A public hearing was held prior to the regular City Council meeting to discuss the city’s portion of the tax levy for Galva.
“We are hoping for a reduction of between $.04 and $.05 for the city,” said City Administrator David Dyer. “The amount could go up or down from that, but if so, it should be very small.”
Fire Chief Nate Byers presented a proposal for a new fire truck which will cost just over $455,000. Byers explained that the current truck that needs replacing is over 20 years old, and a new one is needed.
The one being considered is a “demo” truck, used by the Amboy-based manufacturer to showcase their products. It will have very limited mileage, he said, and the city could take possession of it in less than a year.
“If we order one built from scratch, it will take up to three years, and the cost will likely go up by at least 10 percent each year, so that’s not the better option,” he said.
The department, Byers said, has set aside close to half the cost and could secure a loan for the balance.
“With the annual revenue the department receives, it could likely pay off the loan in less than ten years,” said Byers.
Several on the council noted that it appeared the department had the money, and the right plan to make the purchase. When asked about trading in the truck needing replacement, Byers said the age of the truck prohibits that. “However,” he said, “we could very likely sell the older truck, and recoup some money from that.”
Byers went on to say that the new truck is larger, and has more options, including inside storage for ladders and a louder whistle.
The council voted unanimously to approve the purchase.
The council approved a new system for handling overdue water bills. City Clerk Debbie Vanwassenhove explained that the current system gives the user 15 days to pay.
“If not paid within the 15 days, a 4% penalty is added, and if it is not paid within another 15 days, a “tag” is placed on the resident’s door. If, after five days, it’s still not paid, the water is turned off. A $50 charge is levied the first-time water is turned back on, and any time thereafter it’s $100,” she said.
As of May 1, 2025, if the water bill is not paid within the second notice’s 15-day period, the water will be turned off.
“We will no longer spend time and expense on door tags. That final five-day extension will no longer be given,” said Mayor Rich Volkert, adding that the penalty for any water reinstatement will be $100 each time.
Dyer noted that the majority of those with delinquent water bills and shut offs are repeaters.
“We hope the stricter time frame will push people to pay on time to avoid all the extra charges,” Dwyer said.
Vanwassenhove said that she and the other staff encourage people with problems paying the bill to call City Hall and discuss their issues.
“In most cases, we can come up with a plan to help them,” she said.
Audience member Dustin Williams expressed concern about the use of the Flock cameras to single out and arrest drivers with expired registrations.
“I thought the cameras were used for police work that involves abducted children and robberies and not to focus on license plate registrations,” he said.
Police Chief Kraig Townsend explained how the system which is designed to read license plates and capture other suspect activities aids his, and other law enforcement track lots of different kinds of crime, here and across the country.
“Driving without a current registration, or things such as having no insurance is still considered a crime,” he said.
John Wirth expressed concern about drivers ignoring the three-way stop at the intersection of SW 4th Street and SW 2nd Avenue.
“They ignore the stop signs, and many don’t even make an effort to slow down,” said Wirth.
Townsend said he would check out the area.
Mike Martin commended the city for the water and sewer line work they have been doing at Sentry Estates. “They have done an excellent job,” he said.
Dyer thanked Williams for his finishing work on the city’s four cannons. “They all look fantastic now.”
Mayor Volkert expressed thanks to Alderman Jeff Olson for his work in the Bishop Hill Village Park fencing.
“He was there from beginning to end and deserves our sincere appreciation for his involvement in getting this historic fence replaced,” the mayor said.
The council wished the audience a “Merry Christmas” and the meeting was adjourned.
The next council meeting will be on Monday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
