Before the start of Monday night’s meeting, 7-year-old Journey Glissan, the 2025 Miss Poppy, presented the familiar red flowers to the council members and several in the audience.
The first grader, who hopes to be a teacher someday, represents Galva’s American Legion Hagberg-Hamlin Post 45. The daughter of Bryce Glissan and Lerin Mallory, she was accompanied by her grandfather, Wayne Glissan, Legion Commander, as she distributed the poppies. Poppy Day is celebrated in North America on May 17.
Glissan is asking for volunteers to help Legion members erect the flags at the Galva cemetery on Sunday, May 18.
“We need help starting at 7 am and hope to have help to get the job done,” said Glisson. “It’s our way of honoring our veterans who are buried there.”
Once Mayor Rich Volkert called the meeting to order, several council appointments were made. Newly elected John Wirth was appointed to represent the second ward, and Jamie Hopping and Doug Anderson were reappointed to Wards one and three, respectively. City Attorney Zachary Lessard did the swearing in.
Galva Park District board members Katie Lauren and Brittany Stewart requested that the city sell the park district five acres next to the property for a soccer field, a flag football field and parking. The council voted unanimously to sell the acreage for $22,500 per acre.
The council also voted to annex 128 acres Northeast of the ethanol plant to the park district. City Administrator David Dyer explained that a resolution was necessary because anything over 120 acres cannot be annexed without council approval.
Mayor Volkert noted that appraisals for the former Lord Chevrolet property are forthcoming.
“We should be able to get the property up for sale very soon,” he said.
Dyer shared the items that will be added to the Henry County Board’s time capsule. Among them were a key chain from the city’s 150th anniversary, a city medallion, a photo of the original city hall and the fire station. It was suggested that something about the Levitt AMP concerts should be included. The council voted to submit the items to the county board committee in charge of the time capsule.
Bruce Palmer, of Palmer and Sons, addressed the council about his salvage business on the former Bixby-Zimmer property.
“The fencing is nearly complete, and there are no more vehicles in or near the street,” he said. “I will soon have the necessary licenses so that the city can begin to receive more tax dollars from my operation.”
Palmer estimated he will have the fencing completed and other work done within the next three weeks. Palmer said the metal entrance gate would be enclosed and painted to match the fencing after being questioned about the gate by Alderwoman Jackie Clucas.
Operations Manager Greg Thompson told the council that his crew will be flushing hydrants in the Southeast section of town.
“From there, we will move to the Southwest part of town, and then onto the Northwest and Northeast sections,” said Thompson, and confirmed that flushing will be paused over the Memorial Day weekend. He also noted that his department has been handling two sewer repairs.
Street Superintendent Richard Plummer announced that “clean-up” days will be offered in June. Items are to be taken to the city’s maintenance building during these dates and times:
Monday, June 16 – Thursday, June 19, 7 am to 5 pm
Friday, June 20, 7 am to 3 pm
Saturday, June 21, 7 am to noon
Those not physically able to transport their materials themselves are asked to call City Hall at 309-932-2555 and ask for a pickup on June 16.
“Any scheduled pick-ups must be on the curb that day before 7 am,” Plummer said, adding that Monday, June 16, is the only day city workers will pick up those items.”
Alderwoman Clucas requested that the flags be put up along the downtown area through Memorial Day, to which Thompson said, “Yes, they will be flying.”
Police Chief Kraig Townsend announced that the new squad car is now user ready. He also mentioned that he and his officers were getting complaints about solicitors approaching residents without the required permits.
“Some have admitted to giving out banking information to those knocking on their doors,” said Townsend. “I advise everyone not to give out personal information before checking out the legitimacy of the seller.”
According to City Clerk Debbie VanWassenhove, Galva has limits on the number of permits it allows. They are $750 and good for 24 hours.
“We give them a special laminated badge,” said VanWassenhove. “And they are told that showing the badge is required.”
Townsend was asked about security being available during the Levitt summer concerts. The chief said that he will have officers on site much of the time.
John Wirth reminded everyone that the car cruises will begin this coming Friday, May 16, at Aaron Kewish’s refurbished waterworks building, beginning at 5 pm.
“You don’t need to have a classic car, truck, or motorcycle to take part in the fun,” he said. “Everyone, young and old, is invited, and there will be food.” Cruises will be repeated on the second Friday in July, August, and September.
Dyer said that the city departments are in need of new vehicles.
“At this time, we are concentrating on a pickup truck,” he said. “We have three of the four bids requested and will vote on a purchase at the June meeting.”
Dyer also invited everyone to visit the storyboard display at Allenia Space.
“Astrid has created ideas about how we can utilize the Hometown Consulting ideas and the responses from the community surveys,” he said, adding the display will be up for two weeks and allows for more citizen input.
The Crosswalks Design Competition, put on by Allenia Space, was announced. Design forms can be picked up at the downtown showroom or printed from the Allenia Facebook page.
The deadline for submission is Friday, May 16.
Community members of all ages are invited to propose designs and patterns that express the city’s legacy, the community’s strengths and commitment to innovation in agribusiness, manufacturing, and green energy, and for the creative economy, like music, art and design. The winning design will be featured on downtown crosswalks.
