The Spring Valley City Council June 9 meeting kicked off with a presentation by Aaron Johnson, Philanthropy director at Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF).
“The foundation is a donor supported foundation. We invest for economic growth in the 20 counties of south central and southeastern Minnesota. This includes 175 communities and one native nation,” Johnson explained. “Our key interests include entrepreneurship, early childhood development and community vitality. Since 1986, at the inception of our foundation, we have invested over $170 million in the region.”
Locally, through SMIF’s early childhood development programs, Semcac was awarded a $20,000 early care and education grant and Kingsland received 300 books.
Entrepreneurs in Fillmore County have benefitted from SMIF’s Rural Entrepreneurial Venture, which has generated over $125,000 in revolving loans for local businesses.
Through their community vitality programs, Spring Valley received a Paint the Town Grant for the Spring Valley Creek Mural in 2022.
Active Transportation Work Order
After being awarded a $1M million Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) Active Transportation (AT) grant, Drew Weber, of Bolton and Menk, spoke to the council about the next steps.
“The first step to initiate us moving forward with the project would be doing a topographic survey of the project area, which includes Broadway Avenue from Jefferson Street to the south side of Main Street, as well as the north side of Main Street from trunk highway 63 and Willow Park,” Weber explained.
After collecting the survey data, a preliminary design will be created and presented to the council.
“The goal would be to bring that report back to you at the end of summer or early fall and at that time, if you like, we can move forward with the final design,” Weber said.
The council voted to approve the active transportation work order.
Weber also noted he and the advisory committee, which was originally formed to create ideas and a scope for a potential downtown project, regathered to review the scope of the grant application and its guidelines for what is and isn’t eligible for the grant.
During an upcoming Wednesdays on Broadway, a booth will be set up on one of the corners where there will be a demonstration sample so people can see what the plan is currently. After the event, Weber will work with Public Works Director Chad Hindt and city staff to create a demonstration area on all the applicable corners.
“I thought it would be a better approach to see an example of what it is going to be. That way they can see it, ask questions and be a little more informed about the purpose of the delineators and what they represent,” councilor Luan Ruesink expressed.
Tourism Board and Park and Rec Committee
Mayor Justin Mlinar presented drafts for a Tourism Board, which notes the purpose of the board and it’s regulations.
The mission statement of the board is “To develop and promote Spring Valley as a vibrant, welcoming destination by supporting tourism-related initiatives, partnerships and marketing efforts that benefit the community and stimulate economic growth.”
“I like the way it’s written. It was going through my mind with all the businesses in town and how many of our business owners don’t live in town or aren’t going to live in town at some point. For them to be a part of it is important,” Councilor Brent Kohn said of the inclusion of local rural residents who own a tourism-related property or a business in Spring Valley.
“Promoting our town is the biggest thing and things are so happening now,” Councilor Chris Danielson said in support of the board.
The board approved the Tourism Board draft.
Next, the council reviewed the proposed Park and Rec Committee draft.
The first discussion was whether this should be a committee or a board. The council unanimously agreed a committee structure would be a better fit.
Councilor John Dols asked for rural residents to also be included in this committee as they also have a large stake and investment in the Parks and Rec department.
“There are so many businesses that donate so much money. There is no reason they shouldn’t be allowed to sit on that committee,” Parks and Rec Director John Fenske agreed.
It was determined the committee would allow members from anywhere within the Kingsland School District.
The council voted to table the committee draft to further work on the details and wording. They will revisit the matter at their July meeting.
Mlinar is asking anyone interested in being a part of the board or the committee to send in a letter of intent to city hall addressed to him. All interested parties for the Tourism Board must be postmarked by July 1, 2025.
Staff and Council Reports
Fenske shared some unfortunate news about the baby pool, which has burst a pipe. At this time he is working with Roto-Router to formulate a plan to either fix or placate the problem until fall when the pool is closed.
Hahn noted there are two new businesses in town Kalla Lilly, a boutique floral shop and Green Loop Refillery, which provides sustainable everyday products.
Hahn also showed the council the city’s ad featured in the NASCAR 50 States of Short Tracks magazine.
Hahn then told the council the Spring Valley VFW has purchased the gravel area by Minnwest Bank so they can create a veteran’s memorial.
Little Huskers signup is on the EDA’s website for any youth interested in participating.
Library Director Melissa Vander Plas shared the summer reading program has now kicked off with 90 kids already signed up. She also encouraged parents to check the library’s Facebook page for pop-up events throughout the summer.
While Co-Director Sue Puffer was unable to attend the meeting, it was noted the ambulance department had 50 calls in May.
Fire Chief Dustin Johnson told the council all their calls came in one week last month with one house fire, a carbon monoxide alarm, smoke alarm and a motorcycle versus car accident. He reminded residents to check the expiration of their alarms and replace as needed.
The fire department has been working on their traffic safety training, an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) refresher, as well as a storm spotting training.
Council members shared their frustrations with continuing issues with the unruly youth at Kolling Park. The council is asking parents to accompany their children when they are at the park to help deter bad behavior. There is heightened police presence in the area, but Mlinar asked residents to call the police if they are concerned for their safety.
“The investment down there is huge with all the donations and for that to happen is a shame,” Danielson expressed.
Ruesink asked residents to be courteous and not blow grass onto the city’s streets.
Mlinar stated during the council’s recent work session they reviewed the information received during the last town hall meeting, which focused on ordinances. It was determined the biggest issue was the enforcement. According to Mlinar, the city will be focused on making sure all ordinances are enforced more swiftly.
Mlinar also asked those feeding feral cats to stop as the food is bringing in more cats and wild animals. He suggested that instead of feeding the cats, concerned residents could trap them and have them spayed or neutered or take them to a rescue shelter.
Finally, Mlinar reminded residents to be cognizant of being good neighbors and continue to work toward a unified community.
Other Business
•The board denied a request from Trenton Hyland to lease or purchase city property located on County 8 as the land is currently being rented on a multi-year lease and because it has been annexed into the city limits there is no hunting allowed on the premises.
•The request from Economic Development Authority Chris Hahn to form a housing committee consisting of representatives from the council, EDA, Spring Valley Public Utilities, Public Works, local builders, Bolton and Menk and David Drown and Associates was approved.