The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session June 12, with all members present (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). Two of the main issues discussed involved the city’s South Park.
The pavilion in the park is noted to be in need of repairs, and the council had received bids on the repairs. The lowest bid was from Brent Hagan Construction. Council members discussed the option of making a few minor repairs and waiting until next year to do the main repairs, but safety was a concern, and Todd Jones shared his opinion that, “That’s just a really good bid, I’d hate to lose it.” The council voted to accept the bid and have the work done this year. The council also discussed the rule against dogs in South Park, but Zimmer pointed out that there is no set fee for persons in violation of this. The council and Deputy Rasmussen discussed it, and settled upon a $15 ticket for those cited violating the “no dogs” rule in the park.
A public hearing was held just prior to the regular council meeting, on the topic of the proposed update to the “Animals and Fowl” ordinance. One citizen spoke up, saying, “I would be for it except for I’d like to be allowed to have more rabbits…” The proposed ordinance says that a household could have one rabbit per household member, up to a maximum of five rabbits. During the regular council meeting, Hadland suggested she may ask around to see if someone outside of city limits would keep some of her rabbits. The council voted to approve the updated ordinance as submitted. The council also approved a fee of $10 for a rabbit permit.
The council OK’d paying the Fremont/Lyndale Street Improvement Project Pay Estimate #8, which totals $80,641.15. The council also OK’d liquor license renewals for TJ’s, Valley Lanes, Johnny Ringo, and Racks, contingent on all required paperwork being submitted to the city. Next, a street closure request, submitted by Fins & Films, was discussed. The request is for July 8, from 1 p.m. to midnight, to allow for a car show, live music, swap meet and outdoor movie. The event expects to draw 500 attendees and 80 cars for the car show. The council OK’d the request.
Next, Brian Malm (representing Bolton & Menk) spoke regarding a request from Joe O’Connell to have the city put in a storm sewer at O’Connell’s property (the former tamarack). Malm stated, “I looked at it, and it’s private property, first of all, so putting in a storm sewer there is costly, and it’s really not necessary.” He suggested simply grading to create a slope would be sufficient, and he said he’d be happy to discuss this with O’Connell. The council chose not to approve O’Connell’s request.
Zimmer offered, “Just maybe a gentle reminder to parents, when you drop your kids off at the pool or summer rec…” that in case of bad weather, parents should have a “Plan B” for picking up their children if events are canceled. A special assessment was approved regarding a building demolition that the city had completed. The council also voted to accept donations of $10,000 each from the Spring Valley Area Community Foundation and the Fischer Foundation, for use in purchasing Fit Trail equipment. Regarding the ongoing efforts to adopt an “Exterior Maintenance” ordinance, the council set a public hearing on the issue at the first council meeting in July. The next regular meeting of the city council will be Monday, June 26 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome.