Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson joined WGIL’s Jay Redfern on Galesburg’s Morning News to preview the Monday March 17, 2025, City Council meeting.
Among the items discussed were:
Downstate Public Transit Operating Assistance Grant
- The City Council will discuss the authorization of a downstate public transit operating assistance grant starting July 1.
- Hanson notes that this is a regular annual process for seeking funding, with the "vast vast majority of transit funding actually coming through state and federal sources."
- He mentioned that City staff is continuously looking for funding opportunities and has been in talks with the county about expanding rural transportation access.
- A critical point raised was the potential shortfall if the grant applications were not submitted, amounting to $351,507 in Federal funds and up to $1,977,040 in State funds to cover transit expenses based upon anticipated expenditures and revenues for the year.
Purchase of a Crack Sealing Machine
- The City Council will consider approving the purchase of a new crack sealing machine for $67,228
- Currently, the Street Division rents a crack sealing machine for approximately two weeks during the summer months,
- Owning the machine will allow for more flexible scheduling and potentially longer usage periods, which is expected to be more cost-effective in the long run.
- Crack sealing is crucial for "preserving roads long term" by preventing moisture from penetrating the pavement, which leads to freezing, thawing, and ultimately potholes.
Transit Service Contracts with Knox College and Veteran Assistance
- The City Council will address ongoing agreements with Knox College and veteran assistance programs to provide rides for their respective members (faculty, students, staff for Knox; individuals using veteran assistance services).
- These are described as "standard agreements" where the institutions pay the fares for their members, providing "easy transportation to to various groups that need it."
Agreement with Prairieland Animal Welfare Center for Animal Sheltering Services
- The council is proposed to approve an agreement with Prairieland Animal Welfare Center for animal sheltering services, with the current contract expiring on March 31.
- The police department retains sole responsibility for enforcing animal-related laws.
- The new agreement proposes no increase in the annual cost of $234,120 for the first two years. The cost for the third year of the agreement will be negotiated in writing by both parties thirty (30) days prior to the conclusion of the second term.
[widget id="custom_html-149"]
