The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on June 10, with all members in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and city administrator Deb Zimmer. No visitors had signed up to address the council.
The council heard from Bryan Owens regarding the city’s proposed “trade” of decreasing his assessment to 66 feet, in exchange for his giving an easement allowing the city legal access to a portion of his property (due to it containing a culvert and drainage way). The original certified assessment on the property was $9,258.90, and the city’s proposal at the most recent meeting was to reduce it to $6,204. Bryan and Kari Owens sent a letter, dated June 4, to the city proposing it be reduced to $4,000 (approximately 42.5 feet).
When asked the reason behind his request, Owens replied, in part, “You guys need that land. I don’t feel that it’s something that I just give away. Nothing’s free in this world.” He added that the originally proposed plan was a land swap, and then at the most recent council meeting, the idea of an easement was brought up. Owens also stated, “At this point, I’m trying to sell the place. I’m not doing it for me. I’m trying to be fair.”
After discussion, the council chose not to make any changes to the decision they reached at the May 29 meeting (decreasing the assessment to 66 feet, or $6,204, in exchange for the easement). Mayor Archer said he’s reluctant about “setting a bad example” for any future similar situations. Owens voiced his frustration with the decision, and predicted that this will end up costing the city more. He said he has no plans to sign the city’s proposed agreement.
Representing the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department, Jessy Betts introduced Sergeant Derek Fuglestad to the council, and explained, “He’s the one that will be working with me to fill the coordinator role.” (The primary point of contact between the department and the city). Fuglestad told the council of his 19 years of law enforcement experience. Betts also introduced Jordan Heyer, and said Dalton Bellock will the filling the third spot as primary officers for Spring Valley. Betts said Bellock will be formally introduced to the council at a meeting in the near future.
The council heard a presentation from Jim Accurso of the Census Bureau, regarding the Bureau’s “Community Partnership and Engagement Program (CPEP). He explained that the program aims to get “buy-in” from counties and municipalities, to help achieve better response rates in the census. He outlined the basic steps to the 2020 Census, including the streamlined staffing structure, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and the opportunity for area citizens to apply for jobs with the Census. He also said citizens will have several opportunities to respond to the Census through online or written means, before any “door to door” Census workers will be sent out.
The council considered, and approved, a pay estimate of $209,170.13 as part of the city’s 2018 Street & Utility Improvement Project. Mayor Archer shared that, “I just wanted to say the Spring Valley 100 and the Spring/Summer Kickoff was a good success… I want to thank the fire department for getting out there and blocking the roads to keep the bikers safe.” He also gave public thanks to all who helped at the public library following the recent storm damage, calling it “great teamwork.” The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, June 24 at 6 p.m. As always, the public is welcome.
Leave a Reply