The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on September 10. Members present included Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent.
Aaron Kolling addressed the council, saying, “So we’re basically looking for some more land. We’re in the preliminary stage of looking at expanding our business again, and where we’re going to do it…I can’t promise you that we build a building next year or the year after.” Kolling went on to say that he and his business partners are looking at all options, and he’s aware that some small towns give lots away for free or at very low cost for businesses that are building or expanding.
Jessy Betts spoke up, saying if Kolling’s business were to get a couple more industrial lots in Spring Valley, and used them simply for parking, that would not increase the city’s tax base at all. So he advocated for setting up a lease agreement, and possible giving Kolling’s business the “first right of refusal” option to purchase the lots if/when someone shows an interest in building on the lots. Betts explained, “We want to give you the availability to do it, we just don’t want to handcuff ourselves,” in the event that another business wishes to build on the lots. Deb Zimmer shared her opinion that, “Your best expansion happens from within,” meaning businesses that are already established in the community. After discussion, the council chose to table the issue for now, and will bring options to the next meeting to consider. The council considered, and approved, a request from Eugene Bronk and Jason Jewison (employees of Seabright Electric) for donation of a lot on which they will build a pole shed this fall. The plans for the shed are 56’ by 64’ by 16’.
The council passed Resolution 2018-25, setting the Preliminary Tax Levy. Zimmer reminded the council that, once the levy is set, “You can lower it, but you can’t increase it.” The levy will be collectable in 2019, and is set at $1,484,188 total.
The council revisited the issue of ATV usage within city limits. The permit cost of $50 had been previously set, but no penalty fee had been set for those who fail to get a permit. Council members suggested the penalty needs to be more than the permit amount, as an incentive for users to get a permit, rather than “taking their chances” of being fined. The council chose to drop the permit cost to $25 and set the penalty amount at $50.
There was discussion of the water-damaged walls in city hall. Zimmer said the city would need to install an air exchanger, and possibly a dehumidifier in the basement, so get rid of the moisture that has caused mold and structural problems. The council opted to move forward with buying the air exchanger and getting estimates to tear out the damaged wall. The removal may be done by “Sentenced to Serve” workers, if available.
The council approved Resolution 2018-26, supporting library funding partnership between cities and Fillmore County. The resolution points out that usage of the library is 40% rural/county, but that county provides only 30% of the funding. The resolution asks the county to consider increasing funding to 40% by fiscal year 2024. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, September 24 at 6 p.m. As always, the public is welcome.