. Achera? Here. Carrington? Here. Cheeseman? Here. Mayor Schwartzman? Here. Seven are present, Your Honor. Thank you. We'll have the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the invocation. Lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring. Ring with the harmonies of liberty. Let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies. Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Lord, our invocation is our prayer today, lifting our voices to your listening skies. We continue to come together with this community working toward the harmonies of liberty. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. Yes, hope, Lord. For when we have faith, we have hope. And when we have hope, we have everything. Allow our community to see and to hear and to regard the hopes of our citizens, Lord, inspire us to continue finding ways to work and build on those hopes that our community grows together. Facing the rising sun of a new day begun, let us march on till victory is won. Amen. Thank you. First item of the minutes from the February 3rd, 2025 meeting. We need a first and a second. Thank you, Mr. Cheeseman. Mr. White, thank you. Any questions about the minutes? All those in favor, say aye. Anyone opposed? Voice, we're doing a regular vote, so please vote normally. Hicks, yes. Miller, yes. White, yes. Achera, yes. Carrington abstains. Cheeseman, yes. Five yes, one abstention. Your Honor? Thank you. We have reached public comment. If anyone's here for public comment, please step forward, state your name. You have three minutes to address the audience. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Reverend Andrew Jowers. I'm Ward 6. I'm also president of Unity in the Community Alliance. Just want to say good evening and hope that everyone is having a fantastic new year. I've sent, I think, three different... Councilpersons, email today. I hope that you got that, that you really will consider it. I put on the floor last week, last February 3rd, I think it was, that at this particular time in our history, that would be an awesome thing for our city to make a statement in terms of valuing the personhood of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And would it be great to name a street in Galesburg? Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. And so I'm hoping that that will be put on the agenda, that we can start the conversation. And that would just be a tremendous thing that we can build on as we move forward. Just want to say that I think that we acknowledge, I think the last council meeting, that there was some great economic progress made during the last four years. And all of you can take a bow, you know, that you had a part in that. I've seen tons of yard signs that says return to basics. And so I would like just to address, you know, those folks that are running for office and just say back to the basics, meaning that you're willing to come before your constituents, all of the city. If you say you're going to represent all the city and you are for to make the life of all of the residents of the city of Gillsburg better, that you would show up for a forum and you would face whoever you're running against and you would answer questions. And to me, to not to show up would be a front to democracy. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else here for public comment? Please state your name. My name is Glenn Busse. I live at 1110 Canterbury Court. I'm a former high school social studies teacher, and I'm here to address an issue that is coming about that many of you may not know. A company from Alpha, Illinois has said that they would like to build some solar panels with sheep literally in my backyard. There was to be a variance meeting tomorrow night to talk about how close to my property line that could be. The property owner decided not to take that. but the issue is still very much a situation. I can tell you that the neighbors in my neighborhood are very angry about the situation. Nothing, nobody has come forward and said this is going to happen. But what our concern is is that something needs to be done now because as soon as they start digging, it's kind of a mute matter. And so as a result of it, the issue becomes where we're at so far is zoning. The property in my backyard is zoned to be multifamily and I don't know for sure exactly what that means. I did talk to somebody today who used to be on the And they said there's a lot of different various definitions of what multifamily could be, including solar farms and then maybe sheep in that situation. And so as a result of it, I'm just bringing this forward to tell you that it's going to be an issue that people are really concerned about because just recently I know that there was a housing issue about how much housing is in Gettysburg, and there is a need for housing. My wife and I just moved out to Canterbury Court in two years, and we looked out and said, you know, this is a great place for housing to develop. And if all of a sudden you bring in solar panels and then you put sheep in there, people's property is going to decline in value. People are not going to be interested in moving out there. And the other issue, as a social studies teacher, I go, you know, why does a company from