The Spring Valley City Council met September 28 with all members present (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mike Hadland, John Dols, and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was City Clerk/Administrator Deb Zimmer.
The council heard from Sheriff John DeGeorge, who addressed the council, saying, “Deb had mentioned that the city was interested in exploring the idea of the county owning the squad cars, and building the cost into the contract.” He shared an estimate on what the yearly cost would be if Spring Valley chose this option. Sheriff DeGeorge added, “This isn’t a proposal. It’s not something that we’re coming and proposing that the city do.” He further explained that if this were something Spring Valley wishes to pursue, DeGeorge would need to bring it to the Fillmore County Board for consideration.
As the sheriff and the council discussed the potential benefits to the city of this idea, it was shared that although the cost difference likely wouldn’t be significant, it would allow the city to have a set yearly cost for budgeting purposes. Zimmer shared that, currently, “We budget $20,000 a year for the cost of the car and equipment, and that does not include our fuel cost or maintenance cost.” It was also discussed that Spring Valley has had to set aside funds as the city plans ahead when vehicles need to be replaced.
DeGeorge also said the coordinator position that is currently assigned to Spring Valley by the sheriff’s office is a position that probably could be eliminated, if the city chooses. Jesse Betts, who has served in that position, agreed that it’s probably not necessary for Spring Valley to continue to have a coordinator position through the sheriff’s department. He said much of his work as coordinator for the city has been working on planning for the city’s squad cars and related equipment needs.
Luan Ruesink shared her opinion that the city should continue to move forward with the previous decision on ordering squad cars, but she agreed that eliminating the coordinator position makes sense. The council voted to table any decisions on having the county own and maintain squad cars until after the new year. The council also voted to eliminate the coordinator position, effective January 1.
Representing the local Kiwanis Club, Rita Bezdicek asked the various essential workers in the room to come forward for a photo and presentation of a plaque. She stated, “On behalf of Kiwanis, this year we selected the essential workers as our citizens of the year.” She said the organization is very grateful to those working in law enforcement, fire departments, ambulance crews, and all others who have continued to serve the public through the pandemic.
During the department heads reports section of the meeting, Sue Puffer gave a report on the ambulance crew, and said they have responded to 32 calls in September. Luan Ruesink asked, “Have there been more people volunteering for on call time, given the pay increase?” Puffer and Mike Zimmer both shared that they have been able to take more days off as a result of the recent pay increase.
John Dols reported that the Park & Rec Department is waiting to see what to do about winter activities, based on the pandemic. As plans are known, they will be announced. Luan Ruesink shared that the parking lot at the former tourist information center will include two charging stations for electric cars.
Mayor Archer gave an update regarding the previously discussed safety concerns at the intersection Highways 63 and 16 (at the corner next to Dairy Queen in Spring Valley). Mayor Archer said he had spoken with staff at MnDOT earlier, and he summarized, “They are going to use the stop signs with the lights on them… Hopefully this can rectify the situation. If not, we’ll have to just get back on them again.” The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, October 12, 6 p.m., at City Hall. The public is welcome.
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