Bob Conley

The agenda for the Regular City Council Meeting included a public hearing section (which was empty), a discussion on the renewal of current liquor licenses for the 2026-2027 period, and several items under a Consent Agenda. New Business items covered discussions and possible actions regarding a contract for a new Fire Department engine, the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the sale of municipally owned personal property (including a 2018 John Deere 524 Loader), and discussion on the 2026-27 Archery Deer Hunting Program and acceptance of the 2025-26 Year End Report. The agenda also included several supporting documents related to event requests for the Galena Downtown Business Association and the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation.

The meeting commenced with standard procedures, including establishing a quorum and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The Consent Agenda included approvals for various items, such as janitorial contracts for the upcoming fiscal year (May 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027), a request for a flag installation on the Kohlsaat Pedestrian Bridge in June 2026, and the replacement of the Emergency Well #7 motor and pump assembly. Under New Business, Galena Country Tourism presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Quarter 2 report, highlighting strong marketing performance, including a Top 25 Destination recognition by TripAdvisor, and an increase in hotel tax collections. Discussion ensued regarding obtaining more comprehensive lodging data and shifting marketing focus to closer markets. The Council also approved warrants presented for payment. Alderpersons raised concerns regarding parking enforcement in downtown red zones and limited parking areas on North Main Street. The City Administrator reported on ongoing water meter repairs and the scheduled pre-construction meeting with IDOT for Highway 20 bridge deck repairs, expected to start in early May. The Mayor clarified that the upcoming bridge work would initially involve only temporary patches. The session concluded with a motion to enter an Executive Session to discuss employee hiring/compensation, real estate transactions, and the review of executive session minutes.

The agenda for the Regular City Council Meeting included reviewing standing committee reports and citizens' comments, followed by a Consent Agenda. Items on the Consent Agenda involved approving minutes from a previous meeting, approving requests for community events such as a 5K Stair Challenge and two pickleball tournaments, accepting the January 2026 Financial Report, and authorizing updated financial approval for the Emergency Well #7 Motor and Pump Assembly Replacement. New Business included discussions and possible actions on repurposing an old train depot bench, discontinuing cash payments in city parking lots, approving a half marathon/8K run, a zoning map amendment request (Cal. No. 26A-01) for a parcel from Limited Agriculture to Low Density Residential, considering the first reading of an ordinance for the purchase of real estate at 11420 Dandar Street, the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the sale of surplus personal property (a 2018 John Deere 524 Loader), discussing the purchase of a new 2026 John Deere 524P Loader, and discussing the appointment of a new Police Chief and City Engineer. Warrants were also scheduled for review.

Key discussions during the meeting included public comments concerning the placement of Civil War generals' statues along the levee, with specific requests for the location of the statues of Ely Parker and Ulysses S. Grant. Another citizen commented on seeking approval to install vinyl replacement windows on a sun porch, noting prior review by the Historic Preservation Commission. Under unfinished business, the Council discussed and subsequently approved the Fiscal Years 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. Discussion points added to the plan included evaluating a secondary bridge for emergency access, implementing a multi-year sidewalk maintenance plan, and increasing investment in water meter replacements. The Council also discussed converting the swimming pool from chlorine to a saline system. In new business, an appeal regarding the denial of installation of vinyl windows was discussed regarding consistency in Historic Preservation Commission decisions, but the appeal was ultimately denied. Monthly operational and financial reports, as well as warrant approvals, were addressed. The meeting concluded with a recess into executive session to discuss employee matters and real estate purchases.

The agenda for the Regular City Council Meeting includes standard opening items such as roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Reports of Standing Committees and a 15-minute Citizens Comments section. The Consent Agenda covers approval of minutes from the January 26, 2026 meeting, emergency replacement of Well #7 Motor and Pump Assembly, and requests from Galena Country Tourism for a bridge flag installation and for the Fifth Annual Holidaze Event. New Business items include the approval of janitorial contracts for the period starting May 1, 2026, approval of a quote for exterior wall repair at City Hall, a presentation of Galena Country Tourism's FY26 Q2 report, and review of Warrants. The agenda also sets aside time for Alderpersons' Comments, the City Administrator's Report, the Mayor's Report, and a motion for Executive Session concerning employee matters, real estate transactions, and review of executive session minutes.