Alpha all of a sudden decide that that's the only place they could do something? certainly could figure out other kinds of things. So I guess what I'm saying, and for the people who live out there are saying, is that I hope you become aware of it because something needs to be done. I don't know where in the whole process it is. I mean, are there plans developed? Are you going to start digging next week? Because I think most of us know if they do start digging, we don't have any choice in the matter. And the second thing is just what is the... What are the rules in zoning on that whole situation? So we're all very naive people. We're just concerned about what's happening. And so I'm just bringing that to each of you, and I know that a lot of you are going to hear more from us. Thank you very much. Thank you, sir. Anyone else? Please step forward. Good evening, everyone. I'm Mark Rasmussen. I live at 663 North Prairie Street here in Galesburg. And in 2023 into 2024, I received one of the agricultural... Thank you, sir. Thank you. Anyone else here for public comment? If we can have one second. Yeah, I realize the timer wasn't working, so I have my phone now. Check check check one there we go. Good evening, my name is the Marcus Medley and I'm also a urban farm grant receipt recipient. And first of all, I want to thank the Council and the mayor for this program that basically saved our farm. So my urban farm is supported by the city's grant program. It's a direct investment in Galesburg's future, creating local jobs, increasing food security, and revitalizing underutilized land. This initiative not only promotes sustainability, but also strengthens our local economy. By keeping resources within the community, it provides fresh, affordable produce to residents, supports educational programs, and encourages entrepreneurship. But beyond that, My efforts as an urban farmer has inspired many young people of color to explore careers in agriculture and industry where diversity and innovation are needed. By showing that farming can be both profitable and impactful, we are cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders who will continue building a stronger, more self-sufficient Galesburg. And additionally, this work has given me the opportunity to lobby for critical legislation, such as the Farm Bill. and hemp-related policies that directly impact Galesburg businesses and economic growth in Galesburg. Advocating for these policies ensure that our city remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation and benefits from federal and state resources. And to my fellow grant recipients, we are trailblazers in a road where paving takes time. Unlike a critic of this program, our businesses were not handed to us. We built them from the ground up with vision, determination, and hard work. Progress doesn't happen overnight, but our commitment to innovation and community impact will prove these investments were not just worthwhile, but essential. And that's one of the reasons I'm running for Alderman for Ward 6, to fight for more programs like this and empower local entrepreneurs, drive economic growth and uplift our community. We will not be stagnant and we will never return to the basics because the people of Galesburg deserve better. Together, we will build a future that embraces progress, innovation, and opportunity for all. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else here for public comment? Please step forward and state your name. Thank you. Good evening. I'm Alex Theobald, 4888, Ward 1, I believe, speaking on behalf of Walt and Annette McAllister and the Libby's Corner Project. that they were recipients of the ag grant as well. I'm just giving you points that they've wanted me to relay. Three, basically. The reinvesting in the community. The majority of their grant money has already been spent directly back into the local economy at places like our tractor supply company, our Menards, our Farm King, and our local growers. Girl Scouts of America, the Temple Shelom Synagogue, the Galesburg Public Library, Fish Food Pantry, Knox College have all enjoyed volunteering to plant trees and cultivate that area for as a part of the community engagement program that was so better eloquently spoken about. How much it's already brought that community and extended to all corners of Galesburg to go out there and enjoy a free and public apple orchard. This project has also brought the neighbors of Libby's Corners together as they've begun to water and trim the area as well, cultivating that area, their own neighborhood across the street, just like was said, and enjoyed the benefits together, which is a long-term that will continue to give back to our community. Libby's Corner, which is a free and public apple orchard, is the very first site people see as they come into town on the train from the West. And it's the last site that they see going back home. And it is already a shining example of the city and its priorities. Personally, it's my wife and I were here a year ago to about a separate grant. It is such a important part of this city and area and county. It's a point of pride that we've come here and gotten to help feed and bring the community together in our way. That was an extension