The men from the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center received praise from Galva City Council members and city officials for their work in maintaining the Galva cemetery grounds. 

“I was there for the Memorial Day Event, and the place looked beautiful,” said Alderman Jeff Olson. He was joined by recently elected John Wirth, who shared Olson’s appreciation for their hard work.  

Alderman Doug Anderson noted that there are over 1,000 veterans buried in the cemetery, some from as far back as the War of 1812, adding, “There are also eight veterans from the Spanish-American War.” 

City Administrator David Dyer said a survey of the last three years shows that revenue from income tax has increased each year, but the replacement tax shows a downward trend. 

“Income from years 2023, 2024, and 2025 were $59,000, $66,000 and $77,000, respectively, while during the same years, replacement tax dollars were $28,000, $16,000, and $14,000,” he said.

Mayor Rich Volkert announced that bids for a city truck to replace the one currently used have started to come in. Once they are all in, a decision will be made in July.

He also noted that the former Windish Mill lot is for sale. “Bids will be accepted until July 2,” he said, adding that the purchaser will have to offer at least 80 percent of the assessed valuation.

Interested parties should contact City Hall.

Police Chief Kraig Townsend wanted to remind the public that the ordinance concerning “burn” days needs to be observed. 

“Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are city burn days,” he said. “Only what falls from the trees, such as leaves, twigs and sticks can be burned. Burning furniture and anything else is banned.”

Dyer spoke on behalf of All Operations Manager Greg Thompson, who reported two leaking hydrants during recent flushing, and that they are replacing the broken parts.

Street Superintendent Richard Plummer said the city-wide cleanup runs from June 15-21. Anyone not able to haul items to the landfill is asked to notify City Hall and have them on the curbside early on June 16.

Alderman Wirth told the group that the May Cruise-In was a great success. He announced that the next one will be held on June 13. 

“Backroads Music Festival is sponsoring the Aug. 8 Cruise-In,” he said. “This is the day before the concert at the Galva Park District, so we expect a crowd.” 

Alderwoman Jackie Clucas thanked Plummer for putting up the flags in the downtown area leading up to and including Memorial Day. “The town looked really nice,” she said.

Alderman Jeff Olson said he is working with Lackey Monument to recondition the areas where the flags of veterans are placed at the Galva Cemetery. Some of them have caulking that has crumbled, and those need to be repaired. 

“We want to make sure the flags on these gravestones are secure,” Olson said.

The next council meeting will be Monday, July 7, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Residents are welcome to attend.