City of Galesburg - December 2, 2024 City Council Meeting

Updated about 6 hours ago

The Galesburg City Council Meeting on December 2, 2024, covered a range of topics including a proposed museum expansion, health insurance cost concerns, and the decision to maintain the current ordinance opting out of allowing marijuana establishments. The council approved a museum addition proposed by the Galesburg Historical Museum, highlighting community interest in preserving local history. The council also discussed financial planning due to rising health insurance costs, emphasizing the need for budget adjustments. Additionally, the council votes to keep the city's ordinance opting out of marijuana sales, reflecting ongoing community debates about potential revenue sources versus local values. The meeting features citizen comments and departmental reports, providing a comprehensive view of city operations and future planning.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:03:27)
The Galesburg city council meeting is officially called to order.

The Galesburg city council is now called to order for the meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:03:33)
Participants are invited to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Please stand with me for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Roll Call (00:04:09)
Attendance is taken to ensure a quorum is present for the meeting.

Roll call is conducted with several members present including Chauvinist, Crazy, Harnden, Lemon, Worder, and others.
Approval of Agenda (00:04:57)
The agenda for the meeting is reviewed and approved by motion and vote.

The agenda is reviewed, and a motion is made to approve it. The motion is seconded and passed with all in favor.
Public Comments (00:05:14)
Citizens are given the opportunity to speak and share their comments with the council.

Citizens are invited to provide comments, with Linda Carlton speaking about the upcoming event organized by the Galesburg Business and Community Association.
Consent Agenda (00:09:12)
The consent agenda is reviewed and approved without any objections.

The consent agenda is presented for approval. A motion is made and seconded to approve the consent agenda as written, and it passes unanimously.
Staff Reports (00:09:44)
Various departments present their reports, including police, fire, and public works.

The meeting includes reports from the police department, fire department, and public works department, each providing updates on their activities and operations.
Audit Review (00:18:01)
An auditor presents the results of the recent audit, confirming the city's good financial health.

Jeff Rude, an auditor, presents the findings of the city's audit, noting no internal control issues and positive fund balances across all funds.
Museum Addition (00:25:53)
Discussion on the planned addition to the Galesburg Historical Museum is held.

Keith Martin discusses the proposed addition to the Galesburg Historical Museum, outlining the need for more space and the plans for construction.
Discussion on Museum Addition (00:35:29)
The council discussed approving an addition to the museum. They considered the impact on park space and utilities.

The council discussed the details of approving an addition to the museum, including the lease terms, space considerations, and potential impacts on park areas. The conversation included questions about the construction's footprint and its effect on existing facilities. The planning commission's role in approving plans was also mentioned.
Motion to Approve Museum Addition (00:45:36)
A motion was made to approve the museum addition based on rough plans presented. The council voted unanimously in favor.

A motion was made by Roger and supported by Ryan to approve the museum addition based on the rough plans and the agreement to be signed. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor of the motion, allowing the museum to proceed with its plans.
Election Inspectors Wage Increase (00:46:40)
Discussion on raising wages for election inspectors from minimum wage to a higher rate. The council supported an increase.

The council discussed the current wages for election inspectors, noting they were at minimum wage. Recognizing other municipalities pay more, a motion was made to increase the wages to be more competitive. The council agreed that training and commitment justified the pay increase.
Approval of Election Inspectors Wage Increase (00:53:43)
The council approved a wage increase for election inspectors after discussing the importance of their role.

After discussing the importance of election inspectors and the need for competitive wages, the council voted on and approved a wage increase, ensuring inspectors are compensated above minimum wage for their work and training.
Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions (00:54:18)
The council discussed contributions to employee HSAs, considering the impact of increased insurance costs.

The council considered contributions to employee Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in light of rising insurance deductibles. They discussed past contributions and the potential need for adjustments due to increased healthcare costs. The decision was deferred to gain a better understanding of the insurance renewal impact.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Renewal (00:56:00)
Discussion on renewing the city's insurance policy and the impact of increased premiums on the budget.

The council discussed the renewal of the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance policy for city employees. They considered the significant premium increase and the lack of competitive alternatives due to the city's small size. The discussion included the impact on the budget and potential solutions.
Discussion on Health Insurance Premiums (01:10:00)
The board discussed the impact of higher deductibles and whether increasing HSA contributions is beneficial.

During the meeting, there was an extensive discussion about the impact of higher deductibles on employee health insurance premiums and the consideration of increasing Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions to offset these costs. The board compared the premium differences and concluded that maintaining the current plan might be more cost-effective despite the higher expenses. The discussion also touched on the financial constraints and the town's struggle to manage these rising costs.
Motion to Approve Blue Cross Blue Shield Premium Increase (01:13:35)
A motion was made to accept the increase in Blue Cross Blue Shield premiums for the coming year.

The board considered a motion to accept the increase in Blue Cross Blue Shield premiums. The discussion acknowledged the dissatisfaction with the increase but recognized the necessity due to the lack of affordable alternatives. The roll call vote resulted in six approvals and one opposition, passing the motion to approve the premium increase.
Discussion on HSA Contributions (01:15:11)
The board debated whether to increase the contributions to employees' HSAs in light of premium increases.

