Before the start of the Galva City Council meeting Monday, Mayor Rich Volkert congratulated Denny Tarleton on his retirement from Tarleton’s Service. Denny’s father, Bill Tarleton, started the business many years ago and Denny and his brother Mike took over after Bill died in 1986.

Denny carried on after Mike’s death last year and continued rescuing stranded drivers as he had done during his long career. He sold the business several years ago, but remained active in its operation, always willing to lend a hand.

A man of many talents and lots of energy, he has served in the Galva Fire Department for over 30 years, with over half of them as Chief.

“He and his family have been a great asset to Galva and have served the community in many ways,” said Volkert. “His retirement is well deserved.”

Several council members talked about the times that he had helped them and others – all without fanfare. Volkert presented Tarleton with a gift from the city and thanked him for all his years of service to the town.

How best to notify residents of overdue water bills and collect the fees drew much discussion among council members.

Debbie VanWassenhove, city clerk, explained the process and the work involved in sending out notices when water bills aren’t paid. According to VanWassenhove, payment is due within 15 days from receipt of the bill. Once the bill is in arrears, the resident is notified, given fifteen additional days to pay, and a 4% penalty is applied.

If not paid, then the residence is “tagged”, and if the bill is not paid within 5 days, the city workers will shut off the water.

“For a long time, tagging would affect ten to fifteen households a month,” said VanWassenhove. “Now it’s upwards to 50, and the entire process is very time-consuming.”

She went on to say that 80% to 90% of those with delinquent payments are repeaters. VanWassenhove said that tagging can be avoided if residents facing a shut-off would call city hall and work out a reasonable payment plan.

“We want to encourage residents to call us so we can avoid problems for them,” she said.

City Administrator Dave Dyer added that there is a $50 charge the first time the water is turned back on, with a $100 charge for every shut-off thereafter.

“Some residents might spend upwards of $1,000 a year on such fees,” said Dyer, adding that it takes a lot of employee time to deal with the issue.

Several increases in fines for delinquent payments were discussed. Councilman Doug Anderson suggested that the council take some time to develop a strategy, and members agreed to defer any decisions until the next meeting.

Dyer noted that tax revenue is down by $10,000 compared to this time last year. He pointed to the decrease in personal property tax as the biggest reason for the change.

“Income tax and sales tax have both increased,” he said, noting that this is good news for Galva.

The council voted unanimously to move the monthly meetings to the first Monday of each month, starting in October. City attorney, Zac Lessard, will not be available on the fourth Monday any longer. He thanked the council for making the change to accommodate him.

In other action, the council voted to adopt the state’s 2024 building code. The state’s electric code will be discussed at the next meeting.

Both audience member Rod White and Councilman Anderson commented on the streets saying the work that had been done was “excellent.”

Street Supt. Richard Plummer reported that work continues on the Exchange Street railroad crossing. Thompson noted that the workmen were adding new curbing and moved the crossing arm equipment to accommodate the changes in those areas. He noted that the last time that crossing was redone was almost 30 years ago.

Police Chief Kraig Townsend told the council that residents are putting recliners and sofas on their terraces well before the monthly pick-up times. Townsend wants to remind residents that such items are picked up on the first Wednesday of the month and should not be left out for weeks beforehand.

Plummer announced that Galva will be having another city-wide cleanup this fall. Dates for that are Sept. 30 through Oct. 5, with pickup days on Sept. 30, and Oct. 1 and 2.

Things such as antifreeze, chemicals, and paint are not allowed in the cleanup. Tires are allowed for a fee.

Mayor Volkert added that those types of things can be taken to the Rock Island County Fairgrounds on Aug. 31.

“The event is open to all Illinois residents and is free,” he said. “I took farm chemicals and the like there last year, and they were set up to take such items.”

Water Supt. Greg Thompson announced that Andrew Lang has been hired to replace Dane Anderson.

“He is doing a really good job and we’re glad to have him.”

Volkert also noted that Jane Doss has pledged $30,000 to provide handicapped access to Wiley Park.

“This will be very helpful to those who come to the Sunday concerts in wheelchairs,” he said. “We really appreciate what Jane has done for the park.”

Dyer announced that the deadline for ordering trees from the city is Sept. 10. The city shares in the cost, so residents spend from $25 to $30 per tree.

“If they are purchased for the terrace, the city will plant them,” said Dyer. “If they are purchased for the yard, the owner must do the planting – but all in all, it’s a good deal.”

The meeting was adjourned, and the council went into executive session.

The next council meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 23 at 6 pm in Council Chambers. Thereafter, meetings will be held on the first Monday of the month, beginning Oct. 7.