The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 24, 2016. Members in attendance were Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jeff Vehrenkamp, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Bill Bires was absent.
Kingsland Superintendent John McDonald attended the meeting, as did School Board Members Troy Asher and Ann Oeltjen, to inform the council about the upcoming two referendum questions that will be voted upon this November 8. McDonald stated, “In a few shorts weeks, we’ll be going to the polls, and there’s a lot to vote for. We want you to have a good understanding of what this is… There’s an operating referendum, and the second question is a building referendum.”
McDonald explained that if Question One passes, it would bring in approximately $200,000 more for annual operating costs, which have risen over time. He said the amount would maximize Kingsland’s use of state aid, by bringing the operating cost to $760 per pupil. He also said if approved, this referendum would revoke and replace the prior referendum from 2010.
Regarding Question Two (the building referendum), McDonald said, “Since I’ve been here, and even long before, that’s been a topic of study and discussion…A lot of people have looked at this, …and a common theme has been that doing nothing is not a good solution.” He said that consulting firms and a community committee worked on developing several options, and then the various costs and advantages and disadvantages were compared, including the longterm costs of maintaining whatever facilities are used. The board then settled upon the single-site option, and that’s what will be on the ballot in Question Two. He also encouraged everyone to go to the Kingsland website, to see videos answering common questions, and said there is a calculator to figure out anyone’s specific tax impact under these plans. Mayor Struzyk said, “I think your board did a wonderful job coming up with these plans.”
Next, Deb Zimmer informed the council about Resolution 2016-31, concerning a special use permit for Travis Smith to operate a taxidermy service at 301 Center Avenue. The proposed resolution includes several conditions to address that have been brought up. Todd Jones spoke up, saying, “I think with these conditions, the city has a leg to stand on” (if problems were to arise). “I spoke to Travis; he said you’re not going to see anything or have any smell.” The council unanimously approved the resolution as presented.
Deputy Sheriff Tim Rasmussen submitted a monthly report showing a total of 83 calls for service and/or patrol activities in September, including eight harassments complaints, numerous dog/animal complaints, and a variety of vehicle accidents and assists with ambulance or other departments. The report also showed there were no concerns to report regarding the three squad vehicles. Deputy Rasmussen also stated that the new computers have been installed on the squad vehicle dashboards.
The monthly ambulance report showed 43 calls for service in September, and stated, “Jessica Kohn and Zach Gilbertson have started ride-alongs and are progressing nicely in classes.” Laura Bockman reported that there was one missed call (September 22) due to an open spot on the schedule, and that the crew is working on filling such open spots. Deb Zimmer said the city formerly would schedule firefighters to fill ambulance openings, but the council may want to consider that carefully because some firefighters said they aren’t comfortable with that. Bockman also explained the crew’s request to use $5,800 from the pancake fund, to pay for ducting the ambulance’s HVAC system along the ceiling, and to add a blanket warmer. She explained both of these would be for patient comfort, and there would be no cost to the city. The council OK’d this request.
Jenny Simon told the council of the collection bin now outside the library. She said it’s for donations of clothing and household items, and donations have been coming in at a strong pace. The library then receives ten cents per pound for the donations. She said anyone with a large amount to donate can call the library to arrange pick-up at their home. Any questions can also be directed to library staff.