The Galesburg City Council on Monday approved a license agreement allowing Flix North America, parent company of Greyhound, to use the city depot as a stop for intercity bus service.
Multiple buses a day are expected to stop at the depot, with direct connections to Des Moines, Indianapolis, Peoria, Champaign and Bloomington, according to information from the city.
The council also addressed several other items, including public comments raising concerns about automated license plate reader cameras used by law enforcement in Galesburg.
Nationally, Flock cameras — 10 of which were installed in Galesburg in 2024 — have been credited with helping identify and arrest suspects. However, the technology has also drawn scrutiny over privacy and data security concerns. Flock cameras have been installed in more than 4,000 cities.
Residents who spoke Monday expressed concern about potential security breaches and the possibility that data collected by the cameras could be sold.
Steve Jackson, a Galesburg resident and area music instructor, shared his concerns, saying he recognizes the value of the cameras but remains concerned about broader data-sharing capabilities associated with the technology.
“We do not dispute that there have been positive results with Flock’s system in protecting vulnerable people,” Jackson said. “However, I, for one, am not satisfied with Chief Legate’s assurance that the cameras capture only a point-in-time image of vehicles.”
Jackson said he does not question the intentions of the Galesburg Police Department but expressed concern about Flock’s broader nationwide data collection system.
“Any sort of data sharing between different municipalities can lead to a breach of private information or abuse somewhere by someone,” Jackson said.
Jackson suggested the city consider additional oversight measures, including a “one strike and you’re out” policy in the event of a data breach.
“I would suggest a ‘one strike and you’re out’ policy regarding the discovery of any illicit or unwarranted data breaches — meaning contract termination or, barring the ability to do that, shutting off of cameras as needed in the event of one such discovered breach of trust,” Jackson said.
After the meeting, Galesburg Chief of Police Kevin Legate said, “We don’t data share with anybody unless we have permission to data share. We don’t share with federal agencies, I can guarantee that. There are safeguards that Flock has that automatically does not allow them to share unless we give them permission, and we do not give them permission to share to federal agencies.”
Legate said the cameras capture “a picture of a license plate on the vehicle,” adding that “we control our own data and who we can share that with, such as other local or state agencies.”
In other public comments, a resident expressed concern regarding a recent interaction between local police and a man, claiming officers unfairly detained and assaulted him. Another resident noted that April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and shared facts and statistics about child abuse.
In other council business, a first reading was held regarding lowering the speed limit from 45 to 35 mph on South Lake Storey Road.
The road is a Knox County highway but falls within Galesburg city limits. The county has already officially lowered the limit and new signs have been posted. The city’s approval, which will be voted on at the next City Council meeting, will allow the Galesburg Police Department to enforce the speed limit.
The road is in the Seventh Ward, represented by Steve Cheesman, who said he would still like to see the speed limit further lowered on the main curve. Wendel Hunigan, Second Ward, said he would also like to see yellow lights installed at the curve to further increase safety.
The council also considered a first reading of an ordinance allowing the city to sell 13 vacant, city-owned lots.
The properties are located at the following addresses: 694 U.S. Highway 150 E., 2069 Windish Drive, 494 Clark St., 286 Fulton St., 1911 E. Main St., 751 Michigan Ave., 325 S. Chambers St., 84 Division St., 793 S. Seminary St., 946 S. Pearl St., 526 W. South St., 404 W. Brooks St., and 362 W. Fourth St.
The council also unanimously approved several items as part of the consent agenda.
The consent agenda included temporary closure of the Public Square area for the River 2 River Car Show on July 18 and approval of Cantell’s Towing’s renewal to remain on the city’s wrecker rotation list.
The council approved several additional items, including a $89,225 bid from Otto Baum Company Inc., of Morton, for exterior masonry repairs to Galesburg City Hall. The repairs include tuckpointing, replacing window and door sealants, and washing and applying a coat of water repellent to the building.
Council members approved bids from Gunther Construction, of Galesburg, totaling $350,625.95 for sealcoating streets in southwestern Galesburg and roads in city parks.
The council also approved a plan to subdivide the building at 144 N. Broad St. The current owner intends to continue using one section of the building and sell the resulting separate property.
During closing comments, several council members recognized April as Child Abuse Awareness Month and shared updates on community events and other matters.
Angelica Mangieri, First Ward, invited the public to attend a panel at the Galesburg Public Library from 3 to 4 p.m. April 10 regarding food security and available resources.
Wendel Hunigan, Second Ward, said he will tour the public works facility and invited other council members to join him. He also noted that he attended the recent “No Kings Day” protest at the Public Square. “President Donald Trump is unfit for office and does not lead, he rules,” Hunigan said.
Chuck Reynolds, Third Ward, made no public comment.
Dwight White, Fourth Ward, recognized the importance of Child Abuse Awareness Month. He also noted he attended the “No Kings Day” protest, stating that “as a veteran, it breaks my heart” to see how President Donald Trump speaks out and uses the military, saying “it hurts to the core.”
Heather Acerra, Fifth Ward, said it may be difficult to report suspected child abuse but encouraged residents not to let that prevent them from speaking out and doing what’s right. She also highlighted upcoming events at Discovery Depot and the Orpheum Theatre and encouraged residents to check the Experience Galesburg website.
Greg Saul, Sixth Ward, noted that he and his wife have served as foster parents for several years to a child from an abusive home in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month. He also said the old Galesburg Airport terminal has been torn down, which he said will lead to “a better airport in the long run.” He reminded drivers to watch for motorcycles with the arrival of spring weather.
Steve Cheesman, Seventh Ward, recognized Child Abuse Awareness Month and the role of teachers in identifying and reporting signs of abuse. He also noted an upcoming Carl Sandburg College event April 8, churches celebrating Easter week, and thanked those who made public comments. Cheesman also said he is “frustrated beyond frustrated with national leaders, from the top down” and the difficulties facing Americans as a result.
Mayor Peter Schwartzman encouraged residents to work together to improve the city, saying “we are in control of our own destiny in Galesburg.”
