Spring Grove Residents May Be Eligible for Flood Damage State Aid

On July 2, 2026, there was catastrophic flooding in parts of Houston County, including Spring Grove. The Houston County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency.

City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton told the Spring Grove City Council at its July 22 meeting that the city received 11 inches of rain on July 2, which “overloaded the system and bypassed the storm sewer.” As a result, she estimated that “80 to 90 percent of our town had damage.”

Elton told the council that the city staff received tons of calls about flooding issues, and it seemed like “95 percent were told their insurance didn’t cover it.” After meeting with state and county officials, Elton posted a July 14 update on the city’s Facebook page with more details and the survey link for state aid. The Individual Assistance Survey form closes at midnight on July 27. If approved, the state aid is reimbursed up to 75%; damage for individuals must exceed $4,100.

In addition to trying to get funding for cleanup, Elton said she had to call the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to address the bypassing of the storm sewer system. City engineers will set up meetings to explain MPCA-related compliance changes that are coming, including inspections that will be required.

Wrapping up on the flood discussion, Elton wanted to take time for the council to recognize the city staff and engineers who worked tirelessly without complaints during the holiday weekend, even though some were supposed to be on vacation. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson and the councilors expressed their appreciation for the exceptional efforts of the city staff and city engineers following the disaster.

Honoring Lee Sundet

All council members were present, and the agenda was adopted with two additional items: adding another person to the Planning and Zoning Committee (which Councilor Joe Grodahl was later appointed to) and reviewing a resolution for the Sundet family.

Grodahl said they “all knew how much the Sundet family has done for the community,” after Lee Sundet passed away a few days ago. In addition to taking time to formally recognize the Sundet family, which was already on the council agenda, Grodahl explained Resolution 26-51 added as a “nice gesture” to have flags at half mast on Monday when the funeral will take place. The resolution carried unanimously.

Other Actions and Updates

The council also approved these resolutions, projects and action items:

• The consent agenda.

• After a presentation by Emma Nollenberger from WHKS, Resolution 26-50 was passed for the Facilities Plan Report for Wastewater Treatment Facility Outfall Relocation; the project is still on schedule.

• Contracts were approved for Maguire Iron to do water tower repairs (at a cost of $29,114 for what Elton said were “urgent repairs” needed this year) and conduct ongoing maintenance at a cost of $271,016 over the next two years with the final payment due in 2028.

• A Rural Capacity Grant for daycare was submitted by CEDA, but Spring Grove was not selected.

• The Water Supply Plan was approved, which had been presented by the city engineer at a prior meeting. The engineer will also provide an update on the Assessment Policy for the watermain project in the next few months.

• Job duties for Elton were discussed. After closure of the police department and two CEDA part-time employees left, she took on added duties while her position went from full-time to part-time. The council agreed that Elton should remain as the Planning and Zoning Committee administrator, but that other boards must operate like the Library. A letter will be sent from the mayor’s office to each committee to outline the changes.

• The council discussed the flower beds and maintenance. The council is asking for community volunteers to come forward, but if there are no volunteers, the cement and in-ground planters will be removed.

• Ordinances and fees for Electric; Fees, Licenses and Permits; and Junk Vehicles were approved. “Junk Vehicles” in some cases are “Yard Art” and there will be a one-time fee of $25 instead of an annual penalty of $100.

• During old business, the discussions about vacating sidewalks for Spring Grove Soda continued, the rental agreement for a city property was extended through August 31, and removable speed bumps were approved near daycares.

The council also gave recognition to three Ambulance members who received a Stork Award after delivering a baby recently. The meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.