Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, March 17 at 168 West Main Street. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. All council members, including City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton, were present.
Spring Grove’s community garden is going to be moved to another location, the question is where. Elton said park locations have been considered, with the top of Trollskogen Park being the prime option. Utilities Director John Sylling will obtain gravel to put down. The new location offers more space for residents to garden. Councilor Mike Hagen commented he had visited the new recommended location and stated it to be a good one.
The Agenda received full approval after the addition of item #19 under New Business, which included the north division part street closure for May 16 and May 17.
One resident spoke during Open Forum to address concerns about a code violation issued.
Next, the council held two public hearings that involved ordinances pertaining to THC sales and habitat/pollinator gardening.
Councilor Morgan Buckland moved, seconded by Eric Ostern, to approve Resolution 26-17 an ordinance regulating the sale of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) products in city limits. Motion carried. One resident in the audience questioned about distance requirements. Elton answered that THC products cannot be sold within 500 feet of a park or within 1,000 feet of the school.
Elton informed that some residents wanted native plants in their yard. Residents are allowed a certain percentage of their yard to be designated towards native plants, but they need to include appropriate signage, they need to keep native plants so many feet from the curb, and these plants cannot exceed into boulevards. The council unanimously approved the ordinance.
For Old Business, Elton updated the council that the city and Spring Grove Public Library now own the lots where the former hardware store used to be. At this location, the new library will be built.
Under New Business, Giants of the Earth Heritage Center Council requested to visit both Kindred and Maddock, N. Dak., to build a symbolic relationship with Norwegians who once resided in the area but relocated. This relationship may improve tourism in Spring Grove. The trip will not cost the city money. Giants of the Earth received approval.
Vendor Eli Pitts’ request to set up a vending machine at a city park using electricity was denied.
Hagen moved, seconded by Buckland, to approve Resolution 26-19 amending the EDA (Economic Development Authority) bylaws. Motion carried. The amendment would make the wording more user friendly.
Elton informed the city received the SMIF Paint the Town Grant where the Syttende Mai Hus will be repainted. Volunteers will be needed.
Elton added that she also applied for the DNR Trollskogen Park Grant. She removed the disc golf from it as there is already a course. In the grant she included signage, ADA-compliant equipment, another drinking fountain, and additional parking.
The Spring Grove Fire Department will receive five or six sets of full firemen gear due to the MSA & Dupont Gear Giveaway.
Syttende Mai Committee will be closing the same streets as they did the previous year. The west side of the park for Maple Drive and the east side of the park for 1st Avenue NE will be closed Saturday, May 16. The east side of the American Legion on North Division Avenue will be closed that Saturday, too. Then for the parade parking plan, there will be a one-sided parking post-parade route with barricades.
Lastly, councilors provided their meeting reports.
For EDA, Elton shared they talked about fix-it funds to help businesses come to Spring Grove and about the daycare. The EDA is in need of an out-of-town board member.
Hagen informed that for the Parks meeting it was discussed that the track needed more dirt and signage.
Buckland added to the previous library update how they are looking at SMIF funding options. The library is adding a new board member, Carolyn Olson.
After a busy agenda, the council meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
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