By Terry Schrimscher
SPRINGVILLE — The Springville City Council met for its final regular monthly meeting on Monday night, January 25 with a work session prior to the meeting. Most of the work session was dedicated to discussion of the proposed city budget. Springville is currently operating off the previous year’s budget numbers until the new budget is passed.
After a lengthy discussion about revenue projections and payroll estimates for new positions outlined in the proposal, the council removed the discussion of the budget from the regular meeting agenda and will consider it further at the February 1 meeting.
“I didn’t anticipate the push back on the budget,” said Mayor Dave Thomas, “we’ll get together, get our pencils sharpened and get something working.”
The council hopes to answer any remaining budget questions in a work session prior to the next meeting and approve the budget along with the resolutions creating new jobs within the city during the regular meeting. The new positions, many of which have been in the proposal phase for a few months, include the Executive Assistant to the Mayor, one full time and one part-time labor position with Parks and Recreation, part-time positions in the court and building departments, a deputy City Clerk and a full time and part-time firefighter. The budget proposal also includes the creation of the Department of Cityscapes and a new position to head that department.
The council also approved a resolution extending employee leave due to the pandemic. The proposal extends paid sick leave for up to 80 hours.
The council approved a Safety Drop-off zone near the Springville Police Department. This safety zone is modeled after similar locations in other cities and will provide a well lit, monitored lot where people can meet safely for things like online commerce transactions or parental custody exchanges.
The city established two new speed limit changes along Walker Drive and Industrial Drive. The new limit from Main Street along Walker Drive to Industrial Drive is changed to 20mph and the limit from Main Street on Industrial Drive to Highway 174 is also changed to 20mph. The council also approved $1500 to replace broken radar equipment in a police vehicle.
Before the meeting concluded, council members Sherry Reaves and David Vinson shared some positive news with everyone in the virtual meeting. Reaves announced OneEighty Church gives its first offering each year to charity and has selected the Springville Senior Center for a donation. Vinson shared news about Parks and Recreation Director Ashley Hay receiving an award for Young Professional of the Year.
The next meeting of the council is tentatively set to take place in person at City Hall on February 1 but is subject to change to a virtual meeting depending on COVID-19 requirements.