Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, December 19 at 168 West Main Street in Room 100. Mayor Saundra Solum called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Solum warmly welcomed Spring Grove’s newest council member, Mike Hagen. Council members present included Mayor Solum, Karen Folstad, Trent Turner, Heather Edgington and Hagen. In addition, City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton attended.
Council member Edgington moved, seconded by Turner, to adopt the agenda after #13 Commercial Rebates for Nels Gulbranson be added to Old Business. Motion carried.
The council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda.
Long time Spring Grove resident, Gerald Oakes, addressed the council during Open Forum asking if a handicap spot could be included at 2nd Avenue NW. Oakes stated, “It’d be nice for the elderly people to have handicapped parking.” Mayor Solum thanked Oakes for “bringing this to our attention.” The inclusion of a handicap spot will be added to January’s council meeting Agenda.
The council held the Truth in Taxation hearing and unanimously approved the 2024 Levy.
Old Business
At November’s regular council meeting, a $5,000 commercial rebate was approved for Western Sons. Due to Western Sons being industrial and not powered by Spring Grove, Councilor Turner moved, seconded by Edgington, to rescind the payment. Motion carried.
Discussion took place on whether or not to prohibit smoking in city parks. City Clerk/Administrator Elton shared larger cities have implemented this. She reached out to the city’s attorney, Greg Schieber. Schieber recommended not to go forward with prohibiting smoking at city parks as such will be difficult to enforce. He suggested to include signage instead asking people to smoke elsewhere.
New Business
Newspaper bids from the Caledonia Argus, Fillmore County Journal, and Driftless Journal were reviewed. Folstad moved, seconded by Edgington, to go with the Argus as Spring Grove’s official newspaper. Motion carried.
The city’s Utilities Director, John Sylling, informed the council about the city pickup truck trade program. In the past, the city traded with Sugarloaf in Winona, Minn. for free. Unfortunately, the trade program in gone.
Council member Turner moved, seconded by Edgington, to approve the EV charger rate set at $.173/kwh. Motion carried. City Clerk/Administrator Elton spoke with Mabel, Minn., to see what Mabel is doing in regards to EV charger rates. Mabel informed Elton one Spring Grove resident uses their EV charger each morning. Mayor Solum questioned how long charging a vehicle takes. Elton answered that charging takes a couple of hours.
Years ago, the city of Spring Grove purchased 194 Main Street W. with plans on expanding Spring Grove Fire Department. One tenant currently rents the house on a month-to-month lease paying $450 per month. Council member Edgington stated, “That needs to be raised.” Elton chimed in stating that over the years the washing machine, water heater, refrigerator, etc. have needed to be replaced. After discussion, the council unanimously agreed to raise the rent to $600 effective February 1, 2024.
The council approved the hiring of Amelia Solum and Kelsey Bratland as co-managers for Spring Grove Swim Center for the 2024 season.
Meeting Reports
EDA (Economic Development Authority) and Parks Department did not meet so there was nothing to share.
Planning/Zoning met and went through the ordinances.
Council member Folstad shared she met with Spring Grove Public Library Tuesday, December 19. The volunteer policy was gone through. Two library board members will be done with their term at the end of 2023. One person expressed interest in replacing one of the library board members stepping down, another person will be needed to replace the second vacant seat. Spring Grove Public Library’s book sales are going well. The library received a grant to include a Lego wall.
The council meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. The next regular Spring Grove City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, January 16 at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place at 168 West Main Street in Room 100. The public is invited to attend.
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