Galesburg City Council on Monday, May 16th authorized submitting a grant application that if approved could land a $45 million investment in the Galesburg Business Park. The developer wants to construct a loop track and related infrastructure for an ag/rail-related endeavor. The city would operate as a pass-through entity for half of the project cost which if approved would come from U.S. Department of Transportation grants. Interim City Manager Wayne Carl said that if this project came to fruition it would also increase the chances of other businesses using the park. Carl says the developer wants to develop 80 acres with up to 130 acres. The entire business park is 330 acres. Aldermen also approved Gunther Construction as the contractor to resurface areas of the deteriorated asphalt surface and replace sidewalk curb ramps. $700,000 from the motor fuel tax fund paid for the cost. Interim City Manager Wayne Carl explained that $200,000 more than last year was budgeted for this work and due to rising costs, the bids were still over budget.
Aldermen again tabled a contract with a firm that would assist the city to prepare a community center master plan. Caius Jennison with Farnsworth Group was there to answer questions from the council. He explained that he was there to “help the council” make the process what they want it to be. Jennison says the planning involves meeting with each council member individually to build a concept of programming and from there test fit that program into different sites. Farnsworth would have an early focus on test fitting to Churchill but the plan could easily evolve as the process moves on. They could also include a component of public engagement including focus groups. Once the process begins, Jennison says it would take around 6 weeks to complete. Councilmember Dwight White made a motion to table the decision on hiring Farnsworth Group until June 20th. A vote of 4-2 approved tabling the contract until then.
