On Monday, April 13, the Spring Valley City Council began the night with a public meeting to review a proposed event ordinance.
The ordinance was written by city attorneys at Dunlap Seeger after they were asked to review questions the council had about potential events on city property.
“I just have some concerns,” councilor Luan Ruesink expressed. “I think it is really going to limit people holding events within the city. We have a difficult time getting the ordinances we already have in place enforced, so adding another one and to this detail I just don’t think is a wise decision.”
Ag Days Event organizer Stacey Rath and Fins and Films President Greg Melartin shared concerns with several of the stipulations within the ordinance.
When asked why the city was considering an event ordinance or policy, Mayor Justin Mlinar said, “It is proactive because nothing major has happened, but there have been enough complaints from different events that something should be done. I think once it got into the attorney’s hands it got way out of hand. I, more or less, just wanted an agreement between people putting events on and the city to say what we expect. Honestly, we have enough ordinances as it is.”
After much discussion, the council voted to table the ordinance proposal for further review at an upcoming workshop.
SafeBuilt
Business and property owner Brad Grafe asked the council to reconsider their use of the SafeBuilt, which is the company that currently handles the city’s building inspections.
Grafe cited the high cost of fees for simple changes, such as putting in a new door.
“You are pushing people out of town,” Grafe said. “Do you want people to upgrade their property or do you want them to be rundown?”
“Everything less the fees for inspection can only be used by the city for enforcement of the planning and zoning. That is a state statute. It isn’t a money grab for the city,” Economic Development Director and Planning and Zoning committee member Chris Hahn explained.
Grafe also expressed concerns with the high cost of utilities and water in the city.
Mlinar stated due to the WWTP project, water costs would unfortunately have to be raised. Mlinar later shared he and Councilor Brent Kohn went to the state capital to meet with Representative Greg Davids to discuss a bill asking for $5 million to help offset the cost of the WWTP.
The council stated they would add the costs to discussion at their next workshop.
Staff Reports
John Dols thanked Spring Valley Chevrolet for their $500 toward baseball and softball equipment for the summer programs.
The Park and Recs Department received a Junior Twins Equipment Kit from the Minnesota Twins Community Fund.
The committee has received $7,000 in donations for the volleyball court project. The next fundraiser for the Parks committee will be Knights logos painted on driveways.
A flag pole was donated to South Park with the stipulation it only fly the old Minnesota state flag, which the council approved.
Library Director Melissa Vander Plas shared they are finishing up details on the summer reading program. Interior painting will begin in this spring as will the exterior project.
According to Ambulance Co-Director Sue Puffer, there were 45 calls last month. Unfortunately, the department is now down to only one ambulance as the second truck needs a new turbo which is a $6,000 unplanned expense. Puffer reminded residents their annual pancake breakfast is being held May 17 and any donation would be a tremendous help.
Also anyone interested in becoming an emergency medical responder (EMR) is asked to contact any of the directors.
The mayor thanked Brian Danielson, who is retiring, for his 22 years at the fire department.
Hahn shared surveys have been distributed for the Fillmore County Rural Childcare Innovation program to assess area childcare needs. Surveys are also available on the EDA website.
Other Business
The annual Junk Day is Saturday, May 2 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
After opening bids on March 31 for the Downtown project, Drew Weber, of Bolton and Menk, recommended the city hire A1 Excavating, LLC. The company had the highest score after contractor interviews and gave the lowest bid at $1,292,255.30.
The Fins and Film Grass Drag request was approved.
The council approved several planning and zoning recommendations. The recommendation for K5 Properties’ replat of parcels and reduction of utility easement was approved, as was the recommendation declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions for Countryside Acre Subdivision.
The Jeff Kapper’s request to reconsider annexing the alleyway was tabled for further review.
The council, with Dols abstaining, approved hiring Dols as an EMR.
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