Grant County Commission Proceedings – August 15, 2023

     August 15, 2023

The Grant County Commission met at 8:00 a.m. with Commissioners Buttke, Mach, Stengel, Tostenson and Street present. Chairman Mach called the meeting to order. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to approve the August 1st minutes. Motion carried 5-0. Minutes filed. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Street to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0.

Present from the public were Jerry Zubke, Raymond Beutler, Joel O’Brien, Mark Pillatzki, Milt Stengel, Christian Karels, Paul Karels, Tyler Grabow, Jerry Bury, Noble Karels, Kenny Wiese, Shirley Wiese, Vince Meyer, Dennis Kohl, Tony Folk, Joelie Hicks and Ann Loeschke. Staff members present were Commissioner Assistant Layher, Drainage Officer Berkner and States Attorney Schwandt.

Public Comment: Chairman Mach called three times for public comment. There were no comments. Chairman Mach closed the public comment.

AUDITOR'S ACCOUNT WITH THE COUNTY TREASURER

To the Honorable Board of County Commissioners, Grant County:

I hereby submit the following report of my examination of the cash and cash items in the hands of the County Treasurer of the County of Grant as of the last day of July, 2023.

Cash on Hand, $1,929.08

Checks in Treasurer's possession

less than 3 days, $21,104.25

Cash Items,  $0.00

TOTAL CASH ASSETS ON HAND

$23,033.33 

RECONCILED CHECKING First Bank & Trust, $51,353.94; Interest, $0.00; Credit Card Transactions, $1,906.20; First Bank & Trust (Svgs), $8,825,450.51. 

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT First Bank & Trust, $0.00; First Bank & Trust (TIF), $0.00. 

TOTAL CASH ASSETS

$8,901,743.98  

GENERAL LEDGER CASH

BALANCES:

General, $4,663,957.86; General restricted cash, $2,050,000.00; Cash Accounts for Offices General Fund, $656.00; Sp. Revenue, $1,033,596.62; Sp. Revenue restricted cash, $0.00; Henze Road District, $0.00; TIF Milbank, $0.00; TIF Rosewood Mil-3, $0.00; TIF Water Dist., $0.00; Special Assessment Land Rent, $0.00;  Trust & Agency, $1,153,533.50; (schools 33,050.38, twps 30,295.50, city/town 15,637.57), ACH Correction, $0.00.

TOTAL GENERAL LEDGER CASH

$8,901,743.98 

Dated this day 8th day of August, 2023

Kathy Folk,

County Auditor

The Register of Deeds fees for the month of July were $8,738.00. The Clerk of Courts fees for the month of July were $10,110.13. The Sheriff fees for the month of June were $4,192.26 with $2,192.26 received into the General Fund. The Community Health Nurse office submitted their first and second quarter report for 2023.

Drainage: Chairman Mach adjourned the Board of Commissioners and convened the Commission acting as the Drainage Board.

Permit DR2023-35 for Mark Pillatzki for property owned by Mark & Cindy Pillatzki and located within the NE1/4 of 29-121-47 (Melrose Township).

Chairman Mach asked for a motion to approve Drainage Permit DR2023-35 for Mark Pillatzki. Motion was made by Buttke and seconded by Street.

Drainage Officer Berkner began his report for DR2023-35 stating it was for approximately 20 acres located within section 29 in the east half of Melrose Township all within the Whetstone River Watershed. The tiling project would have 1-inlet and 1-8” outlet. If installed at .1% grade it could drain as much as 185 gpm (gallons per minute) or .41 cf/s (cubic feet per second) and would drain east directly into the middle fork of the Whetstone River also known as Whetstone Creek.

  Berkner closed his report saying it was his opinion that the proposed drainage project was supported by questions asked in Section 101, 313 and 317 of the county’s drainage ordinance.

Chairman Mach asked Pillatzki if he had any additional comments. Pillatzki said he didn’t. Chairman Mach opened the public hearing asking three times for any comments in favor or against DR2023-35, with no one responding. Mach closed the public hearing and called for Board discussion.

Both Tostenson and Mach said in principle they are reluctant to accept most open inlets that drain directly into waterways as they believe some type of filtration is needed to reduce both sediments and other possible pollutants from entering directly into waterways. They asked Pillatzki for a more detailed explanation whether the inlet was necessary.

