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Galesburg council deadlocks on $22,800 architect fee for proposed DPW barn
Summary
The council split 3-3 on whether to pay $22,800 for architect drawings for a proposed Department of Public Works barn, leaving the project unfunded and prompting continued discussion about repairing the existing building and replacing an aging plow truck.
Mayor Linda Marble presented a $22,800 quote for architect drawings to support a proposed 40-by-58-by-16-foot Department of Public Works barn, saying the drawings are needed so contractors can bid to build to specifications. Superintendent Ranes warned the city’s plow truck is approaching 26 years and that postponing plans risks losing a multi-year replacement cycle.
Councilmember Ryan Harnden moved to approve the architect fee. On a roll-call vote, Harnden, Councilmember Stanley Chovanec and Mayor Marble voted “aye,” while Councilmembers Carol Wortinger, Anthony Tipken and Glen Hawes voted “nay,” producing a 3-3 tie and causing the motion to fail.
Opponents cited budget priorities and concerns about immediate repair needs for the existing barn; proponents argued that architect drawings were a necessary first step to secure contractors and to plan for replacement of aging equipment. Marble and Superintendent Ranes noted the city will need to solicit repair quotes for the current barn if the design work is deferred.
The council took no further formal action on the barn at the meeting; the project remains under discussion on future agendas.
