On Monday, September 14, 2026, the Spring Valley City Council approved the preliminary property tax levy, which will be collectable in 2027 with the numbers set as such, the General Operating budget at $841,013, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) set at $86,979, Parks at $217,603 and Library at $225,960. The total preliminary levy is $2,014,799.
It was noted while the levy can be decreased, once approved it cannot be raised.
City Administrator Retirement
After 28 year, City Administrator Deb Zimmer will be retiring. Throughout those years she has helped to build and shape the city of Spring Valley.
“It’s really unfortunate for us, but I want to thank you for your 28 years of service to this community. There are a lot of things you have done that people would never know. I think probably the largest one that would surprise some people is the Industrial Park,” Mayor Justin Mlinar expressed.
Councilor John Dols shared, “I had the privilege of meeting Deb in 1998 when I came to town as the Park and Recs Director … She has been a tremendous asset to the city.”
Councilor Luan Ruesink also thanked Zimmer for all her help and guidance through the years.
Project updates
Drew Weber, of Bolton and Menk, gave an update on the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) Project.
“We met with city staff and walked through the plans and specs. We’ve done that several times throughout the year, but this time it was to finalize those plans,” Weber said.
With the council’s approval, the project will be moving on to the next step, which is bidding out the project. If the city receives favorable bids the project could potentially begin in 2027.
Another project that has been under discussion is the reconstruction of Highways 16 and 63 through town.The city utilities design is now needed for implementation into the specs, according to Weber.
The city’s responsibility will be the sanitary sewer and water main.
The council approved Bolton and Menk to prepare the utilities design for the project.
The plans go through MnDOT’s review process, preliminary phasing work will begin this fall and will continue though final design next year. The project is expected to begin in 2030.
MnDOT will be hosting an open house for residents on October 13 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the ambulance facility.
Pool
During budget discussions, it was learned that the pool is on its “last leg” and something needs to be done.
A proposal from Professional Services was shared, for a cost of $25,000 the company would assess the current pool to see if anything can be done to repair in order to get more longevity out of it.
According to Dols, the second portion of the proposal would be to find spaces suitable for a new pool and what a new pool could potentially look like for the city.
The council will review the future of the pool more at their next workshop later this month.Before that time Parks and Recs Director John Fenske wants to search out more estimates for the assessments.
Staff and Council Reports
The Public Works Department has been busy testing at the WWTP, cleaning clarifiers, cleaning chlorine mazes and a mixer was installed in ditch one.The crew was also busy getting the city ready for Ag Days.
Public Works Director Chad Hindt worked with Bolton and Menk on the Downtown Project and the remainder of the Tracy Road Project.
The community center is busy with weddings. Fall rec football is in full swing and at the last game the Parks Committee was able to raise $1,000 through their concession stand.
Economic Development Authority (EDA) Director Chris Hahn shared they received two housing incentives.
Hahn has met with Aaron Kolling, Steve Volkart, Weber and Public Utilities to discuss the restoration of the spring. As the group works on the scope of the project they are in search of historical photos of the spring to find out exactly where the spring was located before it was capped off.
“We want to make it as historically accurate as possible and have it be a great amenity to our city,” Hahn said.
On behalf of Library Director Melissa Vander Plas, councilor Brent Kohn shared the interior painting will soon be wrapping up at the library and staff has been working to shift books as they expand the large print section. Vander Plas is working to schedule programs and events for the fall and winter seasons.
The ambulance service was busy once again with 66 calls and 68 patient contacts. Ambulance Co-Director Sue Puffer thanked Dustin Johnson and Dennis Yoder from the fire department for stepping in to help with calls.
Kohn shared a note from the Spring Valley Garden Club stating the restoration of the Native American statue is nearing completion as local artist Andrea Hindt has finished the painting. The group will be adding a historical marker at the site and a community presentation will be held at the end of October to tell the story of the statue.
Other Business
Katie Burrichter was hired as the third Ambulance Co-Director after the passing of longtime Co-Director Mike Zimmer.
At the request of the ambulance directors, the council approved the hiring of three new EMTs, all contingent on passing the course and requirements. It is estimated it will be midsummer before they are able to join the ambulance schedule.
Four Spring Valley area students will be taking EMT classes on September 24. The council approved sponsoring the four students for $1,200 each.
The council approved the fourth Downtown Improvement pay application from A-1 Excavating, Inc. for a total of $428,763.59.
Liens were approved due to nonpayment of utility services at 513 Section Avenue South and 509 Huron Avenue North.
The council approve the sale of a forfeiture parcel located at 410 Division Avenue.
McConnell Electric’s estimate of $4,462.71 to replace the ambulance facility’s lights was approved; rebates will be used to offset the costs.
Dols asked all the unused monies in the Emergency Management Operating Budget be transferred to the Capital Fund for future radio purchases for the ambulance and fire departments. The council approved the resolution.
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