Photo by Kaitlin Longhauser
The closing of Spring Grove’s Municipal Liquor Store has been a hot topic of discussion the last few months. The city will close the local liquor store’s doors Friday, June 30. Tony Dahlberg and Josh Myhre bought out Spring Grove’s Municipal Liquor Store for the purchase price of $100,000. Dahlberg and Myhre will enter a five-year lease agreement through Spring Grove Commercial Club for Charitable Gambling. The two new owners hope to open their newly purchased liquor store within 12 months and to keep the store similar to how it originally was before being placed up for sale. The proposal date of closing with the attorney for property purchase had been Monday, July 3. After consideration of 4th of July weekend, the council decided Monday, July 10 to be an appropriate closing date instead to which all parties involved agreed.
Spring Grove’s city council met Tuesday, April 18 at 168 West Main Street in Room 100 from 6-8:20 p.m. Council members present included Karen Folstad, Trent Turner, Chad Rohland, Heather Edgington, and Mayor Saundra Solum who took part remotely. In addition, Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton attended.
The council adopted the agenda and approved the consent agenda after two modifications. The first modification included the addition of Giants of the Earth to obtain a liquor license to the consent agenda. The second modification included the addition of sheriff Brian Swedberg’s quarterly report to New Business. The council approved the minutes from March 21 regular council meeting and the minutes from March 27 special meeting.
Open Forum consisted of Spring Grove residents seeking clarification in regards to one-sided parking year round on the West side of the 2nd Avenue NE and 2nd Avenue SE.
The council approved the rezoning of parcels 260075000 Engrav, 260077001 Solberg, and 260502006 Gulbranson to commercial.
Old Business
Amanda Myhre of Frodo’s Legacy-All Animal Rescue, veterinarian Dr. Jan, and Camp Companion will begin trapping, neutering, and releasing feral cats within city limits on Monday, April 24. A feral cat who has undergone TNR will have a clipped ear to signify such. Myhre strongly encourages Spring Grove residents to not feed cats roaming the streets, if the cats are not hungry then they will pose difficulty to trap. Myhre’s goal is to trap and neuter 40 cats. If any farms are interested in these soon to be neutered cats, let Myhre know.
New Business
Council member Rohland stated the local basketball, pickleball, and tennis courts to be in poor condition. As of now, the courts are closed due to safety hazards. Rohland found a generous local contractor willing to restore these courts at a cost of $35,000. The local contractor is willing to begin restoration immediately and is satisfied with receiving payment at a later time. If the courts are not fixed then the courts will remain closed down. The council approved to budget for $35,000 and will offer the contractor payment next year. Rohland stated, “Hopefully in a few weeks we’ll have some new courts!”
Slow down Spring Grove. The implementation of radar speed signs within city limits has been considered over the last few years. One main issue with radar speed signs is the signs are expensive. One resident commented, “They do make a difference!” Temporary radar speed signs will be put up as the council decided to table this matter until further information is gathered in regards to permanent radar speed signs.
Deputy Duane Brownlee brought to attention most of Spring Grove’s stop signs fail to meet the height requirement. Brownlee stated stop signs need to be 8 feet in height and that 3/4 of Spring Grove’s stop signs fail to meet that height requirement. Council member Edgington thanked Brownlee for his service and his positive presence throughout the community.
Spring Grove Swim Center’s pool is currently undergoing repairs which should not take long. The pool needs to cure once the temperature reaches over 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The goal is to have the pool up and running for use by Friday, June 2. The council approved the hiring of a number of people to staff Spring Grove Swim Center’s positions of front desk, concessions, and lifeguards.
Meeting Reports
Council member Folstad shared Spring Grove’s library hosted local author Lizzy Hershberger on Monday, April 3. The event received a good turnout with 38 people in attendance. The community gets to enjoy another visit from a well known author, J. Ryan Stradal. Stradal will visit Fat Pat’s Brewery & BBQ in Spring Grove, Minn. on Monday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m.
The next regular Spring Grove City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, May 16 at 168 West Main Street in Room 100. The public is invited to attend.
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