Appropriations, land bids and swimming pools highlighted the July 7 Galva City Council meeting. Alderman Jayme Hopping served as Mayor in Rich Volkert’s absence and called the meeting to order.
City Administrator David Dyer announced that appropriation for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2026, is $4,429,182.00. This is an increase in the general fund of $166,873. According to Dyer, part of the increase is due to the purchase of a badly needed Fire Department truck. The appropriation report will be filed with the county before the end of the month.
The council also voted unanimously to accept a bid of $2,010 from Trash Bandits for the former Windish Mill property. The building is currently being readied as a retail site, and the owner of Trash Bandits plans to expand the building and add public parking spaces.
Dyer responded to questions on the status of two downtown buildings.
“The East side of the structure that was left after several buildings were demolished near the old Galva Creamery site will be coordinated to match the Fire Department’s siding,” he said. “We are waiting on word from the contractor and hope the work will begin in August.”
Dwyer said that the building that housed the former Hair Company beauty salon is undergoing renovations.
“A grant of $100,000 from the American Job Center is funding much of the construction,” he said. “Men from the Kewanee Re-Entry Center are providing the work.”
This experience will allow them to work towards a pre-apprentice program, which, if approved by the Quad City Trade Union, could lead to a full apprenticeship, Dwyer said. “In addition to a great renovation for the city, this will help these men greatly once they finish their sentence and are released.”
Plans to apply for the same grant are in the works for next year.
Dyer told the council that the city is waiting on a ruling by the EPA about the sludge field at the sewage treatment plant.
“All the paperwork has been submitted,” he said.
Alderman John Wirth led a discussion on the possibility of an ordinance allowing residents to construct storage buildings on empty lots they own.
“It would require specific size and construction materials, of course,” he said. “But this would generate income from building permits and additional taxes for the city and create a win-win for everyone.”
Wirth and an audience member both questioned the number of zoning applications over the past years, and how many of them were granted, and how many were refused. Dyer agreed that such information can be made available.
“The city will look into this, and if the application process can be made easier,” Dwyer said. “More discussion will follow.”
Debbie VanWassenhove reiterated the policy on late water bills.
“Since we have stopped placing door tags on the residences with delinquent bills, the number of shut offs has increased somewhat.”
Delinquent bills are a bright color, she said, making them more noticeable to residents. She also encouraged those with issues concerning their bills to contact City Hall to discuss payment options.
Hopping thanked Dyer for replacing the backboards behind the basketball hoops in Wiley Park.
“They look great and should last quite a while,” said Hopping.
Wirth commented that the car cruises have been very successful. Another one will be held on Friday evening, July 11, at Aaron Kewish’s building.
“We are going to offer a different menu this time,” he said. “To find out what it is, you need to come to the cruise.”
Alderwoman Jackie Clucas and Alderman Doug Anderson both commented on the success of the Fourth of July Freedom Fest. Each said it was well done, and that friends and family from out of town attended, saying it was the best they had experienced.
“Melissa Halsall and her committee deserve a big thanks for making it happen,” said Clucas.
Street Supt. Richard Plummer announced that the city will not collect any brush that includes construction materials such as lumber. “It will be left behind.”
Chief of Police Kraig Townsend spoke about his concern for home swimming pool safety.
“All pools that contain two or more feet of water must have a barrier of at least four feet high with access by a gate,” he said. “Copies of the State’s pool ordinance are available at City Hall.”
He encouraged anyone considering a backyard pool to consider what is needed before the pool is constructed.
The next City Council meeting will be held on August 4 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
