The Spring Valley City Council held a regular meeting on May 9. All council members were present (Mayor Tony Archer, John Dols, Chris Danielson, Luan Ruesink, and Greg Brooks). City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer also participated. No visitors had signed up to address the council. The agenda was light, and the meeting lasted only 12 minutes.
The item garnering the most discussion from council members was concerns about traffic speed in town. Luan Ruesink stated, “Just a reminder to residents, when you’re driving on the side streets, maybe slow down a little bit. The weather is nice, and kids are out playing and riding bikes.” Chris Danielson agreed, and added, “The traffic in front of our place is horrific… and I would certainly hope that our officers and police department would take care of that and address it as it is happening.”
Greg Brooks shared his opinion about ATV traffic, saying, “I wish we could get our deputies to slow some of the side-by-sides down… Some of the side-by-sides get ridiculous with the way they drive.” Danielson suggested citizens call the sheriff’s department and/or the city if they witness unsafe driving, so the issue can be promptly addressed.
Ruesink also voiced a concern regarding dogs, saying, “A reminder to residents that dogs are not allowed at South Park even if they are on a leash. There’s a city ordinance to not have dogs at South Park.” Mayor Archer also asked that dog owners be aware that barking dogs will be heard more, now that people are having windows open. He asked that dog owners be responsible, and not leave a barking dog outside for extended periods of time.
Archer and Brooks talked about the upcoming Spring Valley 100 bicycle race, which will be held May 21. Brooks said he expects a big crowd. Also on May 21, the citywide cleanup event will be held. Archer said that there will be a nominal fee for certain items, but general garbage can be dropped off for free.
John Dols stated that Summer Rec packets are now available for families to sign up for summer offerings, and he reminded residents to “get your pool pass.” The pool is expected to open on June 5 or 6.
The council approved paying a pay estimate of roughly $17,860 on the Fremont Street project. Deb Zimmer explained that this particular amount was basically for tree removal.
The council approved a proclamation designating May 9-13 as Small Business Week. The proclamation, which Mayor Archer read aloud, honored local businesses for operating and even expanding during the pandemic. It noted that more than a dozen new businesses have come into Spring Valley in the past 26 months, and several others have expanded.
Mayor Archer also read aloud a proclamation noting May 15-21 as Emergency Medical Services Week. The proclamation noted the “lifesaving care to those in need, 24 hours a day” that the local EMS staff provides.
The next meeting of the Spring Valley City Council will be Monday, May 23 at 6 p.m., at city hall. The public is welcome.
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