Galesville council approves budget amendments, TID 2 budget and routine licenses; directs attorney to rewrite Ordinance 2-2-24

The Galesville City Council met Dec. 12, 2024, and approved a package of fiscal and administrative items, including a 2024 general fund budget amendment and the Tax Incremental District 2 budget for 2025, Mayor Tom Thatcher said.

Council members voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2024-018 amending the 2024 General Fund Budget. Diane Redsten moved the resolution and Dave Carlson seconded; the roll call recorded Carlson, Larson, Redsten and Swing voting in favor. The council later approved the Tax Incremental District 2 budget for 2025 on a 4–0 vote after a motion by Dave Carlson and a second by Jesse Swing.

Beyond budgets, the council approved a Temporary “Class B” wine and Class “B” beer license application from the Garden of Eden Preservation Society for Feb. 7–8, 2025, and a Temporary Operator’s License for Tom Sherwin at the Arnold House for the same dates. Both motions passed unanimously.

The council also approved allowing listed employees to carry over vacation through Dec. 31, 2025; Jesse Swing moved the measure and Diane Redsten seconded. Dave Carlson asked about the allowable carryover amount and was referred to the city Personnel Manual for details.

Councilors approved payment of bills totaling $122,563.98 across funds: General $88,800.14; Sewer $21,586.62; Water $4,902.23; Capital Project Fund $4,507.31; and Library $2,767.68. The motion was made by Diane Redsten and seconded by Randy Larson.

On a separate procedural matter, council members revisited Ordinance 2-2-24. Dave Carlson rescinded his earlier motion to adopt the ordinance and moved to direct the city attorney to take the discussion points from the meeting and return substitute language for Ordinance 2-2-24 for consideration, "hopefully in January;" Jesse Swing seconded and the motion carried.

The meeting record shows Police Chief Paul Evenson and Library Director Laura Oanes were given opportunities to discuss their monthly reports; no substantive public discussion of those reports was recorded in the transcript. Mayor Thatcher, as Plan Commission chair, noted the commission had no recommendations to the council; Carlson raised questions about the Plan Commission’s authority on removal of political signs and was advised to bring the matter back to council in January. Dave Carlson, chair of the Streets & Sidewalks Committee, reported the committee is awaiting feedback from DOT traffic engineer Richard Tumaniec on questions presented and expects the topic to be discussed again in January.

The council appointed Diane Redsten as the Council Chamber Member replacing Ryker Todd. The meeting adjourned following a motion by Dave Carlson and a second from Diane Redsten.