Galva Mayor Rich Volkert and City Administrator Dave Dyer are already busy planning for the new year. Projects topping their lists are completing the demolition of the buildings on Front Street; developing the recently purchased acreage southeast of the Park District and filling empty storefronts. Aided by Hometown Consulting of Pekin, there is much on their “to-do” list for 2024.
Both men are excited about the City’s partnership with Chicago-based BOW Renewables, which plans to construct solar panels in three locations around Galva. Called “Community Solar” it will benefit Galva city and rural residents.
“It’s a win for the city,” said Dyer, noting that residents can save on their electric bills once the system is up and running.
BOW has also agreed to provide funding for area parks, and additional dollars to the town’s coffer. Work will begin in March, with new power poles and transformers going up on the Northwest side of town. Mayor Volkert said that the project should be up and running by next November.
Both men agreed that one of their biggest disappointments was the delay in the demolition of the two buildings on Front Street. Structure problems that threatened the Odd Fellow’s building to the West delayed the process. A protective barrier was constructed, and work will continue as weather allows. Volkert said that once this is completed, buildings on the Southside will be addressed.
Several downtown properties have been purchased and will be made available for retail businesses. Filling these buildings with shops will be a welcome addition to Galva, said Dyer, adding
“We have residents that want to invest in this town. We have a grocery/hardware store, florist, pharmacy, four restaurants, two banks, a bakery, drive-through coffee service, several insurance offices, an ethanol plant and two attorneys – all of whom live in town. And that’s not counting the home businesses we have such as beauty shops and clothing designers,” said Dyer. To add to this, a local veterinarian is building a brand-new building and plans to add more staff to her clinic.
The Kewanee Life Skills Reentry program has assisted city clean-up crews by mowing, trimming and doing general maintenance, saving the city time and money.
“We appreciate all they have done”, said Dyer. They recently completed a 20-year old project at the Galva Cemetery, by replacing flag stands by each veteran’s gravestone.
Funding is always an issue, and both men research grants, loans and government programs to help finance city projects. The BOW Renewables will be a great help to Galva, said Volkert, who is hoping the recently revived Henry County Tourism Board will also add dollars to the town.
“There is a lot to offer here,” said Volkert, noting that Galva is still “The City of Go”, and will continue to move in the right direction.
Volkert, a former Galva High School teacher, is completing his second term. He and wife Teri have lived in Galva since 1974. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.
Dyer – hired in 2005, is a native Texan. He, his wife and son live in Galva and are currently rehabbing one of Galva’s older homes.
Galva is governed by a six-member City Council which meets at 6 pm on the fourth Monday of each month in the Council chambers at 311 N.W. 4th Avenue. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Further information on Galva can be found at www.galvail.gov. or www.galva.com.
