Peter Schwartzman along with new City Council members, Dwight White and Sarah Davis, will take the oath of office just before tonight’s meeting. Also, Monday, May 3rd, will see returning Alderman Wayne Dennis and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz sworn into new terms. 9th Circuit Judge Raymond Cavanaugh is expected to administer the oaths. Schwartzman moved to Galesburg in 1998 to launch Knox College’s Environmental Studies program, shortly after earning his Ph.D. Since then he’s helped to start three Galesburg-focused non-profits, operated a community center for 3 years, wrote a book, started a podcast, and spent a decade on the city council. Galesburg Public Library Foundation recognized these efforts by awarding him the Mike Kroll Community Service Award in 2019. There was also be a reception beginning at 5 p.m. tonight, prior to the meeting that will honor the outgoing mayor and council members. John Pritchard, Wayne Allen, and Corine Andersen represent a collective four decades serving the city.
Galesburg Aldermen on Monday night can finalize an ordinance regulating electric scooter rentals. This is after the Council approved a letter of understanding with Bird Scooters two weeks. The ordinance requires Bird to provide proof of insurance, establish a local contact for fleet maintenance and operations, and to respond to reports of incorrectly parked scooters within 24 hours. There are of course regulations for where residents can ride or park the scooters. Electric scooters are only for those 18 and older, should only be ridden in places where bikes travels, Scooters have to be parked upright, on hard surfaces, and out of foot traffic’s way on the sidewalk. This wouldn’t affect City revenue much at all, other than the $250 in revenue from an annual license fee.
The new council tonight can also agree to purchase a vacant lot near Seminary and Mulberry for $34,000. It’s the area near Discovery Depot and the Amtrak Station. The owner Jay Matson, doing business at Seminary Street Station LLC, agreed to sell the lot to the city if they would turn it into a parking lot. The city has expressed the desire for more parking in downtown Galesburg, particularly in that area.
