Spring Grove Talks About Safety

Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, May 21 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Saundra Solum called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Solum, Heather Edgington, Trent Turner, Mike Hagen and Karen Folstad. Also, in attendance was City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton.

The agenda and consent agenda received unanimous approval.

Spring Grove resident Mike Moen addressed the council during Open Forum. Moen expressed concern over children’s safety on 2nd St. SE, with the street being one side parking and cars going down that street not slowing down. Moen questioned the council about the inclusion of lowered speed limit signs. Councilor Folstad responded that signs could be put up but not legally enforced. Moen acknowledged there are a lot of children on 2nd St. SE with kids getting on and off buses, and with both the daycare and school nearby. Ideas to remedy the issue of cars not slowing down included changing parking or perhaps include a speed bump. Moen concluded with, “That’s my biggest concern, is safety.”

“I don’t disagree with you at all Mike,” shared Edgington.

Mayor Solum asked to add this item to next month’s agenda for further discussion.

Old Business only consisted of discussion on Fat Pat’s commercial rebates. City Clerk/Administrator Elton stated that no invoices were turned in.

New Business

Giants of the Earth held an exhibit on Friday, May 17 about Olaf Kjome. Mayor Solum stated, “It’s pretty cool stuff!” The exhibit talked about the history and life of Kjome and where Kjome lived. Solum mentioned that Kjome had once been honored by the Dairy Shrine Club; this is one of the U.S. dairy industry’s top awards.

The council discussed the crosswalk between Spring Grove Public Schools and Little Gnome Daycare on 2nd Avenue NW. Spring Grove Public Schools has had difficulty with crossing children across the street to the daycare due to the traffic. Elton brought this issue to Safe Route to Schools, a program that promotes safety in walking and bicycling to school. Safe Route to Schools recommended the inclusion of a 4-way stop. Solum commented, “Let’s look into that.”

Elton shared that she spoke with Courtney Bergey Swanson of CEDA (Community and Economic Development Associates) about Farmer’s Coop Elevator at 210 2nd Ave. NW. Bergey Swanson had no current updates but will bring updates next month.

Mayor Solum brought up how Spring Grove’s streetlights face a certain way to ensure the night sky could be easily visible. Solum stated, “I love that we have dark skies over Spring Grove!” Solum wanted to ensure that with Spring Grove expanding and new businesses coming to town, that Spring Grove continues to maintain its current light set up where the night sky can be seen at ease. The inclusion of a Dark Skies Ordinance had been talked about. “Wouldn’t it be easier to put up signs?” Questioned Elton. In the end, the council agreed to add on to the existing ordinance instead of creating a new one.

City/Clerk Administrator Elton informed the council that a lot of people are in support of No Mow May. No Mow May is an environmental movement to cease mowing for the month of May to better help bees in pollination. Councilor Edgington questioned, “How many requests are we getting?” As of now, No Mow May is not included in any city ordinance.

“I’m okay adding it,” added Solum. Councilor Turner countered that allowing lawns to grow will attract unwanted bugs in residents’ yards. Hagen added to Turner’s counterargument in stating the excess growth could attract snakes.

After listening to council members voice their opinion on the matter, Solum stated, “I’m fine saying no.”

Hagen added, “If we don’t have it, people can’t participate in it. It’s not a good idea!” The council came to an agreement with Spring Grove not to recognize No Mow May.

Spring Grove held their yearly Syttende Mai celebration Wednesday, May 15 through Sunday, May 19. Elton acknowledged, “I want to give a shout out to the Syttende Mai committee. They did a great job!”

Mayor Solum shared, “It was great to see so many people in town!”

Council member Edgington shared her EDA (Economic Development Authority) report. Edgington stated that EDA is working towards improving tourism right now for Spring Grove. Edgington tossed out a couple of fun ideas as an attraction such as trails or snowshoeing in winter.

Council member Hagen provided his Parks report. He informed that the pump track is not ready yet. Spring Grove is looking for volunteers to be on the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee, unfortunately there have been no applications in. Hagen questioned if this is something that could be done through a school to get students out and volunteering in their community. Mayor Solum responded with, “We can check with the schools.”

The council meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.