The Spring Valley City Council held a public hearing and a regular council meeting on July 23, with all members present (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland and city administrator Deb Zimmer). The public hearing was opened at 6 p.m. regarding the council’s proposal to regulate ATV usage within city limits. No citizens attended to address the council regarding the issue. The council discussed the proposed ordinance, which Zimmer pointed out was the previous “golf cart ordinance” amended to also address other types of ATVs. It states the proposed rules for what Jessy Betts said are Class 1 and Class 2 side-by-side ATVs (including golf carts), including that all allowed vehicles must obtain a permit, occupants under 18 must wear a helmet, and that drivers must be at least 16 and licensed drivers. It further states that operation is only during daylight hours, and not during inclement weather. The proposed ordinance also states that “Recreational vehicles which require the occupant to straddle the vehicle for operation are not allowed to operate on city streets and are not eligible for a permit.” After discussion, the council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance.
Members discussed the damaged wall inside city hall (just behind and above where the council sits during meetings). It was pointed out that rainwater has leaked in that area for a long time, and previously repairs have been very temporary. Zimmer said, “We’ve had several people up on the roof, patched the roof, they say the roof’s fine.” She also said a company named Braun Intertec has submitted a price of $2,930 to determine the specific site of the leak, so it could then be repaired permanently. She clarified that this company does not do the repair, but simply finds the problem. Council members voiced concerns that without a guarantee, the city could end up spending nearly $3,000 for nothing helpful. Jones said, “It sounds like a lot to me, just to tell us where the problem is.” Hadland suggested tabling the issue until the city can get local bids on doing the actual repair. The council chose to table the issue.
John Fenske reported on the leak at the swimming pool, saying, “The pool’s been about the same, nothing’s really changed. I tried to isolate things… and it still kept leaking water, so I assume it’s the bottom pipe that goes up to the pump.” He said after the pool season closes, around the end of August, he will contact Roto-Rooter to come fix the leak.
The council approved a temporary liquor license for the Chamber of Commerce, for use during Ag Days. The quarterly ambulance “write-offs” were approved as well. The council heard from two candidates for public office. Heidi Bly Jones spoke of her candidacy for Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer, and Thomas Trehus outlined his platform in running for the Minnesota House. Jones will be running in the August primary, and then possibly the November election. Trehus will be on the ballot in November, since there is no primary for that position.
Zimmer explained a change order regarding the Washington & High Streets project, which she said is actually a price decrease of nearly $8,000, due to using a newly available and lower priced product for a portion of the project. The council approved this change order.
Jessy Betts gave a public thanks to Barb Keefe for her 17 years of service to the ambulance service, as her retirement approaches. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, August 13 at 6 p.m. As always, the public is welcome.
Gary Moulder says
I’m a bit disturbed over the report of the delay in the repair of the leak in the City Hall building. It seems from the report that the past history of failing to accurately determine the actual fault has not worked and resulted in wasted money. It seems to me that it would be prudent to actually determine the fault first so that an effective repair could be planned. Certainly kicking the can down the road when such a serious problem is in play is not a good idea. I would hope that considering the generally poor condition of the downtown buildings, the buildings under the management of the city should set the example for good management. In addition, the liability to the community for mismanagement of the public buildings that may well result in injury or health issues should be carefully considered in the process. It sounds to me like delays will likely only increase the expense to the community. I hope that someone on the council may clarify the reason for any delay in solving this problem.