Pillatzki explained that due to steep grade changes across that part of the field the inlet would be a rock berm or dike to help filter and collect water before it could do any more erosion.

With no more discussion Mach called for the vote which passed 5-0.

Permits DR2023-36 and DR2023-37 for Western Consolidated Coop for adjoining properties owned by Western Consolidated Coop and located in 7-120-49 (Grant Center Township).

Chairman Mach asked for a motion to approve Drainage Permits DR2023-36 and DR2023-37 for Western Consolidated Coop. Motion was made by Buttke and seconded by Tostenson.

Berkner began his report stating it was for approximately 25 acres located within the Whetstone River watershed and was directly related to a previously permitted drainage permit DR2014-25 granted in 2014. That permit was not completed in its entirety within the required two-year timeframe.

Berkner said the two permits would complete the originally permitted footprint, as well as add some tile surrounding the recently added and modified scale and turn around area that was completed a year ago by West Con.

Berkner said the new permits DR2023-36 and DR2023-37 would use the same 18” outlet that was installed in 2014 where the maximum flow rates entering the South Fork of the Whetstone River would be no more than current maximum flow rates, which is up to 1,620 gpm or 3.6 cf/s.

Berkner ended his report saying he had been contacted by one downstream landowner and after answering their questions they had no concerns with the proposed project. It was his opinion that the project was supported by questions asked in Section 101, 313 and 317 of the county’s drainage ordinance.

Chairman Mach asked Jerry Zubke, who was representing West Con, if he had anything to add. Zubke said he would be available for questions.

Chairman Mach then opened the public hearing for DR2023-36 and DR2023-37 asking three times for any comments in favor or against the permit. No one responded. Mach closed the public hearing and called for Board discussion. A brief discussion was held. Mach called for the vote which passed 5-0.

Permit DR2023-38 for Ray Beutler for property owned by Raymond & Sharon Beutler and located in 29-119-47 (Vernon East Township).

Chairman Mach asked for a motion to approve DR2023-38 for Ray Beutler. Motion made by Street and seconded by Tostenson.

Berkner reported permit DR2023-38 was for approximately 20 acres of land all within the South Fork of the Yellow Bank watershed located within the E1/2 of section 29 of Vernon East Township. The project would connect to existing tiling and where possible would drain directly into an open ditch if necessary. There are 2-5” outlet mains planned. Both outlets combined could produce as much as 110 gpm or .25 cf/s measured at .1% grade and would drain directly into an established waterway eventually draining into the South Fork of the Yellow Bank River.

Berkner stated it was his opinion DR2023-38 is supported by questions asked in Section 101, 313 and 317 of the county’s drainage ordinance.

Chairman Mach asked Beutler for any further information. Beutler said it was his understanding all the laterals would tie directly into main tile lines from previously permitted projects.

Chairman Mach opened the public hearing for DR2023-38 asking three times for any comments in favor or against the permit. No one responded. Mach closed the public hearing and called for Board discussion.

Commissioner Street said he looked at the project and it is a part of other smaller tiling projects where all together they complete the project. With no more discussion, Mach called for the vote to approve DR2023-38. Motion carried 5-0.

Permit DR2023-39 for Christian Karels for property owned by Ann James Trust and located in the NE1/4 of 23-120-48 (Alban West Township).

Chairman Mach asked for a motion to approve DR2023-39 for Christian Karels. The motion was made by Stengel and seconded by Tostenson.

Berkner reported DR2023-39 was for approximately two acres located within the NE1/4 of section 24 in Alban West Township within the North Fork of the Yellow Bank River watershed. The project would connect to an 8” outlet previously permitted in DR2012-05 and DR2018-39 and could drain as much as 185 gpm, or .41 cf/s measured at .1% grade. The outletted water would enter the North Fork of the Yellow Bank River before flowing east.

The objective of the two acre project is to drain the area around a certified wetland. Karels had contacted the local NRCS office for compliance with Federal and State rules and regulations. Berkner said in his opinion DR2023-39 is supported by questions asked in Section 101, 313 and 317 of the county’s drainage ordinance.

