The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session November 27 with all members present (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). No visitors had signed up to address the council.
The council voted to hire Megan Neuzil and John Dols as EMTs. The council then approved the hiring of Luverne Maier as operator at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Deb Zimmer noted that, “He’s ready to start tomorrow.”
In a related matter, the council considered the WWTP operations proposal from the firm of Bolton & Menk. The letter, sent by Principal Engineer Brian Malm, states an understanding that Spring Valley is seeking “interim operations assistance from a Class B licensed operator until such time as city’s operator acquires his Class B license.” The proposal is for the minimum amount of operations assistance necessary under MPCA rules. It states that Bolton & Menk would provide at least two two-hour on-site visits per week, at a monthly lump sum of $2,368 (which includes travel time), with additional assistance available at a rate of $74 per hour. Mayor Struzyk pointed out that this is cheaper than what was originally quoted by Bolton & Menk. Bolton & Menk would provide technical training (including on monitoring, sampling, analyzing and reporting), as well as supervision and other support. The council voted unanimously to approve this agreement. Bolton & Menk will send a work order to be signed by the city.
The council also OK’d Resolution 2017-37, approving an off-site gambling permit for VFW Post 4114. Their event will occur January 27 at the Spring Valley Community Center. Struzyk said it’s the VFW’s annual fundraiser for their scholarships.
Jessy Betts reported that although library director Jenny Simon was unable to attend the council meeting, “Jenny sent me a message… they’ve been really busy for the holidays… and special thanks to Gene Ramaker for getting the grounds ready for winter, and to John Simon for changing all the outside lights.”
Sue Puffer reported that the ambulance crew has been averaging about one call per day, and she thanked the council for approving the two new hires. Troy Lange reported that it’s been a relatively quiet month for the fire department, and that they assisted with a house fire in Grand Meadow.
Mike Hadland said he’d been contacted by a citizen with a picture of an alleged junk ordinance violation, and said the city will follow up. Todd Jones stated, “I just want to thank the utilities (crew) for the tree they do every year,…it looks phenomenal!”
Deb Zimmer pointed out that the next meeting (December 11 at 6 p.m.) will include the annual Truth in Taxation hearing, as well as final budget approval. The final council meeting in December will be at noon on December 27, and will be just for approving payment of bills.