The Spring Valley city council held a regular council meeting on Setember 13, with all members present (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Greg Brooks, John Dols and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was City Clerk/Administrator Deb Zimmer. No visitors had signed up to address the council on any concerns.
The council discussed the Jeff Sass property, located at 610 Hillcrest. Deb Zimmer stated, “We have been sending letters since about 2015 about junk, and then later about his garage.” City Attorney Lee Bjorndal then described the city’s best options for addressing this. He said he has observed that the garage at that property is beginning to fall down. Bjorndal added that Minnesota Chapter 463 addresses Hazardous Housing. Bjorndal said the city could hold a hearing to hear from anyone interested and consider any photos or documents, after which the city can reach a decision on whether to move forward with legal proceedings.
Bjorndal said the goal is always to reach an agreement with the property owner. But, he added, “What happens if there’s not an agreement? Generally, you give a person time to clean it up… if they don’t follow up, we have to go to court…” Jeff Sass was in attendance at the meeting, and stated to Bjorndal, “I’ve tried to call you many times, I don’t get through.” Bjorndal replied, “I’m here right now, and I’m happy to answer any questions… If you want to talk to me after the meeting is over, we can sure do that.”
Luan Ruesink asked what the purpose of holding a hearing would be. Bjorndal said if the council chooses to hold such a hearing, that would be when the council would consider any opinions shared and pertinent information, and then the council would determine whether or not the property is a hazard. The council voted to schedule a public hearing on the issue, but the date was not yet set.
The council considered Resolution 2021-26, certifying the preliminary tax levy for the upcoming year. Zimmer explained the council has three scenarios to choose from. The differences related to some equipment needs, building repairs, and departmental projects. The scenarios each represented an increase to the city’s levy, as compared to 2021. Scenario one was a 3.19% increase; the second scenario would be a 3.81% increase, and scenario three would be a 4.12% increase. John Dols made a motion to approve the 4.12% increase, noting that the council would have the option to lower the final levy if appropriate. The council voted to approve this, using the scenario three numbers. Zimmer pointed out that the final levy will be determined during the city’s annual Truth in Taxation meeting, which is expected to be held on December 13.
Chris Danielson gave a reminder to citizens, saying, “I just want to remind people about parking on the wrong side of the street, and thinking that they can park and stay there one day, two days, five days, 10 days… And big pieces of equipment out on the street.” The council’s next regular meeting will be Monday, September 27 at 6 p.m., at city hall. The public is welcome.
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