The Galva City Council’s agenda for Monday’s meeting included authorizing official Poppy Day, a presentation about a county revolving loan program and the honoring of a local artist.
Bryley Glisan, the 2026 “Miss Poppy,” presented one of the familiar red flowers to Mayor Rich Volkert, who announced that the city’s “Poppy Day” would be held on May 16.
Six-year-old Miss Glisan, the daughter of Bryce Glisan and Lerin Mallery, and granddaughter of Wayne Glisan, will be a first grader in the fall. She enjoys playing T-ball, riding her bike, art and being with her sisters.
In the United States, National Poppy Day is celebrated on the Friday before Memorial Day. On this day, people wear red poppies to honor fallen veterans and support living heroes who have worn our nation’s uniform. The American Legion, which sponsors the Poppy Day celebration, adopted the poppy as its official flower in 1920. Miss Glisan presented poppies to council members before leaving.
Jim Kelly, Economic Development director for Henry County, spoke briefly about the revolving loan fund that was put into place in 1991. Initially, it had over $800,000 in available funds, with the CARES Act adding over $1 million in Covid relief funds. Kelly noted that low interest loans help fill the gap between lending institutions and borrowers, allowing new or existing businesses to begin or expand.
“The Galva business community has been helped greatly by these loans,” said Kelly. He added that the loans have helped to create 1,550 jobs countywide.”
Kelly left brochures for those interested and encouraged those with questions to contact him at the Henry County Courthouse. City Administrator Dave Dyer thanked him for his presentation, adding, “Henry County is doing it right.”
Mayor Volkert honored Galva native Jordan Murray, reading a resolution that paid tribute to his service to the community.
He proclaimed that May 4 will now be known as “Jordan Murray Day,” in recognition of his creative and practical arts and his commemorative history of Galva.
Murray has designed and cast several busts of notable Galva residents such as Olof Krans, George Fitch, Rich Falk, Mary Holmgren and George Swank. His stone engraved broadsides illustrating significant buildings and events of the city are located in Veterans’ Park for everyone to enjoy.
In addition, he’s authored several books, including one that focuses on the Hennepin Canal, another on Swedish artist Olof Krans and several children’s books, and is a credit to himself and to Galva. He was presented with a key to the city and the words, “Genius seldom rests and often refuses to retire.”
His honor was accompanied by a long round of applause.
The council tabled a resolution to adopt the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan. Alderman Doug Anderson said that he felt the council needed more time to study the plan, and any action was deferred to the next council meeting.
A bid of $528 was submitted for the property located at 403 NE 2nd Street. It did not meet the guidelines necessary and was not accepted. No bids were submitted for the property located at 315 SE 4th Street.
A session of public comments was led by Galva resident Dustin Williams. He expressed concerns about the lack of transparency over the CO2 sequestering planned by Big River Resources. He, and several others, said they were concerned about safety, increased truck traffic and the impact the well might have on property values and area growth. Williams said it was wrong for the city manager to sign a contract for land-use without the council’s and the public’s consent. He also mentioned that his group is going to present their concerns to the Henry County Board.
Amanda Stodgel, a registered nurse who lives in the community, filed a formal complaint, saying that Galva is not equipped to handle a CO2 emergency. Tina Hutchinson, who lives just over a mile from the proposed well site, expressed concerns about who will be accountable for the well in the years beyond. “This is a permanent thing that could affect future generations,” she said.
The public will have another chance to learn more about the CO2 well and express their concerns at a meeting in June. Time and location will be announced once it is determined.
Resident Brenda Holmes commented on the many dogs that run loose in the city. She had recently witnessed a fight between two dogs that had to be interrupted by one of the animal’s owners.
Holmes also said that a friend had been bitten while out walking. “I walk a lot and don’t want to be bitten,” she said, adding, “With school out soon, children will be outside, and I would hate to have one of these dogs attack a child.” She asked the council what kind of ordinance is in place and what actions are taken against the dog owners.
Chief of Police Kraig Townsend responded that Illinois law requires that all dogs be under their owners’ control. “If it’s a first-time offense, the owner gets a warning. If it continues, they are cited with an AWT (Administrative Warning Ticket) and a fine.” If the dog bites a person or another animal, the issue is sent to the Henry County Animal Control officer. A judge can determine if the animal is a danger or vicious, and in some cases, order it to be euthanized. Townsend encouraged anyone with concerns about loose dogs to contact law enforcement.
Jake McClintic, superintendent of Water and Sewer, told the council that there had been little disruption when the water tower was cleaned recently.
Street Superintendent Richard Plummer was absent, so Volkert announced that there would be another city clean up in June. “The dates will be published soon,” the mayor said.
Alderman John Wirth noted that the summer car cruises will start in Galva on Friday, May 22, at Aaron Kewish’s on North Center Avenue. For more information, residents can go to Cruising the 4 Lanes on Facebook or email sccc2020@yahoo.com.
Aldermen Jackie Clucas and Doug Anderson each thanked Murray for his work on keeping Galva’s history alive. Clucas asked, “When are you going to make a bust of yourself?” The comment elicited smiles and applause from those present.
The meeting was adjourned and the council moved into executive session
The next council meeting is on the calendar for June 1 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers. However, the date and location are subject to change, and that information will be published.
