Galesburg City Council on Monday, June 20th, had a full and diverse agenda. They approved facade grant agreements for both The Bar 65 and Iron Spike. The projects both are primarily funded by the businesses but will allow two downtown establishments to grow and improve their facades.
Aldermen approved an ordinance that now allows the keeping of bees in residential areas. The keepers just have to acquire proper licensing from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Interim City Manager Wayne Carl also provided a quick update on the Hawthorne Pools. He says rusting isn’t as bad as feared however due to rising construction costs that repairs would likely be as costly as originally assumed.
Some public comments also raised concern about the safety of the Broadview Hotel lot with Railroad Days around the corner. Community Development Manager Steve Gugliottas says staff have been looking at fencing options around the building, and possibly boarding in the future.
The Galesburg City Council also approved a resolution that means a new training tower for the Galesburg Fire Department. The tower is used for creating realistic fire and rescue training for firefighters but it’s about 18 years old and no longer structurally safe to use. City staff have applied for and received $200,000 in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the city will pay the remaining $115,000. Aldermen Bradley Hix thanked Rep. Dan Swanson in his help in securing state funds.
The Council also held some discussion on the traffic advisory committee’s recommendation that Council not allow UTVs or golf carts on public roads. Carl relayed TAC’s weighing of pros; like saving on gas and cons; like safety issues. Carl said if the council wanted to allow the vehicles they could but city staff would have would like to work on a licensing system. Aldermen some asked questions but didn’t make it clear they intend to override the Advisory Committee.