of their project and we've gotten to do that. appreciate your time and I think other communities would be benefiting programs just as as ours and it's a should be a point of pride for us all thank you anyone else here for public comment seeing none we'll move on for those who spoke Consent Agenda 2025-04. All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. We need a motion. Thank you, Mr. Miller. Second. Mr. Cheeseman. We have a motion and a second. Any questions about the five items on this? Seeing none, I call for a vote on 2025-04. Hicks, yes. Miller, yes. White, yes. Echera, yes. Carrington, yes. Cheeseman, yes. Sixth vote, yes. Your Honor? We have reached passage of ordinances and resolutions. We have one item to consider this evening. It's 252006. It's a resolution authorizing IPWMAN agreement. We need a motion, a second, and then Mr. Hansen can tell us more. So moved. Thank you, Mr. White. Second. Thanks, Mr. Chair. Mr. Hansen? Thank you, Your Honor. Staff is recommending approval of a resolution to reauthorize the city's participation in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network, IPLMAN. at least that's what I was told is the acronym, is a network of over 400 Illinois government agencies that provide and receive emergency assistance during disasters. The agreement formalizes this mutual aid, allowing communities to share personnel, equipment, and other resources. The city originally joined in 2010 and needs to approve a revised agreement which contains no operational changes to remain a member. The current annual fee of $250 has remained unchanged since the city joined in 2010. Staff is recommending approval. Happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Mr. Hanson. Any questions about this? Seeing none, I call for vote on 25-2006. Hicks, yes. Miller, yes. White, yes. Achera, yes. Carrington, yes. Cheeseman, yes. Sixth vote, yes, Your Honor. Thank you. We don't have anything under bids, petitions, and communications, so we go to the city manager's report. Mr. Hanson, do you have anything to add? A couple of things, Your Honor. One, I wanted to thank all of those that have participated in helping out Kyle and Abby Small in their time of need. In these difficult times, these are the times when communities like this show their true colors and how we care for one another. Long road ahead, but to the staff and PD and dispatch and Everybody in the community that has worked to raise funds to support them is greatly appreciated and I think speaks well for who we are as a city and who we are as a community. Also, on another front, you may have noticed we issued a press release regarding the annual muscular dystrophy and to come in second only to Chicago, given their vast advantage is pretty amazing. So shout out to the GFD and the great work that they do. We regularly compete in the top five, not only in the state, but in the entire Midwest. for a great cause and to all those that participated and all the community members that helped fill the boot. It's a testament, again, not only to the department, but to the community. So I just want to recognize collectively everyone's efforts and the care they show in taking care of those in need. I'm happy to answer any other questions. Thank you for sharing those stories. Anyone? Questions for Mr. Hansen? Okay, thank you again. We've reached miscellaneous business. We have three items to consider and vote on. First is 254015, Transportation Service Contract with Warren County Housing Authority. Need a motion and a second? So moved. Thanks, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. White. Mr. Hanson. Thank you, Your Honor. Galesburg Public Transportation Advisory Commission recommends approval of a service contract between the City of Galesburg and the Warren County Housing Authority to provide WCHA residents unlimited fixed-route rides in Galesburg from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027, which will be tracked and billed to Warren County Housing Authority at current fare rates. The Housing Authority will receive funding for this endeavor through the Hunger Collaborative of the Galesburg Community Foundation, Warren County Public Transportation will bring patrons into the community under a separate service agreement with the Galesburg Community Foundation. Once in town, their patrons will utilize Galesburg's fixed route system to navigate the community for their shopping, business, and personal needs. And the Housing Authority will provide transportation back to Monmouth when complete. It's a great program, allows us to extend, and one that we're happy to partner. Happy to answer any questions. Staff obviously recommends approval. Thank you, Mr. Hanson. Anyone have questions by this item? Mr. White. They will be transporting people from Monmouth to Galesburg, or will we be going to get them? No, they actually bring them here. Then once they're here, they can access our system. It gets tracked, and then we're reimbursed for the rides that they take to various places, as shopping, health care, so on and so forth. Thank you. You're welcome. Anyone else? Mr. Giesemann. Thank you. I think this is just another opportunity for folks to have more opportunities, and this is all good. And we've