Council advances water, lead-service-line and summer hires; directs attorney to enforce ordinance

At its May 19 meeting, the Spring Grove City Council moved forward on several infrastructure items and personnel recommendations and directed enforcement action in a resident complaint.

City Engineer Tim Hruska (WHKS) provided three project updates: the new fire hall project is proceeding through RFQ and forthcoming RFP stages with materials to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for review and an estimated construction start in 2027; a Lead Service Line Replacement project has funding to replace five service lines believed to contain lead but the funding does not cover engineering fees — Hruska said the contractor will reimburse the city upon project completion — and the council approved the Lead Service Line Replacement Agreement by motion; and the council approved watermain replacement plans for the northwest portion of the city (including 5th Avenue SE), with Hruska noting one adjacent property owner has not responded and that assessments were not part of the current financing model though Administrator Jana Elton said assessments could apply but would require a new model and could delay the project. Council Member Hagen moved to approve the watermain plans, seconded by Council Member Buckland; motion carried.

In New Business the council approved hiring summer recreation employees by motion. Council Member Hagen also moved to direct the city attorney to prepare and send a letter enforcing city ordinances related to a resident's fence, requesting payment of a $250 late fee and requiring the resident to either come to City Hall to complete the permitting process or remove the fence; the motion was seconded by Council Member Turner and carried with Council Member Buckland in opposition.

The minutes also record approval of a set of friendship-city resolutions and the receipt of an informational pre-recorded audit presentation by Abdo (no council questions).