Mayor Sarah Schroeder and Councilmembers Karen Folstad, Travis Torgerson, Scott Solberg, and Chad Roland were all in attendance at the August 18, 2020, regular meeting of the Spring Grove City Council. The meeting was held in the Fest Building. Mayor Schroeder called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.
The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including Resolution 20-38 Authorizing Transfer of Funds, Resolution 20-39 Appointing Parks Commission Member Jill Bjerke to a three-year team, and Spring Grove Police Department General Order 113-Eye Witness Identification Policy.
Old Business
“The water tower is up,” exclaimed City Administrator, Julie Amundson. The Council approved a motion authorizing Deputy Clerk, Erin Konkel, to sign the $20,000 change order for Maguire Iron, Inc. The original contract price was $895,000, and the revised contract amount is $915,000.
Council members approved the City Utilities online payment contract through Gov-Pay is an option for residents to pay their bill online without having to come into the office. Residents that use this option would be charged a minimum of $3.00 a transaction or 2.5% of the total amount paid. Amundson shared that Mabel uses the same platform and has not experienced any problems. The contract is for one year.
New Business
Spring Grove Public School Superintendent Rachel Udstuen thanked the City Council for gifting COVID-19 Cares funds to the school for technology-related equipment. The school was able to purchase enough tablets so each student will have one to take home; thus, eliminating teachers’ frustrations from teaching platforms on both desktop computers and tablets. Udstuen updated the Council on the teachers’ plans to use Trollskogen Park for outdoor classrooms. Council members mentioned that the park restrooms are not in a condition suitable for the students to use; therefore, the school will rent porta potties for the park, clean them, and keep them locked when not in use by the school. Udstuen also asked the City for permission to use the city picnic tables that are in storage. Mayor Schroeder recommended that Udstuen contact City staff to get the schedule of when staff mows the grass and will be removing trees this fall so teachers can schedule classes indoors. Seventh and eighth grade teachers will hold classes in Roverud Park regularly. Teachers are also trying to figure out ways to get kids on the birding trail as often as possible. Udstuen shared with Council members that teachers and students “feel more comfortable with social distancing when they are outside as compared to when they are inside.” Udstuen went on to thank the Council for supporting the children of Spring Grove by providing beautiful parks and walking trails.
Giants of the Earth submitted a request to use land by the Swim Center for the upcoming international film festival. Approved contingent on approval from Northern Engraving as they own a section of the property organizers of the Film Festival want to use.
Council members authorized Deputy Clerk Konkel to accept the grant for the election equipment, Resolution 20-40. Approved.
The final budget workshop is scheduled for Monday, August 31, at 6 p.m. at the Fest building and will be available via Google Meet.
Council members presented committee reports. EDA continued the discussion regarding the purchase of the Herald Building. Mayor Schroeder mentioned that the hotel survey looks very good and illustrates that Spring Grove could support a hotel. Councilman Solberg informed the Council that a couple of grants were written for the purchase of wildflowers and that an arborist visited the city yesterday and provided the Parks Department with recommendations and provided information on a nursery that would assist in replanting. The department is still planning on removing the walnut trees that drop walnuts on the playground. Councilwoman Folstad stated that the library is open, but users need to schedule an appointment. The library committee did not discuss reopening the library at their last meeting. Planning and Zoning worked at fencing ordinance, looked at zoning maps, and will start on the housing section. The Fire Department Expansion Project committee did not meet.
The next regular meeting of the city council is September 15, at 6 p.m. in the Fest building. The public and media are invited to dial in. Contact City Hall at (507) 498-5221 to be included in remote meetings.