talked about how important trying to upgrade our transportation system and looking at it to be more modern and helpful into the grassroots for people. So I think this is a great situation and a great opportunity. Thank you. Well said. Anyone else? It looks like we'll call for a vote on 254015. Hicks, yes. Miller, yes. White, yes. Echera, yes. Carrington, yes. Cheeseman, yes. Sixth vote, yes, Your Honor. Thank you. Next item, 254016. Agreement to provide that National Railroad Hall of Fame access to 225 South Seminary for initial steps in property development. Need a motion and a second. So moved. Thank you, Mr. Cheeseman. Second. Mr. Miller seconds. Mr. Hanson. Thank you, Your Honor. Staff is recommending approval of an agreement providing consent for the National Railroad Hall of Fame and their designees to enter the city property at 225 South Seminary Street to begin design work. The Hall of Fame publicly announced last fall that they had enough money raised to begin working toward the design of the new building. The proposed location will be a portion of the city-owned property that is southwest of the existing Amtrak station located at 225 South Seminary Street. This agreement will allow the Hall of Fame design team to access the property, why the city and the Hall of Fame work toward a formal lease agreement for the property. I'm happy to answer any additional questions. Thank you, Mr. Hanson. Anyone have any questions about this? Seeing none, I call for vote. 25-40-16. Hicks, yes. Miller, yes. White, yes. Achera, yes. Carrington, yes. Cheeseman, yes. Sixth vote, yes, Your Honor. Thank you. Next item, 254017, workers' compensation settlement. We need a motion and a second. So moved. Thank you, Ms. Carrington. Second. And Ms. Inchero. Mr. Hansen. Thank you, Your Honor. Staff is recommending approval of a workers' compensation settlement with Richard Neal in the amount of $68,000. The settlement agreement resolves the pending workers' compensation case of Mr. Neal related to an injury sustained in October of 2023. The attached contract represents full and final settlement of any of all claims for compensation arising from this incident. You may recall we don't receive a lot of these. The city is actually self-insured, which is why these get approved by council rather than by the insurance company. We have legal counsel that represents us and tries to limit the city's exposure. But anything that comes over the city manager's threshold has to come before council for approval, and that's why this is here tonight. Happy to answer any additional questions. Thank you. Anything else on this? If not, I'll call for vote. 254017. Thank you. I'm going to ask for a motion to sit as a town board. Mr. Miller? Mr. Chair, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? We are now sitting as a town board. We have one item under town business, the bills, 259004. We need a motion for the bills. Thank you, Mr. Miller. Second. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Any questions about the bills? I'll call for a vote on the bills, 259004. Six, yes. Miller, yes. White, yes. Achera, yes. Carrington, yes. Cheeseman, yes. Sixth vote, yes, Your Honor. Thank you. We need a motion to sit as City Council. So moved. I heard Mr. White and Mr. Miller. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? We are sitting as the City Council. Who wants to lead off with closing comments tonight? Mr. Chair? So I had some fun. I went to the Internet to say to find out what, if anything, exciting happened on this day in history in Galesburg, Illinois. And so this is what I found on February 17th. In 1929, Edward John King, a U.S. representative from Illinois, passed away while serving in office. King had a significant connection to Galesburg, having moved here with his family in 1880. He attended local public schools at Knox College before pursuing a legal career. King served as Galesburg's city attorney in the early 1890s and was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1907 to 1914. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1915 and served until his death at 61 in 1929. Notably, on April 5th, 1917, King was among 50 representatives who voted against declaring war on Germany. He passed away in Washington, D.C. and was interned in Hope Cemetery in Galesburg, Illinois. So then out of curiosity... because I'm becoming, as I get older, much more of a history buff, I wanted to find out where did this fellow live, perhaps? And I found out that he lived at 537 North Academy Street in Galesburg, which happens to be the home of Ted Hoffman. So that was kind of cool to learn. And then this also was another fact I found interesting, which is... Let's see here. On February 17th in 1958, Galesburg experienced a record low temperature of minus 19 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of the oldest days in the city's history. So there's something going on there. I do want to acknowledge the Landmark Commission that we have here in town. They had a terrific historian from U of I come in, talk about the importance of preservation of historic buildings, the importance of storytelling, and looking beyond just architectural integrity to the idea of what the significance is of some of the buildings