Galesville council authorizes preliminary design for $3 million "West Side Project"

Mayor Tom Thatcher opened a special City of Galesville Council meeting on Oct. 23, 2024, where the council authorized preliminary engineering and design for the "West Side Project," a proposed replacement of sewer, water and street infrastructure in parts of town.

Mike Davy of Davy Engineering presented the concept plan calling for work on 5th, 6th and 7th streets and on West Gale Avenue, West Clark Avenue and McKinley Avenue. Davy said the project has been discussed since 2016 and presented the scope and timing as a multi-utility street reconstruction effort that consultants and staff believe can proceed without a major immediate impact on sewer or water rates or property taxes.

Sean Lentz of Ehlers reviewed multiple financing options and described how those choices would affect city finances. Consultants estimated the total project cost at $3,006,040 and noted that because the city’s income exceeds program limits, few grant opportunities are available. The presentation identified a likely funding approach combining some cash reserves with loans for water, sewer and general obligation borrowing, with construction proposed for 2025 and first debt payments anticipated in 2026. The timing of the Ridgeview Estates TID closing was noted as a potential offset to project costs.

After the presentations, Councilmember Dave Carlson moved to authorize the preliminary engineering report and project design for 2025 construction; Ryker Todd seconded. The motion passed unanimously (Bruce Bender, Dave Carlson, Randy Larson, Diane Redsten, Jesse Swing and Ryker Todd). Carlson later moved to adjourn; Diane Redsten seconded and the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

The council directed staff to work with Davy Engineering and Ehlers to finalize a financing plan and bring recommendations back to the council. No final financing decisions or construction contracts were approved at the meeting.