City Matters: Lake Storey trail construction, road safety upgrades, and new Ward 3 alderman

In this episode of Galesburg's Morning News, City Manager Eric Hanson previews tonight's City Council meeting, describing the agenda as the start of the city's spring and summer "go mode." The evening begins with the swearing-in of Chuck Reynolds as the new Ward 3 alderman, restoring full council representation after Evan Miller's departure in December. Safety takes center stage near Lake Storey with recommended advisory 25 mph speed limits on curved sections and an enforceable 35 mph limit on South Lake Storey Road from Allison Campground to U.S. 150. These measures align with the upcoming multi-use trail expansion, bringing pedestrians and cyclists closer to vehicle traffic. Council will approve two Joint Funding Agreements with IDOT for the Lake Storey Multi-use Path. Phase I construction begins in April or May 2026, extending the trail from Carl Sandburg College to just past the Lakeside Pool. The city aims to complete over 80 percent of the four-mile loop this year, with the full trail finished by 2027. Other items include the annual Railroad Days street closure from June 23 to 28, extending the IF Farms lease at Galesburg Business Park through the 2026 harvest while the BUILD grant project remains in planning, a time extension for the Community Power Group solar garden at the airport, and a new $15,000 maintenance contract with the Galesburg Downtown Council to extend beautification beyond the Special Service Area. Hanson also discusses reducing Class A-1 liquor licenses by one following the closure of Craft on Seminary Street. The Galesburg City Council meets at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16 at Galesburg City Hall. Click here for the full agenda.