Mayor Sarah Schroeder and Council members Karen Folstad, Travis Torgerson, and Scott Solberg attended the September 15, 2020, regular meeting of the Spring Grove City Council at the Fest Building. Councilman Chad Roland participated in the meeting via Zoom. Also present were Julie Amundson, City Clerk/Administrator; Jordan Gerard, The Caledonia Argus; and Charlene Selbee Fillmore County Journal. Mayor Schroeder called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.
The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the minutes from the July 30 and August 12 special meetings, the regular meeting on August 18, and special meetings on August 24 and 31, the claims and accounts, Resolution 20-42 Authorizing Transfer of Funds, and approval of a temporary liquor license for Ye Olde Opera House (YOOH) at the Trollskogen Park on October 8 and 9, 2020.
Old Business
Amundson shared with the Council, “The water tower project is $300,000 less than the other bid received by the city, even with the additional costs.” When asked about the painting, Amundson stated, “that is very noisy due to the sandblasting and should be done tomorrow. The old water tower will come down in November as scheduled.”
YOOH requested the use of the shelter that does not have any walls at the Trollskogen Park for the group’s fall performance in October. They also asked to use the city’s barriers to close part of 3rd Ave. SW on October 8 and 9 from 5-9 pm and on October 11 from noon-4 p.m. The request was approved, and the council reminded the group that they are responsible for moving the barriers.
New Business
Councilman Solberg motioned to approve both commercial rebate requests. Spring Grove Communications requested a rebate of $1,152.98 for the replacement of fluorescent tube lighting with LED bulbs in the company’s Spring Grove Communications, Fitness Center, and Spring Grove Cinema buildings. Yah Sure You Betcha Shoppe requested a rebate of $669.01 for the installation of LEDs in the old Lion’s Den building. Both requests were approved.
Jacqui Van Minsel, Spring Grove Communications, submitted a request to use the city’s picnic tables in October. The company is hosting Stumpy’s, a food truck, and will need extra seating. They also would like approval to use the Bentley House lawn for people to sit on. The date and time of the event have not been finalized. The request was approved pending a walk-through with one of the fire chiefs.
The city received a complaint from Jason Slavicek regarding the water and ice build-up alongside his building in the alley at 224 2nd Ave. NE. Based on a previous situation Mayor Schroeder noted that there is not anything that the city can do and asked Amundson to contact the city attorney for confirmation. It was mentioned that Slavicek has a couple of options that he can do to rectify the situation. The council was reminded that is was not a new problem.
The Council reviewed the COVID-19 Relief Funds received and the list of expenditures approved by the council. The deadline to use the funds is November 15, 2020.
COVID-19 relief funds were approved at a previous council meeting to complete needed repairs to the shelters at Trollskogen Park for the school’s outdoor classrooms. The city received two bids for the repairs, but after a lengthy discussion, the council decided to ask for new proposals from both businesses. The council would like to see plexiglass wooden framed windows that do not slide and flip up installed in the three shelters. The council would like the bottom sections constructed of solid wood, open to the outside and be able to be latched. Due to the impending deadline, the council will like quotes back by Monday night. A special meeting is scheduled for September 22 at 5 p.m. at the park. Motion was approved.
Councilmember Folstad proposed opening the Fest Building for walkers this winter (mid-November through mid-March) since the fitness center is closed. Folstad will solicit volunteers to take responsibility to open the building and supervise walkers during open hours to prevent vandalism and ensure their safety.
The council approved the water and sewer increases as recommended. For example, the typical water user increase will not exceed $1 per month.
Budget
The unanimously approved Resolution 20-43 Approving Proposed 2021 Levy.
The council approved the date, December 15, 2020, for the Truth in Taxation Meeting.
The next regular meeting of the city council is October 20, 2020, 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.