City of Galva City Council met Oct. 26.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of the City of Galva met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. with Debbie VanWassenhove serving as City Clerk. Mayor Rich Volkert presided with the following Aldermen in attendance: James Hartman, Jayme Hopping, Jackie Clucas, Rick Otterstrom, & Doug Anderson.
The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance.
David Dyer asked that the TIF ordinance be moved ahead of the presentation by BOW Renewables do to an alderman needing to leave the meeting early.
MINUTES
Alderman Anderson made a motion and was seconded to approve the September 26, 2022 council meeting minutes. The vote was 5 yeas and no nays.
BILLS AND CLAIMS
Alderman Hopping moved and was seconded that the bills and claims be approved as presented and the City Clerk is instructed to issue orders on the Treasurer’s account for the several amounts. The vote was 5 yeas and no nays.
COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Volkert reported that the City had received: State of IL: September Income tax $39,843.04, August State Use tax $7,584.25, September Video Gaming tax $3,950.97, September Cannabis tax $292.99, August Telecommunications tax $1,950.99, August Sales tax $24,436.34, August/September Personal Property Replacement tax $31,273.78, Rebuild Illinois MFT Installment #6 $28,437.55, September MFT $8,826.41. David Dyer stated that this is looking to be another banner year, 3rd one in a row!
First on the agenda was the Presentation of Service Plaque to Mitch Boston. Mayor Volkert stated that he appreciated all that he has done for the city with his time as an alderman and presented him with a plaque from the city.
Next on the agenda was the swearing in of a new alderman. Mayor Volkert appointed Jeff Olson as the new alderman for ward 1, with no objections from the rest of the council Mayor Volkert then swore Alderman Olson in.
Next on the agenda was Ordinance 1637: Dissolving the Special Tax Allocation Fund & Terminating the Designation of Galva TIF District #1. David Dyer went through the ordinance for everyone present. Alderman Anderson then made a motion and was seconded to pass the ordinance. The vote was 6 yeas and no nays.
Next on the agenda was a Presentation by BOW Renewables. Andrew with BOW Renewables gave the presentation. He stated that they would like to develop 3 solar projects in Galva, they have put a proposal together to be submitted and they should find out the outcome in January or February. If they get awarded the projects they will pay to upgrade all of Ameren’s infrastructure (in the sum of approximately $2 million). After that is completed BOW can then start construction on the solar arrays. This would provide customers with a 10-15% discount on their power bill. Alderman Hartman was concerned about upsetting Ameren by using BOW but Andrew stated that Ameren would be a big part of the program, they are still providing the power. Anyone who is currently an Ameren customer can participate, their power bills would come from BOW instead of Ameren and BOW would then pay Ameren. Alderman Olson asked about customers who already had solar and Andrew replied that they can still participate and benefit. Alderman Anderson asked about residents that have Corn Belt, Andrew replied that unfortunately only Ameren customers can participate. Alderman Anderson then asked what would happen if they do not get awarded the projects, Andrew stated that they would re-apply, but they are hoping they will be awarded the 1st time. Alderman Clucas had to leave at this time. Alderman Olson asked who would be responsible for caring for the land, Andrew stated that BOW would be responsible. Alderman Anderson asked where the closest local office was located and Andrew replied that it is in Chicago.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment at this time.
Next on the agenda were the department head reports. Richard Plummer was not able to be present so Mayor Volkert stated for him that the last scheduled yard waste pickups for the year would be November 7th and the 21st with the 21st being a free pick up. He also stated that there is to be no burning in the street at all anywhere. Chief Townsend stated that he has been looking into a new squad car, he does not have all of the information yet but the one he likes is a Ford Explorer for $39,000 plus wiring and a repeater, so a total of approximately $48,000 total. This would replace the 2014 Taurus which is the K9 car, unfortunately the K9 car has a kennel that cannot be moved to the new vehicle so they would have to get another one. He stated that he will have better figures for the next meeting. He then stated that they have had a lot of welfare checks in the last few months and that it is helpful when family members let dispatch know where an extra key is so they do not have to kick in a door. Greg Thompson stated that the water towers got an interior wash out this week and that the towers were doing good. He then stated that there is a problem with well 5, the starter went out a few months ago. They had ordered a soft start motor to fix the issue and that was installed on Wednesday but when they fired it up it kicked the breakers off within a few seconds. They will now have to pull it out of the ground and see what is wrong with it. He has people coming on Tuesday to help figure it out. He is also still working on the lead and copper information for the EPA. He is trying to get as many residents to cooperate as possible. The hydro-vac truck has been a huge help in speeding this up. He is still looking for 15 people to sign up to sample as well.
Next on the agenda were the Aldermen’s Reports. No one had anything at this time.
City Administrator’s Report
David Dyer stated that we should finally get the truck we ordered in 2020 by next Wednesday.
Mayor Volkert announced that Trick or Treat hours for Halloween would be October 31st from 5-7pm and that there is a trunk or treat event in front of City Hall on October 29th from 2-4.
After no further discussion Alderman Hopping made a motion and was seconded to adjourn. The vote was 5 yeas and no nays.
https://www.galvail.gov/Minutes/102422.pdf
Alerts Sign-up