The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on Monday, November 28, 2016. Members in attendance were Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Jeff Vehrenkamp and Bill Bires were absent. No visitors had signed up to address the council.
The council approved prior minutes and accounts payable, then discussed the audit proposal from Smith, Schafer & Associates. Zimmer summarized that the cost of the proposed audit will be $495 higher than last year, but “They do public utilities (audits) also, and it’s easier when it’s the same (auditor).” The council voted unanimously to accept the audit proposal.
Next, Zimmer discussed Resolution 2016-33, authorizing Spring Valley to join a new regional safety group. The resolution outlines that the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) has created an initiative to offer trainings to cities that form regional safety groups. She explained the LMC would pay for half the cost of such trainings. After some discussion of the pro’s and con’s, the council voted to accept the resolution.
The council then OK’d Resolution 2016-34, imposing special assessments for work ordered done. There were two parcels that the city mowed, and the costs to be assessed are $665 and $150. Next, the council approved a temporary liquor license for the Brave Community Theater, for their Valentine’s dinner theater.
Jenny Simon reported on happenings at the library, stating that new snow stoppers are being installed on the roof. She also told the council that the library received around $200 for the first payment related to the new “recycling” bin outside the library, which collects clothing and other household items. She said the first collection included 1,600 pounds of clothing and 185 pounds of miscellaneous items.
Troy Lange reported that the fire department had “a fairly quiet month” and is continuing with trainings. Deputy Tim Rasmussen reported “a busier month than the last couple,” and his report showed a total of 83 activities in October, including nine on October 30. The activities report showed a wide variety of issues, including theft, assisting the ambulance, several dog concerns, vehicle accidents, a missing person, domestic disturbances, and suspicious activity. Deputy Rasmussen reported there are no concerns with the three squad cars.
Laura Beckman’s monthly ambulance report showed a total of 47 calls for service in October, with 34 requiring transportation. She said there was a missed call on November 3, and she reported that, “Jessica Kohn and Zach Gilbertson have started ride alongs and are progressing nicely in classes.”
Zimmer brought up a situation about a citizen who she said is “planning to bore into South Broadway from his house. The problem is, it’s not platted…If he does it, we could look at about $120,000 to fix it properly.” The council discussed the issue, and voted to send the owner a letter explaining that if such a cost is incurred, it would be his responsibility. The council asked that the letter also asks him to do something about the “dirt piles” that currently sit on his property. Zimmer also informed the council that two mixers at the wastewater treatment plant are in need of repair, and the total cost will be around $9,000. The council OK’d this.
In December, the council will have only one regular meeting, which will be on December 12, and will include the annual “Truth in Taxation” information. The council will meet briefly during the last week of December just to approve payment of bills.