The Spring Grove City Council met Tuesday, October 19, from 6-7 p.m. at the Spring Grove Communications meeting room.
City Clerk/Administrator Julie Amundson corrected the agenda. Under new business, item number 3, “electric rate” replaces “utility rate.” The consent agenda was unanimously approved.
Council members in attendance included Mayor Scott Solberg, Travis Torgerson, Karen Folstad, Chad Rohland, and Trent Turner.
Mayor Solberg led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The council held a public hearing to amend and update Chapter 1106 Definitions and Section E Accessory Building, Structures, and Uses. Amundson explained, “It is really clarifying garages in the ordinance. The way it was written, you could only have one other accessory building if you have a garage. Now there can be one accessory building in addition to any detached garage.” Councilman Torgerson confirmed that Planning and Zoning had reviewed the changes and is okay with it. There were no comments from the public. The council approved the changes with the correction of the typo.
City council and city staff will switch to new email addresses this fall. The cost to make the switch is almost $4,000, which includes 10 licenses and technical support.
The council tabled the recommendation to hire a full-time custodian until the November meeting. Amundson explained that the full-time custodian would take over the Fest Building, log cabin, restrooms, concessions, office, and assist with snow removal. The council could consider starting them at $11.47 or $12.90 per hour.
The council agreed to have John and Ethel Sylling property, parcel 26.0528.000, surveyed to determine the exact location of the easement that has run through Russ and Mary Lou Gerard’s and Sylling’s property since 1965. Amundson informed the council that the survey will cost the city less than $1,000, and then the city will have to take care of it.” Turner mentioned, “There is heavy traffic through there, and it is in rough shape.”
Pat Longmire, Red’s Hometown Market, asked the council to review the feasibility of the municipal liquor store versus an off-sale business at his family’s grocery store. State law dictates that a town the size of Spring Grove cannot have a municipal and private liquor store. Council members identified a number of issues that must be addressed before a decision can be made. Issues noted include: determining who will sell pull tabs; how funds that are given back to the community and city departments from the municipal liquor store will be handled; determining the process to follow if more than one business competes for a single license; determining how much money from property taxes will go into the general fund; and determining who will sell beer at the Fest building. Longmire stated, “The bottom line is what do we want Spring Grove to look like.” Longmire finished by asking the city to look at the municipal liquor store like a business. Mayor Solberg stressed that he is happy to listen to both sides, with Councilman Rohland confirming, “There is a lot to pour over.”
The board approved a 3% electric rate increase effective January 1, 2022. Amundson reminded the council that last year the council approved a 3% increase.
Mayor Solberg mentioned that the steps at the front of the fire department house need shoring. The house needs to be safe and not an eyesore because it is located on Main Street. Turner mentioned that the house was bought for training and is still valuable for training.
Torgerson, Planning and Zoning committee member, firmly stated that he plans to keep the comprehensive plan on the surface and bring it up at every council meeting, so it does not get put on the back burner.
Folstad announced that the library still has an open library position. However, at present, a former library employee will fill the position until the right person is found.
The Spring Grove City Council’s next regular meeting is November 16, at 6 p.m. in Spring Grove Communications room 100.