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Galesburg council orders engineering quotes for failing DPW barn after debate over $500,000 estimate
Summary
After heated discussion about the dilapidated DPW barn and possible replacement costs, the council voted to solicit engineering quotes to inform a longer-term decision and revisit the matter in October.
The Galesburg City Council voted to obtain engineering quotes for the city’s deteriorating Department of Public Works barn after a contentious discussion on Sept. 8.
Building Official Fritz Pins described the current structure as having been “built like a hay barn,” saying the original trusses were hand-made and that the building is in very poor condition. Pins warned that heavy snow could endanger the structure. Several councilmembers expressed concern about cost, with one councilmember saying replacement estimates had risen as high as $500,000 and urging caution about spending city funds.
Mayor Linda Marble and other councilmembers pressed for engineering plans so the city could consider a durable replacement; Marble said plans would allow for a building with a substantially longer lifespan if maintained properly. Councilmember Stanley Chovanec and Superintendent Ranes emphasized the need to protect valuable city equipment stored in the barn. Councilmember Glen Hawes questioned the priority of the expenditure and said at current price estimates the money might be better used on other projects.
A motion by Councilmember Ryan Harnden to solicit engineering quotes carried on a voice vote. The council agreed to review the proposals and discuss design, cost estimates and next steps at the October meeting.
