The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session July 24, with all members present (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). The topic most discussed was the city’s proposed “Exterior Maintenance” ordinance, which would set guidelines for residential and commercial properties, and would spell out structural repairs that the owner would need to do in certain situations. If the owner did not complete the required repairs, the city would have the authority to have the work done and then bill or assess the owner.
A citizen addressed the council asking, “If a property is in disrepair, but you have it posted as ‘No Trespassing,’ would that take care of it?” Council members answered that the owner would still likely be liable if someone were injured on the property, with Jessy Betts saying, “Even though it’s posted, that doesn’t bypass the safety issue.” After discussion, a motion was made to approve the ordinance as submitted, but there was no second for the motion, and no further action was taken.
The council approved Resolution 2017-18, decertifying TIF District #1-6, as well as Resolution 2017-19, amending boundaries of TIF District #1-10. Next, the council considered an option to replace the city’s internet server for $5,647. Zimmer said the server is nearing nine years old and explained, “I do have room in my budget (to make the purchase this year), but we can hold off until next year.” The council discussed the city’s current “automatic backup” of computer data, which is still working well. The council chose to wait until next year to consider replacing the server.
Jenny Simon gave an update on happenings at the public library, including the 84 prize bags which will be given out as the Summer Reading program wraps up. She said the prizes were donated by local businesses and individuals, and added, “We’re very thankful for all those!” She also said the collection bins in front of the library are “doing great.”
John Fenske said things for the Parks department are going well. Sue Puffer (Ambulance) reported that the department has already had 25 calls in July, which is a very busy month. She also informed the council of a very generous donation of furniture from Drury’s. Troy Lange said it’s been relatively quiet for the Fire Department.
Zimmer shared a letter that the city received from a citizen asking for approval to close down the 600 block of University for a “neighborhood block party” for part of the day on August 19 (during Ag Days). After discussion, the council OK’d this request.
Zimmer said she’s working on the city’s 2018 budget, and she said, “It will be interesting; there’s a lot of stuff in it.” The next regular meeting of the city council will be Monday, August 14 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome.