GALESBURG Knox and Warren counties received a new transportation option on May 15, as Bird Scooters began operating in both communities.
The rental rechargeable electric scooter service touts itself as environmentally friendly and as a fun alternative way to commute in cities. For more information, the Register-Mail reached out to a spokesperson for the scooter service.
The scooters are placed in authorized areas in the cities. People can rent them by downloading Bird’s app. Scooters do not need to be parked in special spots, but must be parked out of the right of way, keeping sidewalks, driveways and fire hydrants accessible.
City council evaluate external agency, event funding
GALESBURG Last year, the city of Galesburg broke from trends in its funding of external agencies, approving only about $30,000 of the $160,000 requested in 2020. The city approved $102,650 the year prior.
At a work session Tuesday evening, the city discussed how they would fund external agencies this year, finding members of the council were not all of accordance on the issue.
In 2021, the city budgeted for $120,000 in funding for external agencies. This budget has increased from $53,475 in 2010 to $159,500 requested in 2020.
City Manager Todd Thompson noted that the city has five options moving forward.
It could continue the program, stop or phase out funding altogether, partner with agencies such as the Galesburg Community Foundation to distribute the funding, place specific programs and events funded as regular items in the annual budget, or create programs linked to specific priorities or needs such as youth progr
GALESBURG Closure may finally come to one of Galesburg’s most controversial issues, as the city council prepares for a vote Monday that would remove funding from this year’s budget for the second phase Lake Storey expansion study. If approved, the budget adjustment would remove funding from the FY 2021 budget for the Lake Storey expansion feasibility study phase II , the council agenda item for Monday reads.
The lake expansion study has been possibly the most controversial issue in town since it was first nearly put up for a vote and then shelved in January. The study would be focused on evaluating public opinion and exploring other feasibility aspects regarding an expanded Lake Storey. It was budgeted for in the fiscal year 2021 city budget.
Galesburg City Council considers how to address racial disparities
GALESBURG A city council work session Tuesday evening showed the city taking steps to address an issue that the NAACP presented it with about a year prior, that of systemic racism.
The discussion came upon the urging of Mayor Peter Schwartzman, who upon his election in April told City Manager Todd Thompson that he would like it to be a topic for discussion at the first work session after the election.
The meeting led with the appointment of Schwartzman’s Ward 5 replacement Jaclyn Smith-Esters, who spent her first meeting on the council overseeing a longer than usual work session covering racial equity, city funding for events and nonprofits, and the county’s COVID response.