Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, July 15 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Mayor Wilhelmson, Mike Hagen, Trent Turner, Eric Ostern, and Morgan Buckland. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was also present.
Councilor Turner moved, seconded by Buckland, to adopt the Agenda after two new items got added by Elton. First, resident Carol Lynch was moved to speak immediately so she would not need to wait until New Business items were discussed. Second, item #8 was added to New Business which included the fire department’s request for council approval in regards to charitable gambling. All council members approved the additions.
Resident Lynch addressed the council about an addition to her house which is to offer protection for her vehicles. The city of Spring Grove currently does not have any ordiance in place about Lynch’s request. Mayor Wilhelmson stated, “We can’t make her wait because we don’t have our ducks in a row.” Elton shared she spoke with the city attorney and the attorney found no problem with Lynch’s request. The council unanimously approved Lynch’s request. Lynch thanked the council, “I appreciate this, more than you know.”
After Lynch’s concern was addressed, the Consent Agenda received full council approval.
Old Business
Elton updated everyone on the Downtown Task Force Meeting where discussion took place about rebuilding downtown. Someone had come forward expressing interest in building a hardware store in downtown Spring Grove. The individual will need to wait until the rental study is first completed. Wilhelmson informed that the individual is meeting with an architect, investors and the bank.
New Business
Amanda Meyer received approval to replace Jan Lochner’s term on the library board.
Elton presented to the council two programs Merchants Bank had recommended, one being the Check Fraud Prevention Program for $45 a month and the other being ACH Fraud Protection Program for $20 a month. Elton explained the programs were recommended due to the rise in check fraud. “Is this something we’ve had before?” questioned Hagen. Elton answered no. Mayor Wilhelmson asked about insurance, to which Elton will look into. Councilor Turner moved, seconded by Buckland, to approve Merchants recommendation. Motion carried. However, if there is no insurance, the approval will be amended next month.
Elton informed that the Spring Grove Fire Department is getting into charitable gambling in that they need the license to be approved to move forward. Ostern moved, seconded by Hagen to approve the fire department’s request. Motion carried.
Ordinances/Policies
Council members looked over the existing policy 6-20 Sexual Harassment and Offensive Behavior. Elton stated an update was made to include people outside of city hall to better protect city employees.
Chapter 720 which involves public utilities and electric services had gotten updated. Elton explained the change was to define what a customer is when it comes to rental properties.
Meeting Reports
Mayor Wilhelmson met with EDA (Economic Development Authority) to discuss how Spring Grove’s Chamber of Commerce is funded. Right now the city spends $7,500 per year renting the Chamber’s current building location at 149 W. Main Street. The Chamber meets in the building once or twice each month. Wilhelmson had questioned whether or not the Chamber could meet at the log cabin in Trollskogen Park instead. If the Chamber meets at the cabin, the city saves on rental costs and more foot traffic would come by. Wilhelmson acknowledged that it is up to the Chamber members if they wish to relocate there. Wilhelmson added that he wanted to bring the topic to the council meeting to see what councilors had to say. Councilor Turner agreed with the idea. Wilhelmson stated if the city received the grant they applied for, the grant funds could be used to make the cabin handicap accessible as well as fund other updates. Council members agreed to look into this option.
Hagen shared that during the Parks meeting the pump track had been looked at. Elton chimed in and said that she and Todd Olerud were looking into which trees to take down/replant. Mayor Wilhelmson added that he talked with Lansing Brothers in that they would be willing to help.
The meeting lasted half an hour before adjourning at 6:30 p.m.