The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on July 22. All members were in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer).
Deb Zimmer informed the council that two quotes were received for the proposed replacement of Emergency Management radios. The lower bid was from Ancom Communications, at a price of $8,510, which was roughly $3,400 lower than the bid from Motorola Solutions. After discussion, the council voted to approve the purchase at the quoted price from Ancom. Zimmer stated, “They do have money for the $8,510 quote in their budget.”
The council discussed the possible purchase of another squad car, a Tahoe. Zimmer explained that if the city chooses not to make the purchase this year, the funds would stay in the Capital Funds account until needed. Mike Hadland suggested holding off on the purchase and continuing to leave the older squad car “in play” until it becomes no longer feasible and cost-effective to remain in service. The council voted to approve this plan.
Gwen Howard addressed the council with several concerns. She read from a letter she gave to the council members, stating in part, “I have become aware that the new street construction will begin soon and as a rural resident I have concerns: I am not wanting to look at more piles of STUFF across the road from where I live which was zoned residential… I am sure it will have an impact on our property value… There is also the issue of increased varmints…” She also asked about the noise from constructions projects “at all times of day… Isn’t there a noise ordinance for the city? Or doesn’t that apply here?” She also asked when residents who pay public utility bills will see a “per kilowatt” listing on their bills. Mayor Archer thanked her for bringing her concerns to the council.
The council considered the list of quarterly ambulance write-offs as submitted by Zimmer. Luan Ruesink asked, “How is it determined that they’re uncollectable?” Zimmer replied, “There are some times we have to write off, like Medicare, they only pay so much of it.” She also explained that the city takes all reasonable steps to contact the applicable persons, but in some cases this effort fails. She added, “Everything we can, we put through to collections, or to revenue recapture.” The council approved the list of write-offs as submitted, totaling $13,476.
One “information-only” item on the agenda was a possible sewer rate increase. Zimmer explained that the council may wish to consider an increase of around 4% in sewer rates to cover the rising costs. No action was taken at this time.
Zimmer explained to the council that regarding the possible Small Cell Tower Ordinance, all that is really needed is for the city to develop a policy. She will continue to work on this, and will bring it to the council for consideration when ready.
John Fenske reported that the swimming pool is “running great” and continues to hold water well, noting that no water has been added in three days (whereas, last year, the staff was adding about 7,000 gallons of water every day). He also thanked Chad and the Streets crew for helping with removing branches that had fallen in the park. Aaron Hamersma reported that the water treatment plant has had a “quiet month” and that “the flows have been slowly coming back down” but are still above what would be considered normal.
The council passed Resolution 2019-30, approving the State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements. Mayor Archer reminded all citizens to have dogs on a leash when going for a walk.
The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, August 12 at 6pm. As always, the public is welcome.
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