On April 9, Spring Valley held its annual Board of Review meeting, in which County Assessor Brian Hoff described the assessment and review process. He said all requests for a review must be based on actual facts. Hoff and the council heard from several homeowners who asked the council to consider adjusting their assessments following a re-check that recently was done by Hoff. The council also heard from Jennie Kovarik, who said that the assessments are increasing taxes so much that, “To me, you’re pushing people out of town” because they’re going to go where it’s more affordable. The council voted to accept the recommendations from Hoff regarding decreases for the three homeowners that he has already met with and found reasons that their assessments should be decreased. The council took no action regarding the Kovarik property, so that Hoff can set up a time to re-check her home.
Council members present for the meeting included Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk Jessy Betts, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. The council heard from Mike Bubany regarding financing for the upcoming infrastructure project. He stated that one piece of good news is that, “Deb (Zimmer) has already identified probably $150,000 in the current budget that can be reallocated to minimize the impact. There will still be impact, but she’s doing a good job of trying to drive that down.” He also explained that, “This will be a competitive sale. So if you were to approve this tonight all that you’re doing is authorizing us to prepare the official statement, order the credit rating, and then on May 14, open bids on the bonds.”
Bryan Holtz, Senior Engineering Technician with Bolton & Menk, spoke to the council about the planned assessments, and Deb Zimmer said certified letters have been sent to all of the applicable homeowners. Mayor Struzyk pointed out that the water and sewer upgrades are needed, and if the project were to be delayed, the cost would simply increase. A citizen spoke up asking if the council feels sidewalks are needed on both sides of the streets in the project. Council members said the state recommends this, and that Spring Valley citizens have generally been satisfied having sidewalks on both sides with previous projects. Zimmer clarified that homeowners over the age of 65 can qualify for a deferral, not a reduction in the assessment cost. The council voted to adopt the assessments as submitted. The council awarded the street project bid to Elcor Construction, at a bidded price of $4,945,973. The council also approved the competitive sale of 2018A GO Bonds for the project.
Greg Melartin addressed the council regarding his request to have drag racing in Spring Valley on July 7, using what he referred to as “pre-’88 stock street vehicles.” He explained the safety procedures that he would have in place, and he asked what it would take for the council to approve such a request. He said he’s also asking the county to consider approving his plans. Mayor Struzyk replied, “Safety is the biggest thing for me… I can’t see it going within city limits.” Jessy Betts said he’s aware that Melartin has brought in some new events, and said, “I’d certainly be open to look at it” when Melartin has more details figured out. No action was taken at this time.
The council discussed the conditional use permit request from Karl and Karen Bjellum to operate a business from their home. The request was unanimously approved. Ambulance write-offs totaling $3,205 were approved, as was a request for a raffle permit from the Sportsmens Club. The council discussed what to do regarding the Tourist Information Center building, which has suffered significant water damage. It was decided to open it to offers to “demolish or remove” the structure. The council chose to accept a bid of $650 for the city’s old plow. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, April 23 at 6 p.m. As always, the public is welcome.