A presentation by Cambridge City Manager Steve Brown was first on a packed agenda at Galva’s City Council meeting Monday.
Brown introduced an IGA (Intergovernmental Agreement) that would provide an easier and less costly process for anyone appealing a fine for a city ordinance violation.
Currently, appeals are initially handled in the circuit court, which can be expensive. Brown told the council that the appeals would be heard by a hearing judge and the decision would be rendered at the time of the hearing.
“It should be less costly for the person appealing, and should the ordinance violation be upheld, there would be a set time frame for correcting the violation.” He went on to say that the city will remain responsible for collecting any fines. “Those losing the initial appeal can then go on to the circuit court for its decision,” said Brown.
Galva would join Cambridge, Woodhull and Orion and share in the cost of the special court, which would meet once a month at the Henry County courthouse. To join the IGA, each city will be charged $150 a month. If more cities join the group, that cost could be lowered.
The council voted unanimously to join the IGA.
Cole McDaniel, from Hometown Consultants, briefed the council on the progress of the city’s comprehensive plan. His firm is working on several state and federal grants, one of which will help to advertise available retail spaces. McDaniel commented that the city’s website is working well, and his staff is working to digitize city ordinances.
“We are fulfilling the promises made to the city,” he said, adding that his group has been working with Galva’s Economic Development Committee to attract and retain businesses.
Alderwoman Jackie Clucas thanked McDaniels for being accessible to business, his relationship with Astrid Havarti, owner of Allenia Space, to revitalize the downtown, and the plans for the city’s 40-acre development. She read a letter from businessman Sean Kendall, who praised Hometown Consultants for their work in the community.
McDaniel agreed to assist Alderman Doug Anderson with the grants he is working on for the park district.
Audience member Linda Grant asked if Hometown Consultants worked with the rural economics committee headed by Jim Kelly. McDaniels responded that he and his staff work with Kelly and the round table for business owners. He thanked Grant for her input.
The council voted unanimously to renew the city’s contract with Hometown Consulting.
Mayor Rich Volkert shared that the city has a response “workbook” that will score the criteria for those presenting bids on the former Lord Chevrolet building.
“This will include time for those bidding to gather their own quotes on building materials,” the mayor said.
The council agreed to allow up to 60 days, with an additional 30 days upon the council’s approval. Alderman John Wirth emphasized that the building be used as retail space and that it looks suitable on the outside.
Mayor Volkert read a resolution in support of the country’s 250th anniversary, which will be celebrated on July 4, 2026. City Administrator David Dyer added that City Secretary Melissa Halsall had received a letter of congratulations from Berkshire Hathaway for the work of the Freedom Fest committee, which she heads. Included in the letter was a $12,000 check for the committee. Dyer commended Halsall for her hard work on making the city’s Independence Day festivities a great celebration.
Volkert also read the national Arbor Day proclamation, which is set for April 24. He said the city was awarded a $29,000 grant for a tree inventory to take place in late August.
“An outside pair of eyes will help to determine what trees need to come down,” he said. “By using this inventory, we can get dollars to remove them.”
He went on to say that the city has received an additional $8,400 to plant trees on the north side of Washington Park, adding that there will be a community-wide tree planting party in the future.
The council passed both the 250th Anniversary resolution and the Arbor Day proclamation unanimously.
Joyce Blumenshine, representing the Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance, announced that her group is holding a meeting about the carbon capture plans on April 23 at the Galva American Legion building. The event is open to the public and will begin at 6 pm. Alderwoman Clucas asked if her group had a list of questions for an attendee to ask, and Blumenshine recommended looking at “Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines” on the internet.
Audience member Sandy Brock expressed concern about the carbon capture project planned at the ethanol plant and asked whether or not the council attended the recent Illinois EPA meeting last month in Springfield. Dyer responded that the city is and will be in contact with the Federal and State EPA while the study on the well is being conducted. Anderson added that it will be 18-24 months before any permits can be issued.
Brock was given a flyer detailing the meeting planned at Big River on Tuesday, April 14, beginning at 4 p.m. To make the program available to residents, the flyer indicates that sessions are planned for 4, 5, 6 and 7 p.m., with a presentation at the start of each one.
A representative from Illinois Shines spoke on their wish to continue speaking with residents about their energy program. The incentive program is designed to make solar energy more affordable for residents, businesses, schools and communities by providing financial incentives for new solar projects. But the city has received complaints on the company’s door-to-door solicitations.
“We know that one of our staff was a problem and he has been reprimanded,” the Illinois Shines rep told the council.
But Mayor Volkert responded by saying that he had many complaints about their company’s tactics, including problem behavior at City Hall.
“We don’t want you soliciting in Galva. End of story,” the mayor said.
Jake McClintic, superintendent of Water and Sewer, said the hydrant flushing schedule is underway. It was suggested that the city’s email system notify residents when flushing is to start, and Dyer said the city will look into the idea.
Chief of Police Kraig Townsend said that the cameras in Wiley Park are working.
“We only needed to replace the antennas,” he said. He also said that his officers are working on ordinance violations and that while the number of violations is down, many instances involve repeat offenders.
Alderman Jeff Olson remarked that the city’s garbage pickup requires that all trash be placed into the bin.
“If bags of trash are left next to the bins, they aren’t picked up,” he said. “Once your trash bin has been emptied, and you move it away from the curb to its storage place, why aren’t those extraneous bags just placed in the bin?”
Mayor Volkert said that a new crew from the Kewanee ReEntry is doing work in the city parks. Once that work is completed, they will do repairs and reconditioning of the Wiley Park band shelter.
“We are very glad to have their help,” he said.
Alderman Wirth shared that the Ready to Grow committee will continue with its program of honoring citizens whose homes deserve recognition. He also noted that the annual car cruises will start in May.
“Aaron Kewish has agreed to sponsor the cruises again, and we appreciate his efforts.”
Alderwoman Clucas said that she had a sign placed in her yard, advertising a service, without her permission. She added that several of the signs were seen in her end of town. It was noted that displaying any yard signs on the terrace is prohibited.
Alderman Rick Otterstrom noted that some of the city’s manhole covers are sinking and asked that the street department check on them.
Dyer shared that the governor’s new budget will continue to take more money from the city.
“Since 2012, Galva has lost over 2 million dollars in state money,” adding that the problems faced by Illinois communities made the Chicago Tribune. If Chicago knows about this, it really is a problem.” He went on to say that the governor’s solution is for us to raise property taxes.
He also introduced two properties that will be for sale. One is located at 315 SE 4th St. The other is at 403 NE 2nd St.
Mayor Volkert announced that the Freedom Fest committee is hosting a dinner theatre/murder mystery on Sunday, April 26, at 5 pm. The event will take place at the East End Table and Tap, and tickets can be obtained at City Hall. The cost is $50.00/person. He encouraged everyone to attend.
Another employee from Illinois Shines stood and asked if he could speak.
“You have three minutes,” said the mayor.
The employee proceeded to reiterate what was heard earlier, to which the mayor commented.
“We don’t want you in our town,” the mayor said, adding “Do I hear a motion to adjourn?”
The next city council meeting will be held on Monday, May 4, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers. The public is encouraged to attend.
