City of Galesburg - October 7, 2024 City Council

Updated about 14 hours ago

The Galesburg City Council meeting on October 7, 2023, covers key community issues, including the approval of Loyal Perry Builders LLC to construct a new DPW barn, with funding discussions ongoing. Council members address citizen concerns about speeding on Battle Creek Street and explore solutions like radar signs. Additionally, Justin, a business owner from Cassopolis, presents on the pros and cons of allowing marijuana dispensaries in Galesburg, prompting plans for a public meeting to gather citizen input. The council also discusses the city's budget adjustments and the compost burn pile management.

Chapters

Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:07)
The meeting begins with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the chair.

The chair asks everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The attendees recite the pledge together as the meeting officially starts.
Roll Call (00:01:31)
Attendance is checked with several members present and one excused absence.

The roll call is conducted. Members present include Trying Chauvinist, Harnden, Lemon, Oringer, Marble, with Roger Frazy absent due to a family medical emergency.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:10)
The agenda is reviewed with one update noted and then approved by motion.

The chair asks if there are any additions or corrections to the agenda. The only update is regarding the discussion on the DPW barn, my class, and the bond. The agenda is approved following a motion and a vote.
Citizen's Comments (00:03:22)
Citizens are invited to comment, with concerns about speeding on Battle Creek Street.

Citizens are given three minutes each to comment. Concerns are raised about speeding on Battle Creek Street, with suggestions for radar signs and other measures to curb speeding.
Reports - DDA Update (00:03:56)
An update on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) activities is provided.

Andrea McCubbin provides an update on the DDA, mentioning compliance with reporting requirements, community decorations, and planning for future projects including landscaping and seasonal events.
Consent Agenda (00:14:17)
The consent agenda is reviewed and approved without changes.

The chair asks if there are any comments or changes to the consent agenda. Hearing none, the agenda is approved following a motion and support.
Police Report (00:15:03)
The police report is presented with a discussion on bus camera enforcement.

The police report includes statistics on various calls and incidents in the area. The officers explain the process for handling bus stop violations with new camera technology on buses.
Fire Report (00:19:28)
The fire chief presents the fire report highlighting recent incidents.

The fire chief reports on recent fire incidents, including structure fires and the successful rescue of individuals. Fire prevention week is also mentioned.
DPW Report (00:22:40)
The Department of Public Works report is given, mentioning vandalism in parks.

Josh from the DPW discusses recent activities, including the closure of park bathrooms due to vandalism. Training and upcoming testing for operators are also mentioned.
Mayor's Comments (00:24:53)
The mayor provides updates on communication with a developer about vacant property.

The mayor mentions reaching out to Mr. Rosenberger to discuss the development of vacant property and is awaiting a response.
Presentation from Metro Connect (00:25:22)
Gary Sigman presents information about Metro Connect transportation services.

Gary Sigman, a trustee with the transportation authority, presents on the Metro Connect service, which is a dial-a-ride service available to Galesburg residents, and discusses the benefits and future plans.
Discussion on Social Services Connection (00:30:38)
Stanley inquired about connections with social services in Kazu county to help those in need of financial aid and transportation for elderly or disabled individuals.

Stanley asked about the possibility of connecting with social services in Kazu county to provide support and transportation for individuals who may not have financial means. The discussion included potential collaboration with Kalamazoo county social services and organizations that contract for share programs, providing free rides for those in need.
Discussion on DPW Barn Funding (00:33:12)
The council discussed funding options for building a new DPW barn, including the possibility of issuing bonds and the associated process.

The discussion focused on the need for a new DPW barn and the financial implications of issuing bonds to fund the construction. Jeffrey Aronoff was called to explain the bond issuance process, including the need for a resolution, publication of a notice, and a potential referendum. The council considered the pros and cons of using bonds versus existing funds and the impact on the city's budget.
Approval of DPW Barn Construction (00:56:22)
The council moved to approve the hiring of Loyal Perry Builders for the construction of the new DPW barn, contingent upon budget planning.

The council discussed and agreed to hire Loyal Perry Builders to construct the new DPW barn. The decision involved reviewing the budget impact and financing options, including the use of funds from the My Class investment and general fund. The motion to approve the construction was passed, with the understanding that detailed payment plans would be presented in the next meeting.
Discussion on Marijuana Dispensaries (01:00:00)
Justin from Calo presented on marijuana dispensaries, discussing potential benefits for the community and sharing experiences from other towns.

Justin gave a presentation on marijuana dispensaries, highlighting the financial benefits for municipalities that allow dispensaries, including revenue from state taxes. He shared his experiences with running dispensaries in Casales and other towns, emphasizing the significant contribution to local budgets. The council plans to hold a public meeting for community input before making any decisions.
Discussion on Community Impact of Facilities (01:03:53)
A detailed discussion on the impact of facilities in various communities, focusing on benefits and challenges.

Participants discussed the impact of facilities on local communities, highlighting benefits such as revenue generation and minimal crime increase, and challenges like odor control and real estate issues.
Transportation Facility Introduction (01:07:03)
Introduction of a new transportation facility to aid delivery services, particularly for medical needs.

The meeting covered plans for a transportation facility that would allow product delivery to homes, especially benefiting individuals with medical needs, despite some regulatory challenges.
Public Meeting Scheduling (01:20:54)
Decision to schedule a public meeting to discuss community issues and gather public input.

The council decided to schedule a public meeting to allow residents to discuss the topics raised and provide their input. Potential dates and logistics were discussed.
Tabling of Camera and Laptop Discussion (01:24:03)
The discussion on cameras and laptops was tabled for the next meeting due to missing information.

Due to the absence of key information, the council decided to table the discussion on cameras and laptops to the next meeting scheduled in November.
Approval of New Fee Schedule (01:25:13)
The council approved a new fee schedule, adding a contractor's fee for building inspections.

A motion was passed to approve a new fee schedule that includes a contractor's fee for building inspections, reflecting changes in municipal operations.
Resolution for Appointment of Election Workers (01:26:24)
Resolution passed to appoint election workers for the upcoming election in November.

The council passed a resolution to officially appoint individuals as election workers for the upcoming November election, ensuring proper staffing for election day.
Resolution on Receiving Board for Elections (01:27:12)
A resolution to establish a receiving board for election processes was approved.

The council approved a resolution to establish a receiving board for handling election processes, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of election results.
Quarterly Budget Review and Adjustments (01:28:34)
Review of first quarter budget with minor adjustments for media network and software costs.

The council reviewed the first quarter budget, making minor adjustments for unbudgeted costs related to the media network and software for new staff.
Discussion on Compost and Burn Pile Management (01:33:00)
Discussion on issues related to compost and burn pile management and potential solutions.

The council discussed ongoing issues with the compost and burn pile, including complaints about smoke and unauthorized dumping, and potential solutions such as scheduled burns.