Spring Valley Ambulance crew honored

Spring Valley City Council’s initial regular meeting of the year was held January 14.  Council members present included Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mayor Tony Archer, Mike Hadland, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer.  No citizens had signed up to address the council.

The council gave certificates to the ambulance crew members who exceeded 1,300 hours of service in 2018.  Honorees included Tami Edgar (1,300 hours), Lucy Drinkall (1,900 hours), John Dols (2,700 hours), Mike Zimmer (3,000 hours) and Sue Puffer (3,500 hours).  The council and audience also sang “Happy Birthday” to Tami Edgar.

The council discussed whether or not to continue having a Police Policy Coordinator position in Spring Valley.  Zimmer explained that this is not something that all cities do, and she said according to Sheriff DeGeorge, it’s completely up to the city to decide whether or not to have the position, but if so, the sheriff will appoint someone, taking the city’s suggestions in mind.

Zimmer went on to explain that Deputy Tim Rasmussen has held that position for Spring Valley, but he will be leaving.  Regarding the position, she said, “It’s easier here to know who to contact if there’s an issue, and then it’s his job to talk to the other deputies… And that has worked really well in the past.”  She added that while in this role, Deputy Rasmussen handled the annual “junk tour” (looking for violations of the city’s “junk ordinance) and the buying of squad cars.

Mike Hadland stated his opinion that, “I feel the position needs to be maintained… I think Jessy Betts should get it.”  The council voted to continue the position (Hadland abstained), at an additional monthly salary of $300.

There was discussion of Jessy Betts’ request to be allowed to take the squad car home when he’s off duty.  Zimmer explained that the city has allowed this in the past with another officer.  She said Betts’ request is being made so that he could respond to calls faster, rather than having to drive into town and then change vehicles.  The council approved this request.

The council approved a large number of annual resolutions, including appointing personnel and positions for 2019.  There were no changes to the official newspaper, bank depository, or schedule of fees.  The council approved ambulance write-offs totaling $17,592.32.  The council also approved a 3.2 Liquor License for Kwik Trip, and an annual budget of $12,500 for the Historical Society, which Zimmer said was unchanged from 2018.

Mayor Archer read the list of official appointments, and stated, “We’re looking for one more person on the library board.  He encouraged any interested citizens to come forward.  Mike Hadland is listed as Mayor Pro Tem.  The council approved the list as read.

Zimmer said the city has received a request from a Civil War re-enactment group.  They would like to set up a period-authentic camp at an upcoming event later in the year, and give a demonstration of simulated cannon and small arms firing.  The council approved this request. 

The council discussed the Elcor Construction 2018 Washington/High Street Improvement Project Pay Estimate #8, for $156,632.43.  Zimmer added, “They are continuing to work, they are working on hooking up the septic systems right now.”

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.  The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, January 28 at 6 p.m.  Zimmer pointed out that the regular schedule of council meetings is the second and fourth Mondays at 6 p.m., and this looks to only need one alteration in 2019 (meeting on Wednesday, May 29 due to Memorial Day).  As always, the public is welcome.