Concepts, cost and coordinating programs were among the discussion items as the Community Center Task Force met for the second time Tuesday evening in Galesburg City Council Chambers.
The meeting started with the announcement that Task Force Chairman John Polillo had resigned due to “personal reasons.” Pastor Antonio “Tony” Franklin Sr., tabbed as vice-chair at the initial meeting Aug. 18, assumed the role of chairman Tuesday. Thirteen Task Force members were present last night, with approximately 25 people — including Mayor Peter Schwartzman, Ward 4 Alderman Dwight White and Ward 7 Councilman Steve Cheesman — also in attendance.
A soft project cap of $2.5 million that has been recommended by a majority of the City Council was an early and frequent point of contention Tuesday.
Franklin opened the meeting by reviewing previously proposed locations and the accompanying price tags, however several task force members raised concerns of staying close to the cap.
Task Force member Connie Dennis said, “Our purpose on this task force is to meet the goal (cap).” Jaclyn Smith-Esters, task force member and former Council member, countered, “We have the money. We’re in good shape.”
Anthony Law reminded task force members they need to consider the continuing maintenance and staffing costs of a community center.
The previous City Council approved a $5.3 million bond sale for the use of a community center. However, the current Council envisions some of that money being utilized for street repairs, infrastructure work and economic development projects.
Previous projected costs for a Galesburg Community Center ranged from nearly $5 million to $9 million.
Franklin was among the task force members who questioned the soft cap, saying, “How did we arrive at $2.5 million?”
The Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced spending bills that include potentially $1 million in federal funding for a proposed Galesburg community center. Interim City Manager Wayne Carl previously said the city would know about $1 million in federal dollars for a community center sometime in October.
Task force member Maria Salsman asked, “Can we have two plans?” She noted one plan would be close to the $2.5 to $3.5 million cap, while the other would be “a dream project.”
Franklin led the task force on an exercise where members were asked to list the top 5 amenities they envision for a community center. The most suggested item was a teen/youth center, followed by STEM learning options, a senior center and daycare options.
Knox County YMCA CEO and task force member Adam Sampson warned the group against duplicating services offered by other non-profits in Galesburg.
Task force members received assignments to engage with community partners in the categories of:
- Teens/youth
- Adults/seniors
- Community partners
- Core amenities
- City owned
It is anticipated the task force will complete its final findings by Nov. 30, and present them to the City Council on Dec. 4.
