The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on May 13. All members were in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mike Hadland, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer.
Immediately prior to the regular council meeting, a brief public hearing was held on the proposed Floodplain Ordinance. Zimmer explained that, “We do flood insurance with FEMA. The national flood insurance, if we want to participate, we have to do this (ordinance).” The hearing lasted only three minutes, with a few questions about any new changes to the floodplain rules. Zimmer said there are no significant changes, and she explained that for any new construction, in order to comply with floodplain guidelines, the lowest floor of buildings must be higher than the mark just outside City Hall. During the regular council meeting, the council adopted the Floodplain Ordinance as submitted.
The council heard from Greg Brooks, who introduced himself and told of his new business, Root River Auto, Bus & Diesel Repair. Council members welcomed his new business to the community.
TJ Malone spoke to the council regarding his property tax assessment, saying that his special assessment is too high for him to pay, and he asked if his assessment could be changed. Zimmer explained that in April of 2018, an assessment hearing was held, and, “At that time, there is time for people to challenge their assessments. We did not get any challenges, so those assessments were adopted. They’re $94 a linear foot.” She added that certified letters had been sent to the applicable property owners, notifying them of that meeting. The council did not take any formal action.
Brian Owens addressed the council about his frustration in trying to sell his property at 412 West High Street. He said since the city has not yet cleared up the title issue, he is unable to sell. Zimmer and Mike Hadland said they understood his predicament, but that the process of clearing up the title is taking longer than they had hoped. Hadland summarized, “We’re in limbo right now.” Owens replied, “So it puts me there, too.” A work session meeting of the council on May 22 is expected to bring an update on the process.
There was discussion about an ongoing problem of citizens bringing their dogs into South Park, despite the many signs that indicate dogs are not allowed. Zimmer said she has taken many calls from citizens regarding this. Mike Hadland suggested citizens could, “Call law enforcement, that’s their job.” He suggested citizens should not call 911 for this issue, though, so that 911 will be reserved for emergencies. The non-emergency number listed for the sheriff’s office is (507) 765-3874.
The council considered a request from Mary Whalen. Zimmer explained that the city’s standard practice when replacing trees is to give the property owner a selection of trees to choose from, and the city then pays the greenhouse to come in an plant the chosen tree in the applicable spot. Whalen requested to get credit that she could use toward purchasing a larger tree. Zimmer said the city has chosen to use the current standard practice because of previous instances when trees either didn’t get planted, or were planted in other places on a property. Whalen also requested the removal of a stop sign. After discussion, the council voted to deny these requests.
Deb Zimmer said the city’s clean-up day went well. Mayor Archer read aloud a proclamation recognizing May as Motorcycle Awareness Month. The council meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Due to Memorial Day, the next regular meeting of the council will be Wednesday, May 29 at 6 p.m. As always, the public is welcome.
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