The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session May 22, with all members present (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). Joe O’Connell was the only visitor signed up to address the council. He spoke about the ongoing issue of the “former elementary school property,” which O’Connell has bought, but he stated that he’d ask that the city pay the taxes because, “We own the bottom (south) fourth of it, but that’s it. Zimmer explained that this is due to a recording error, and she asked if the council would like to “just clear up the title” since O’Connell has purchased the entire lot. She explained that if the council does not want the city to pay the taxes, then they could vote to complete the transfer of the deed to O’Connell. The council voted to do this.
Zimmer shared an updated draft of the city’s “Animals and Fowl” ordinance, which had been discussed at the previous council meeting. She said if the council is in favor of the changes in the draft, a public hearing would be the next step. After discussion, the council agreed to have a public hearing scheduled and published in the official newspaper of the city.
The council then turned to the issue of the “Exterior Maintenance” ordinance, which was another issue discussed at the previous meeting. Council members asked how it would be enforced, and Zimmer explained that, similar to the “junk ordinance,” violations would be brought to the council’s attention, and the council would then decide what action to take, which could include having the repairs done and then billing or assessing the owner accordingly, depending on the total cost. There was discussion that the original draft stated that a property was out of compliance when 20% of the surface (wall, roof, etc) was in disrepair, but council members felt that number may need to be increased. It was suggested that 50% might be better. Todd Jones suggested giving the council more time to read and consider the draft, so the matter was tabled until the next meeting. Zimmer pointed out that before changes to the ordinance could be implemented, a public hearing would be required.
Next, the council considered three bids received on the city’s “hay ground” (a 14-acre area). After discussion, the council voted to accept the highest bid, which was from Isaac Miller. Council members verified that this is a one-year contract. Zimmer assured the council that the contract will stipulate that if the bike trail is damaged by the renter, any repair costs will be paid by the renter.
The council then considered, and unanimously approved, an increase in the EMT weekend on-call rate from $2.50/hour to $5/hour. Mayor Struzyk asked if Sue Puffer felt that will make a significant difference in finding weekend ambulance coverage, and she answered that she felt it will. In Departmental reports, Chad Hindt reported that his crew has been filling potholes, mowing, trimming and tilling. Sue Puffer reported that the city is “still looking for anybody interested in being a first responder or EMT.”
Zimmer shared that the city received a $10,000 trail grant to purchase exercise stations to be installed along the trail near the care center. She shared information on equipment from the LifeTrail Advanced Wellness System. After discussion, the council unanimously approved this purchase. Mayor Struzyk thanked all who helped with or attended the Almanzo bike race on May 20, especially since the weather was inclement. The next regular meeting of the city council will be Monday, June 12 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome.