Spring Valley City Council met held January 28. All council members were present (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mayor Tony Archer, John Dols, Mike Hadland, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). No citizens had signed up to address the council.
Regarding plans for the city to purchase a Bobcat “Toolcat” vehicle, Zimmer said, “This is actually a budgeted item,” but she explained she was bringing it to the council’s attention since there have been some questions about the purchase. The quote from Bobcat, for the Bobcat 5600 vehicle, shows a total cost of $51,922.40. However, after a trade-in allowance of $30,000 for the 2016 vehicle, the final cost is $21,922.40. The council voted unanimously to move ahead with the purchase.
The council considered an application from Charles Barbera for a liquor license. Zimmer said he plans to open a bar across from city hall. She also added that since liquor licenses run through July 1, 2019, the council may wish to consider prorating the fee for this license, if approved. Mike Hadland proposed adjusting the license fee by 50%, for a cost of $850. The council unanimously approved this.
Next, the council considered tobacco license applications from Kwik Trip, Sunshine Foods, Dollar General, Casey’s and Fowler BP. Zimmer said all of the applications and fees have been submitted. Hadland asked Deputy Rasmussen, “Any issues, Tim, with any of them?” Deputy Rasmussen replied, “Never. Never heard of anything.” The council approved the tobacco licenses.
John Fenske reported on the park department, stating, “The rec program is going strong. We had our second tournament; we have tournaments every other Saturday for the months of January and February.”
Chad Hindt, Street Department, reported, “It’s been really busy here the last couple weeks trying to get all the snow moved.” Aaron Hamersma, with the water treatment plant, has been helping with snow removal as his schedule allows. Chris Danielson asked about snow removal from a street near the nursing home. After it was described, Hindt explained it is actually private property, belonging to the nursing facility, and that’s why the city did not clear it.
Chris Danielson shared that the library is holding children’s activity time on Saturday mornings for anyone interested. Brian Danielson, fire department, said, “January’s been a quiet month,” and he added that the pre-employment process has begun for two potential new members of the fire crew. John Dols shared that Spring Valley is applying for a matching grant through the Minnesota Twins organization that, if received, would be used for ballpark upgrades in the city.
Zimmer informed the council that, “The plat for the Industrial Park is being completed. We will schedule through Planning & Zoning a public hearing in March to do the preliminary and final plats for both of these at that time.”
Mayor Archer gave public thanks to Deputy Tim Rasmussen, as this is his final council meeting while serving as Deputy. Rasmussen stated, “I’d like to thank the council, past and present, city, and citizens. Spring Valley’s been good to me, and this is my last meeting. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, February 11 at 6 p.m. As always, the public is welcome.
Photo by Rich Wicks