Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, November 18 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Mike Hagen, Trent Turner, Eric Ostern, Morgan Buckland, and Wilhelmson. City employees present included City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton.
Councilor Hagen moved, seconded by Buckland, to adopt the Agenda following one correction and one additional item added. Under New Business, no new permits issued was replaced with two zoning permits to approve. Under Mayor/Council, setting the December budget meeting was added. Motion carried.
The Consent Agenda received full approval.
No participants spoke during Open Forum.
Old Business
City Clerk/Administrator Elton informed that Spring Grove Public Library is considering to move the library to the former daycare building due to grant issues. The library’s $500,000 grant needed to be given back to the state as the library is not able to meet specific deadlines the grant required. From the audience, resident Karen Folstad chimed in to say that the grant awarded is best suited if a project is already in progress. “We didn’t take it lightly,” said Folstad. Elton stated that the state of Minnesota said they needed a decision or they will take the grant if land is not already purchased with the rules for this grant being strictly black and white. Folstad shared the library is looking at other available options. Folstad plans to contact Eitzen State Bank to see what kind of funding options there are, with nothing set in stone yet. Folstad wants to look into all available possibilities.
New Business
Elton answered resident questions pertaining to Bender’s 5th addition.
Spring Grove’s Fire Department received the Arlin Falck grant in the amount of $4,000 to purchase four safety vests and 26 fire gloves.
Councilor Turner moved, seconded by Hagen, to approve the addition of charitable gambling for the Spring Grove Firemen updated Bylaws Relief Association. Motion carried.
“Yeah!” Cheered councilors as the Spring Grove’s Fire Department received $1.5 million from the Congressional Directed Spending award to go towards building a new fire hall. The plan is for the new building to be put up between New Age Tree Service and the basketball/pickleball courts. Wieser Brothers is said to be in charge of construction. Elton recommended for local services to utilized when consturcting the fire hall.
Ordinances/Policies
Buckland moved, seconded by Wilhelmson to approve Policy Number A-3-35, Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave. Motion carried.
Mayor/Council
Mayor Wilhelmson informed that the December 16 regular council meeting will also include the Truth in Taxation meeting. The budget meeting got added and scheduled for Wednesday, December 3 at 5:30 p.m. This will be an open meeting held at city hall.
Meeting Reports
Wilhelmson shared that at the EDA meeting discussion took place about the revolving loan funds and setting a limit on how much funding to provide.
Folstad noted Jan Lockner’s last day with Spring Grove Public Library will be Monday, December 15. The library may fill Lockner’s position once she leaves, but nothing has been decided yet. Two library board positions will need to be filled, with one applicant voted in. Folstad shared the library’s Halloween party had been a success and that the library has the upcoming gnome bottle class to look forward to.
The council meeting came to an adjournment at 6:52 p.m.
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