The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on July 8. Members in attendance included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent.
Seven bids had been received for the upcoming 2019 Industrial Park Expansion project, and those bids were reviewed by the engineering firm of Bolton & Menk. Bolton & Menk submitted a letter summarizing the bids, and recommending that the city accept the lowest bid, which was from Kuechle Underground Inc, for $1,171,081.40. The council voted to accept this bid.
Regarding the project, Deb Zimmer stated, “We do have a grant from Deed that will cover $608,966. Public Utilities will be funding $200,000, and the remaining, roughly $500,000, we have accounted here… We’re asking that the underground work be done this year, and the blacktopping will be done next year. They could start now, or as late as this fall.”
Alissa Oeltjenbruns addressed the council on behalf of SMIF (Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation). She explained that SMIF covers a 20-county region, and she outlined how it can benefit the community, encouraging Spring Valley to, “Continue to think of us as a tool in your toolbox.” Information submitted by SMIF shows that for every dollar donated from Fillmore County, $32 is invested back into Fillmore County communities.
The council heard a complaint from Jolene Wiebrand regarding a property next to hers. She said the grass has not been mowed regularly, and when it was recently mowed, the clippings were left in a large pile on the lawn. She added, “And there’s stuff that’s been thrown out one of the back windows, and it’s nothing but a big old heap back there. Now that’s drawing nothing but mice and rats.” She also said people have reported seeing snakes on the property. She asked if the city can do something to help remedy the situation. Mayor Archer thanked her for bringing her concern to the council, and said the city attorney will be consulted to see what steps the city should take.
Council members discussed a request from Spring Valley Living. The center submitted a letter to the city, asking the council to consider reducing the upcoming charge for issuing a tax exempt revenue bond to $10,000. The letter included a statement that, “Any monies saved in this part of the process will be directly put into the project and the programming.” Deb Zimmer said the charge would normally be $17,000. Mayor Archer explained, “They’re going to put another addition into the care center up there. Senior Living is going to be a memory care unit, and an adult care unit,… so it’s kind of a big project.” After discussion, the council voted to grant the fee reduction as requested.
Dorothy and Scott Holland had submitted a request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow them to operate a business from their home at 525 North Section Avenue. Zimmer explained that they intend to sell garden produce, and the hours of operation would be 3-7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays (closed on Sundays). The resolution states that there is to be no commercial delivery of produce, and there is limited signage allowed. The council voted to approve the request.
Zimmer mentioned that city has planned to consider buying another squad car. She stated, “There has been some discussion of do we really need two Tahoes sitting at the street shop?… Is there a need or not?” She said it will be on the agenda for the council to make a decision, most likely at the next council meeting (July 22).
The council approved paying Pay Estimate #12 for the 2018 Street and Utility project, in the amount of $398, 598.50. Mayor Archer said the Fins & Films event was a success, with better attendance than was expected, even with the rains that came. The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, July 22 at 6 p.m. As always, the public is welcome.
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