Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, December 16 at 168 West Main Street. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilors Mike Hagen, Trent Turner, Eric Ostern, and Morgan Buckland were also present. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was absent, however Lyn Solberg, Utility Billing, filled in for her.
The Agenda was approved, as was the Consent Agenda which consisted of minutes from the November 18 regular council meeting, claims and accounts, accepting gift from Spring Grove Communications, appointing both Ali Hunzeker and Bethany Feind as library board members, and authorizing the transfer of funds.
The levy in the amount of $746,363 was proposed. One resident questioned why other towns within Houston County only had a 3% increase. Councilor Turner corrected in stating only one town had a 3% increase. One resident questioned where the money is going towards. Mayor Wilhelmson answered that Spring Grove’s streets are in need of repairs. With no further questions, councilor Turner moved, seconded by Buckland, to approve the 2026 levy of $746,363. Motion carried.
Old Business
Councilor Buckland shared that Spring Grove Public Library is no longer interested in moving forward with buying the daycare building due to no negotiation being made with the bank.
In regard to EDA (Economic Development Authority) policies – clarification of new Policy A-1 Loan Concentration and Exposure, Wilhelmson informed that the city was ready to move forward.
Solberg shared the Solar and Public Buildings Grant had not been applied for in that City Clerk/Adminstrator Elton was not able to get to it. Solberg added the grant required a “ton of paperwork” with it.
Spring Grove councilors received and discussed the Houston County Sheriff’s Department Contract. Mayor Wilhelmson said on Tuesday, December 30 at 2 p.m., the city will hold a special meeting with the city’s lawyer to look over the contract. Councilor Hagen agreed to have the lawyer look over the contract; he added that the council already voted no last time for the contract and that the city has not had time to look into other avenues yet. Buckland chimed in, stating she received the contract that afternoon and had not had time to look at it yet. Wilhemson was confident that an agreement will be made. The council decided to table the decision until December 30 after the city lawyer has viewed the contract.
New Business
The transfer of sale from Borreson to JC Land Management, LLP received full council approval.
Spring Grove Fire Department hired Hunter Holland, Nathan Olson and Kristian Wralstad.
Hagen moved, seconded by Turner, to approve resolution 25-47 granting approval of licenses and renewals. Motion carried. These licenses pertained to alcohol.
Buckland moved, seconded by Hagen, to approve the hiring of Kylie Hammel and Joelle Halverson as Spring Grove Swim Center’s co-managers. Motion carried.
Joseph Grodahl was appointed as EDA’s (Economic Development Authority) new commissioner.
Meeting Reports
Mayor Wilhelmson shared that EDA has not given out any of their revolving loan fund all year, with the fund being $70,000. The revolving loan is available to existing and new businesses. The loan acts like gap financing. In addition, all the policies and guidelines for loans had been found and Grodahl is now a new member of EDA.
Buckland informed that Spring Grove Public Library plans to move forward with acquiring three lots downtown as a location for their new library. Wilhelmson questioned about who insures the building; Solberg responded that the library is its own entity. Buckland added that the library is looking at options with the Friends of the Library in regard to purchasing the lots. If the lots are bought, they can be resold if needed. She noted that the focus is on buying the land. In addition the library will move forward with the design.
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