Chairman Mach asked Karels for any additional information. Karels added the pathway for the water after the outlet would be through a drainage ditch and then flow north to the river.

Chairman Mach opened the public hearing asking three times for comments in favor or against DR2023-39. No one responded. Mach closed the public hearing and called for board discussion.

Commissioner Tostenson asked Karels what was required of the NRCS to avoid the possibility of draining any of the nearby wetland. Karels said the tiler has been instructed to follow the rule to remain 125’ from any certified wetland.

Commissioner Stengel stated he looked at the project and thought it was good and verified the NRCS requirements are that any certified wetland remains intact at the required size and depth. With no further comments, Mach called for the vote to approve DR2023-39. Motion carried 5-0.

Permits DR2023-40 and DR2023-41for Tyler Grabow for adjoining properties owned by Tyler, Louis & Hilary Grabow and located within the SW1/4 of 9-120- 49 (Grant Center Township).

Chairman Mach asked for a motion to approve DR2023-40 and DR2023-41 for Tyler Grabow. The motion was made by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel.

Berkner reported permits DR2023-40 and DR2023-41 would affect approximately 150 acres of land located in the S1/2 of section 9 of Grant Center Township all within the South Fork of the Whetstone River watershed. The project would have 1-10” outlet and 1-12” outlet, with an 850 gpm lift pump. Both would empty directly into the South Fork of the Whetstone River. In total, maximum flow rates for the two projects could be up to 1,350 gpm or 3 cf/s.

Berkner concluded he had multiple conversations with one downstream landowner. They had concerns about the location of the pump and the noise from both the pump motor running and discharge water splashing on the ground.

Chairman Mach asked Grabow for any comments he would like to add. Grabow said he had re-worked the design of his project to try and eliminate those type of concerns. He already had contacted his tiling contractor to place the pump as far to the west as possible and to use a submersible pump instead of a lift pump.

Chairman Mach opened the public hearing asking three times for comments in favor or against DR2023-40 and DR2023-41. No one responded. Mach closed the public hearing and called for Board discussion.

Chairman Tostenson stated he had spoken with both Grabow and the concerned party and said the design now being considered seemed to be a good solution to those concerns. Tostenson added that by using a submersible pump in the design it would also eliminate some possible flooding scenarios the same concerned party had with the lift pump. The water would go directly into the creek about a half mile closer eliminating some flooding possibilities.

Grabow agreed with that explanation saying all the water being discharged by the pump will help reduce some flooding possibilities by moving that water to the creek sooner.

Chairman Mach said he had also spoken to a local pump retailer, and they commented the same submersible pump being considered would have no motor sound at all. If noise from water falling into the waterway was a problem, it could be eliminated by using a flexible discharge hose.

With no more discussion Mach called for the vote to approve DR2023-40 and DR2023-41. Motion carried 5-0.

Permits DR2023-42 and DR2023-43 for Jerry Bury for adjoining properties owned by Gina Tyler Revocable Trust and located within the NE1/4 of 22-120-49 and property owned by Steven & Heather Schank and located in the NW1/4 of 23-120- 49 (Grant Center Township).

Chairman Mach asked for a motion to approve Drainage Permits DR2023-42 and DR2023-43 for Jerry Bury. Motion was made by Buttke with a second by Tostenson.

Drainage Officer Berkner began his report stating that Bury had contacted him since the public notices went out saying the west portion of the two permits, DR2023-42, would be pulled from the dual permit design due to some downstream concerns. Bury decided it was best to only go forward with DR2023-43.

Berkner continued saying DR2023-43 was for the NW1/4 of section 23 in Grant Center Township. The project would have one inlet and an 1-8” outlet that would follow down the center of an existing drainage ditch having a footprint of about 10 acres in total. There would be no laterals involved. The design and the inlet are to eliminate erosion caused by the water entering from the west through a culvert. The outletted water would flow overland before entering a wetland that out flows to the east a few miles before it crosses under US Highway 12 and eventually enters the North Fork of the Yellow Bank River.

Berkner finished his report saying the 1-8” outlet, measured at .1% grade could have a maximum flow rate of 185 gpm, or .41 cubic feet a second. Berkner said in his opinion DR2023-43 is supported by questions asked in Section 101, 313 and 317 of the county’s drainage ordinance.

