The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on July 13. Members present included Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mike Hadland, John Dols, as well as City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mayor Tony Archer was absent, so Hadland led the meeting.
Election judges for both the Primary Election (August 11) and General Election (November 3) were set. The council approved the proposed list, which includes Shirley Gangstad, Val Jorgenson, Diane Swenson-Sikkink, Pat Blahnik, Ann Thon, Patricia Schwartz, Noreen Hebig, Amber Zigan, and Audrey Erickson. If needed, additional election judges can be appointed by the city administrator.
The council discussed the proposed Countryside Acres Development Agreement. Zimmer explained that the city would put in sidewalk on each lot, at a cost expected to be $3,000 per lot. Because of this, she suggested that if the council approves the agreement, lot costs could be raised from $10,000 to $13,000 each. The council unanimously voted to approve the agreement, with lots to cost $13,000 each.
Regarding the Willow Park Pavilion roof replacement, the city received a price quote from Valley Home Improvement for materials totaling $2,993.27. Zimmer said the work would be done by “Sentenced to Serve” workers. She and John Fenske pointed out that the roofing definitely needs to be replaced. The plan is for steel roofing to be installed. The council approved the plan as submitted.
The council approved Resolution 2020-22, gratefully accepting a donation from the Dale and Juneus Ristau estate. The estate is donating to the fire department and ambulance donation funds, in the amount of $4,270.65 each. Sue Puffer talked of the need for the ambulance to obtain a new “stair chair” to replace the unit that was damaged through use. She said this would be a very appropriate use for roughly $3,600 of the Ristau estate donation. The council voted to approve the purchase.
The council also considered the purchase of two power lifts for the ambulance. Zimmer stated, “We got Cares Act money… $188,000. There are stipulations on how this can be used… because we need to limit exposure, the power lift will help us minimize exposure, and it qualifies under the Cares Act.” The council approved using $56,550 of the Cares Act funds to buy two power lifts for the ambulance service.
Chris Danielson gave an update regarding the public library. She corrected a misstatement from the previous council meeting, by saying the library opened on June 29, not July 29. She added, “Their summer program is going really great. They’ve had 60 kids signed up. And the Story Stroll is also a big hit.”
The council considered increasing the “job grade” of the city’s street maintenance and wastewater treatment plant workers, from grade 7 to grade 8. Zimmer said since the operators are required to have a Class D license, and because there are requirements for weekend and on-call coverage, it is suggested that the increase be implemented. She explained this would result in an hourly wage increase of slightly under $1 per hour. The council approved the increase.
The city’s Industrial Park Pay Estimate #5 was approved for payment, totaling $310,332.94. Zimmer pointed out that “There are no issues” regarding the project at this time. Luan Ruesink reminded citizens that when mowing, grass clippings are not to be deposited onto city streets.
The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, July 27, 6 p.m., at the community center. The public is welcome.
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