Spring Grove City Council plans for the summer

Due to COVID-19, the regular April 21, 2020, Spring Grove City Council meeting was held remotely via Zoom to comply with social distancing policies and practices.
Consent agenda items approved included the March 17 minutes, payment of monthly bills, plus Resolution 20-21 Authorizing Bank Signers, Resolution 20-22 Authorizing Transfer of Funds, Resolution 20-23 Accepting Gift from Spring Grove Communications, Resolution 20-24 Accepting Fire Department Donations, and Resolution 20-25 Accepting Library Donation.
2019 Audit Presentation
Abdo, Eick & Myers LLP, shared the results of the 2019 Audit. The presentation included an explanation of the audit process plus a high-level overview of where the City is at and where it is going.
Old Business
Two images for the new water tower were presented. After careful discussion regarding both designs, the board tabled the discussion until the May meeting; thus, giving time to updated the designs based on the board suggestions.
Financial Advisor Mike Bubany updated the board on the financing for the new water tower. Bubany stated that “we have bank approval and locked-in a 2.05% fixed interest rate.” Bubany emphasized that the strategy the City selected was the right thing. The board made a motion to move forward on the financing for the new tower. Motion passed.
New Business
COVID-19 Items
The 2020 Syttende Mai was rescheduled due to COVID-19. The new dates are August 7-9, 2020, due to COVID-19. The crowning of royalty will take place in June at the Music in Park. Interviews for royalty has not been finalized but may be conducted remotely. This year’s marathon will be a virtual marathon scheduled for August
The Swim Center is scheduled to open June 5, which is subject to change. The board agreed that it would be wise to move ahead with getting the pool ready for the 2020 season except for filling the pool with water. The board discussed possible options for using the pool in case social distancing mandates are still in place and solutions for hiring high school students for the summer.
The board agreed to follow the Governor’s recommendation to close all campgrounds until May 1 including the overnight parking lot even through it is promoted as a campground.
The board agreed that this year’s summer recreation program needs to be thought about differently. It was unanimous that the kids will need something to do this summer. The board suggested different online ideas that could be offered this summer.
The board elected to follow the Governor’s recommendation regarding playground equipment. Until the Governor lifts the ban the playground equipment in the City’s park are off-limits.
The public restrooms will remain closed until the Governor lifts the ban, including during the Farmers Market.
The board voted to waive April’s penalties for delinquent utility bills.
Other items
The board felt that the painting of parking and crosswalk lines can wait until June or it can be done sooner. The board will leave the decision of when to paint the lines will be left to the discretion of Public Works Supervisor Paul Morken.
The board approved chipping/sealing of the Fest Building parking lot at the cost of $16,000.
It was agreed that now is a great time to remove three or four walnut trees along the path at Trollskogen Park for safety purposes.
The council approved the City Shop recommendation to purchase a diesel tank at a cost of $16,000.
The board heard an update on the Safe Routes to School project. The planning grant came back with 8-10 recommendations. A meeting will be scheduled to determine the next steps. The final recommendations will be presented later this summer. It was mentioned that there is grant money to complete some of these projects.
Future meetings/
public meetings
The next regular meeting is May 19, 2020, at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Contact City Hall at 507-498-5221 to be included in remote meetings.