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Galena's outdoor dining extended through Oct. 31: Council will take up issue for 2021 in early new year

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GALENA–Outdoor dining on portions of Main Street will continue through Oct. 31.

The Galena City Council, meeting Monday, Sept. 14, unanimously approved extending the original permit date from Oct. 11 until Oct. 31 to accommodate bars and restaurants during the pandemic.

Mayor Terry Renner addressed concerns from Fire Chief Randy Beadle about encroachments on the fire lane in some areas. Renner reminded businesses to keep those areas clear in case of an emergency.

The council also discussed a timeline for making a decision on possibly allowing outdoor seating in 2021.

City Administrator Mark Moran suggested the council take up the matter after the first of the year and hold a public hearing at that time to get feedback from the larger community.

 

Other business

In other business, the council:

•approved the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loan disbursement request for $324,104.67 for the east side water project.

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•approved health, dental, life, disability and vision insurance policies with Blue Cross, MetLife and Argus and the distribution of Health Savings Account funds to employee accounts, effective Jan. 1.

The renewal costs are as follows: Blue Cross-Blue Shield Health, $476,707, 3.5 percent; Met Life Dental, $21,740, 9.8 percent; Argus Life, $1,370, -10 percent; Argus short-term disability, $870, -10 percent.

•approved an amendment to the historic preservation ordinance to reference the current historic district boundary map.

•approved the first reading of the small wireless facilities deployment ordinance and master pole agreement. Allendorf abstained.

Doing so prepares the city for working with a carrier to build a small cell network in the city, according to Moran. Small cell networks are being established to improve capacity and service to cellular customers, especially in high-use areas like downtowns.

•met in closed session for collective bargaining and pending litigation. No action resulted.

•approved a request by the Galena Lions Club to collect donations for Lions Club mints at Washington Park on Saturday, Oct. 3.

•approved a request by the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum to use the Grant Park pavilion for theatrical performances on Oct. 3, 4, 10, 17, 18, 24 and 25.

•learned that the city is awaiting guidance from the Illinois Municipal League on Halloween trick or treating.

The council will have the item as an agenda item at its next meeting on Monday, Sept. 28.