Photo by Kaitlin Longhauser
Houston County Sheriff Brian Swedberg presented Deputy Calvin Nagle with a Life Saving Award acknowledging Nagle’s quick action in response to a motorcycle accident involving Mark Peterson that took place Tuesday, May 23, at the intersection of Minnesota Highway 44 and Houston County Road 4. Nagle quickly administered CPR and first aid. Swedberg originally presented Nagle the award at the Houston County Commission meeting held Monday, June 26. This time, Sheriff Swedberg recognized Nagle at the Spring Grove City Council meeting. Mayor Saundra Solum called the Spring Grove City Council meeting to order Tuesday, July 18 at 6 p.m. and led with the pledge of allegiance.
Nagle’s Life Saving Award plaque reads, “In recognition of your courageous and lifesaving actions at the scene of a motor vehicle crash on May 23, 2023, in Spring Grove, Minn., you are a prime example of the pride we take in our profession and the selfless acts that our men and women make to help others.”
Sheriff Swedberg praised Nagle, “We think you did a great job.”
Council members met at 168 West Main Street in Room 100. Councilors present included Mayor Solum, Karen Folstad, Chad Rohland, and Heather Edgington. Also in attendance was Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton. Councilor Trent Turner was absent.
Prior to the adoption of this meeting’s agenda, one item was added to Old Business, which includes WHKS bids for the 1st Street project.
The council unanimously approved to adopt the consent agenda. Prior to the consent agenda’s adoption, two brief changes were made.
No Open Forum took place.
Public Hearing
Mark Borreson presented to the council about starting a manufacturing business, Old Norse Limited, LLC, at 656 Norway Avenue. Borreson wants to put up a building to use for steel and aluminum fabrication. Rohland commented, “It meets all our requirements. I think it’s a good idea!” The Conditional Use Permit for a manufacturing business was approved.
Old Business
Rohland moved, second by Edgington to accept the Sherburne Gronne Dekar Development Agreement, in turn motion carried. Nate Sherburne joined the council meeting via Zoom to discuss the project. Sherburne stated, “I’m excited, I want Spring Grove to grow!”
Megan Jones’ property located at 117 Main Street W. suffered damage as result of a fire that took place Thursday, December 22 2022. Jones originally used the building as a studio and planned to fix the building up. Jones’ plans changed, she informed the council that she now plans to sell the building instead. The council decided to table such for the time being.
The city of Spring Grove received two applications for the animal control officer position. Both applicants seek higher pay for the position. Council member Folstad and Clerk/Administrator Elton will take on the task of interviewing for the position.
The Norwegian Language Camp will be held August 7-11. There was a request seeking permission to repaint the wooden troll at the Fest Building Park. The request was approved.
New Business
The council discussed AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) in regards to the city’s water meters. An AMI would improve accurate collection of water usage data, in turn improve billing, water resource management and leak detection. AMI meters allow remote collection of data collected, which allows quick identification of excess water use that may have resulted from a leak. Elton acknowledged the city of Spring Grove has lost money due to water leaks and water going off in different directions. Elton shared an AMI would detect water leaks and other defects, reduce inconsistencies, in addition reduce office personnel time focusing on these water issues. The average lifespan of an AMI is 20 years. The city of Eitzen, Minn., was said to have installed their AMI system the previous week. The cost to implement an AMI system would be $302,092.50.
The city of Spring Grove now has a Spring Grove Property Maintenance Task Force, with full council approval. Spring Grove EDA (Economic Development Authority) encouraged the creation of said task force. Mayor Solum and Clerk/Administrator Elton both volunteered to be on the task force.
The Spring Grove City Council meeting adjourned 7:27 p.m., the next council meeting will be held Tuesday, August 15 at 6 p.m. at 168 West Main Street in Room 100. The public is invited to attend.