Photo by Kaitlin Longhauser
A pump track and mountain bike trail (non-motorized) will soon be available at Trollskogen Park where the ash and walnut trees had been taken down. “There’s a want for it!” council member Rohland commented. No money was asked to be contributed to the inclusion of the pump track and trail, however, since such is located on park land, council approval is needed. Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton stated the park will maintain itself. If some maintenance arises, then Parks and Recreation will manage such. The council briefly discussed concerns in regards to liability. A motion passed with the approval of the pump track and trail based on contingent of insurance.
Trollskogen Park’s log cabin that is in need of renovation became the next topic of discussion. Elton stated the cabin has rotting boards, the building’s peak pulled apart, and an infestation of squirrels has taken place. Elton quoted the repairs to cost over $60,000. Rohland recommended for the council to decide whether or not to invest in the cabin or tear it down. Mayor Solum explained the cabin once served as a place where events were held and that additional information and possible bids need to be considered first. The council chose to table this matter to June’s regular council meeting.
Spring Grove resident Mike Schulte generously offered to donate a dozen trees in combination of both oak and walnut to be planted at Trollskogen Park. In addition, Schulte offered to plant the trees himself with assistance from 4-H students. The trees will be planted at the bottom of the hill. The council gratefully accepted Schulte’s donation.
Spring Grove’s City Council met Tuesday, May 16 at 168 West Main Street in Room 100 from 6-8:16 p.m. Council members present included Mayor Saundra Solum, Karen Folstad, Chad Rohland and Heather Edgington. Also in attendance was Clerk/Administrator Elton. Council member Trent Turner was absent.
The council adopted both the agenda and consent agenda. No public comment took place during open forum.
Old business
The owner of Top Dog Custom Apparel & Screenprinting located at 102 E. Main St. Spring Grove, Minn., expressed concern over trees blocking their establishment in where potential customers may not take notice due to the tree blockage. Mayor Solum did a little digging to see why trees had been planted at that location in the first place. Solum learned a road project went through 10+ years ago through a former city council with the intention of improving Spring Grove’s safety, landscape, and more. Trees had been planted throughout Main Street to increase foot traffic which allows walkers to see more of Spring Grove.
Apart from trees blocking the Top Dog establishment, the owner expressed concern over tree maintenance. Rohland commented, “If we can’t upkeep the trees then some need to go.” Spring Grove’s maintenance currently tends to two trees and experiences difficulty finding time to tend to all trees.
Council member Edgington spoke on behalf of the trees, “We’d go backwards by eliminating trees. We want our community vibrant and thriving.” It was pointed out that urban trees increase water flow and attract people. Edgington hopes for solutions to continue keeping green in the community. No motion passed.
The city council set up a special meeting to be held Tuesday, May 30 at 7 p.m. to address three matters on tonight’s agenda in where no motion passed. The three matters include Nate Sherburne’s Gronne Dekar and Morken Acres Development plans, Amanda Myhre’s handling of Spring Grove’s feral cat problem, and Chapter 104-D Licenses.
New business
A unanimous approval granted the Syttende Mai committee to use the grass area by the local pool as a location to host a circus coming to Spring Grove Wednesday, August 9.
Thomas Olinger, CPA from Abdo Solutions, joined the council meeting via Zoom shortly after 7 p.m. to share his audit review. Olinger gave Spring Grove a clean audit. Olinger stated he is waiting on fire relief information. He cited one incidence of noncompliance, the incident included outstanding checks over three years. Olinger recommended to either reissue checks or do unclaimed property with the state of Minnesota if unable to get a hold of the given individual(s). Olinger touched on the general fund balance and stated an ideal balance to be above 50%, Spring Grove held a balance at 60%. Olinger noted a number of transfers that occurred between funds and recommended to take a step back during budgeting and see how to streamline some transfers. An example of a transfer would include a transfer of sewer funds to electric funds. Olinger stated, “Overall, the audit went well!” The council thanked Olinger for his time.
A special council meeting will be held Tuesday, May 30 at 7 p.m. while the next regular city council meeting will be held Tuesday, June 20 at 6 p.m., both at 168 West Main Street in Room 100. The public is invited to attend.
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