The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on May 27. Due to social distancing guidelines, the meeting was held at the community center, with all attendees seated with at least six feet of space. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer.
Park & Rec Director John Fenske addressed the council, stating, “This isn’t my personal opinion, but I feel this is in the best interests of Spring Valley.” He said his recommendation is, “That we cancel the summer rec program for this year, and that we remain patient with the adult leagues and the swimming pool, and wait for the Governor’s order.” Fenske explained that, regarding the pool, “As long as we can open by July 4, I think it will be cost effective.”
Chris Danielson stated, “I am on the fence about the pool even opening in July…” She said that if the pool would be closing in August, it doesn’t seem worthwhile to consider opening in July, especially since the opening date could even be delayed further, depending on what the Governor may decide. Fenske said he knows that Spring Valley’s children are struggling to find things to do, adding, “I’m trying to do as much as we can for them,” but he said safety must always be the top priority. The council voted to follow Fenske’s recommendation, meaning that summer rec is canceled, and the adult league and pool are “on hold” for now. Fenske also noted that until further notice, per state guidelines, the bathrooms in South Park remain locked.
The council revisited a request from Greg Melartin, who wishes to hold a drive-in movie event in July. He had previously asked the city to provide a letter of support for the event, so that Melartin can meet all of the licensing requirements for the event. Melartin provided an example of the type of letter that other cities have approved. Deb Zimmer said she’d shown the letter to Spring Valley’s city attorney Lee Bjorndal, who had no concerns about it. The council voted to provide such a letter in support of Melartin’s planned event.
The council considered a request for an ice cream truck to operate within the city through the summer. The council approved the request, and will generate a letter similar to the letter approved for Melartin’s event. The council also considered allowing outdoor dining for restaurants in the city. It was explained that this could include seating on the sidewalk and possibly parking spaces directly in front of some establishments. The council OK’d this plan.
A request for a Condition Use Permit (CUP) was presented by Jon and Debby Westphal, who would like to open a bakery. The council voted to approve the request. The Westphals expect to open the bakery sometime this winter, and have not yet settled on a name for their new business.
Streets Department Head Chad Hindt submitted a written report, including that his crew is continuing to fill potholes. He also reported that some areas of South Park were reseeded. His crew is also working on cleaning and organizing the compost site.
The mayor and other council members voiced several reminders for citizens. Mike Hadland stated that when mowing, citizens should avoid blowing grass clippings onto city streets. Mayor Archer said that although citywide cleanup day was canceled, citizens should still work on getting rid of clutter, as applicable. He also said he continues to see dogs at large or being walked without a leash, which is not allowed. Chris Danielson said she’s noticed many ATVs being driven in the city. Mike Hadland said the minimum age for operating an ATV is 16.
The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, June 8, at the community center. The public is welcome. The meeting will begin at 5:40 p.m., and there will be two public hearings held in conjunction with the regular city council meeting.
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