The Galena City Council voted Sept. 8 to approve a sidewalk project at the McDonald’s property, 957 Deer Street. Under the arrangement, McDonald’s will construct and fund a sidewalk that connects to a previously installed state sidewalk; in return McDonald’s will grant the city a perpetual easement allowing public use and city maintenance of the sidewalk.

Council discussion summarized the project as a safety improvement to eliminate gaps that force pedestrians into the roadway. Councilmember Gary Keefer said connecting the existing state sidewalk to the commercial lot would close a walking gap to nearby destinations. The project will include ADA ramps and crosswalks as needed.

Funding: The city had $30,000 set aside in the budget for sidewalk construction and ADA ramps; McDonald’s requested a total city contribution of $65,000 for the perpetual easement arrangement. Council stated the plan would use the city’s $30,000 allocation and up to $35,000 additional as needed to reach the $65,000 total for the easement.

Action: The council approved the motion to proceed with the sidewalk project (agenda item 25C-0361). McDonald’s will complete the parking-lot revamp at its cost, install the sidewalk and convey a perpetual easement; the city will construct the required ADA ramps and contribute toward the easement as budgeted.

Next steps: Staff will finalize easement documentation and coordinate ADA ramp installation and crosswalk placement with state roadway authorities where required.