As the community enjoyed the warm weather, the Spring Valley City Council welcomed Kali Lentz of Smith Schafer as she shared the annual audit report.
According the Lentz, the city received and unmodified clean opinion for the 2023 audit.
The audit showed the general property tax levy represented 39% of the total revenues for the year with $1,676,686 in tax collections. The tax increment financing (TIF) increased $12,665 for a total of $25,567. The local government aid (LGA) represented 22% of the revenues at $947,178.
The general governmental expenditures came in at $224,384, which is a slight decrease as there was no election or wage study. The public safety expenditures totaled $500,986. This included the purchase of the thermal imaging cameras for the fire department. The public works expenditures had an increase of $84,543, which includes the purchase of a Toolcat, for a total of $546,794. The park expenditures came in at $213,525. This includes the parks, community center, the pool and recreation. Library expenditures were down slightly to $200,381. The community and economic development expenditures totaled $83,549.
The city’s general fund came in $157,740 below budget at $1,213,953. The unassigned fund had a balance of $2,159,822. It was noted the library was under budget by $30,777, park expenditures were over budget by $5,359 because of summer rec supplies and the economic development authority (EDA) was over budget by $1,949 due to advertising and promotions.
The council approved the 2023 audit.
Public hearing
The council then closed the meeting and opened the public hearing regarding proposed ordinance 47, which is meant to regulate the possession of various forms of dangerous weapons while hunting or pursuing wild game within city limits.
Members of the community who live on the outskirts of the city shared their support of the ordinance as they are having continuing issues with trespassers hunting on their properties.
Council member Luan Ruesink clarified that the ordinance is targeted at the hunters themselves and not the landowner.
The council voted to adopt the ordinance.
Staff, Council and
Commission Reports
Parks and Recs Director John Fenske reminded residents that while the temperatures are uncharacteristically warm the city will not be opening restrooms until at least April 1. Fenske is now preparing for summer rec and the pool season. The city will be in need for lifeguards for the season, specifically those with their water safety instructor (WSI) certification so they can continue to offer swim lessons. A special thanks was given to JJBK Construction for their generous $750 donation for the Park and Rec program.
EDA Director Chris Hahn shared that the new large dog wash is open in downtown Spring Valley.
Library Director Melissa Vander Plas noted the library is now open on Thursdays and the first Saturday of every month. There is now a craft-making space in the small activities room for the public to use. Upcoming author visits include Jess Lourey on April 9 at 7 p.m., Lanesboro local Steve Harris on April 30 at 6 p.m. and Michael Hall on May 9 at 7 p.m. The Friends of the Spring Valley Public Library will be holding their fundraising book sale at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) on April 20 with proceeds going to the library. Story time will be returning to the library in April on the first and third Fridays of the month at 10:30 a.m. The summer reading program will begin on June 3 and conclude on July 26.
Ambulance Co-director Sue Puffer stated they had 38 calls in February and are already at nearly 20 calls this month.
In coordination with daylight savings time, Fire Chief Dustin Johnson reminded residents to check their batteries on all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Last month the department responded to two field fires, a skid loader fire, a structure fire, a lift assist and a vehicle accident. The crew recently completed their storm spotter training. Johnson asked residents to be cautious while burning as the ground is incredibly dry at this time.
With the increase in horse traffic, Ruesink and Mayor Tony Archer expressed the need for all animal owners to clean up after their animals. Archer also asked residents to be mindful of their grass clippings and leaves so they do not end up in the streets and sewers.
Other business
•The council approved the sale of a park department pickup truck through sealed bids.
•A resolution imposing a lien on the property, located at 213 South Huron Avenue, for nonpayment of utility services was approved.
•The next council meeting will be held on April 8 at 6 p.m.
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