The Spring Valley City Council met on Monday, September 26, 2016, with all members in attendance (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Bill Bires, Jeff Vehrenkamp and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. The council approved minutes of the previous meeting, and Final Accounts Payable. No visitors had signed up to speak to the council.
Deb Zimmer presented Resolution 2016-27 to the council, regarding a proposed increase in the city’s sewer rates. She explained that when Mike Bubany had consulted with the city, he suggested considering a 10% increase, but this proposed resolution is for a 5% increase. She said, “An average home would go up about $1.90 a month,” and she added, “For clarification, this would go into effect with usage beginning January 1, so the usage in January would actually be billed in February.” The council unanimously approved the resolution as submitted. The new base rate will be $18.03, and the “per 1,000 gallon rate” will be $4.34.
Next, the council considered a change order regarding the Lyndale/Fremont street improvement project. Zimmer explained that the only change is in the completion date, due to delays caused by the heavy rains. The change order calls for substantial completion by October 28. The council unanimously OK’d this change order as submitted.
The council then heard from Deb Zimmer regarding the Brent Eisenmann Rental Ordinance Violation. Zimmer explained that no action was needed by the council because, “He did have the inspection last Friday and he did pass. We did have a little discussion about some of the stuff in his yard, which he says he’s going to be taking care of, and we’ll monitor that.”
John Fenske (Parks Department) then gave an update, stating he’s been “Busy as heck with football going on…and volleyball started Saturday.” He added, “The big window in the community center leaked like crazy in the big rain.” Todd Jones asked about putting silicone or something similar around the window to seal it, at least through the winter, and Fenske said he’ll figure something out to fix it until it can be permanently repaired.
Chad Hindt reported the Streets Department is “Still mowing lawns…I don’t know if that’s ever going to end.” Jenny Simon (Library Department) informed the council that Phil Jamerson from the Civilian Conservation Corps will be giving a presentation at the library on October 3 at 2 p.m., adding, “From what I understand, it’s pretty entertaining, …with singing and skits.”
Laura Bockman (Ambulance) reported that ambulance Unit #1 had four injectors replaced, but they are under warranty, so there was no cost. Tim Rasmussen (Police) submitted a written report. Zimmer said the council will need to hold a special meeting for the Electric Revenue Bond. The council selected to hold that meeting at 6 p.m. on October 5. She also pointed out that the city continues to have trouble with “flushable wipes” clogging things up, and she asked to remind citizens that “Flushable doesn’t mean flushable.”
Todd Jones thanked Chad Hindt for fielding calls and handling concerns when the heavy rains caused damage to several alleys. Mayor Struzyk also praised the Streets Department for their hard work, and said he was pleased to see the “Sentenced to Serve” crew has been clearing a lot of brush along the trail. The meeting adjourned about 6:15 p.m. The next regular meeting of the city council will be October 10 at 6pm. The public is welcome.