Chairman Mach stated that since permit DR2023-42 is being pulled he needs an amended motion. Commissioner Buttke amended his motion to approve only DR2023-43 and it was seconded by Street. Mach called for the vote to accept the amended the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Chairman Mach asked Bury if he wanted to add anything. Bury stated the amended tile map would only have one outlet and that all he is trying to do is keep the water within the drainage ditch to keep it moving and not cause any erosion as it does now.

Chairman Mach opened the public hearing asking three times for comment either in favor or against DR2023-43. Milt Stengel, who farms land just downstream of the proposed outlet, spoke about the ongoing problems with existing water flows having trouble making their way through the waterway without adding anymore. Milt Stengel said the whole run needs to be cleaned out.

Berkner added that he had heard from three downstream landowners who all said the same thing as Milt Stengel; saying they were also concerned where the run ultimately crosses under SD Highway 15. With no other public comments Mach closed the public hearing and opened board discussion.

The Commission asked Bury where the water comes from that would be entering the inlet. Bury stated it comes from a drainage ditch that leads from a slough located further west within the neighboring quarter section where the planned new inlet will catch it right after it crosses through a culvert under the township road.

The board discussed that without any laterals in the tile design, with only taking water from within the existing drainage ditch, it would not increase the quantity of water out letting. Tostenson had some concerns about the open inlet. Bury responded that it would be catching water from a grassy ditch and the tile would run directly down the center of the existing ditch. Mach called for the vote to approve permit DR2023-43. Motion carried 5-0.

Chairman Mach recessed the Drainage Board and reconvened as the Board of Commissioners for the purpose of the public hearing of Ordinance 2023-01.

Zoning Ordinance: The 9:15 a.m. public hearing was held for the second reading of Ordinance 2023-01. Todd Kays of First District joined the meeting by phone. Chairman Mach asked States Attorney Schwandt to review SDCL 11-2-53 and 11- 2-17.3 and explain the majority vote rules approved during the 2020 legislative session.

Chairman Mach opened the hearing for Commissioners discussion. Commissioner Street spoke on Section 504 #6a. Access: of the proposed zoning ordinance. He referenced this section “The Board of Adjustment may require the applicant to enter into a written contract with the applicable road authority regarding the upgrading and continued maintenance of any roads used for conditional use requested prior to issuance of a Conditional Use Permit”. He would like to see the “may” changed to “shall”. Street stated in the past there has been damage to the county roads due to silage cutting/hauling that the county had to repair. Street believes it is the landowner or hauler that should be responsible for the road repairs. Todd Kays advised the Commissioners that another section of the ordinance addresses heavy use road haul agreements for a CUP. Silage cutting would not be considered a heavy use road haul agreement. A lengthy discussion followed.

Commissioner Street made a motion to change the “may” to “shall” in section 504 #6a. Access: of the proposed zoning ordinance. Chairman Mach called for a second three times. The motion died due to a lack of a second. Chairman Mach asked if there were any other questions on the second reading of this ordinance.

Chairman Mach asked for a roll call vote to adopt Ordinance 2023-01 for administrative changes to the Zoning Ordinance; Tostenson: Aye, Stengel: Aye, Street: Nay, Buttke: Aye, Mach: Aye. Motion carried 4-1. Changes to the ordinance will go into effect twenty days after publication of the ordinance. The ordinance is on file in the Auditor’s office.

Chairman Mach recessed the County Commission Board and reconvened as the Drainage Board.

Permits DR2023-44 and DR2023-45 for Jerry Bury for adjoining properties owned by Lyle Moser and located in the NW1/4 of 16-120-48 and property owned by Gerald and Nichole Bury Revocable Trust located in the SW1/4 in 9-120-48 (Alban West Township).

Chairman Mach asked for a motion to approve DR2023-44 and DR2023-45 for Jerry Bury. Motion was made by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel.

Berkner began his report stating it was for approximately eight to 10 acres located in Alban West Township within the NW1/4 of section 16 and SW1/4 of section 9 where water would be drained north and east within the North Fork of the Yellow Bank River watershed. The two permits would be interconnected to previously permitted DR2011-44 and would have 1-inlet and 1-6” outlet which could drain as much as 90 gpm or .2 cf/s measured at .1% grade.

