This morning on WGIL, City Manager Eric Hanson joined us to preview the Galesburg City Council’s second September meeting, set for tonight, Sept. 15, 2025.
Here’s what Eric shared about the key topics shaping Galesburg’s future.
Police Department Equipment Upgrade
Council to consider a $57,729.96 bid from TW Gunworks (Galesburg) for 60 Glock handguns, sights, and holsters to replace Sig Sauer P320 models.
- Reason: Safety concerns with current weapons discharging without trigger activation, leading to bans by other agencies.
- Funding: Covered by Special Enforcement Fund, with costs offset by selling old weapons, no impact on General Fund.
- Timeline: New handguns expected in use by November 1, 2025.
- Hanson’s take: Ensures “safe, reliable equipment” for officers and public.
Redundant Communications Backup for Fiber Network
$29,500 proposal from K-Com Technologies (Bartonville, IL) for installing antennas and conduit on city towers.
- Purpose: Creates redundancy for city’s fiber network, enhancing communication reliability from airport to Lake Storey.
- Benefit: Builds IT infrastructure for current and future needs, critical for public safety.
- Timeline: Completion expected by November 1, 2025.
- Hanson’s take: Strengthens system capacity and redundancy.
Downtown Façade Improvement Grant (Orange Cup Sidecar)
Façade Advisory Committee recommends $18,525.70 grant for One Percent Better, LLC, to renovate 331-337 E. Main Street for Orange Cup Side Car.
- Project scope: Painting metal façade, new signage, full-width awning.
- Economic impact: Creates 3 full-time, 7-10 part-time jobs.
- Funding: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) 4 Fund.
- Timeline: Construction to start September 2025, finish by mid-October 2025.
- Hanson’s take: A “really good fit” for downtown, complementing existing businesses with a vibrant addition.
Thrushwood Farms Quality Meats Expansion Grant
$100,000 Major Project Grant proposed for Thrushwood’s $22 million expansion at 2860 West Main Street, adding 50 jobs at $19.25/hour (approx. $40,040/year).
- Context: Separate from prior commitments (10 headquarters jobs, 15 manufacturing jobs, 150-180 jobs at Monmouth Boulevard).
- Economic impact: Grows workforce from 110 in late 2023 to over 350, with total investment exceeding $100 million.
- Production: Facilities will produce 1.2 million meat sticks daily.
- Hanson’s take: “Outstanding” partner, showcasing Galesburg as a hub for successful manufacturing.
Ward 1 Council Member Nomination
Mayor Schwartzman nominates Angelica Mangieri to fill Bradley Hix’s Ward 1 term, known for CommunityGro and Downtown Community Partnership work.
- Process: Mayoral nomination with council approval, guided by state law, common in Illinois municipalities.
- Timeline: If approved, Mangieri could start at the first October meeting.
- Hanson’s take: Process ensures continuity in representation.
Simmons Street Project Update
Project (parking lot, street) nearing completion next week, with Kellogg Street intersection partially open for Orpheum events.
- Challenges: Delays due to underground work on 100-year-old infrastructure, but project remains on schedule.
- Timeline: Full completion by end of October 2025.
- Hanson’s take: Expects public satisfaction with results despite construction disruptions.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW:
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