During their regular meeting on April 23, all Spring Valley city council members were present as they discussed the best options for assuring the city’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) has a licensed operator who meets all of the regulatory guidelines (a Class B Operator). It was pointed out that the firm of Bolton & Menk has been providing this service to the city, but after this year, they do not guarantee that they would have a Class B Operator for Spring Valley, because the current operator is expected to retire soon. Deb Zimmer also noted that Bolton & Menk has been providing the service at a discount, but that discount will end after this year, so the city’s cost will essentially double, if Spring Valley continues to have Bolton & Menk provide the services as they currently do.
The city has been in talks with a Class B Operator (Aaron Hamersma) who is willing to work at the WWTP. Deb Zimmer said he would be at pay grade 15, and is asking that he be given credit for his 15 years of experience. Maor Struzyk said Hamersma also has experience working at Spring Valley’s WWTP, so he is familiar with the operations. Jessy Betts asked about comparing the overall costs of keeping Bolton & Menk versus hiring Hamersma. Zimmer said hiring him would cost a bit more, but regarding Class B Operators, she added, “Right now, I can tell you, they’re very few and far between.” She and Mayor Struzyk explained that the city has previously tried to contract with other cities to share a Class B Operator, but it hasn’t worked out. Zimmer summarized that if Spring Valley doesn’t have its own Class B Operator, “It’s a gamble”, and there was discussion of the fines the city could incur for not having a properly licensed operator.
The council also discussed their desire to have a WWTP Operator who would also be able to help work with the street department as time allows. Mike Hadland made a motion to offer the position to Aaron Hamersma, at pay grade 15, with 15 years of experience, with the stipulation to help with the street department. The council voted in favor of this. Next, Hadland made a motion to hire another applicant as a helper at the WWTP, and the council voted in favor of this as well.
Also regarding the WWTP, the council discussed the need to buy another blower for the plant. The city has received pricing to buy one from C Emery Nelson Inc, for $13,617. After discussion of the need to buy a blower promptly, the council voted to approve this purchase.
Dave Phillips addressed the council about his interest in selling two buildings to Jenn Slifka and having her take over the outstanding amounts on the small cities block grant loan. It was explained that the balance is $17,183, with a monthly payment of $295 and payoff expected in 2023. The council voted to approve this request.
The council voted to appoint Dave Foster to the Planning & Zoning Board. Jenny Simon addressed the council about a structural issue at the public library, saying that the EFIS surface on the outside of the building has developed several holes, and she has not yet found anyone willing to repair it. Sue Puffer said the ambulance crew is holding their annual pancake breakfast on May 20, and she hopes for a great turnout.
Zimmer brought up a housing study request, but the council chose to take no action at this time, so that EDA could act on it as they wish. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, May 14, at 6 p.m. As always, the public is welcome.