City officials dealt with several issues at the monthly Galva City Council meeting on Monday, including needed road repairs and growing concerns from residents about the planned carbon storage project.

Greg Peterson of Bruner, Cooper and Zuck, the engineering firm involved with the city’s MFT (Motor Fuel Tax) program, addressed the council about the planned street repairs for the Northeast quarter of the city. He said that for now, a proposed single seal coating will cost approximately $203,000.

Mayor Rich Volkert explained that the county will be hired to do the job, and work should begin in August. He also said that the price of oil could affect the final cost and hopes that it will not increase by the time the paving begins. The council voted unanimously to appropriate the $203,000 for the project.

Peterson also said that work on paving Northwest 10th and 11th streets is estimated to cost more than a million dollars, with an additional $800,000 if sidewalks are installed. He added that it will cost from $25,000 to $35,000 to fix the drainage problem on Northwest 7th Avenue. No action was taken on either item.

The former Lord Chevrolet building is up for bids, and the city is seeking proposals from qualified development entities to complete the restoration or rehabilitation of the structure. The proposal states, in part, “in collaboration with the selected developer, the city envisions a retail space that carefully preserves the building’s envelope and historic integrity while activating additional development on the east end of Market/Commercial Street.”

It goes on to require that any proposed restoration must maintain historic integrity and must be acceptable to the Galva City Council.

City Administrator David Dyer said that TIF monies may be available, subject to identified funding gaps and city council support.

A copy of the complete RFP, or questions concerning the proposal’s guidelines, should be submitted to the city at www.galvail.gov.

Audience member Donna Ericson asked the council to address her safety concerns about the CO2 well planned at the ethanol plant east of town. She asked if the OEM (Office of Emergency Management) has been involved and what the proposed increase in truck traffic will do. She also expressed concerns about how the well may affect property values.

“I am very concerned and ask if the city can stop it,”she said.

Volkert responded that the council has concerns and has spoken with OEM officials.

“We do know that it can take two years for a permit to be issued by the EPA,” he said, adding that the State’s EPA has stringent requirements that must be met.

Dyer said that the Texas-based group in charge of the well, LAPIS Carbon Solutions, is in the area quite often and will be returning to the council meetings to address the public’s concerns.

“It’s very important that we all get correct information,” said Volkert. “Relying on social media is not always the best way to get the facts.” He added that the well will be maintained and monitored for 12 years. “After that, they are still responsible for monitoring and maintaining the well.”

Dyer went on to say that there is no guarantee that the EPA will give the LAPIS group a permit. Alderman Doug Anderson compared the liability issues to those at the coal mines.

“The liability continues, even after the mine closes. It will be the same with the well,” Anderson said.

Alderman John Wirth echoed Ericson’s concern about the increase in truck traffic coming into town from the Big River facility in Burlington. Volkert agreed and responded, “Because routes 34 and 17 are state highways, we can’t control the traffic. So that becomes a problem.” He went on to say that the ethanol plant is a private entity.

Sandra Brock, another audience member, asked the council to have a qualified sign language interpreter for the council meetings. She offered to provide a list of interpreters to the council.

“There aren’t many in the area, and they are expensive,” she said.

Volkert asked City Attorney Zac Lessard to look into the request.

Sean O’Brien addressed the council, stating that he had spent $7,500 to widen his driveway to make room for his boat, so that he complied with the city’s ordinance.

“When I drive around parts of town, I see vehicles and junk in yards and wonder why those properties don’t have to abide by ordinances as I do,” O’Brien said, adding, “I think the ordinance should apply equally.”

Chief of Police Kraig Townsend said that his officers are pursuing those who don’t comply and have sent out approximately 70 letters to residents, giving them 14 days to correct the situation. He noted that there seems to be a problem with furniture left on the terraces.

“I think that one person puts something out, and those around them think there might be a city wide pick up, when there isn’t, and it creates a problem,” the police chief said.

John McArthur from the Water and Sewer Department announced that they have resumed high service pumping on well #4, which has been out of operation for quite some time. Employees will be updating the chlorination system at the end of the month and then cleaning and inspecting the water towers.

Street department head, Richard Plummer, announced that the city’s spring cleanup is set for the week after Father’s Day this year.

Alderman Wirth told the council that he has been in touch with BNSF officials and that they have agreed to make certain that the 6th Street crossing is always open. Wirth made it clear to them that when all crossings are blocked, it could cause a very serious issue for both fire and ambulance departments. He also said that he is working with the Galva Ready to Grow group to provide some awards to those who have made major improvements to their homes and yards.

Dyer discussed the ongoing issue of replacing the city’s street sweeper.

“The annual maintenance on the current machine runs about $15,000 a year,” he said.

He went on to say that he had spoken with officials in Bloomington, and they recommended using a diesel engine sweeper.

Alderman Jeff Olson expressed concern that diesel fuel would be more costly. Dyer said that the sweeper is needed to keep leaves and other waste out of storm drains. The debris can pollute the water and create a problem with the State and can affect the entire community.

Alderwoman Jackie Clucas thanked Ericson for her comments concerning the CO2 well. She welcomed input from citizens and said that comments and concerns can be addressed through the city clerk at cityclerk@galvail.gov, who will forward them on to the appropriate council member.

Clucas also announced that long time Galva resident, Jordan Murray, has written a children’s book about young Swedes who immigrated to the area when the country was new. Murray has a keen interest in Galva and Bishop Hill history, and this is his second children’s book to be published this year.

The first one, Ember, tells the story of a spider who gets lost and then finds her way home. Those wishing to order his latest book can contact City Hall for information.

The next council meeting will be on Monday, April 6, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.

Information about the city can be obtained at the newly revamped website www.galvail.gov.