Berkner said he had been contacted by one downstream landowner who after learning the small size of the area to be tiled said they were not concerned with any possible negative impact of the tile projects if permitted. Berkner concluded his presentation saying it was in his opinion that DR2023-44 and DR2023-45 are supported by questions asked in Section 101, 313 and 317 of the county’s drainage ordinance.

Chairman Mach asked Bury if he had any additional comments. Bury said he would be available for questions if needed. Mach opened the public hearing asking three times for comments in favor or against the project. No one responded. Mach closed the public hearing asking for Board comments.

Board discussion followed asking Bury for the need of the open inlet. Bury said it was to reduce erosion alongside County Road 31’s road ditch near the intersection of 150th Street and to help a few smaller areas to drain. With no further discussion Mach called for the vote. Motion carried 5-0.

Permit DR2023-46 for Jerry Bury for property owned by Doug Buri located in N1/2NE1/4 of 32-119-48 (Vernon Township).

Chairman Mach asked for a motion to approve Drainage Permit DR2023-46 for Jerry Bury. Motion was made by Buttke and seconded by Stengel.

Berkner began his report for DR2023-46 stating the permit was seeking to do ditch work alongside and for approximately 2,600’ of the southside of 159th Street up to the intersection of 480th Avenue in the N1/2NE1/4 of section 32 in Vernon West Township. Berkner said in April the roadway had received significant flood and erosion damage during the rapid snow melt.

According to Berkner the drainage permit was seeking to do three things: 1) seek permission for the permittee to work within approximately 1,300’ in the ROW of 159th Street performing cleanup and other maintenance to repair it to its original design, 2) excavate approximately 1,300’ of a new 30’ wide and 3’ deep drainage ditch on private property directly parallel to 159th Street, and 3) work with the county to replace and possibly upsize the capacity of both one culvert under 159th Street flowing northeast and one culvert under 480th Avenue where the permittee thought both culverts are in need of attention.

Berkner said he had spoken to Hwy Supt Daren Peterson as his input would be needed in any decision the Board would make. Peterson said he would look at the area and give his recommendation to the Board.

Berkner concluded he had been contacted by two concerned landowners that although the current condition of the road ditch needs some type of repair or modification, careful consideration should be given to permitting to not cause other problems.

Chairman Mach asked Bury for any further comments. Bury said he would be available for comments if needed. Mach then opened the public hearing asking three time for any comments in favor or against DR2023-46. Dennis Kohl stated there is a lot of history in how water drains down that road ditch. He said some of the problems have come over the years as the approaches have been modified.

Kohl said the approaches act like berms and originally helped slow the west to east flow in the road ditch and probably more importantly helped direct some of the water flow north through culverts that are still there. Kohl also said a lot of the problems come from the condition of the existing culverts and those culverts are too high to effectively drain.

Bury responded he was not aware of when those modifications would have happened but thought it would be best to include replacing them in his permit if that would help.

With no more public comments Mach closed the public hearing asking for discussion between board members. There was agreement that it is best to wait until Supt Peterson could look at the project and it might work to: allow some ditch cleaning maintenance, to possibly replace the missing approaches if records of how they originally looked could be found, and to explore replacing the two culverts, even increasing their size, if the proper State and Federal permission could be obtained.

Commissioner Street emphasized at the minimum looking into replacing the approaches was key to any permitting and that increasing the size of or lowering any culverts would most likely need a hydraulic study.

Peterson commented that in very troubled areas where roads washout often the county has in the past upsized culvert sizes and elevations without hydraulic studies especially if the same road section washes out year after year. He said the county is careful to not let anymore quantity of water flow through the new culverts.

Commissioner Tostenson made a motion to table their decision until the September 19th Drainage Board meeting for Supt. Peterson to have time to look the project over after the crop is out and to give the permittee time to finalize their tile plan. Stengel seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Permit DR2023-47 and DR2023-48 for Vince Meyer for adjoining properties owned by Vincent and Patricia Meyer located in the NW1/4 and SW1/4 of 35-118- 48 (Adams West Township).

