The Spring Grove City Council met Tuesday, November 23, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 6:31 p.m. when the council went into closed session until 7 p.m. to discuss union negotiations and the labor contract. The council met in the Spring Grove Communication building room 100.
Council members present were Mayor Scott Solberg, Travis Torgerson, Karen Folstad, Chad Rohland, and Trent Turner.
Mayor Solberg led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance
The council moved to adopt the meeting agenda and consent agenda.
During the Public Comment time, the council was asked by Jordan Gerard if the city would consider including a self-addressed envelope with the city water bill, making it more convenient to submit their payment. Councilmember Turner, and City Clerk/Administrator Julie Amundson suggested that residents reuse the envelope the bill comes in.
Amundson updated the council on the survey of parcel 26.0528.00 owned by John Sylling. Amundson first mentioned that there is not money in the budget to move the utility pole that is in the middle of the alley. The capped survey pipes were found. Sylling wants to establish a base as does the city. The council assumes that Sylling will not start on it until spring. Amundson confirmed that it is the responsible of the city to maintain the alley.
Amundson announced that the city won the hearing with Jason Strike. It was determined by the court that the City of Spring Grove is owed $2,790.01, plus fees of $65.00.
Mayor Solberg asked the council to support a grant to install a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Crossing on Hwy. 44 by the school. The city engineer estimates that it will cost $15,000 to install a RRFB. Solberg found a 80/20 grant that would cover most of the cost. He is dedicated to securing the balance from residents and other sources, as crossing Hwy. 44 by the school is a safety issue. Solberg would write the grant application. This was approved.
No action is needed on the 2022 EDA professional services contract with CEDA. EDA President Sean Young has already signed the contract. Mayor Solberg stressed that EDA committee members all agreed that they could not get the work done without the assistance of CEDA.
The Spring Grove Area Chamber of Commerce has hired two part-time people, Marlene Deschler and Angie Solie for three months. The ladies are responsible for getting the Chamber up and running. Amundson reported that the Chamber goals remain the same. They still plan to hire a full-time director and have a brick-and-mortar office from which to operate out of. Both EDA and the city have liaisons that attend Chamber meetings to keep the ball rolling in the same direction, as Mayor Solberg pointed out.
New Age Tree Service of Spring Grove was thanked for getting the lights hung in the city park for the upcoming holiday season.
Mayor Solberg shared that EDA spent most of their last meeting discussing ideas on how the city can support another restaurant. Solberg stated that it is a fine line on what the city can and cannot do.
Councilmember Turner informed the council that he would be writing an Assistant to Firefighters Grant (AFG) through FEMA.
The next regular meeting of the Spring Grove City Council is Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the Spring Grove Communications room 100.