Galesburg council approves DWSRF lead service replacement plan, 6–1

The Galesburg City Council on April 7 approved Resolution 2025407, a project planning document to pursue a DWSRF-funded lead service line replacement program estimated at $635,000. The motion passed on a roll-call vote 6–1; Council Member Glen Hawes voted nay.

The plan was presented by Mike Schwartz of engineering firm Prein & Newhof, who outlined the problems the project addresses, alternatives evaluated and the recommended alternative. Schwartz also described estimated costs, financing options, and anticipated social and environmental impacts along with proposed mitigation measures.

Council members discussed schedule and local budgeting. "The city must have this done in 10 years or less and the city has to budget this ourselves," Council Member Ryan Harnden said during discussion. DPW Supervisor Ranes said the city expects to replace about three to four service lines per year, translating to roughly $30,000–$40,000 annually until the work is complete.

According to the presentation, the full project to replace remaining lead service lines is estimated at about $635,000; the engineering estimate included projected user costs of approximately $2.35 per household per month. The resolution approved a planning document for fiscal year 2026 that will allow staff to pursue DWSRF funding and move the project into design and further planning phases.

Roger Frazee moved to approve the planning document; Anthony Tipken seconded. On the roll-call vote the following voted "Aye": Frazee, Chovanec, Wortinger, Tipken, Harnden and Mayor Linda Marble. Glen Hawes voted "Nay." The motion carried 6–1.

The council did not set a specific construction start date during the meeting. The approved planning document and next steps will be handled by city staff and the engineering consultant to prepare required DWSRF application materials and implementation scheduling.