Spring Grove City Council members met October 21 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Council members present included Wilhelmson, Eric Ostern, Trent Turner, Mike Hagen and Morgan Buckland. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was also in attendance.
The Agenda and Consent Agenda received unanimous approval.
Old Business
A Houston County Sheriff’s Contract was presented to the council. Councilor Hagen asked about the cost. Wilhelmson answered that the city would need to pay $393,000 for next year, $411,000 for 2027, and $433,000 for 2028. Hagen commented that $393,000 is too much money. Wilhelmson moved to not accept the contract, and to work with the Houston County Commissioners and the Houston County Sheriff’s Department to find a contract that fits $218,000 a year with a 6% budget increase per year. Hagen seconded Wilhelmson’s motion.
Chief Deputy Bill Hargrove explained to the council that the contract numbers given to Spring Grove are as low as they can get. He recommended the city to not drop down.
Sheriff Brian Swedberg joined the meeting remotely. He cautioned that if Spring Grove gets rid of this contract, it is highly unlikely they will not have a contract again.
Mayor Wilhelmson stated, “We want police coverage,” but felt the commissioners will not work with Spring Grove.
Hagen added, “That’s a lot of money and I think the city will suffer.”
Wilhelmson shared, “I think there’s always a way to figure something out.”
Councilor Hagen questioned about going through Fillmore County for contracted services, he said he heard from somewhere that Fillmore County charges $64 per hour while Houston County charges over $100 per hour.
Hagen moved to not accept the Houston County Sheriff’s Contract for $393,000, council member Buckland seconded. Motion carried in a 3-1 vote, with one abstained.
Wilhelmson moved to set the police budget at $218,000 for any department willing to work with Spring Grove. Motion carried with one abstained.
Wilhelmson presented a few possible options to choose from in regard to the daycare. The city of Spring Grove could do nothing. A nonprofit could be found to run a daycare in the front half of the building. The city could keep the building for a daycare. Wilhelmson added that the daycare study data shows there is a need. The library may potentially take over the back half of the daycare.
Mayor Wilhelmson said a verbal commitment needs to be done in order to move forward. Councilor Ostern agreed, he acknowledged that without daycare options in Spring Grove families will move away. “I think we need to move forward with this,” stated Ostern.
One resident added that a daycare would open up more jobs in Spring Grove.
The council unanimously agreed to look further into ways to bring the daycare center back, and added that no money will be spent as they look into the matter.
New Business
Elton informed the council that the city has been splitting the chloride bill with the Nine Oaks residents. In a 5-0 vote, the council approved to put down $200 towards the bill.
Elton shared the Spring Grove Fire Department received the Compeer Grant for a new chainsaw and fire rescue saw.
Ordinances/Policies
Councilors looked over the new City Hall Locked Door Policy. The new policy received full approval.
There was an amendment to the Solar, Distributed Energy and Net metering policy. Wilhelmson explained the reimbursement changed to the end of the year instead of being monthly.
The council approved to change the recreational vehicle speed to match Chapter 706 Traffic Regulations and Parking. The speed will apply to Spring Grove City streets, not state and county highways.
Councilor members ended with providing brief meeting report updates.
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