On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Spring Valley City Council kicked off their first meeting of the new year by reviewing their annual resolutions. The Fillmore County Journal was named the official newspaper. Security State Bank, Alerus Bank, First State Bank and First National Bank were designated as the official depository of city funds. A resolution appointing the Mayor, City Clerk-Treasurer and the Mayor Pro-Tem to conduct banking transactions was approved, as well as a resolution allowing electronic fund transfers and wires.
All city fees were approved.
The resolution establishing coverage for injuries to elected and appointed officials was approved, as was the resolution establishing reimbursable rates per the city personnel policy.
A resolution designating official mayor appointments was approved.
The resolution allowing payments of regular payroll expenditures, regular cyclical payments and payments for currently budgeted goods and services without prior approval from the council.
And finally, the council voted to not waive liability coverage.
Staff reports
According to council member John Dols, who spoke on behalf of Parks and Rec Director John Fenske, Roto Rooter installed a new valve in the community center to prevent future issues with sewage during flood events.
Dols thanked Jim Edgar and all the volunteers for their work on the ice rink, despite the warm weather.
Pool repairs are scheduled to begin the first week of April, if weather allows.
The Parks and Rec Committee will be hosting fundraising events including bingo at Rack’s Bar and Grill in March and concessions at the youth basketball games in January and February. the first project the committee is working on upgrades to the sand volleyball court at South Park. Other projects in discussion include a warming house for the ice rink, a concession stand at South Park and looking into concepts for a new pool.
In a written report, Spring Valley Library Director Melissa Vander Plas shared they are now able to move forward with the library’s exterior construction project. The final agreement is now signed by both local and state officials, so the building committee can begin formally planning the project with contractors.
Over 100 children and adults participated in the library’s “Christmas Craft Saturday,” which had numerous activities including a visit from Santa.
Vander Plas and the library staff are now focusing on planning the upcoming Summer Reading Program and their program calendar.
Ambulance Co-Director Mike Zimmer told the council the service had 574 call in 2025 with 584 patient contacts. Already in January the ambulance service has had 26 calls.
Fire Chief Dustin Johnson shared the fire department was called to an oven fire and a carbon monoxide (CO) call. Johnson reminded residents of the importance of have numerous CO detectors in their home.
The department rang in the new year by cleaning house and going through their trucks to make sure everything is “up to par.”
Johnson thanked the council for approving their new officers. Tony Struzyk as first assistant, Tanner Hellickson as second assistant and new lieutenants Kevin Burrichter and Jackson Rindels.
Johnson thanked Duane Knutson for helping the department manage their flag, making sure it is put to half-staff when needed.
Council members Chris Danielson and Luan Ruesink took a moment to remember Ray Lange, who passed away recently, and share their condolences to his family.
“We lost a really great person. He will be very missed in this community,” Danielson expressed.
Mayor Justin Mlinar said, “It is tough to see someone like that pass away, but he is a great example of how we should all be living our lives by giving more than we’re taking.”
Mlinar then went on to express his how proud he is of the council and what they as a whole achieved in 2025.
“I believe we placed a foundation for the coming year, if not years, in what we can accomplish. We don’t always agree on everything, but I believe we are on the right course to do some pretty amazing things here in Spring Valley.”
Other business
- The Spring Valley Historical Society’s annual funding request for $12,500 was approved.
- The council approved the hiring of Tiffany House as the new Deputy Clerk.
- Jeff Kappers asked the to consider annexing the alley on the west side of Grant Street Park. While the city maintained the alley for a number of years, in 2014 it was found that area was actually private property. In his research, Kappers has found the alleyway was likely maintained by the city dating back to the 1950s. He believes there is a chance there was a platting error and the alley was meant to be city property all along.
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