City Administrator David Dyer opened the discussion at the Galva City Council meeting Monday with a report that showed a steady decline in the special use tax.

The former Lord Chevrolet building was recently assessed at $30,000. Dyer explained that this means the city cannot accept less than 80%, or $24,000 for the structure. For a bid to be accepted, the building must include a retail or commercial component, making it unsuitable for a storage facility.

“The sale must be in the best interests of the city,” said Dyer. “A special-use permit could be sought, but that may be difficult to obtain and might interfere with the purchaser’s plans.”

The council voted to table the matter until the October council meeting. It was noted that the lot next to the property is not for sale.

Councilman John Wirth led the discussion on changes to the city’s zoning ordinance to allow specific structures for storage to be erected on unoccupied properties. He said that citizen input is important and that he agrees that parameters must be in place for any buildings placed on such property.

“The size and location of any buildings would have to follow specific zoning rules,” he said.

Comments by other council members centered on placement, property tax changes and any effect on the resale of homes nearby such buildings.

City Attorney Zak Lessard noted that it would be important to maintain some kind of oversight. Wirth will take the issue to the zoning board.

Mayor Rich Volkert said, “The zoning board will have the greatest input and should changes be considered by the council, we would need a public hearing.”

City Clerk Debbie VanWassenhove reported that over the last 25 years, 30 variances have been requested.

“Twenty-seven have been granted,” she said. “Two requests for a structure on unoccupied property were made, with one of them granted.”

The board voted unanimously to approve the sponsorship of the Park District’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAND) grant. If their application is accepted, it will provide up to $600,000 for park improvements.

Councilman Doug Anderson, who is assisting the park board with the application, said that the money will be used to replace the ball diamond lighting, batting cages, the concrete dugout on the hardball court, tennis courts, and sidewalks.

“We will also be able to make the walkway ADA compliant,” said Anderson. He added that this is the second year the grant has been available.

Police Chief Kraig Townsend discussed issues surrounding electric bicycle safety.

“These bikes are not required to be licensed, registered or insured.” He said. “There have been many safety concerns noted, and he, Mayor Volkert, and Officer Ralph Brown are working on an ordinance to put some rules in place.”

Townsend also noted that gas-powered bicycles do need a license.
Townsend reported that the new radio system implemented by the county has seen few issues.

“The initial cost of $95,000 for Galva’s new radios was covered by the county’s grant,” he said. “It included the first annual fee of $4,200 as well.”

Greg Thompson, operations manager, thanked Debbie VanWassenhove and Melissa Halsall for their hard work as the city revised its water shut-off notice policy.

“They need to be commended for the great job they did during a challenging time.”

He also announced that work on the city’s lead lines will continue through the rest of the summer, with eight lines left to replace.

“We had already paid for the materials two years ago, which means we saved a lot of money,” said Thompson, “With the process going up so much recently, we have only staff time involved in the costs.”

Street Supt. Richard Plummer told the council that he and his staff will soon be applying oil and chips to the streets in the Northwest section of Galva. He responded to an audience member’s question about where to deposit large amounts of brush by saying, “It can be taken to the city’s maintenance building, or to Jeff Kaiser’s lot on NE 9th Street.”

Dyer announced that the installation of the solar array continues, with just five rows to complete.

“Once it is finished, the city will begin to receive rental payments per the original agreement.”

Wirth mentioned that this Friday night’s car cruise is being sponsored by the Back Road Music Festival and will feature food, drinks and live music. He noted that the event begins at 5 p.m. at the Kewish refurbished water tower location on South Center Avenue. “A chance to win the music festival tickets will also be part of the event.”

The council moved into executive session to discuss real estate, after which the meeting was adjourned.

The next council meeting will be moved to Monday, Sept. 8, due to the Labor Day holiday falling on the previous Monday. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. in the council chambers on NW 4th Avenue. The public is encouraged to attend.