Grant County Commission Proceedings – October 24, 2023

     October 24, 2023

The Grant County Commission met for a special meeting at 2:30 p.m. with Commissioners Buttke, Mach, Stengel and Tostenson present. Commissioner Street was absent. Chairman Mach called the meeting to order. The purpose of the meeting was to meet with Corey of Johnson Construction via Zoom to discuss a potential Detention Center (DC) remodel. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0. Staff members present were Commissioner Assistant Layher, States Attorney Schwandt and Sheriff Owen.

Detention Center Remodel: Joining the meeting via Zoom were Corey of Johnson Construction and Adam Keuhl of HMN Architects. Previously several Commissioners toured the DC to inspect the building. After that inspection, due to the age of the building, improvements need to be made. Some of those improvements include the HVAC, plumbing, ventilation and sprinkler system. A prior inspection of the building by Johnson Construction and HMN Architects had indicated the structure of the building to be in good condition. Sheriff Owen suggested a 20-bed facility with eight beds upstairs and 12 downstairs would be sufficient. He suggested a recreation yard be considered in the project.

The Commission discussed what would be more cost-effective, remodeling the DC versus housing the prisoners elsewhere. Sheriff Owen said the average jail population is currently three to seven prisoners a day. Based on the average cost of housing it is more cost-effective to remodel the DC. Commissioner Tostenson suggested engaging the community in this process by having a committee assist with reviewing the facility and project. Adam Keuhl with HMN Architects stated they will facilitate public information meetings to help inform the community. The Commission requested Commissioner Assistant Layher reach out to several community members and ask if they would be willing to serve on the committee. Johnson Construction and HMN Architects together will report back to the Commission with an estimate of the remodel project.

It is the policy of Grant County, South Dakota, not to discriminate against the handicapped in employment or the provision of service.

The next scheduled meeting dates will be November 7 and 21 and December 5, 19 and 29, 2023 at 8 a.m. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned.

 /s/ Michael J.  Mach,

Chairman,

Grant County Commissioners

/s/ Kathy Folk, 

Grant County Auditor              

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