Chairman Mach asked for a motion to approve DR2023-47 and DR2023-48 for Vince Meyer. The motion was made by Street and seconded by Buttke.

Berkner gave his report on DR2023-47 and DR2023-48 stating it is for approximately 175 acres located in two parcels in section 35 of Adams West Township all within the Lac qui Parle River Watershed. The project would have 1- 12” outlet that would drain northeast into an established waterway with a maximum rate of flow of 550 gpm, or 1.23 cf/s, measured at .1% grade.

Berkner said he has not been contacted regarding any possible concerns and it was his opinion DR2023-47 and DR2023-48 are supported by questions asked in Section 101, 313 and 317 of the county’s drainage ordinance.

Chairman Mach asked Meyer if he had anything to add to the report. Meyer said there would be no pumps or inlets, and everything would drain naturally within the same watershed. Meyer added that a lot of his problems come from water that jumps the neighboring watershed during heavy runoff events and gets trapped on his property.

Chairman Mach opened the public hearing for DR2023-47 and DR2023-48 asking three times for comments in favor or against the permits. No one responded.

Chairman Mach then opened Board discussion. Commissioner Street said he had looked at the project with Meyer and thought it was well planned and he was personally aware Meyer had worked with his immediate downstream neighbor to design a drainage system that would have the least impact on the waterway receiving the water.

With no more discussion Mach called for the vote. Motion carried 5-0.

This concluded the business for the Drainage Board. Chairman Mach adjourned the Drainage Board and reconvened the Board of Commissioners.

Highway: Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Buttke to approve Chairman Mach signing the bid letting authorization for bridges 26-310-056 and 26-330-107. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve Chairman Mach signing the bid letting agreement for bridge 26-270-237, project number BRO 8026(00)23-3 PCN 09H0. Motion carried 5-0.

Fencing gravel pit: John Moes joined the meeting by telephone. Discussion was held regarding the replacement of the fencing around the gravel pit in Mazeppa Township. John Moes rents the land from the county as pastureland for his cattle. The fence needs replacement. John has received quotes to do so and is wondering if the County will split the cost of the fence. The Commission agreed to split the fencing costs with John Moes as is the standard practice of a shared fence between landowners. Moes will submit copies of the bills to Hwy Supt Peterson for reimbursement.

Travel: Motion by Buttke and seconded by Tostenson to approve travel expenses for Kathy Folk and Jennifer Waniorek to attend the election workshop in Pierre and for Nathan Mueller to attend annual the weed conference in Rapid City. Motion carried 5-0.

County Assistance: None

Sunrise Colony Cemetery: Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel to approve the Sunrise Colony cemetery plat located in the NW1/4 of 13-120-52 in Lura Township. Motion carried 5-0. Resolution adopted.

2023-09

COUNTY COMMISSION APPROVAL

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE PLAT OF LOTS 1-84, BLOCK 1 OF SUNRISE CEMETERY ADDITION TO THE NORTHWEST QUARTER IN FORMER SISSETON WAHPETON INDIAN RESERVATION OF SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 120 NORTH, RANGE 52 WEST OF THE 5 PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, GRANT COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA, WAS DULY SUBMITTED TO THE GRANT COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, AND THAT AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION THE BOARD APPROVED SAID PLAT AT ITS MEETING HELD ON

DATED THIS 15TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2023.

MICHAEL J. MACH

CHAIRMAN BOARD OF

COMMISSIONS,

GRANT COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA

COUNTY AUDITOR CERTIFICATE

I DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT TO ABOVE CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL IS TRUE AND CORRECT INCLUDING THE SIGNATURE THEREON.

DATED THIS 15TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2023.

KATHY FOLK

COUNTY AUDITOR

GRANT COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA

Ambulance District: Auditor Folk reported there were four completed petitions turned in by the deadline in four separate Commissioner Districts of 1, 3, 4 and 5. Those four will be automatically seated on the Ambulance Board. They are District 1: Hanna Greiner, District 3: Joseph Sousa, District 4: Jeremy Wiese, and District 5: John Weyh. The District 2 position is still open but can now be appointed by the Ambulance Board. The next step is to have the four board members meet with States Attorney Schwandt and Commissioner Assistant Layher to proceed with organizing the Ambulance Board and submitting a tax call request for tax year 2023.

