Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, February 18 at 168 West Main Street in room 100. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Mike Hagen, Trent Turner, Heather Edgington, and Morgan Buckland. City Administrator/Clerk Jana Elton was also present.
The council unanimously adopted both the Agenda and Consent Agenda after two new items were added and one correction had been made.
No participants spoke during Open Forum.
Old Business
The Animal Control rate increase will be revisited as it was not budgeted for 2025.
New Business
The 2024 EDA (Economic Development Authority) annual report review got tabled to March.
One resident in the audience questioned the council about having the Fest Building open to pickleball users year round. The resident mentioned that even summer months pose challenges to playing pickleball outdoors with rain and winds. Council member Turner moved, seconded by Hagen, to allow the Fest Building to be open to pickleball users year round. Motion carried.
Council member Turner moved, seconded by Hagen, to approve Resolution 25-10 the Houston County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Motion carried. Elton shared that Houston County needed every city to adopt this.
The council discussed the Fest Building grounds next. Elton informed that EDA had a study done near the community garden, a location that had been suggested for possible new housing development. Another suggestion included putting the lots up for sale. Mayor Wilhelmson chimed in about logistics with the fill in that area. The matter will be looked into further; in addition, more information will be gathered.
Elton shared that a Daycare Task Force was created as a subcommittee under EDA. Members of the task force include people from the community, EDA members and council members.
Elton stated that Spring Grove’s pool admission and swim lesson fees are on the higher end. Edgington stated she thinks the fees should be left as is; the children are the ones who will get punished if fee prices such as swimming lesson costs were to increase. Council member Buckland chimed in, stating she would like the pool hours to be looked into. Elton shared that the pool held 518 swim lessons with 300-plus people on a waiting list. Edgington moved, seconded by Turner, to keep the pool admission and swim lesson fees as is. Motion carried.
Councilor Edgington announced her resignation from the Spring Grove City Council, effective April 1. “Thank you for being a council member!” thanked Elton. Councilor Hagen asked about posting the vacancy. Elton explained how the posting would take place. The council approved to accept Edgington’s resignation.
Zoning permits were approved for Lawn Art and for residents Ronald and Sharon Goetzinger’s garage extension.
The council unanimously approved Kelsey Bratland as Spring Grove’s pool manager.
Ordinances and Policies
Spring Grove’s city ordiance (Chaper 520) allows residents to have up to six chickens. Council members went back and forth discussing a potential suitable increase to the number of chickens allowed. Councilor Turner first stated 12 hens to be the amount. Elton informed that the number of chickens was set to six before because some people did not clean up after their chickens. Edgington said she felt six chickens was a good number in that a single family does not need 12. Edgington added that 12 chickens is fine in the country but not in a town. Councilor Hagen questioned about additional chickens potentially attracting wild animals such as racoons. Edgington addressed that chickens smell, more chickens equates to more smells. Council member Buckland suggested nine chickens. Edgington countered, stating eight chickens. Councilor Turner moved, seconded by Hagen, to amend the previous motion to eight chickens. Motion carried.
Councilors Edgington, Hagen, Turner and Buckland shared their meeting reports. Edgington informed that EDA discussed daycare options and the sale of the last industrial lot. Hagen shared that there is no update on the pump track for Parks & Recreation. Hagen added that the lights were being changed to motion lights. Turner briefly mentioned he met with the Goetzingers about their garage for Zoning & Planning. Lastly, Buckland provided a brief report on the library which included events that took place and three new volunteers started.
The council entered a closed session at 7:42 p.m. to discuss union negotiations and the contract.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
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