we have around here. So I'm just excited to see that there's more awareness of this in our community, and I may continue to throw out little historic tidbits now and then. Thank you. Thank you. I guess it's a balmy 10 degrees outside now. Thank you for that. Ms. Carrington. Just going to remind people of a fact I mentioned recently that a well-known figure publicly performed a Nazi salute. I got some emails pushing back against that idea. and trying to defend that as anything other than what we all know it was. And I just want to remind every person sitting here or watching this evening that you have to look around. Who is defending Nazi behavior? And who is taking a stand and calling it out? It is intolerable. It is inhumane. And the behavior and words that follow it are intolerable and inhumane. And we cannot accept Nazis as part of our society because that is how society falls apart. Thank you. Mr. Cheeseman. Yes, thank you, Mayor Schwartzman. I want to commend the residents, including Mr. Bussey, who came here tonight from the Canterbury Court Area at South Lake Story Housing Subdivision for being active participants in the government process in regard to their opposition to the to the variance for the sheep habitation site there near their neighborhood. I thought their efforts were outstanding. It's a pleasure working with all of them, and I think that's just a tremendous example of good government in practice by the people. Additionally, you heard tonight they have voiced their concerns about a solar construction project that goes right along with that previous sheep project that would go in their neighborhood or near their neighborhood as well. I support solar energy. But the points concerning, their points that they're making, they've made to me and I know they're going to make further, makes sense. We need housing, this area is zoned for that. These are the kinds of housing that our housing study has said we're in the greatest need of. And I would sure like to see this be reexamined and looked at as much as we possibly can so that good results happen out there. And finally, I think Mayor Schwartzman, you may have asked some folks here tonight to come and give us some updates on their uh... their urban grant stuff uh... this is not criticism of this in any way it's just something that i uh... i'd like you to or anyone to consider that the next time that we would allow them to put that on the agenda so that we can maybe ask them questions and have a little dialogue so that we could better understand some things uh... they have done a great job with all of this and i think that that if we uh... have an opportunity to speak to them in a little bit more detail we're all going to be on the same page a little bit better and and all rowing the boat in the same way. So a great idea to have them. I would like potentially to that to be on an agenda because as you know, we don't sit here and answer or go back and forth with you during public comment. And I know that I would like to ask some questions and maybe I'll look some of those folks up, but that's all there. Thank you for that. And I know you'll consider that. Thank you, Mr. Cheeseman. Mr. Hicks. Thank you, Mayor. Just a couple of small things. It was good to see Glenn today, he was my, I believe it was 10th grade teacher, and he encouraged me to go to youth and government way, way back in the day. And back then I served on the Supreme Court, the Illinois Supreme Court, taking a little bit of a step down to join the... council here, but it was a great experience and kind of sparked my interest in government. But he was an excellent teacher, and it was good to see him. And then the only other thing I'd like to say real quickly is I'd like to say hello to my brothers, Keith from Georgia and Kevin from Texas. They're up here to visit for a few days, and they decided to come by and see what happens at city council meetings. It's good to see you guys. Thank you, Mr. Hicks. Mr. Miller. Last weekend, I was honored to be invited to Graham's Evening in Red, a fundraiser, which they were raising funds for a new piece of equipment that they're going to be bringing in to Galesburg. It was a fun evening. The mayor and Mr. White and Wayne, myself, and our Better halves all was there. We had a good visit that night. Over everything and so. I just want to recognize Graham for what they're doing. Also, as we all know, they've opened a new clinic on the South side. To help with the new place, people can get help from. With the railroad crossings in Galesburg, especially on the South side. with tracks going to Peoria, there are often times that the tracks are blocked. Fire, police, ambulance can't get to us. That's sad folks, very sad that we have that in Galesburg where we're blocking people off. So I'm asking the city council, all the people that's in the city, businesses, that type of thing, Let's look at some way that we can do something to keep part of the town blocked off. The people are taxpayers, older population, and I think we deserve it. