Galva City Engineer Greg Peterson, of Bruner, Cooper and Zuck, opened the Galva City Council meeting on Monday by outlining the three-year rotation to surface city streets.

The streets on the northwest side of town will be resurfaced using one layer of aggregate and one layer of seal coat, he told the council. The cost for this phase is estimated to be $140,000, and the council voted unanimously to proceed with the project, with an appropriation of $160,000 to cover any additional costs that might occur.

Mayor Rich Volkert thanked Peterson for his work on this project, adding that he looks forward to the time when all the streets in town are in good shape.

The BlueCross grant to add a special exercise area at the park district was submitted, and the council learned that the $60,000 award would not come close to what would be needed to complete the project.

The council agreed not to move forward with the grant.

“We need to concentrate on upgrading Washington and Wiley parks,” said Volkert, and once the solar field money is available, it will be used to resurface the Wiley Park basketball court and replace playground equipment. “We think that’s a better use of money.”

City Administrator David Dyer told the council that the swings are ready to install in Washington Park and the addition of the pickleball court will give more options for residents.

Audience member Dustin Williams asked the council to consider adding a second basketball court in Wiley Park, as he coaches basketball for younger kids and feels it is needed. Volkert agreed that the council would look into it.

Alderman Jim Hartman commented on the number of properties in disrepair. He and Mayor Volkert recently visited two properties on the Southwest side and one on the Northeast side that likely need demolishing.

Alderman Jeff Olson commented that there are several homes in violation of the property ordinance. Police Chief Kraig Townsend noted that the list of homes with such violations is getting smaller as the police department works to get those residents to comply with the new policies.

Street Superintendent Richard Plummer announced that the cemetery clean-up begins the week before Easter on April 13. “Graves can be decorated again on Saturday, April 19,” said Plummer.

Al Operations Manager Greg Thompson was not able to attend, as he and his crew were busy working on water main leaks.

City Clerk Debbie VanWassenhove noted that Galva cemetery rates will increase on May 1. She also said that homes with delinquent water bills will no longer have red tags placed on their front door.

“The second notice that is mailed out is the final notice,” said VanWassenhove, adding that residents having trouble paying for their water bill are always encouraged to call City Hall to arrange a payment plan.

Police Chief Townsend said that there have been numerous thefts from unlocked vehicles and unlocked garages.

“We aren’t the only community to experience an increase in such thefts and he and his staff are working with several other towns to catch those committing these crimes,” the chief said. “The best deterrent is to lock your cars, trucks, and garages.”

Mayor Volkert announced that election day is April 1. Precincts 1 and 2 will vote at the American Legion building. Precinct 3 residents will now vote at the Senior Citizen Center.

The next council meeting will be held on Monday, April 7 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, located at 311 NW 4th Avenue. Residents are welcome to attend.