As 2019 approaches WGIL is taking a look back at some of the biggest stories from the past year. There were several stories on the local government level that stood out during 2018. The final of three major grade separation projects were completed this year with the Rev. Jon A. Sibley Sr. Underpass on East Main Street in Galesburg. Mayor John Pritchard brought the resolution to name the underpass after Sibley to the City Council in October of 2017 with no objections. Sibley died in April of 2017 at 68. He was a Galesburg native, had served in the U.S. Air Force, was a 20-year State Trooper veteran, a pastor, and a member of the Galesburg Police and Fire Commission. Ground broke on the project in August of 2016 and officially opened one month ahead of schedule. A ribbon cutting for the $25 million project was held on the morning of Wednesday, July 18th. In attendance was Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, State Representative Dan Swanson, BNSF Director of Public Affairs Andy Williams, Mayor Pritchard, Tony Franklin – who spoke on behalf of the Sibley family, and Rev. Jon Sibley’s widow, Vicki.
In June, Galesburg City Council cleared up some housing code confusion and violations by approving a new rental licensing program and minimum housing standards. Both ordinances had not been updated since the 1960s. The goal was for the City to be better equipped to deal with housing violations and tools to enforce violations. The issue eventually became a four-month process with the council tabling the item several times after hours-long discussions. The program for rental units in Galesburg would have every unit inspected at a minimum every five years either through self-inspections or city staff inspections. Uncorrected deficiencies would not be subject to self-inspections. Meetings were then held in September with Judy Guenseth – Galesburg’s Housing Coordinator about the updated housing standards. The City of Galesburg also combated lead water hazards throughout 2018. In Phase 1 of the project, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency funded about 400 service line replacements; Phase 2 saw 500 lines replaced – each was $2 million forgivable loans. In October, the City applied for a $4 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to abate another 200 homes.
