Lead. That will be the opening topic at tonight’s Galesburg City Council meeting.
Mayor John Pritchard says he plans to speak to citizens about a recent Associated Press report citing high lead levels in some of Galesburg’s water, as well as in a percentage of children tested under the age of six in Knox County.
Last week, Pritchard and members of City Administration as well as the Knox County Health Department met with Democratic Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.
Bustos told WGIL she was dissatisfied with the city’s response, which has included asking citizens to consider filters and running water for 30 seconds to clear lead pipes.
Bustos is advocating for the city to assist citizens in removing lead pipes–a repair that legally falls on the homeowner currently.
Pritchard says he plans to speak on Bustos’ requests as well.
Meanwhile, agenda items tonight include discussion to potentially to do away with lifeguards at Lake Storey Beach, which would save the city approximately $39,000 . The item is on first read.
A $20,600 bid for new Parks and Recreation Department software is also on the agenda. Aldermen meet in City Hall at 6:30 p.m.
