GALESBURG, Ill. — The Galesburg City Council approved a $900,000 grant agreement with the Knox County YMCA and a bid for pickleball courts at Rotary Park on Monday night. Both measures drew extensive public comment during a meeting that lasted nearly three hours, an unusually long session for the council.
Much of the debate centered on the YMCA’s expansion plans and the proposed courts at Rotary Park. The meeting concluded with routine business and, in separate closing remarks, the announcement that a council member will resign.
$900,000 grant for YMCA
The meeting opened with a presentation from YMCA CEO Adam Sampson, who outlined plans for an expansion at 1324 W. Carl Sandburg Drive. The project includes a 2,500-square-foot indoor playground for young children and a teen center.
Sampson said about 8,700 people — or 17% of Knox County’s population — are YMCA members, with approximately 700 patrons using the facility daily. He noted that some members pay under half the normal membership fee cost, with some only paying $5, thanks to a sliding scale based on income.
During questioning by the council, which partially revolved around cost for community access, Sampson explained that a sliding scale based on income and federal guidelines is used to decide membership price, and if there are still affordability issues after that figure is calculated, then “talk to us” to see if something can be worked out.
Council member Dwight White, Fourth Ward, questioned the grant’s fairness. “I don’t think it’s fair to use bond money to go towards this project,” he said, pointing out that the YMCA had not sought county funding despite serving all of Knox County.
Council member Wendell Hunigan, Second Ward, raised broader concerns. Calling it the “two-ton elephant on the couch in the room,” Hunigan said some residents believe the city’s north side “continues to get good things while the south side is left behind,” a perception he said has racial implications.
Sampson countered that the YMCA is a community-wide institution. “Come and see what the YMCA does,” he said. “This facility is for everyone, regardless of race or religion or background. Everyone is shown respect.”
Public comment was split. Opponents argued the city should invest in its own community center. Supporters praised the YMCA’s programs and said the project would benefit youth.
The funds for the grant will come from “general obligation bond funds authorized for the costs of acquisition, construction, or renovation of an existing facility for the purpose of a community center,” according to information from the city.
A motion by White, seconded by Hunigan, to table the measure failed 4-3. The grant then passed 5-2, with White and Hunigan dissenting.
Hunigan said the vote was moving “too fast” and needed more discussion. White reiterated his belief that bond money should not fund the project.
Council member Steve Cheesman, Seventh Ward, supported the YMCA and said he felt it could “provide services better than the city can,” which drew a negative response from several in the crowd, leading to a warning from the mayor to not speak during that part of the meeting.
“Folks want all this for free, but there’s nothing that doesn’t cost,” he said. “To think it’s all free is not sustainable.”
Evan Miller, Third Ward, also supported the grant. “We can’t afford to run all of these facilities,” he said, adding that the YMCA’s structure and staffing make it a stronger option than a city-run center.
After the vote, Sampson told Galesburg Community News: “A lot of people came together and came up with some great solutions for our community.”
Pickleball courts at Rotary Park
The council also approved a $547,618.92 bid from Illinois Civil Contractors Inc. of East Peoria to build eight pickleball courts at Rotary Park, 1600 W. Losey St.
Neighbors opposed the project, citing potential noise. Supporters pointed to the sport’s popularity and heavy use of the existing courts at Bateman Park.
City Manager Eric Hanson said lights were removed from the original plan after neighbor objections.
Heather Acerra, Fifth Ward, dismissed concerns about noise, noting that she has never received a complaint about noise from those neighboring the Bateman Park courts, which are in her ward. She also expressed faith in the city staff doing their research when planning.
Cheesman said he, too, asked Bateman Park neighbors about noise and heard no complaints. “It was still a tough decision,” he said.
Miller also downplayed noise concerns and said he hoped to see further development at H.T. Custer Park.
White called the measure “one of the hardest” he’s faced. He said he had received more calls against than in favor, but none from residents in his own ward, which left him conflicted.
The vote passed 5-1, with Saul voting no and White abstaining. Saul, whose ward includes Rotary Park, compared the project to “adding a rock and roll band in the church choir.”
Funding will come from the community improvements/infrastructure fund and the parks and recreation fund.
Hix resigns
In closing comments, Bradley Hix, First Ward, announced his resignation, saying he is moving outside city limits.
“I know that your hearts are all in the right place,” Hix told his fellow council members. “We have different philosophies. We have different ways of going about things. But I’ve never once questioned that everybody that’s sitting up here now and that sat up here had the best interests for the city.”
Hix was first elected in 2019 and reelected in 2023. Mayor Peter Schwartzman will appoint a replacement, subject to council approval.
Maple Street Fire Station to be demolished
The council approved a bid of $55,700 submitted by Fowler Enterprises LLC of Elgin for the demolition of the former Maple Street Fire Station, located at 647 Maple Ave.
City Manager Eric Hanson noted that rehabilitating the building would cost between $1.5 million and $1.8 million, which he said was not economically feasible for the city. No private entities showed interest in redeveloping the property. Fowler submitted the lowest of four bids.
Other council business
The council also approved continued membership in the Western Illinois Regional Council through June 20, 2026. According to information from the city, WIRC “is currently administering three active grants for the City totaling $1.55 million, which include funding for housing rehabilitation, accessibility improvements, and HVAC replacements in residential units. The organization will continue to assist City staff in carrying out these programs and applying for future funding opportunities.”
Other actions included:
- Approved a $34,596 bid from Johnson Trucking and Blacktopping of Gilson for sealcoating three city parking lots located at 125 S. Seminary St., 460 Mulberry Street (near the Amtrak Depot), and the Lake Storey Pavilion.
- Approved a $132,775 bid from Grosch Irrigation Co. Inc. of Mason City to drill two test wells in rural Oquawka to evaluate groundwater with lower PFAS levels.
- Approved a $19,710 bid from D&T Demolition LLC of Galesburg to demolish 173 Garfield Ave., which was declared unsafe in 2021 and damaged in a 2023 fire.
- Rejected all bids for an addition to the park maintenance building near Bunker Links Golf Course.
- Approved a $100,000 loan for JPCD Holdings LLC to support Dante & Dory’s, a new pet care business at 354 E. Main St. The loan is part of a $366,600 project to install lifts, self-wash facilities, and freezers.
- Approved a $15,750 workers’ compensation settlement from a 2020 snowplow incident.
All passed 7-0.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2, because of the Labor Day holiday.