The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on April 27. Due to social distancing guidelines, the meeting was held at the community center, with all attendees seated with at least six feet of space. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer.
Greg Melartin addressed the council, and said that while the Fins & Films event has been canceled, he had another proposed event to ask the city to consider approving. He explained, “July 11, we’d like to do a drive-in and a cruise through town like the fire department did.” He added that for the proposed drive-in movie, motion picture licensing requires that the city give official approval for the event. He also said that if the city grants approval, the event would follow all social distancing guidelines that may be in effect at the time of the event. When asked about the specific location for the proposed event, Melartin said that hasn’t been determined yet, but he said it would be on private property (possibly at Kappers), since no city-owned location appeared to be right match for the movie event.
Mike Hadland stated, “I don’t have a problem with you doing it. If it’s on private property, you don’t need our authorization. And if you guys just want to cruise through town, there’s no issues with that either. I don’t see why you would need council approval.” Hadland voiced a concern about possible liability if the city gives formal approval, and he added, “But if there’s still a stay-at-home order, then where I’m sitting at is that I’ve got to follow the Governor’s order.” Melartin said the only reason city approval is needed relates to motion picture licensing, and he said that approval had been given by Racine’s city clerk for the drive-in movie event held there recently.
Melartin also stated, “As far as the cruise goes, if we could get some lights and sirens to lead us out and bring us back in, that would be awesome, too.” Council members suggested that request would need to be made with the sheriff’s department. The council chose to table the issue for now, and to bring it up at the council’s first meeting in May, since it is likely that by then, Governor Walz may have announced how long the stay-at-home order will remain in effect. The council consensus was that if there is no longer a stay-at-home order, the city would likely have no objection to granting approval for the drive-in movie and cruise.
Park & Rec Director John Fenske updated the council on happenings in his department, stating, “We’re just getting everything ready like things are going to go on like normal. I mean, I doubt they will, but that’s our plan right now.” He explained that water has been turned on, but bathrooms are still locked, and will remain locked until such time that they are allowed to be open.
Sue Puffer gave a report on the ambulance service, stating that the crew responded to 41 calls in March, and 35 so far in April. She said she received notice of resignation from Jim McCabe, whom she said has served on the crew since 1974. A retirement party will be held when current social distancing guidelines are rescinded. Mayor Archer voiced thanks for the decades of service given by Jim McCabe. Puffer also reported that in light of coronavirus concerns, the crew has made some changes to the trucks, and the crew is being given more paid time for cleaning the vehicles and equipment after calls. She also said she’s continuing to pursue grant funding to acquire additional PPE (personal protective equipment) needed during these times of increased risk of exposure.
The council approved the proposed “bad debt write-offs” for the ambulance service, for which all reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted. The total write-off was $8,015, with $6,554 of that from 2019, and the remainder in 2020. Aaron Hamersma’s written report on the Wastewater Treatment Plant stated that a new blower was installed and brought online, and eight of the city’s manholes are being rehabbed by Hydro Klean. Streets Department Head Chad Hindt submitted a written report outlining recent work by his crew, including sweeping the streets and trails, filling alley potholes, and putting together new picnic tables.
A citizen asked the council if anything is being done to pursue getting a stoplight installed near Dairy Queen, due to the history of traffic accidents at that corner. Deb Zimmer replied, “I’ve talked to MnDOT, and they are working on that, so it’s at least a flashing stop sign… so they say it’s in the works.”
Luan Ruesink informed the council that she was approached by representatives of this year’s high school senior class, asking if photo banners of the seniors could be flown on light poles. She referred them to the utility department, and said that if approved, the banners will be hung on Main Street in Spring Valley and Wykoff.
The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, May 11, at the community center. The public is welcome, but no more than 10 people are allowed in the meeting room at any given time, so visitors may be asked to wait in the hallway until the specific agenda item for which they are attending.
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