The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session July 10, with all members present (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). A public hearing was held just prior to the regular council meeting, on the topic of a proposed “Exterior Maintenance” ordinance for the city. A citizen (Mr. Cleveland) addressed the council, stating, “There’s a lot of people in town that are on a fixed income, retired like I am, that may or may not be able to bring their property up to whatever standard you guys decide.” It was pointed out the any such ordinance would apply to homes and businesses.
Council members shared the concern that homeowners on a fixed income might find it difficult or impossible to comply with the proposed ordinance, which would then leave the city in the position of paying a crew to do the work, and assessing the cost to the homeowner. Zimmer said if that happens, the cost would be recouped the next year. But she added that many homeowners would still find it a hardship to comply with the ordinance as proposed. Council members talked about the large differences between expecting a homeowner to keep a vehicle license current, compared to expecting someone to get their roof reshingled or entire house painted. Jessy Betts and Tony Archer suggested removing the sections of the proposed ordinance that deal with superficial maintenance (such as painting) and leaving only those portions that deal with structural or safety concerns (such as falling bricks, collapsing roofs, etc.). Council members also discussed that a few homes in town appear to have animals (cats, raccoons, etc.) living in them because of missing windows or holes in walls or roofs. Deputies reported they have actually seen such animals going in and out of some buildings. It was agreed that these issues are much more important than peeling paint. Some council members asked whether funding may be available through Habitat for Humanity, or SEMCAC, or similar agencies, to help those who cannot otherwise afford to make structural repairs. The council chose to table the issue until the next meeting, and to look into any grants or similar resources that may be available to help homeowners make needed repairs.
The council discussed the donations that have been made to sponsor picnic tables at the pavilions in South Park. Zimmer pointed out that several organizations have each donated $800 to sponsor one picnic table each, and she expects to receive another such donation soon, from the local Kiwanis club. The council voted to accept with gratitude the sponsorships of $800 each from Essig Agency, Osterud/Winter Trust, Home Federal, and Bolton & Menk.
The council approved the quarterly ambulance “write-offs” as submitted, totaling $2,774. The council also OK’d a temporary liquor license for the Chamber of Commerce, for Ag Days. Tony Archer asked citizens, when walking dogs, to please keeps dogs on a leash, and to pick up after their dogs. Mayor Struzyk noted that there continue to be lawns and patches of grass that are badly in need of mowing, and he encouraged owners to take care of this. The next regular meeting of the city council will be Monday, July 24. The public is welcome.
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