The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on August 27. All members were present (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland and city administrator Deb Zimmer). John Fenske, Parks director, spoke to the council about the leak in the swimming pool. He said the general location of the leak has been detected, and it’s on the “pavilion side” of the pool. Now that the pool season is over, he asked the council for direction regarding the repair work to be done, and when it should be done (this fall versus in the spring). Zimmer pointed out that in the spring of 2019, school will end sooner than usual, so the window of opportunity for pool repairs in the spring is somewhat narrow. Todd Jones spoke in favor of having the repairs done this fall. The council did not yet make a formal decision. Fenske will collect more information to bring to the next council meeting.
Preliminary 2019 budget review was a main topic on the agenda. Zimmer pointed out that, “This is a very, very, very rough draft,” and she said the preliminary approval will be sought in September. Zimmer gave a summary of several of the larger changes from the 2018 budget, and explained the reasons for the changes. She said some new equipment is needed for the Streets department. Zimmer also said she expects an increase in the city’s expenditure for service from the county sheriff’s department, but she does not yet know any specific information about such an increase. She also mentioned a few items expected to be paid out of the capital funds, including a squad car and roofing at city hall. Zimmer also shared information and a spreadsheet on the levy analysis for the past six years, as well as projections for next year.
Sue Puffer gave an update on the ambulance service, and said they are expecting their new truck in the next six to eight weeks. Jessy Betts said he’s received complaints from citizens about woodchucks in city, so the city will look into getting traps set for them. He also said the city still needs to set a fee schedule related to the new ATV ordinance.
John DeGeorge addressed the council regarding his candidacy for Sheriff of Fillmore County. He was accompanied by his campaign manager, Tony Weber. DeGeorge described his background, experience and the philosophy that he hopes to bring to the position. DeGeorge said open communication between the sheriff’s department and cities/citizens is one of his top priorities if elected, and he asked for feedback regarding anything about which the public has questions or concerns. No other citizens had signed up to address the council.
Mayor Struzyk said, “Our EDA was looking at putting green space downtown, where the (Johnny Ringo bar) fire was. The VFW is kind of upset because they’re thinking of possibly building a building there.” He said he feels it would be unwise to spend money on a green space that would likely soon be removed.
Deputy Rasmussen and Sheriff Kaase submitted a written report on sheriff’s department activity for Spring Valley for the month of July. The report showed 60 totals calls for the month, including 14 times that the officers assisted with the ambulance or fire department or another law enforcement crew, as well as a wide variety of calls, such as theft, property damage, stray dogs, stranded motorists, vehicle crashes, harassment, and scams.
The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, September 10 at 6 p.m. As always, the public is welcome.