Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, May 20 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. All council members were present in addition to City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton.
The council unanimously approved both the Agenda and Consent Agenda.
No participants spoke during Open Forum.
Old Business.
Lane Kockelman, CPA senior audit manager from ABDO, joined the meeting remotely and presented the city with their audit results. “Thanks for having me,” shared Kockelman. “If any council members have any questions, feel free to ask anytime.”
Kockelman first discussed the financial report results and explained why these take place, saying that an audit looks at the city’s numbers and provides assurance in that there are no significant errors. In addition, an audit looks to ensure legal compliance.
Kockelman discussed various funds. He acknowledged there to be a positive growth in both the general and enterprise funds.
The last portion of Kockelman’s audit presentation included a comparison between the city of Spring Grove to benchmarks, in addition to a comparison to Spring Grove to other towns in Houston County as well as other towns similar in population size throughout the state of Minnesota. Kockelman ended with, “That is all I had to go through,” then asked if anyone had questions. City Clerk/Administrator Elton asked if there are any areas that could potentially be of concern later on. Kockelman recommended that the capital needs such as streets, equipment, and wastewater could be monitored. The council thanked Kockelman for his time. Councilor Turner moved, seconded by Hagen, to accept the financial report. Motion carried.
After Kockelman left the meeting remotely, the Council turned their attention to discuss childcare/daycare center options.
Mayor Wilhelmson acknowledged, “It’s been a rollercoaster of a month!” in that people have shown interest in taking part of a daycare then backed out. Wilhelmson mentioned a company he came across that offers strategic options in terms of childcare such as what will/will not work, how many children a proposed building could suport, put numbers together to show realistic figures, present business plans, recommend how much to pay employees, and more. Information is clearly expressed and told truthfully. The information the company puts together could act as a blueprint for someone to take to the bank with them if they wish to purchase. The company could potentially help bring people to Spring Grove. Elton chimed in stating that the city or potential business owners would have hard numbers and business information then. Wilhelmson added that the company has worked everywhere, not just in the state of Minnesota. He stated the company is out of Mapleton, Minn. Elton included that things are being looked into. No further questions were expressed.
The council approved to rescind an ambulance liaison.
New Business
With an open board position on the ambulance, Mayor Wilhelmson asked, “Is anybody interested in doing it?” Wilhelmson said he would consider taking the position once Elton provided him additional information.
Councilor Hagen moved, seconded by Buckland, to approve no parking in front of the Trinity Center from June 1-August 15 during the school construction. Motion carried.
The STAR Energy Cost of Service Study received full council approval following brief discussion. Elton shared the study was to see if the chargers are in line where they should be. The cost will be shared with other communities. Councilor Hagen questioned the cost, Elton responded Spring Grove’s share would be $9,000. The funds for this will come from the city’s electrical fund.
Tim Hruska of WHKS came across a grant and applied for such, the grant would go towards replacing three galvanized steel pipes. Right now, Hruska is waiting to hear back.
Council Turner moved, seconded by Buckland, to approve the following hires for Summer Recreation – Chris Strinmoen as director, Kody Moore, Alisha Solum, Jessica Morken, Kelsey Morken, Tysen Moen, Ethan Rask, Sam Stender and Blake Eiken. Motion carried.
Utilities director John Sylling received approval to auction the 2006 F350 Regular Cab Ford to be sold. Sylling will provide all the receipts for the truck; this way people can make a decision about it.
An application had been put in and accepted for Spring Grove to be premiered on the television series “My Town” directed by Corey Hepola. Spring Grove’s premiere would take place in 2026. “My Town” covers small towns. If Spring Grove is showcased, such could attract more people to Spring Grove. The production bill would run about $36,000 with grant funds in the amount of $14,000 already available. Elton shared that there are already people willing to fundraise. The council agreed to support whoever is willing to fundraise for such, however, the city will not get involved financially.
Council members briefly discussed city ordinances, policies, and their meeting reports with the Spring Grove City Council meeting coming to adjournment at 7:49 p.m.