With warmer temperatures came talk of street improvements as Drew Weber, of Bolton and Menk, gave the Spring Valley City Council an update on the upcoming Farmer Street project, a joint project with Fillmore County, during their February 13 meeting.
“This morning at 10 a.m., bidding opened for the Farmer Street project. We received four bids,” Weber shared. The lowest bid came from Ulland Bros. at $2,049,101.29, which would put the city’s portion of the project between $1.4 and $1.5 million, according to Weber.
The council moved to approve a resolution declaring costs to be assessed and ordered the preparation of the assessments. They next approved a resolution calling for a hearing on those assessments for the street project.The assessment hearing will be held on Monday, March 13 at 6 p.m. It was recommended the council approve Ulland Bros. bid after the assessment hearing.
Weber noted a neighborhood meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 8 to give citizens more information on the project. Notices will be sent to affected property owners.
Public Works
The council reviewed a resolution to change longtime street maintenance supervisor Chad Hindt’s title to Public Works Director and adjust his wage rate accordingly. A motion to approve the title change to a grade 13 from Council member Luan Ruesink died after discussions arose on whether this situation deserved more pay. Hindt asked the council to consider the fact that he is taking on the public works duties along with his current street maintenance duties.
“My challenge with it is if we put it at a level 14 when we hire someone with a B license, where will they fit in, because they need to to be at a 14 as well,” Ruesink explained. “With Chad not having the B license, that is the only reason I thought we should put it at a 13.”
“But you are also putting on as much or more responsibility on him as a person with a B license,” Council member John Dols challenged.
Currently, Bolton and Menk are contracted by the city to sign the required Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) forms at an annual cost of $67,200. Council member Justin Mlinar suggested the rate be set at grade 13 until the city can end the Bolton and Menk contract, which will be when the city can hire a B license operator, then raise his wage to a grade 14.
After much discussion, the council approved a motion to change Hindt’s title to Public Works Director with a wage grade of 14.
Ordinance concerns
Gary Moulder told the council the traffic noise and the high speeds in his North Broadway neighborhood are a hazard. He noted he has spoken with Fillmore County sheriff deputies, but asked the council to consider lowering the speeds to 25 miles per hour (MPH) to assist in combating the issue.
Wayne Isenberg and Brad Musel addressed the council regarding issues with several city ordinances in regards to their Maple Lane neighborhood.
“My concerns are the ordinances we have on noise, fire and rental properties,” Isenberg said. “I would love to meet with council members who deal with ordinances, so we can put some teeth into this stuff.”
He also asked the council to consider fining the owner of rental properties, as well as the renters.
According to Musel, he has called the police several times in regards to the same issues, but does not feel there is enough being done and expressed his ongoing frustrations with the situation.
Other business
•The council approved the liquor license renewals for Kwik Trip, Casey’s, Sunshine Foods and Dollar General.
•A resolution was approved for Bolton and Menk to create a work order for the design work for a proposed street improvement for Territorial Road, from County Road 12 to West High Street, and Broadway Avenue, from Highways 16 and 63 to Jefferson Street, as well as the alleyway north of Jefferson Street from Broadway to Highway 63.
•The purchase of a Bobcat Toolcat Utility Work Machine for $73,701.84 was approved. The city will be trading in their current Toolcat for $42,500 and a blower for $3,000.
•The ambulance subsidy contract was approved.
•The raffle permit for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association was approved.
•City hall will be getting a new roof, as the council approved a quote of $73,150 from Schwickert’s.
•Mayor Tony Archer shared he had received a resignation from Janelle Rowe from her position on the library board. Archer then made a motion to approve the appointment of applicant Chris Danielson.
The next council meeting will be held on Monday, March 13 at 6 p.m.
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