The Spring Valley City Council met on March 14, 2022. Immediately prior to the regular meeting, a public hearing was held regarding annual assessments. No citizens addressed the council, and the hearing was promptly closed. All council members were present (Mayor Tony Archer, John Dols, Chris Danielson, Luan Ruesink, and Greg Brooks). City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer also participated.
The council discussed a proposal that the city purchase a dog kennel, to temporarily house stray dogs that are caught within the city. Chad Hindt stated, “Recently we’ve had some problems… with where we’re taking the dogs, so we were looking to get our own kennel… So any dog that’s picked up in town will go there.” He said that would make it easier for citizens who discover their dog missing and want to know if the city has it.
Deb Zimmer added, “Currently, we have no control over dogs that get dropped off, whether they’re picked up in the city or not. And the bills are quite large. So this would control that.” Hindt stated that the proposed kennel would house up to two dogs. Chris Danielson asked what would happen if three or more dogs needed housing; Hindt said that hasn’t ever occurred, in his recollection. He stated that typically, dogs are retrieved by the owners within 24 hours. But he explained, occasionally, the city obtains a dog that is apparently no longer wanted by the owner. He added, “Any dog like that, we have to keep them for seven days before it can go to Paws & Claws.” The council approved the kennel purchase.
The council heard a summary of the city’s annual financial audit, given by Jason Boynton, representing the accounting firm of Smith Schafer & Associates. Boynton shared that the audit resulted in an unmodified “clean” opinion for 2021. He noted that, as in past years, the audit noted that the small size of city hall’s staff, the city has a limited ability to segregate accounting duties, but this is very common in small cities. He also noted that revenues in the city’s five utilities are generally keeping pace with rising expenses.
The council considered a request submitted by Llonamae Svebakken, regarding the council prohibiting deer hunting within city limits, including on the family’s land. Her letter to the council included, “Since no deer have been harvested, deer are now gathering in herds on this property. Something needs to be done… Roger and selected friends hunted on this land for over 50 years with no problems — now there are problems.” She also included several photos, date-stamped February 12, 2022, showing at least eight deer in the yard. An attached note asked, “How would you like this in your yard every day?” The council voted unanimously not to reverse the decision made in 2021, prohibiting deer hunting within city limits.
Park & Rec Director John Fenske stated, “June 5th is the ‘hope date’ to open the pool, and we’re working on getting stuff ready for Summer Rec.” He also noted that efforts to eliminate ice buildup on the sidewalk next to the community center were successful.
Streets Director Chad Hindt reported that his crew has worked on clearing the trail within the city, and will soon work on street cleaning, assuming that winter weather is past.
The council approved street closures for the Wednesdays on Broadway events that will be held on June 15, July 20, August 17 and September 21. The council also approved vendors.food trucks on the south section of Jefferson Street, from Broadway to Vine Alley, from 3 p.m. on Fridays until 9 p.m. on Sundays. This will be in effect April 1 through November 1.
The next meeting of the council will be Monday, April 11 at 6 p.m., at city hall. The public is welcome.
Patricia says
Can the public adopt a dog from this kennel. Poison clause is very expensive for adopting a dog $300. But someone like me who wants a dog but can’t afford $300 would love to have a dog for sale like $50 even a hundred or $300 is a little steep for paws and claws.