Photo by Kaitlin Longhauser
Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, April 15 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Michael Hagen, Morgan Buckland, and the newest council member – Eric Ostern. Councilor Trent Turner was absent. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was also present.
The council unanimously adopted both the Agenda and Consent Agenda following two added items.
No participants spoke during Open Forum.
Councilor Mike Hagen asked for updates in regards to the childcare/daycare center. Elton shared that a walk-through through the former Little Gnome daycare building had been done. She informed that the building’s interior needs the following – a deep clean, new carpeting, and new paint, but otherwise is good. Hagen questioned, “Who foots the bill for this new carpet?” Elton answered that she did not know. Elton stated she thinks the community would assist with cleaning.
Elton explained that there are two options in regards to the former Little Gnome building, 1) The city of Spring Grove could purchase the building and rent the building out or 2) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit could purchase the building. With the 501(c)(3) route, the city would not be involved. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson chimed in, stating that through research he found a lot of other towns are doing something similar. Hagen commented, “I agree, we better grab it while we can.” Elton commented that some people feel the city should not get involved. However, the city needs a place for people to bring their children.
Councilor Morgan Buckland shared that the city of Spring Grove currently has wonderful in-home daycare providers, but, if the city were to back a daycare business this may be a slap in the face to the already existing in-home providers. Wilhelmson agreed that in-home providers are great, however, thinks in another 10 years every city will have a part in childcare. He acknowledged that childcare options will bring people to Spring Grove. Elton stated she met with EDA in Decorah, Iowa, and the biggest economic issue today they face is childcare. “We need daycare!” stated Hagen. Wilhelmson shared the model Luverne, Minn., uses where the city got their hands on an old call center and converted such into a childcare facility. The city of Luverne spent around $2.5 million. Luverne’s population is roughly 5,000.
Elton ended the discussion with, “We have a lot to talk about Thursday night,” and that at next month’s meeting more information willl be available.
New Business
The council originally planned to view a prerecorded audit presentation by ABDO, however, ABDO did not have such completed yet.
Councilor Buckland moved, seconded by Hagen, to approve the Professional Service Agreement with WHKS. Motion carried.
Spring Grove Swim Center hired the following with council approval: Callie Petersen, Josephina Jaster, Brookelyn Kowalke, Ryder Weise, Braelyn Middendorf, Blake Eiken, Autumn Peterson, Weston Bauer, Kolin Betcher, Mariah Jore, Zoey Dewall, Savannah Augedahl, Jada Strinmoen, Alison Frydenlund, Carlie Halverson, Brinley Middendorf, Izabel Kaufmann, Kyli Traylor, Olivia Wedmann, Corinna Constancio, Lauren Hammel, Taylor Dahl, Madison Lile, Kylie Hammel, Kendal VanMinsel, Katie Klug, Jensen Krosch, Ellie Halverson, Joelle Halverson, Addison Halverson, Claire Solberg, Grace Torgerson, Elle Berns, Sophie Lampert, Addison Kessler, Sylas Flatin, Macy Kraus and Siri Konkel.
Hagen moved, seconded by Buckland, to waive the Log Cabin fees for Music and Market on Wednesdays. Motion carried. Elton mentioned the city waives this fee each year as Music and Market brings many people to Spring Grove every year.
The council unanimously approved Councilor Buckland to be the new council liaison for the Swim Center; the position had been former councilor Heather Edgington’s.
Hagen moved, seconded by Ostern, to deny the request for the Fest Building to be open year round in the mornings (Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-noon) for pickleball and walkers. Motion carried.
Rebecca Charles of CEDA (Community and Economic Development Associates) submitted for the Compeer-Rural Feasibility Study Grant with the awarded amount being $5,000. Charles submitted for the Minnesota Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects Grant with the awarded amount being $500,000. Charles also submitted for the Taylor Family Farms Grant Program requesting $10,000 for disc golf to be included at Trollskogen park. City Clerk/Administrator Elton commented that disc golf is popular.
Council members presented meeting reports with the council meeting adjoining 7:08 p.m.