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Spring Grove council tables proposed three-year sheriff contract, approves hires and routine resolutions
Summary
Council tabled a proposed three-year contract with the Houston County Sheriff’s Department amid concerns about the multi-year term and pending legal review; the council approved an EDA development assignment, hired three firefighters, approved license renewals and other routine items.
At its Dec. 16 meeting, the Spring Grove City Council tabled consideration of a proposed three-year contract with the Houston County Sheriff’s Department and took up multiple routine agenda items, including hiring three firefighters and approving several resolutions.
Council Member Trent Turner moved to table the sheriff contract, citing concerns among council members that the three-year term required additional review by the city attorney. The motion was seconded by Council Member Mike Hagen and carried 4–1; Council Members Turner, Hagen, Morgan Buckland and Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson voted to table the item, and Council Member Eric Ostern voted no. Sheriff Swedberg told the council he preferred a multi-year contract to provide job security for his deputies.
The council also reported that the day care center proposal is at a stalemate after Eitzen Bank would not negotiate on price, meaning the library will not move into that building. The council voted to continue the ballfield lease with Spring Grove Public School on the same terms as the prior year. Discussion of a memorandum of understanding with the Chamber and the Syttende Mai Committee over use of the Log Cabin revealed reservation conflicts; Chamber members Laura Kubes and Doris Sherburne said they believed only the Chamber would use the building and the council moved to table the MOU pending clarification.
Other actions approved without extended debate included Resolution 25-43 allowing assignment of a development agreement for Olde Norse Limited, LLC to JC Land Management, LLP; hiring Hunter Holland, Nathan Olson and Kristain Wralstad as firefighters; Resolution 25-47 granting licenses and renewals for 2026; a zoning permit for David and Cathy Cleven for a driveway addition; hiring Kylie Hammel and Joelle Halverson as co-managers for the 2026 swim center season; an assessment for unpaid utilities to Parcel 269012000 for $765.00 (authorized) and a write-off on that parcel of $85.37; and Resolution 25-51 appointing Joseph Grodahl to the Economic Development Authority. Mayor Wilhelmson also reported the EDA has $70,000 in the revolving loan fund available for use.
By the meeting’s close the council set its next regular meeting for Jan. 20, 2026. Several items tabled during the session were left for further review by staff or the city attorney before they return to a future agenda.
