On September 8, the Spring Valley City Council approved the preliminary property tax levy, which will be collectable in 2026 with the numbers set as such: the general operating budget at $790,672, the economic development authority (EDA) set at $83,237, parks at $191,387 and library at $177,000. The total preliminary levy is $2,010,746. It was noted while the levy can be decreased once approved it cannot be raised.
VFW Greenspace Update
Last month Shelly Skindelien, representing the Spring Valley Business Alliance (SVBA), and Jason Howard, of JJBK Construction Partners LLC addressed the council to discuss the sidewalk in front of the new VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Greenspace Project.
Howard, who has been working with the SVBA, presented the council with a bid at that time, which included the removal of the existing sidewalk and the replacement.
The council then voted to solicit a bid from Legends Concrete, Inc., as they were already in Spring Valley on a project, in order to have at least two bids.
This month questions arose about the engineering costs for the sidewalk which could total over $1,500.
“The contractor has to be a certified ADA contractor with the state,” Mayor Mlinar said of the new United States Department of Transportation requirements. While Legends is ADA certified, JJBK is not currently certified.
Councilor Luan Ruesink noted this is a new requirement as of January 17, 2025.
Another issue is Legends may not be able to complete the project until spring of 2026.
“I love that you guys (JJBK) want to do it because you’re local and I want to support you. But I also want to make sure we are following the rules,” Mlinar stated.
Skindelien expressed her concerns that the project was not publicly bid out to local contractors.
City Administrator Deb Zimmer explained that historically for projects under $25,000 the council has only solicited quotes.
After much discussion, the council voted to accept JJBK’s bid for the project with the SVBA’s offer to cover the engineering costs.
Public Utilities Bond
The council heard from Mike Bubany, of David Drown Associates, about the Spring Valley Public Utilities Go Water Revenue Note for the Tracy Road Improvement Project.
“When it comes to city government and debt issuance, cities can’t just go to a bank and get a commercial loan. You can work with a bank, but your debt has to be structured a government security, or a bond,” Bubany explained. “I have a proposal tonight to finance the public utilities’ share of the cost of the recent improvements here in town.”
Bubany recommended a debt sizing of $669,000 for a 20-year term. This includes the public utilities’ share of the Tracy Road Improvement Project, which is $649,750, as well as $19,250 for issuance costs.
Per the recommendation of David Drown Associates, the council voted to finance the costs though a direct bank placement, using First National Bank, and utilizing the Minnesota Rural Water Association’s MEGA Loan Program.
Staff Reports
Councilor John Dols spoke on behalf of Parks and Recs Director John Fenske, noting fall rec is up and running with many upcoming home games. He thanked all the coaches involved for volunteering their time to the community.
Fenske is looking into ways to prevent sewer issues that arose with the recent flood, and winterizing the pool. The repairs to the pool will be set for next spring.
Councilor Chris Danielson gave an update for the library on behalf of Library Director Melissa Vander Plas, stating the staff has completed additional training on the new library software. The Friends of the Spring Valley Public Library donated a new rocker and additional seating for the library.
Ambulance Co-Director Mike Zimmer shared there were 60 calls in August. In many instances both trucks were out on calls.
Fire Chief Dustin Johnson told the council the department’s month consisted of assisting during the recent flooding including a vehicle rescue. There was also a skid loader fire, a vehicle fire and two vehicle accidents.
Councilor Brent Kohn and Mlinar thanked all those who helped during the flooding.
Other Business
- The council voted to move their meetings from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for a six-month trial period in hopes more residents will attend the meetings.
- After unauthorized fireworks were set off outside of the Ag Days Dance, the city is now considering a new event policy that could cause all city sponsored events to be shut down immediately if safety concerns arise. The council tabled the discussion for the October meeting.
- The council voted to allow up to nine people to be appointed to the Parks and Recs Committee.
- Jenn Slifka was named chairperson for the Tourism Board, with Wendy Betts as treasurer and Angie Gensmer as secretary.
- The second 2025 Tracy Road Improvement pay application for $244,053.64 was approved.
- Lee Novotney was approved as the city attorney.
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