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Miller. Mr. White. Thank you. I just want to acknowledge that a gentleman, young man here in Gettysburg, Illinois, he's at Boston University right now. His name is John Sibley III. He's at Boston University, and he's been nominated. He's in what they call the Institute of Responsible Citizens. He's one of, I think, 12 young men that are in this program. But it's a feather in a cap for a young man to come out of Galesburg. I think he's done some intern work for Elizabeth Warren. and he's a mover and a shaker, and I hope that he comes back to Gettysburg and works on improving his community. But John Sibley III, look it up underneath the Institute for Responsible Citizenship, and you'll see some information about him. On another hand, this is Black History Month, which is important to people, me of color. I just heard her speak about some history, I got something for you to look up. It's called the Mountain Meadows Massacre. It was 1857. Good piece of information to look up. The Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857. But part of it is what I'm looking at is that when I went and we had the movie Glory the other day and I sit there and I'm a 73-year-old man and I had tears in my eyes. Because the same thing that those gentlemen that were joined the military, the same thing that they went through, the same thing as the people in World War I went through in color, the same thing the people in World War II went through in color. They were second-class citizens, but they were volunteering to fight for their nation, whether their nation was right or wrong, but they were second-class citizens. Only time Korea and Vietnam, we weren't second class citizens. We were listed and given the duty to fight like everybody else. But it just hurts that we know that the same problem that they had in 1865, we have in 2025. It really is. I always tell kids, reading is knowledge, knowledge is education. The more education you have, the smarter you're going to be, and the more you'll understand what's going on in your world. I really am concerned, concerned about all the citizens in Gettysburg, because we're in a time now where there's going to be friends of ours that are losing their jobs, and we're going to have to pull each other up by our bootstraps, because there are going to be people that are going to be stressed and in trouble. So look out for your neighbors. call the guy up next door, talk to him, somebody, and be with him, help him out through these times. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. White. A few things. I'm glad you mentioned the Glory movie. That was really profound. I had not watched it before. I strongly encourage people to watch it and really think about the fact that 12 of those men left from Galesburg, Illinois, and went to Massachusetts and were trained and fought in the Civil War. And many of them... did not survive, as you'll see. And Representative Swanson was there with his wife and family. He read the proclamation that he read in Springfield earlier this last year, a really profound thing, I think, for Galesburg. And if you haven't seen that proclamation or you haven't heard the reading of that, please let me know and I'll send you to where it goes on a website. It was really a proud moment. And to see the film and to really think about what it was like to live back then and the incredible courage that those men from Galesburg showed determination and support of this country. I want to mention the solar project as well. But most people know, if you know anything about me, you know I'm a big advocate for solar energy worldwide. Obviously, I've assisted the city in making some progress in that area. I am concerned, as Mr. Cheeseman has articulated, I've been contacted by several residents. I didn't know this project was involved. I have not spoken to anybody involved with the project up until I heard that it was going in and when I read the story on WGIL. There are some zoning issues that we need to address. I don't know if the city has any real power to move this in a different direction, but I do think it's important that we do that. And I mean, and I would echo Mr. Cheeseman's point. We do need new housing and there's opportunities to expand housing in that area as well as some other areas. And we need to be cognizant of that. So thank you for bringing that up. On the issue of, oh, lastly, just tonight, you know, it was announced sort of that, you know, the city is giving the Railroad Hall of Fame access to the property. I think that's an amazing development. It's going to move very quickly. There's a lot of money that's come in from outside of Galesburg to make that project happen. It's taken almost 20 years to get off the ground. There's so many people involved, a long list. I think Julie left, but Julie King really deserves a lot of credit, and then the really industrious board that has worked on that project for a couple decades now to see it to fruition. And even the person, I think Mr. Bondy, was one very integral part of bringing it to Congress and getting Galesburg designated as a location for a railroad hall of fame, a national museum for our city. Profound, profound implications of that. So I thank everyone who was involved. And with that, good news, I'll call for adjournment of the meeting. We need a motion. Mr. White? Mr. Miller, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? We are adjourned.