SPRING VALLEY – At the Wednesday, Jan. 5 Spring Valley Village Board meeting, the board discussed possible grant money for Handy Andy Park’s ice rink, a DNR grant for house to village water supply changes and notice of the upcoming election for village board.

Trustee Rich O’Connell gave the monthly library report and discussed the future possibility of ice skate rentals through the library for the community to use at the Handy Andy ice rink. Following the report, the board members commended community members who were involved with the ice rink.

“Big thanks to Luann (Emerson) and the Public Works people for the work they put into it and to the community,” said Village President Marsha Brunkhorst.

The board approved a pay request of $281,537.49 to Cedar Corporation. Greg Adams explained some of the last steps that were taken during this year for the project.

“This isn’t the full completion of everything; there will be another few steps that will be done next spring,” said Adams.

Other public works updates included the current work they are doing with plowing and upkeep of equipment around the village, as well as the help they have been giving to the Handy Andy ice rink.

A grant application to replace lead pipes going into people’s homes is due on Jan. 18. The application, which is now being completed by Cedar Corporation, will go to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Public Works Committee Chair Andy Vorlicek said, “There are less than 30 identified lead pipes and they go from the house out to the village water supply and some are lead, some are flushable but this grant is that the DNR will administer and essentially remove the cost from the homeowner to have their pipes replaced.”

Upcoming meetings for the Village board are scheduled for Jan. 26 and Feb. 22. These meetings will be the monthly meetings for February and March.

Police Chief Sharon Verges gave her monthly report, which included updates about training in Pierce County in December and COVID grants that the police department received.

Municipal Development Committee reports also included some updates about the community center and upcoming bids for electrical and plumbing. There is also potential grant money available for the ice rink project at Handy Andy Park that is being looked into as well.

Emerson also gave notice for the upcoming school board primary elections in February. For the upcoming village board elections, there will be two people on the ballot for three open trustee positions, so write-in votes will be counted.