The Galesburg City Council approved a new member during Monday evening’s meeting, unanimously voting 6-0 to appoint Charles “Chuck” Reynolds to fill the Third Ward seat vacated by the resignation of Evan Miller.
Reynolds, a lifelong Galesburg resident, was Mayor Peter Schwartzman’s choice from three applicants. Reynolds previously worked for many years at Azer Clinic and is now employed at RFMS Assisted Living. In making the nomination, Schwartzman cited Reynolds’ volunteer work and noted that Reynolds ran for the seat in 2011, narrowly losing as a write-in candidate.
Reynolds will be sworn in at the council’s next scheduled meeting. His term will expire in the spring of 2027.
Grant application approved
The council approved a resolution authorizing the city to apply for another grant through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development Grant Program to support the planned revitalization of the South Street underpass.
If awarded, the grant would cover 80 percent of the $3.65 million needed for the project’s planning phase. The city and BNSF would split the remaining 10 percent of the cost.
Council members discussed the item at length and asked several questions during the meeting.
City Manager Eric Hanson said the city has a “strong application” for the grant, which it has pursued before. Hanson explained that during the last application cycle, available funds were exhausted while Galesburg’s proposal was still under review. He also noted that the current application includes additional environmental work elements.
Parking ordinance approved
Following a traffic study, the council approved an ordinance prohibiting parking on the east side of Willard Street from Fifer Street to Yates City during school hours. Council members approved the change to reduce congestion and improve safety related to traffic generated by Silas Willard Elementary School.
Other approved items
The council approved a consent agenda that included:
• Authorization of $650,000 in Motor Fuel Tax funds for resurfacing Simmons Street from Academy to Broad streets, South Broad Street from Simmons to Tompkins streets, and Cedar Street from Simmons to Tompkins streets. The city will next solicit bids for the work.
• Approval of a $19,989.18 bid from D & D Pavement Solutions Inc. to seal multiple city parking lots, with work expected to be completed before September.
• Adoption of an updated zoning map reflecting changes to properties on Dover Lane, North Kellogg Street and North Henderson Street, as well as a portion of the former Galesburg Public Library property.
• Renewal of flood insurance for city wells and buildings located in the Mississippi River flood plain at Oquawka.
• Approval of consultant engineering services for construction materials testing for asphalt and concrete with Bruner Cooper & Zuck Inc. and IMEG Consultants Corp.
The council also approved the subdivision of several properties and the repair of a city bus.
K-9 Zeus retirement
The meeting included a retirement ceremony for Galesburg Police Department K-9 Officer Zeus, who has served with the department since 2019. Now 8 years old, Zeus attended the meeting with members of the police department and his handler, Officer Jake Taylor. Zeus will live with Taylor as a family pet following his retirement.
Mayor Schwartzman read a proclamation honoring Zeus, and Police Chief Kevin Legate formally thanked the dog for his service. Attendees responded with a round of applause.
Legate said the department expects to replace Zeus in the spring, noting that the next K-9 graduation class is scheduled for March.
Closing comments
Angelica Mangieri, First Ward, welcomed Reynolds to the council.
Wendel Hunigan, Second Ward, recognized the work of a Galesburg High School mentor of recent GHS Hall of Fame inductee Rodney Bunch. Hunigan also shared a recent experience involving a homeless man seeking help at his church and said he and his pastor are asking, “How do we help?”
Dwight White, Fourth Ward, referenced recent ICE-related shootings in Minneapolis and called the shooting of Alex Pretti “murder.” “Our nation is hurting,” White said, encouraging residents to “please step up when people are ugly” in their actions.
Heather Acerra, Fifth Ward, emphasized the importance of finding common ground and working together. She also noted an upcoming event for students interested in human resources careers on March 28.
Greg Saul, Sixth Ward, congratulated Zeus on his retirement and welcomed his mother-in-law, who recently moved to Galesburg.
Steve Cheesman, Seventh Ward, congratulated Reynolds on joining the council, expressed optimism about cleanup efforts at the former Sandburg Mall and recognized city water crews for their work during cold weather. Cheesman also shared observations from visits to city warming centers and said the sites need donations including washcloths, laundry detergent, hygiene products and backpacks.
Mayor Schwartzman thanked the council for approving Reynolds and said he continues working behind the scenes to improve the city’s warming centers and address the needs of the city’s homeless population.
All items passed unanimously, 6-0. The next scheduled City Council meeting is Monday, Feb. 16, at 6 p.m.