Mayor Rich Volkert extended congratulations to retiring Alderman Jim Hartman at the April 7 council meeting.

“We hate to lose Jim,” said Volkert. “He’s been great to work with and has done a lot for the town during his eight years on the council.”

Each council member expressed their thanks, and City Administrator David Dyer commented that he will be missed.

Volkert presented him with a metal sculpture that represents Galva and wished him the best of luck.

“Jim was about helping people,” said the mayor. “Whether it was plowing sidewalks and driveways with his own equipment or making certain that the elderly had the help they needed, he was there.”

John Wirth will fill the vacated seat, representing Galva Ward 2.

Volkert read a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day, which takes place on April 25. He noted that Galva has been honored as a “Tree City USA” since 1986 and credited former Galvan Bob Miller for making it happen nearly 40 years ago. He announced that the city will plant between 20 and 25 trees around town, again this year.

The mayor also read a proclamation about Junior Achievement Day that occurred on April 3. It read, in part:

“Founded in 1919, Junior Achievement USA is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.”

Junior Achievement’s programs, in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century.”

Volkert spoke on behalf of Street Supt. Richard Plummer and reminded residents that the cemetery cleanup ends on April 13 and that any items to be saved must be removed by that date. After April 18, decorations may be placed on the graves.

City Clerk Debbie VanWassenhove noted that cemetery fees will increase to $1,250 per grave on May 1. She added that there are still some single plots available, but most are sold in pairs.

All Operations Manager Greg Thompson announced that some piles of dirt left by recent work on city drains will be smoothed over and planted with grass seed.

City treasurer, Melissa Halsall, gave a heartfelt thank you to Hartman for his tenure, noting that he was always great to work with.

“We will miss him,” she said, thanking the council members and the economic development committee for the work they are doing to expand businesses in town. “Your efforts have really boosted the excitement among the residents.”

Alderwoman Jackie Clucas thanked Halsall for her remarks and all the work she has done to publicize the changes to the water bill collections. “You did a great job getting the word out.”

Chief of Police Kraig Townsend told the council that plans to add more cameras in Wiley Park are being considered. He noted that there have been several instances of vandalism and altercations between young people, sometimes after midnight, and that he and his officers want more surveillance and recording upgrades. Mayor Volkert added that there is also a lot of trash left behind by park visitors.

Townsend said that the remaining shipment of Tasers has been received, and his officers are scheduled for training sessions. Up to 55 letters have been sent to residents concerning the city ordinance on trash and vehicles in the yard. “We take into consideration the public view of the residence when looking at ordinance issues,” he explained.

Alderman Jeff Olson asked if there are special laws pertaining to electric bicycles. Townsend responded that currently, the only rule is that the driver must be 16 years of age or older to operate one that goes 21 mph or more. “Otherwise, they are treated in the same way as regular bicycles.”

Alderman Hartman spoke about the owners of the car repair business at the former Bixby-Zimmer site on NE 1st Street and their promise to cover the fence that surrounds the area. Volkert agreed that they will need a reminder.

Newly elected Alderman John Wirth suggested that the council meetings have a sign-in sheet to record the number of audience members and others attending. Council members agreed that it was a good idea.

Wirth also announced that his group will be holding car cruises from May to October on the second Friday of the month. He noted that he has sponsors and plans for special cruising tours. Cruise promotions will be forthcoming.

Audience member Dustin Williams questioned whether or not the city is going to repair the damaged slide in Wiley Park. Dyer responded that the city hopes to replace all the playground equipment in the park once they receive the money promised by the solar company.

The next council meeting will be held on Monday, May 5, at 6 p.m. at City Hall, located at 311 NW 4th Avenue. Residents are welcome to attend.