Galesburg City Council approves rezoning, bridge replacement, IT contract

By Talbot Fisher    August 8, 2025

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GALESBURG, Ill. — The Galesburg City Council approved three agenda items during a 50-minute meeting Monday night, with all measures passing by a 6-0 vote. Third Ward Council Member Evan Miller and Mayor Peter Schwartzman were absent.

Rezoning clears way for former library site sale

The council approved a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission to rezone about 610 square feet of land adjacent to 40 E. Simmons St. — the former site of the Galesburg Public Library — from “institutional district” to “central business district.”

The small strip of land now matches the zoning of the rest of the site, which was rezoned in December 2024. The Galesburg Library Board is expected to vote Thursday on whether to list the property for sale. The new zoning allows for a broader range of commercial uses.

Bridge replacement approved for Bunker Links Golf Course

An $88,594 bid from Sinacola LLC was approved to replace a wooden bridge on Hole 3 at Bunker Links Golf Course. The current bridge, roughly 40 years old and last redecked 15 years ago, is being replaced due to safety concerns.

Sinacola, based in Oak Harbor, Ohio, was the lowest of two bidders and also replaced another bridge at the course in 2024. Construction is expected to begin this fall, funded through the golf course budget.

City renews IT protection contract

The council also approved renewing IT system protection services with SHI for $35,867.41 for fiscal 2025. SHI submitted the lowest of three quotes. The expense will be covered by the city’s general fund.

Public comments center on pickleball, housing concerns

While no residents spoke directly on the agenda items, public comment largely focused on community priorities:

• Three residents spoke in support of adding pickleball courts at Rotary and Bateman parks.
• A Fifth Ward resident raised safety concerns about a neighborhood property.
• Another community member urged the city to prioritize resources for unhoused and low-income residents over recreational amenities like pickleball.

Updates on road and sidewalk projects

Public Works Director Aaron Gavin announced that upcoming street resurfacing projects will begin soon on Locust Street (between Knox and South), North Chambers Street and Lincoln Park Drive, potentially causing traffic delays. The downtown Simmons Street project remains on schedule for completion by the end of September.

New sidewalks will also be installed on Fifer Street, improving access to Silas Willard Elementary School.

Council recognitions

City Manager Eric Hanson praised the Galesburg Fire Department and firefighter T.J. Scott for their fundraising efforts for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Council members also recognized:

• The success of the annual Great Balloon Race
• The community’s participation in honoring Cpl. Gary E. Hoots, a Korean War casualty
• Eleven-year-old golfer Connor Perez, who won first place in the Junior All-City Golf Tournament

Next meeting

The next Galesburg City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m.