Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson joined WGIL’s Jay Redfern and Tyler Gumm on Galesburg’s Morning News to preview the Monday, April 21, 2025, City Council meeting.
Among the items discussed were:
Bond Issuance for Knox College
- Public Hearing: A public hearing will be held at 5:50 p.m., preceding the regular 6 p.m. City Council meeting, to discuss a bond issuance for Knox College. This item will be up for approval later in the meeting.
- City's Role: The City of Galesburg is acting as a "vehicle" to help Knox College access better bond rates through the City's bonding capacity.
- No Financial Liability or Cost to the City: The City has no liability or obligation associated with repayment of the bonds nor any control over the use of the proceeds.)"
- Knox College's Plans: The borrowing amount is estimated to be around $25-26 million, with approximately two-thirds intended for "facility improvements.
- Knox College says: "Knox College is committed to preserving and enhancing its historic buildings and to ensuring that the College provides modern facilities for current and future members of the Knox community. To bolster this commitment, Knox has requested that the City of Galesburg assist the College as a conduit issuer for a bond issuance. The funds generated by the bonds will be used for capital projects that will impact all areas of campus, including academic, athletic, and residential facilities. The College looks forward to sharing more information on specific projects to the Knox and Galesburg communities as it becomes available."
Sale of City-Owned Properties
- Ordinance Approval: On final reading, the aldermen will be asked to approve an ordinance directing the sale of city-owned properties.
- Goal: The primary goal is to get these properties "back off the off the rolls" as they currently generate only expense. The hope is that selling them will lead to the properties going "back into circulation," contributing to neighborhood cleanup and revitalization.
Pickleball Courts at Rotary Park
- Proposal Consideration: The Council will consider a proposal for engineering design, bidding, and construction administration to build six new pickleball courts at Rotary Park.
- Potential Opening: The aim is to have the courts open by "maybe this uh late fall."
- Significance for the Community: This project is viewed as "another investment in quality of life." Hanson noted the growing popularity of pickleball and the high demand for courts. He also highlighted the accessibility of the sport for "young and old."
- Strategic Location at Rotary Park: Rotary Park is considered an ideal location due to existing amenities like parking and restrooms, its relative seclusion from housing (mitigating noise concerns), and the available space. Hanson described it as one of the city's "hidden hidden jewels."
Proposed Assistant City Manager – Director of Community Engagement/Public Information Officer Position
- Strategic Goal: This proposed position aligns with the City Council's strategic goals, particularly the need for improved communication and community engagement.
- Responsibilities: The role would encompass various aspects of communication and marketing, including social media presence, engagement with regular media, self-marketing efforts, website management (currently undergoing a revamp), and overall marketing strategy and budget.
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