Members of the Galva Freedom Fest Planning and Fundraising Committee started Monday night’s council meeting by presenting the city with a check for $21,000. The funds raised at special events such as the August car show and the 5K run, along with donations collected at the July 4th fireworks, help fund the annual Independence Day celebration.
The committee consists of Kandy Engels, Melissa Halsall, Lauren Heck, Rosemary Howell, Dustin Jaco, Emma Lindquist, Annette Smith, Christine Smith and Pat Raley. According to member Annette Smith, fundraising activities are planned throughout the year, including a trivia night at Midland Golf Club set for the evening of Nov. 8.
In other news:
Cole McDaniel of Hometown Consulting presented the comprehensive city plan to the council. The 75-page plan replaces the one created in 1961 and updated two decades ago when the ethanol plant was built.
“One of the biggest changes is the availability of grants to help cities such as Galva prosper,” said McDaniel. “Grants require a comprehensive plan to be eligible for funding.”
The ability to obtain grants, he said, will ultimately cover the costs associated with creating the plan. McDaniel also said that the official city website is now up and running and should be easy for residents to use.
Councilwoman Jackie Clucas gave her approval for the comprehensive plan, noting that the process has been very professional.
“This plan does a great job of showing us where we have been and where we are going,” she said, adding that the website is “stellar” compared to others she has seen.
Dean Thompson addressed the council with concerns about the property next to his residence on SW 6th Ave. He expressed concern about drainage issues and the materials used to construct a building next to his home. Mayor Richard Volkert promised that city officials would visit the area and look into the issue.
Resident Vicki Conner spoke on behalf of her family, praising city employee Jake McClintic for the assistance he gave her father, Tom Bednarek, when he fell near his garage.
“My father lay helpless in the hot sun for nearly two hours,” she said. “He was finally able to reach his keys and set off the panic alarm in his car.” McClintic heard the beeping, which was intermittent, and went to investigate. “It just sounded odd,” he said, so he went to check it out.
He called for help immediately, and the injured man was taken to the hospital by ambulance, where he was treated for a fractured hip. “He is alive and recovering,” said Conner. Jake probably saved his life, she said, and is very grateful that he came to the rescue. “He went above and beyond and prevented a real disaster.”
McClintic received a hearty round of applause from the council and the members of the audience.
Operations Manager Greg Thompson announced that his crew will continue to flush hydrants and encouraged residents to check for rusty water before doing laundry.
Street Superintendent Richard Plummer said that the second city-wide clean-up went well. He also mentioned that the cemetery clean-up will begin on Oct. 19, and that residents need to remove anything around the gravestones that they wish to keep.
Councilman John Wirth posed questions about the basketball court in Washington Park and whether the hoops will remain intact. Mayor Volkert assured him that the court and the hoops would remain. “We are waiting on a quote from Superior Asphalt, and once the area is paved, it will greatly enhance the park,” he said.
City Clerk Deb VanWassenhove and City Secretary Melissa Halsall received praise and thanks from the council for their work on the city’s new website.
“It is one of the best I’ve seen,” said Clucas, with the rest of the council mirroring her comments. City Administrator David Dyer said that he hopes everyone will go to www.galvail.gov and see for themselves what a great tool it is.
Dyer also commented that the council needs to consider a plan for the use of the former Chevrolet building. “Ideas are welcome,” he said.
Mayor Volkert announced that Galva’s Trick-or-Treat will be held on Friday, Oct. 31, from 5–7 p.m. and encouraged parents and children to be safe.
The next council meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers on NW 4th Avenue. The public is encouraged to attend.
