Unanimous approval was given on a resolution to continue with the Bi-State Community and Economic Strategy. The move will allow the city to apply for grants that will aid in the economic growth of the area.
The strategy sets the goal for the city to have a sustainable economy in Henry County. The plan’s objectives include a revitalized downtown with an equal focus on job growth, business retention and expansion, workforce development, and new business attraction.
City Administrator David Dyer noted that rain has delayed the installation of the solar panels and hopes to have them installed before the end of the summer. He also reported that the clean up of the rubble on Front Street will be finished by July 4, or fines will be assessed to the demolition company.
Dyer said that the sidewalk replacement program is still available, even though the price of concrete has increased from $75 per yard to $175 per yard.
“The city will still reimburse the homeowner for half of the cost of the replaced sidewalk”, said Dyer.
Also discussed at the meeting:
-Mayor Rich Volkert responded to questions about the state of the flags in the downtown area. Initially, it was decided to install the flags before Memorial Day and leave them in place through Flag Day and into the Fourth of July holiday. However, windy conditions have left many of them tattered and some have been blown into the street. He noted that 40 replacement flags have been ordered and that the Street Department will determine when the flags are installed and when they are taken down.
-Mayor Volkert expressed his appreciation to the council members for their work at the last meeting when he was absent due to family issues.
“I know it was a busy meeting and Alderman Hopping did a great job in my absence,” Volkert said.
-Matt Marchand addressed the City Council on behalf of the Blue Star Homes program. Amid concerns for children’s safety, the “Blue Star” home project was begun in 1985. Homes marked with a blue star in the front window are places where children in fear of a stranger, or needing help, could go to be safe. Once inside the home, the owner is to contact the police or school officials.
The homes and the residents are cleared by the police before they are given the star to display. Marchand hopes to get renewed interest in the program and plans to work with the schools to promote its benefits.
Marchand also provided information on the Henry County Mental Health Alliance which offers family support groups and peer-to-peer counseling. Zoom meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 pm and in-person meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 pm at the Black Hawk College Community Education Center in Kewanee.
Marchand pointed to the numerous mental health calls that come into the police department and provided Chief Kraig Townsend with informational cards to distribute to families of those suffering a mental health crisis. He plans to offer them to ambulance personnel as well.
-An audience member asked about the condition of the Opera House building and whether the city would be able to get any of the TIF money used on it returned. Dyer explained that the TIF was used prior to it being sold, and therefore, can’t be returned.
“We are looking at grants to see what can be done when and if the city might take ownership of the building”, said Dyer.
-Richard Plummer with the Street Department reported that new equipment has been installed in well #4 and once the EPA okays the last testing, it can be put online.
“So far, all the tests have come back as okay”, he said. “We expect the last one to be fine as well.”
-Police Chief Townsend reported that the Galva Police Department will be given updated body cameras from the Geneseo Police Department. The four dash cameras, two docking stations and 15 wireless body cameras will be delivered on Wednesday.
“All the equipment is WIFI compatible and is a real boon to the department,” said Townsend.
He explained that the Geneseo cameras were obtained through a grant and when that department got new ones, their current ones were deemed “surplus” so they could only be given away and not sold.
“This is great for our police department. We are very pleased that they chose us to have them,” said the police chief.
Alderpersons Hopping and Clucas were absent from the meeting. The next meeting will be Monday, July 22 at 6 pm at the City Administration Building.
