It was standing room only at Monday night’s Galva City Council meeting. A large crowd gathered to support Dustin Williams as he presented his views on the recently passed ordinance dealing with parking, abandoned vehicles, RVs, tractors, mowers and utility trailers.

Williams said he felt that the ordinance was more befitting to metropolitan areas and not suited for small towns like Galva. Williams shared revised ordinance language with the council and asked that they consider the changes he suggested. He also said that the police were unfairly burdened by having to enforce the new rules when it was the council who made them.

Alderman Jim Hartman questioned why the concerns weren’t brought to light during earlier meetings when the ordinance was being discussed. Williams said that little information was available to the public, so few knew about the new ruling and suggested that the city’s website be updated so people could follow the council’s actions.

The council agreed to review the changes that Williams suggested and thanked him for the work he had done to bring it to their attention. Several aldermen thanked the crowd that attended and asked them to continue coming to council meetings, as they appreciated input and interest from the community.

Cole McDaniel from Peoria-based Hometown Consulting presented information on the work his group has been doing for the city. He said that data collected over the last year has been invaluable in looking at ways to enhance Galva’s economic outlook. He suggested that data from such events as the Backroads Music Festival could be used to gather information and assured the council members that comprehensive data collection and specialized mapping would also add to the project’s success.

“Knowing where your residents are going away to shop and what is bringing others into town is a huge help in understanding your market,” said McDaniel. “Good ideas need good plans.”

Alderman Doug Anderson complimented McDaniel, saying, “We appreciate the good foundation you are giving us.” Alderwoman Jackie Clucas echoed the sentiment. “These plans will help us see how other communities affect ours,” she said.

The Council voted unanimously to extend the contract with Hometown Consultants for another year.

Josh Smith expressed concern about the state of Wiley and Washington Parks and told the council that he believed the barrier on the slide in Wiley Park was not a deterrent enough to keep the children from using it.

“It needs to be taken down as it’s a danger and a liability to the city,” he said, before lodging a complaint about the graffiti in Washington Park.

Smith also asked when the debris from the downtown demolition would be cleared. City Administrator David Dyer explained that because the rubble contains asbestos, it must be thoroughly sprayed with water, and can be done only when there is no threat of freezing.

Jim Anderson, owner of The Player’s Edge, offered a proposal to resurface the blacktop in Wiley Park’s basketball court and add a Galva-themed logo in the middle. He would also resurface an area in Washington Park to make it a Pickleball court.

A former Galvan, Anderson quoted an estimated cost of $30,000, with an additional $5,000 coming from his own pocket.

“I lived in Galva for twenty-five years and raised my children here,” said Anderson. “I’d like to see this done for the community.”

In addition, he encouraged the aldermen to check out the park in nearby Cambridge to see his work there. The council agreed to consider his proposal and get back to him by the next council meeting.

The council unanimously voted to accept a bid of $1,047 from Barb Felt for the property on Commercial Street.

A bid of $42,400 from Laverdiere Construction to repair the storm sewers at the Galva Park District was unanimously approved by the Council.

Street Department head Richard Plummer reported that the roadwork for the areas south of Route 34 was completed and the next phase of street repair would begin. The council voted unanimously to a maximum appropriation of $477,253 to come from IDOT and the MFT (Motor Fuel Tax), noting that costs could end up being lower than that amount.

Mayor Rich Volkert proclaimed the first week in April as Junior Achievement Week, noting its value in the development of students involved in the organization.

Audience member, John Wirth, outlined the upcoming Classic Car Cruise, which will visit Galva on May 10, July 12, and September 13. Large numbers of cars, trucks and cycles will cruise into town, beginning at 5 pm. Complimentary food will be provided while supplies last for those who come out to see the uniquely restored vehicles. The sponsors for the visits are Aaron Kewish and Galva Iron and Metal. Wirth said that the event is free, but donations are appreciated.

Police Chief Kraig Townsend warned the community against blowing grass into the roadway.

“Should grass get blown into the road, residents are required to remove it right away,” he said.

Water and Sewer Department head Greg Thomson said that repairs on well #4 are underway and are waiting on a response from Peerless to complete them.

Alderman Hartman noted that the cars that had been sitting near the old Lily Tulip building are in the process of being taken away by their owner.

City Administrator Dyer and Mayor Volkert thanked the audience again for their presence and then the council moved into executive session.

The next council meeting will be held on April 22 at 6 pm at the City Administration building.