A public hearing was held before the regular council meeting to provide information on the amendment to the Comprehensive City Plan and provide the opportunity for citizen input. This amendment shows the council’s support of the Galva Park District’s plan to enhance the park’s offerings.

Sarah Bambas from Open Space Land Acquisitions and Development (OSLAD) presented information on a special grant that will allow the Galva Park District to repair and replace structural components and add others to the park’s recreational offerings. Among the many things mentioned were a pool lift to enable wheelchairs, new lighting, sidewalks, shelters, and ball diamond and tennis court improvements.

The grant, which could provide over one million dollars, is offered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

“Because Galva is considered a “distressed” community, chances of being awarded the grant are very good,” said Bambas. “While the IDNR monies won’t cover all the costs needed to realize the park board’s goals, we feel that other grants will be available to help fund this project.”

Mike Keup, the president of the Galva Youth Sports Association told the council, “The park district is an integral part of the youth sports program. This grant will enable the park to continue making a substantial impact on our youths’ activities.”

The council’s first order of business was to unanimously pass the amendment to adopt the Comprehensive City Plan. Mayor Rich Volkert commended the park district board for its vision.

“The city is behind this effort and appreciates the work being done for the community,” he said.

City Administrator David Dyer discussed the Appropriations Ordinance that is filed annually with the county.

“The appropriation figure sets the amount that can be spent by the city without seeking additional council approval,” said Dyer. “This year we are requesting a limit of $3,710,000, which is $481,883 over last year’s appropriation,” explaining that the increase is due to expected water and sewer expenses.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, several audience members addressed the council. Rod White complimented the city workers and police for how they handled the brush removal following the storm.

“Thirty years ago, when we had the tornado, we had lots of volunteers helping, but not this time,” said White, “This time it was our city workers that are doing the job.”

John Wirth echoed White’s sentiments, adding “Residents and city workers were all out working together to get the job done.”

Sandy White asked if the fountain in Veteran’s Park was going to be fixed.

“We’ve ordered the parts,” said Dyer. “It should be back in order soon.

Dustin Williams questioned why the slide in Wiley Park had yet to be repaired. “We’ve brought this up four meetings in a row,” said Williams.

Dyer responded that plans are to replace all the playground equipment through a special grant.

“We should have some answers by the end of the month,” he said.

“Thirty years ago, when we had the tornado, we had lots of volunteers helping, but not this time. This time it was our city workers that are doing the job.”

Galva resident Rod White

Wirth suggested that there be a way to permit certain types of outbuildings to be constructed on residents’ properties, allowing them to store items out of public view.

“It would be a way to help people comply with the recent ordinance,” said Wirth. “If it is successful, it could increase home values and that would benefit the city.”

Both Mayor Volkert and Alderman Jeff Olson agreed to consider something like that “down the road.”

Wirth also announced that the summer car cruises have been a great success.

“We’ve had over 100 participants,” he said. “We are looking forward to the next one in September.”

Alderman Hartman expressed concern about the state of a storm sewer in front of the former waterworks building.

“It’s dangerous and in need of repair,” he said. “I’ve been mentioning this for years and it needs to get fixed.”

Dyer agreed to have it looked into as soon as possible.

Police Chief Kraig Townsend noted that the body cameras that were gifted by the Geneseo Police Department are now in use.

“If we find we have any extras that we won’t be using, we will pass them on to other departments that can benefit from them.”
Dyer announced that the city’s wells are all up and running and that city workers remain busy collecting brush.

“We are in the process of hiring a replacement for Dane Anderson, who left recently for a position elsewhere,” he said. “We hope to have someone on board by the end of the month.

Mayor Volkert announced that the railroad is expected to spend over a million dollars to repair the tracks in the downtown area, calling the repair “way overdue.”

Council members all complimented the city workers for their hard work during and following the recent storm. Dyer read from the recent police report that listed the many calls that the police department received involving downed trees and power lines.

“They rose to the occasion and did a fantastic job of keeping the city from experiencing additional problems,” Dyer said.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 26 at 6 pm at City Hall.