Drew Weber, of Bolton and Menk updated the Spring Valley City Council on the 2025 Tracy Road project during their February 10 meeting. “Those plans have been approved by Fillmore County and MNDOT (Minnesota Department of Transportation) State Aid,” Weber said.
As the plans continue to move forward, the project will be open to bidding beginning February 18.
“We will bring those bid results to you in a special meeting, which is scheduled for February 24,” Weber explained. “At that time we will review the bids and you would have the opportunity to move forward and pass a resolution to accept those bids and call for an assessment hearing. We would then coming back at the end of March to have that assessment hearing and at that time you could chose to award the project.”
Prior to the assessment hearing the city will hold a Neighborhood Meeting, which gives the residents an opportunity to review the project and ask any questions they may have about the project. The Neighborhood Meeting is set for 6 p.m. on March 27 and will be held at the Ambulance Facility.
Weber is working to close out all outstanding projects. The final pay estimate for the 2023 Farmers Street project from Ulland Brothers, Incorporated for $30,413.37. The council approved the pay estimate.
Friendship Wagon Train
The 37th annual Friendship Wagon Train will becoming to Spring Valley this year. The ride, which begins in Caledonia, will arrive in Spring Valley on June 26 and stay over until they head off to Sumner Center the next day.
Every year the wagon train raises funds for their chosen organization. This year the Minnesota Special Olympics will be receiving 100% of the donations collected during their event.
The council voted to allow the group to set up camp at the truck parking just south of the Ambulance facility.
Fire Relief Benefit Increase
Fire Relief Treasurer Mitchell Plaehn spoke to the council about considering an increase in the fire relief benefit. “The relief organization is it’s own organization separate from the fire department. It’s main purpose is to provide retirement benefits to our firefighters after 20 years of service,” Plaehn explained.
Currently, the relief benefit receives $2,100 annually, with the last increase of $200 effective in 2023.
“The fire relief gets money from the state. It is the money insurance companies pay into this and the state allocates it and we have to hit certain requirements to get that money,” Plaehn said.
When discussing the benefits surplus of $217,898, Plaehn explained, “The state is looking to make sure our liability and our assets (align) with everyone’s projections of when they (firefighters over 50) are going to retire and all of that is going to be factored into that. That is the main reason we are here, because we want to get to that number; we don’t want to be right at zero because if for some reason that were to go negative, the city does back our fire relief, so that would fall to you guys. So we are asking for an increase to our benefit, but that benefit is to gain access to our investments that we have saved. The city doesn’t kick out any money.”
After much discussion, the council approved the $600 increase with Councilor Chris Danielson abstaining and Councilor John Dols opposed.
Staff and Council Reports
Dols spoke for Parks and Recs Director John Fenske and shared the recent basketball tournament hosted by Spring Valley was a success, having 12 teams participating with 130 players in total. While there are still a few more weeks until the end of the basketball season, the Parks and Recs department is already preparing for the summer rec program.
Library Director Melissa Vander Plas noted the library will be closed on February 25 for the staff’s continued training on the new operating system SELCO (Southeastern Libraries Cooperating) will be implementing on May 1.
Over 30 children and their families took part in the library’s Take Your Child to the Library Day earlier this month, where they enjoyed crafts, a family film and snacks.
Vander Plas stated the library board is currently in discussions on whether to eliminate library fines and late fees.
Economic Development Authority (EDA) Director Chris Hahn shared that the group held their annual meeting; Jason Runck is now the EDA president and Steve Himle will serve as the vice president.
Dave Phillips will take over the Discover Spring Valley Facebook page. “We are excited about that. As we all know, he is very plugged into Spring Valley and what is happening in the community,” Hahn said.
The Spring Valley Housing study is complete and will be presented to the public on February 19 at 6 p.m. in the community center.
Co-Ambulance Director Sue Puffer told the council there were 42 calls in January, with five times where two trucks were called.
“They’ve stepped up and it has been taken care of every time,” Puffer said in appreciation of the second crews.
The department continues to hold CPR classes for groups throughout the area.
Fire Chief Dustin Johnson shared there was one carbon monoxide call, one lift assist, two grass fires, one single vehicle accident and one car fire in January.
The department has done their physical and fit testing, as well as their EMR refresher.
As the snow finally begins to fly, Dols reminded residents the winter parking ordinance is still in affect. He and his fellow council members also reminded residents to clear their sidewalks and make sure fire hydrants are cleared of snow.
Only a month into his term, Mayor Justin Mlinar has already seen positive strides being taken to unify the city.
“Last month I spoke about unity and becoming more unified as a community. I have already heard reports back about things that people are doing and things people want to do. It is really exciting. I would also ask this council to encourage that and look for ways people can be involved,” Mlinar expressed.
Other Business
The council approved the tobacco license renewals, pending applications and fees, for Casey’s, Kwik Trip, Sunshine Foods, Dollar General and Smoking Guns Smoke Shop.
The Tri County Trailblazers raffle permit was approved.
The upcoming Wednesdays on Broadway street closures were approved for June 18, July 16, August 20 and September 17.
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