Valley Springs Commission concludes '17 business
By:
Jill Meier, Journal editor
Valley Springs City Commission handled some routine end-of-the-year business, gave the OK to the second reading of a series of amendments made to eight of the city’s zoning ordinances, and discussed the status of a vicious dog in the city at their Dec. 12 meeting.. They also tabled an agenda item – Proposed Resolution No. 2017-8 (Contingency Fund Transfer to the 2017 Appropriations Ordinance, which was addressed during a special meeting on Dec. 20.
“It’s so we can move some money around,” Mayor Carl Moss said.
Commissioners approved two annual contracts, one for law enforcement services and the other for animal control services. Once again, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department will provide a minimum 22 hours of coverage per week at an annual cost of $38,793.04, which the city will pay quarterly.
The contract for animal control services and impoundment with the Sioux Falls Humane Society was also approved. The city will pay $56 per hour for animal control services, the IRS mileage rate for travel and $12.50 per day per animal boarding fee.
Valley Springs city attorney Patrick Glover updated the commission on the status of a vicious dog name Raven – one of three German shepherds - owned by Mark Dykstra. Resident Mary Goembel, who was reportedly attacked by Raven, told the Humane Society this was the third reported attack by this dog.
“The main thing the Humane Society officer said to me is the property is on the way to school, and these are very intimidating dogs on a Safe Routes to School route,” Glover said.
Glover added that city ordinance states if a dog is vicious, the dog can no longer be kept in the city limits.
Glover was scheduled to meet Dec. 19 with Dykstra, who previously offered a not guilty plea. A court hearing is also scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, 2018.
The hearing could be avoided “If he voluntarily ‘surrenders’ the dog – that’s not saying it needs to be put down,” Glover said.
Public Works Operator Ryan Nussbaum proposed erecting a cold storage building for equipment that’s currently kept outdoor. Nussbaum estimated the 36-foot by 45-foot building at $13,000.
“A building that size, we can get quite a bit in it, and it should help keep the value (of that equipment),” Nussbaum said.
Commissioners directed Nussbaum to gather estimates for an early-spring bid award.
Among the amendments to a variety of zoning ordinances, the commission approved the second reading of Ordinance Nos. 329-336. Amendments addressed language, accessory buildings, manufactured homes, fences, district regulations, building permit application procedures and procedures for Board of Adjustment meetings.
Commissioners will meet next in regular session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9.
