Immediately prior to Spring Valley’s city council meeting on October 14, a public hearing was held regarding a proposal for the city to vacate a portion of Griswold Street. The portion is described as “that part of Griswold Street which runs east of the intersection of Griswold Street and Highway 16.” No citizens commented during the public hearing, so it was then closed. During the council meeting, the council voted to approve Resolution 2019-37 for the vacating of that portion of Griswold Street. Council members in attendance included Mayor Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent.
Next, the council considered what to do regarding an ongoing violation of the city’s “junk ordinance.” Zimmer summarized, “We’ve sent out a letter. Last time (at the September 23 council meeting), you gave them two more weeks… At this point do you want to give them another extension, or schedule a public hearing?” The council voted unanimously to set a public hearing on the issue, which is scheduled for October 28. Zimmer also mentioned another property that was in violation, on Anson Avenue, and she stated, “They’re working on that pretty diligently.”
Tiffany Mundfrom, representing the Kingsland School Board, addressed the council and shared a “fact sheet” about the upcoming vote on the school’s Operating Levy. She mentioned that because “Sixty to seventy percent of our kids are going into the workforce” right after high school, Kingsland is working to offer more classes on various trades, “to help all the kids, not just the kids that are going on to college.” She also mentioned an upcoming public meeting being offered to give information and answer questions about the Operating Levy. That meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on October 21, in the Kingsland café. Mayor Archer asked if it’s likely the state would have to step in, in the event that this referendum fails. Mundfrom said the Kingsland board would continue to work on options, but admitted that it’s very possible that if the referendum fails, the state could, in the near future, take over financial management of the school district.
The council considered a zoning request from Bruce Bucknell. Zimmer stated it is the former alternative school building, and is currently zoned Commercial. She added that “Planning and Zoning took action to not recommend changing the zoning to residential. That would be spot-zoning.” The council voted to leave the property zoned as is.
Luan Ruesink asked to council to consider approving the hiring of Jason Hunemuller to fill a vacany on the Streets Department. The council approved the hiring, and Hunemuller is expected to start October 15. Zimmer informed the council that preparations are underway for the installation of an electronic sign at the site of the former tourism building. She said the actual sign is expected to arrive around November 1.
John Dols stated, “I just want to thank the members of the Fire Department for all their effort on Fire Prevention Week. It was great to see them getting together with the kids.” Mayor Archer agreed, and added, “Kudos to the Fire Department, and their pancake breakfast was really good yesterday.”
The council approved quarterly ambulance “bad debt” write-offs totaling $7,359.83. The council also approved the final pay estimate for the 2018 Washington/High Streets improvement project, in the amount of $253,892.92. Zimmer also asked the council to consider Pay Estimate #2 for the 2019 Industrial Park project, in the amount of $572,587.75. Regarding the project, she said, “So far, they’re right on schedule.”
The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, October 28 at 6 p.m., beginning with a public hearing on a “junk ordinance” violation. As always, the public is welcome.
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