Following the approval of the premium increase, the board discussed whether to increase contributions to employees' Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). The consensus was to maintain the current contribution levels without increase, as the financial impact of the premium increase had already strained the budget.
Fireboard Rent Increase Discussion (01:17:01)
The board discussed the need to increase the fireboard's rent to cover maintenance costs shared with Charleston.

The board deliberated on the proposal to increase the fireboard's rent to cover maintenance costs more equitably shared with Charleston. The discussion involved the complexities of budgeting, the history of agreements with Charleston, and the need to ensure both entities contribute fairly to building maintenance costs. The motion to increase the rent was passed, with the understanding that it would take effect in the next budget cycle.
Meeting Schedule Approval (01:40:12)
The board reviewed and approved the tentative schedule for upcoming city commission meetings.

Lisa presented the tentative schedule for upcoming city commission meetings, taking into account possible election dates that might require adjustments. The board reviewed the proposed dates and approved the meeting schedule, with the understanding that it may need to be adjusted if elections are confirmed later in the year.
Kalamazoo Valley Intergovernmental Ambulance Agreement (01:41:38)
The board considered joining the Kalamazoo Valley Intergovernmental Ambulance Agreement for coordinated ambulance services.

The board discussed the proposal to join the Kalamazoo Valley Intergovernmental Ambulance Agreement, which would coordinate ambulance services across multiple municipalities. The agreement would formalize the use of Life EMS for emergency services, ensuring consistent response times and potentially sharing costs among the participating municipalities. The chief confirmed the reliability of Life EMS, and the board moved towards joining the agreement.
Discussion on Ambulance Services and Agreement (01:45:24)
Discussion on the intergovernmental ambulance agreement and the performance of life ambulance services.

The council discusses a motion to become part of the Camou Valley Intergovernmental Ambulance Agreement. There is talk about the performance of life ambulance services, staffing, and response times. A vote is taken to approve the agreement.
Discussion on Marijuana Establishments (01:48:45)
Discussion on whether to change the current ordinance opting out of marijuana establishments in the city.

The council discusses the possibility of allowing marijuana establishments in the city. They debate the pros and cons, including potential revenue and community impact. A vote is taken to decide whether to maintain the current ordinance opting out.
Approval of Engagement Letters for DWSRF Loan (02:07:06)
Approval of engagement letters with Miller Canfield and Ben Zinsky for the DWSRF loan project.

The council discusses and approves engagement letters with Miller Canfield and Ben Zinsky for moving forward with the DWSRF loan. These letters are related to bond counsel and financial advisory services for the project.
Citizens Comments (02:15:09)
Opportunity for citizens to make comments or ask questions to the council.

Citizens are given a chance to make comments. One citizen shares a story about their relative watching the meeting from abroad. There are also comments about new Christmas decorations in town.
Council Reports and Comments (02:17:12)
Council members provide reports and comments on various topics.

Council members give reports on different topics, including a new business opening in the town. They also discuss the new Christmas decorations and the impact of community engagement.
Marketing Collaboration with WMU (02:18:55)
Andrea McCubbin is collaborating with a WMU professor to help market the downtown area.

Andrea McCubbin has been in contact with a professor from the Western Michigan University (WMU) in the department of environment and geography, sustainability. They are discussing ways to help market the downtown area.
Signage for Organizations (02:19:15)
Two signs in the city need painting and are for non-profit organizations, not businesses.

There are currently two signs located in the city, one on East Michigan and another on Creek Street. These signs are for organizations within the city and need repainting. They are specifically intended for non-profit organizations and not for businesses.
New DDA Sign and Membership (02:20:23)
The DDA is adding a new sign and became a member of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail.

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is adding a new sign to accommodate businesses that want signage. Additionally, the DDA has become a member of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, and will have its own sign on the trail.
DDA Bank Account Opening (02:20:37)
The DDA will open its own bank account to manage funds more easily.

The DDA will be opening its own bank account because managing funds through the city's account has been difficult. This change is expected to simplify the accounting and financial management for the DDA.
DDA Window Contest (02:21:05)
The DDA is holding a window contest with a voting event at City Hall.

The DDA is organizing a window contest. Residents are invited to view the decorated windows at City Hall and vote for their favorite. There will be a voting table with jars in front of Kay Maxon.
Recognition of Service (02:21:50)
Vice Mayor Judy is thanked for her service and applies for the Planning Commission.

Vice Mayor Judy is recognized and thanked for her service. She has applied to be on the Planning Commission, and a vote will be held at the next meeting to decide her appointment.
Introduction of New Council Member (02:22:30)
Tony, the new council member, is introduced and welcomed to the council.

Tony, the newly appointed council member, is introduced to the attendees. He is welcomed and is expected to contribute to the council's work.
Fire Department Update (02:22:57)
A fireboard update is given, mentioning the need for more firefighters in Galesburg.

An update on the fireboard meeting is provided. The fire department is performing well but is in need of more firefighters. The Chief and DPW members are acknowledged for their efforts.
Adjournment (02:23:50)
The meeting is adjourned with no further comments from council members.

The meeting is adjourned after confirming there are no additional comments from council members. The session concludes with a motion to adjourn.