Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
The Spring Grove City Council met Tuesday, April 19, from 6:01-7:22 p.m. at Spring Grove Communications. Mayor Scott Solberg led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
All city council members were present – Mayor Scott Solberg, Travis Torgerson, Karen Folstad, Chad Rohland, and Trent Turner. Also present were, City Clerk/Administrator Julie Amundson, Alisha Solum, Sean Young, CPA-Audit Manager Layne Kockelman of Abdo, Eick and Myers; and City Attorney, Greg Schieber attended via Zoom.
The council adopted the April 19 meeting agenda.
The minutes from March 15 regular council meeting and financial reports were accepted. The council accepted a $9,000 donation from Spring Grove Communications for library services and $700 from Blackhammer Township for library services, plus a $40,000 donation from Houston County ARPA allocation for the fire department.
A temporary liquor license was approved for Ye Olde Opera House (May 13) and Syttende Mai (May 14 city park and May 15 baseball field).
The council approved resolution 22-17. Election judges are Tom Falbo, Lee Hoekstra, Kathleen Taylor, Pat Falbo, Marilyn Sylling, Robert Vogel, Mildred Halverson, Tammy Stadtler, and Marge Brevig. Head Election Judges for the 2022 Special, Primary, and General Elections are Lee Hoekstra and Tom Falbo.
Kockelman with Abdo, Eick and Myers, Certified Public Accountants, Mankato, Minn., presented their findings from the 2021 city financial statement audit. He explained, “The objective of a financial statement audit is not to look for fraud or wrongdoing. We are engaged to look to make sure that the numbers are solid.” Kockelman explained the two non-compliance findings and financial statement findings and how the city should address them. 1) preparation of financial statements; 2) segregation of duties; 3) material audit; 4) outstanding checks; and 5) contracting and bidding. Kockelman summarized by stating, “Overall, I think that you are sitting in a good spot.” The final audit report will be available in a couple of weeks.
The damaged slide at the Fest Building will be replaced with a slither slide. The quote from Midwest Playscapes out of Savage, Minn., is $5,860, which includes $460 for freight and a $600 discount.
T-N-T Construction submitted a quote to redo the floor in the kitchen and replace the cupboard and center island at the Fest building for a total of $19,000. The city also received a quote from T-N-T Painting for $4,300 to power wash and paint the exterior of city hall. Both quotes were accepted.
The pool is scheduled to be resurfaced in June. Thatcher Pools & Spas, Rochester, Minn., submitted a quote for $217,500, which is $77,500 over the budgeted amount of $140,000. The council unanimously accepted the quote as it is recommended that pools are replastered every 10 years and it is over 10 years since the pool was built. Kids will need to wear water shoes in the pool after it is plastered as the walls and floor of the pool will be rough.
New business
The council, with councilmember Torgerson recusing himself, approved hiring the following swim center employees: front desk – Kailee Olerud, Amelia Solum, Paige Jahnke, Addyson McHugh, and Ella Wennes; concessions – Isaac Nersted, Olivia Wennes, Kohl Betcher, Carson Anderson, Siri Konkel, Ellie Berns, Addison Halverson, Carlie Halverson, Hailey Norman, Gabe Klug, Reagan Storlie, Karson Betcher, Carlie Lewis, Madison Lile, Grace Torgerson, Kylie Hammel, and Marcus Toumi; lifeguards – Jonah Udstuen, Julia Halverson, Haley Ellingson, Jaxon Stinmoen, Kylie Reynolds, Dane Edgington, Ellie Halverson, Joelle Halverson, Kendall Vanminsel, Hailey Boreson, Katie Klug, and Jensen Krosch; WSI/Guard – Ava Olerud, Brianna Johnson, McKenzie Fisch, Kelsey Bratland, and Maggie Lile.
The city has received numerous complaints about dog waste at the Trollskogen park and property surrounding the swim center. The council approved the purchase of two dog waste receptacles at $300 each to be installed at the swim center and Trollskogen Park.
Syttende Mai is less than a month away. Solum appeared before the council asking for approval to close 1st Ave NE on May 14 for Syttende Mai. Solum also asked for the council’s annual donation. Mayor Solberg noted that there is not any need to act as the donation is included in the city’s budget.
Spring Grove Police Officer Nick Bruns submitted his resignation effective April 4, 2022.
The council was reminded that there is a special election on May 24, due to the death of U.S. Representative Jim Hagedorn on February 18, 2022.
Julie Amundson, City Clerk/Administrator submitted her resignation, effective February 3, 2023.
The Spring Grove City Council’s next regular meeting is Tuesday, May 17, at 6 p.m. at Spring Grove Communications room 100. The public is invited to attend.