The Galva City Council received an update on the new playground equipment for Wiley Park from recreation consultant Pat Pueblo. Pueblo used two large posters showing the type of equipment that will replace the aging, damaged structures in the park. A video of the new equipment will be available to view on the city’s website.
He indicated that he and Street Supt. Richard Plummer will work together to install the equipment.
“Once things are put into place, it will take at least six weeks for the order to arrive,” Pueblo said.
A packet of color choices was left for the council to consider, noting that all colors, especially those in blue shades, wear well and don’t fade from sunlight. Pueblo thanked Alderman John Wirth and his committee for their work on the project.
Mayor Rich Volkert opened a single bid for the city’s used tool truck from Joe Hoenig for $1,550. The bid was accepted unanimously by the council.
Volkert also opened a single bid for the property at 214 NW First St. from Judy Crystal for $1,140. This bid was also accepted unanimously by the council.
City Administrator David Dyer discussed the renewal of the franchise agreement with Ameren for their gas mains that are on the city’s right of way. He announced that Ameren will make yearly payments to the city for the next 20 years, totaling $139,080.
The first payment of $9,300 will be made on April 1 of this year. The council voted unanimously to renew the agreement.
Newly appointed superintendent of water and sewer, Jake McClintic, was not present, as his first day in his new role brought with it a broken water main. Jon MacArthur stood in for him, noting that Jake was still working that evening.
“We are all grateful to Greg Thompson for his years with the city and will miss his wisdom and experience,” said MacArthur. “However, we are all looking forward to what Jake can bring us and are all glad he has been given the position.”
Street Supt. Richard Plummer announced that flowers and other grave décor must be removed by March 29, when the cemetery clean up begins. “After April 3, decorations can be replaced,” he said.
Chief Kraig Townsend told the council that with tax season upon us, scammers are busy trying to fool the public. He advised never to give out financial or personal information over the phone or agree to send money or gift cards to someone you don’t know.
“The IRS will not ask you for this kind of information, or make threats over the phone,” he said, adding that at least five to 10 people in our community fall for these scams each year.
Alderman Wirth reported that he is attempting to contact the BNSF foreman to discuss the problems with trains blocking all the crossings. As an experienced railroad employee himself, he will keep after those in charge to work out a solution and make certain one or two crossings always remain open.
He also said that he had talked with Pat Raley from the Galva Ready to Grow group to determine a way for that group and the city to work together to reward homeowners who are working hard to make improvements to their properties.
He indicated that Raley was very open to the idea. “I really want the council and all the wards to work together on this so that it benefits every section of the community,” he said.
Dyer noted his appreciation for Wirth’s hard work on this issue, the park equipment and the railroad crossing concerns.
It was announced that two separate grants from Trees Forever will greatly help Galva. “The first is for $8,400,” said Dyer. “That will help us purchase trees.”
He added that the second grant is for $29,170 and will cover the cost of a tree inventory. Dyer also said there is a possibility that Galva may be given an annual grant of $2,500 to help with tree removal.
The issues with the city’s 2001 street sweeper were discussed. According to Plummer, it is no longer working, and replacement parts are not available anymore.
“It takes twice the man hours to try and fix it as it does to operate it,” he said.
Dyer presented costs of $298,963.65 for a new sweeper and $194,500 for a used one. The council will take the pricing under consideration.
The next city council meeting will be on Monday, March 2, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers in City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
