Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Mayor Solberg called the regular meeting of the Spring Grove City Council to order at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21, from 6-7:39 p.m. at the Spring Grove Communication meeting room 100. Mayor Scott Solberg recognized the large audience and thanked them for attending and their interest in city government.
The meeting agenda was unanimously approved.
All council members were in attendance: Mayor Scott Solberg, Travis Torgerson, Karen Folstad, Chad Rohland, and Trent Turner.
Mayor Solberg led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda.
The required Truth in Taxation Public Hearing was held at the beginning of the meeting. The council approved the 2022 tax levy which, according to Mayor Solberg, is a “hair over 3%.”
There was a healthy discussion regarding the Corner Bar/Liquor Store, with attendees appreciative of the council’s willingness to listen to their comments. In return, the council expressed their appreciation for the civil way attendees participated in the discussion. Councilman Rohland explained that the council has been gathering information and data since October when Pat Longmire, owner of Red’s Hometown Market, asked the city to consider a privately owned liquor store versus a municipal liquor store, emphasizing that the city does not have all the answers. When asked about the process and timeline and what is keeping the city from deciding, Mayor Solberg reminded the audience that government moves slowly and that the council wants to get it right. Mayor Solberg prefers holding a public hearing instead of putting it out for a vote. No action was taken. The council agreed to add the conversation to next month’s agenda in order to update the community.
It was noted that two property owners received junk vehicle citations. Both property owners are in compliance with the city’s current junk vehicle/lawn art ordinance. After hearing from both property owners, the council approved notifying the court to dismiss the tickets.
The council approved opening the Fest Building from 8-10 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. during the winter for walkers, with a reminder that walkers are required to follow COVID rules. The council also approved allowing pickleball to be played in the Fest Building during the winter. Pickleball users will determine their schedule taking into consideration the other events that happen at the Fest building. The council agreed that the pickleball players do not have to pay to use the Fest Building as pickleball is an extension of Parks and Rec. It was included in the motion that paying customers take precedence and pickle ball players will need to remove the painter’s tape from the floor and black plastic from the wall if paying customers request that it be removed.
The council approved requiring a $10,000 deposit from Rebound Hospitality to cover the city’s Financial Advisor Mike Bubany fees, city fees, publications, contracts, and county expenses associated with moving the Cobblestone Project forward. Funds not used will be returned to Rebound Hospitality. Mayor Solberg explained, “This is typical business.”
It was determined that the Pay Scale Increase Timetable did not need to be approved, after councilmembers asked for clarification.
The council approved hiring Harlee Gavin as the 2022 swim center manager on the condition that hiring procedures were followed.
Mayor Solberg called for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m.
The Spring Grove City Council’s next regular meeting is January 18 at 6 p.m. at Spring Grove Communications room 100. The public is invited to attend.