Wake Up Tri-Counties Galva Mayor Volkert Recaps the September 2026 City Council Meeting

Galva Mayor Rich Volkert discussed several city projects, community improvements, and upcoming events during an appearance on Wake Up Tri-Counties following the Galva City Council meeting held September 8th. One highlight of the meeting was a $35,000 donation from the Freedom Fest organization to help fund Galva's annual fireworks celebration. Volkert praised the organization and the many volunteers who spend the year holding events and meals to raise money for the fireworks. The donation included $12,000 from Berkshire Hathaway, with the remainder raised through the Freedom Fest Committee's efforts. Mayor Volkert said the continued fundraising allows the city to provide a fireworks celebration for the entire community. Road Work Continues Road improvements were also discussed, including the city's recent work on roads leading toward the high school and northeast part of Galva. The city spent approximately $250,000 on a chip-and-seal project this year. Volkert acknowledged that residents have expressed concerns about the dust and loose chips but said the work is part of a long-term strategy to maintain the roads while the city prepares for much more expensive infrastructure projects. The road from downtown toward the high school will eventually require sewer work followed by a complete road reconstruction, a project Mayor Volkert estimated could cost approximately $2.5 million. Because of those costs, the city is using chip-and-seal work to keep roads in serviceable condition until larger projects can be completed. Washington Park Fence Planned The city is also moving forward with improvements at Washington Park, including plans to install a fence around portions of the playground equipment. Mayor Volkert said the approximately $8,600 project is intended to help keep children safely away from the nearby street, which can become particularly busy when trains block traffic in the area. The city has also installed a couple of chairs at the park using funding connected to the wind farm near Bishop Hill. Wiley Park Playground Improvements Work on the new playground equipment at Wiley Park is nearing completion. Mayor Volkert said the playground improvements were selected by community members, although installation has taken longer than anticipated because of issues involving the delivery and setup of some equipment. The city hopes to have the project completed soon, weather permitting. Cemetery Cleanup Set for October Galva's annual cemetery cleanup is scheduled for October 11th, with residents asked to remove decorations by that date. Items can be placed back at the cemetery beginning October 16th. Mayor Volkert also said city workers, along with people from the Kewanee Resource Center, plan to conduct additional work on veterans' graves in October. Fall City Cleanup and Tree Sale Galva's Fall City Cleanup Week is scheduled for October 28th through October 31st. Residents are encouraged to contact City Hall in advance regarding certain pickup needs. The city is also participating in a fall tree sale through the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District. Galva will pay half the cost of qualifying trees for residents. Residents interested in participating need to stop by City Hall and complete the necessary paperwork before the deadline. The city is also continuing its effort to inventory trees located throughout Galva as it works to maintain its designation as a Tree City. New Galva Slogan Promotes Music Mayor Volkert was also asked about the city's recently adopted slogan, "Where Music Lives, Small Town, Big Sound." He said the effort is still developing, with local organizations and John Taylor working on ways to promote the slogan and Galva's music heritage. Mayor Volkert believes the effort will become more noticeable when the community reaches the spring and summer event season again. Changes to Fireworks Ordinance One of the more significant changes discussed was Galva's updated fireworks ordinance. Under the new rules, sparklers will not be permitted on public property, including city parks. Residents may still use sparklers on their own private property. More significantly, violations of the fireworks ordinance will now be treated as a misdemeanor, rather than simply resulting in a warning-type ticket. Mayor Volkert said the changes were prompted by growing concerns over fireworks being discharged for extended periods before and after the Fourth of July holiday, sometimes late into the night and near other residents' homes. He said the city wants to prevent potential fires and injuries while also addressing concerns from elderly residents, families, and pet owners. Reminder to Drivers as School Year Begins Mayor Volkert also urged motorists to use extra caution around Galva schools now that students are back in session. Drivers should obey posted speed limits and remain alert for children walking, riding bicycles or using scooters and other devices. He said the city is also looking at ways to educate younger students about safety around streets and traffic. Residents with questions about the projects, cleanup schedules, or other city business are encouraged to contact Galva City Hall for additional information.