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Galena City Council postpones fireworks decision
GALENA–Concerns about vehicles parking along U.S. 20 led the Galena City Council to postpone its decision on the Kiwanis Club of Galena fireworks display over Labor Day weekend.
The council directed city staff to meet with Galena Police Chief Lori Huntington about the parking concerns before the item appears on the agenda again for a final decision on Monday, July 27.
The Kiwanis Club, working with city staff, proposed shooting off fireworks from Brooke Court in the Timp subdivision between Powder House Hill Road and U.S. 20 at dusk on Sunday, Sept. 6. The display should be visible from most areas of Galena.
Contacted after the meeting, Huntington said that parking will not be permitted on U.S. 20, and those who violate that order will be ticketed. She said she will contact the Illinois Department of Transportation to make them aware of the plans.
Kiwanis and the city typically partner to host the fireworks on July 4 from Grant Park.
Concerns about social distancing on the levee, in the downtown area and park postponed the fireworks until a later date.
In a memo to the council, City Administrator Mark Moran said the shooting area will be isolated from the public with Louieville Court closed off. The fireworks would be shot from the hard-surfaced road and would be 1,200 feet from the highway and not closer than 650 feet from any home.
Moran explained that the grass in the area will be mowed and the fire department will be on hand with equipment. Fire hydrants are located throughout the subdivision.
Other business
In other business, the board:
•approved the motor fuel tax resolution in the amount of $100,330.25.
•approved the replacement of the pressure relief valve near the Dodge Street standpipe. Cost is $21,283.
•approved amendments to the city’s motorized vehicles for hire–transportation network company ordinance. Uber is interested in operating in the city, and the changes reflect requests from that company.
•were presented with the quarterly report from Galena Country Tourism.
•appointed Jack Dennerlein, Katie Wienen and Matt Carroll to the Historic Preservation Commission for terms ending Sept. 24, 2022.
•rescheduled the Food Truck Fight for June 5, 2021.
•rescheduled the Outstanding in the Field event on Main Street for Aug. 5, 2021.
•met in closed session for collective bargaining. No action resulted.
•learned during the comment portion of the meeting about too many people being packed onto trolleys and many people not wearing masks. Also heard that no issues have arisen with the outdoor amplified and recorded music. The police department continues to monitor the situation.