Executive Session: None.

Unfinished Business: Auditor Folk stated the 2024 budget will be reduced by $1.6 million with two bridges from 2024 now being built in 2023.

New Business: Commissioner Tostenson gave the board a handout of the proposed Grist Mill Wind Project. Discussion was held on the setback limits to a community and requesting a map from First District illustrating the setback distance around residences. Commissioner Tostenson also gave an update from the Grant County Development Corporation meeting.

Correspondence: None

Claims: Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve the claims minus the South Shore Ambulance allocation. Motion carried 5-0. A-OX WELDING, supplies 16.75; ACTIVE DATA SYSTEMS, computer maint 3,640.00; ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, supplies 46.99; BANNER, hwy projects 4,169.10; BERENS MARKET, supplies & inmate groceries, 382.64; BITUMINOUS PAVING, patching & overlay 49,961.50; BORNS GROUP, mailing expense 1,991.02; BUTLER, supplies 855.87; CENTER POINT, books 380.52; CITY OF MILBANK, water & sewer 391.25; COLEPAPERS, supplies 317.50; CONSOLIDATED READY MIX, concrete 660.00; CRAIG DEBOER, car wash usage 40.50; DAKOTA POWER EQUIPMENT, supplies 3.85; DUANE ATHEY, repairs & maint 45.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST/VISA, SRP prizes, gas, travel exp & supplies 4,511.11; FISHER SAND & GRAVEL, gravel 83.87; GRANT CO EC & DEV BOARD, allocation 8,750.00; GRANT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY, allocation 6,818.75; GRANT COUNTY LIBRARY, SRP prizes 600.00; GRANT COUNTY REVIEW, publishing 491.11; GRANT- ROBERTS RURAL WATER, water usage 43.30; HELSPER, MCCARTY & RASMUSSEN, prof services 1,332.31; INGRAM, books 1,214.77; INTER- LAKES COMM ACT, service worker 2,628.00; ITC, phone & internet 2,190.77; JASON KUEHN, major equip 30,000.00; JASON SACKREITER, garbage service 135.00; JEREMY WIESE, supplies 19.80; KEN VANORNY, prof services 650.00; LARRY'S REFRIGERATION, equip, repairs & maint 4,725.04; LEWIS FAMILY DRUG, supplies 353.73; MANUEL CARDENAS, repairs & maint 750.00; MICROFILM IMAGING SYSTEMS, scanner rent 642.00; MILBANK AREA CHAMBER, allocation 1,000.00; MILBANK AREA HOSPITAL AVERA, blabs 1,056.00; MILBANK AUTO PARTS, supplies, repairs & maint 858.46; MILBANK COMMUNITY TRANSIT, allocation 5,000.00; MILBANK FIRE DEPT, allocation 750.00; MILBANK WINWATER WORKS, supplies 192.56; NORTHWESTERN ENERGY, natural gas 17.67; NOVAK SANITARY SERVICE, shredding services 46.07; OTTER TAIL POWER, electricity 3,120.53; PHOENIX SUPPLY, supplies 112.48; RC TECHNOLOGIES, 911 transport & tower rent 95.96; RELX, ref books 219.10; RIVER STREET PETROLEUM, ethanol & diesel fuel 5,901.23; RUNNINGS, supplies 316.15; RYAN MAGEDANZ, repairs & maint 835.60; SCANTRON, prof services 5,673.34; SCOTT BRATLAND, prof services 1,401.70; SDLA/MCMLA CONFERENCE, registration 390.00; SDSU EXTENSION, parking & admission 70.00; STAR LAUNDRY, rental 259.40; STATE OF SD, supplies 71.00; STEVEN RHODY, contracted proj 225.00; TRUENORTH STEEL, culverts 1,039.50; TWIN VALLEY TIRE, repairs & tires 892.87; VALLEY OFFICE PRODUCTS, supplies 2,733.33; VALLEY SHOPPER, publishing 106.32; VERIZON, hotspot 38.52; WEST CENTRAL COMMUNICATION, supplies 218.50; WHETSTONE HOME CENTER, supplies 273.55; WHETSTONE VALLEY ELECTRIC, electricity 812.43; XEROX, copier rent 542.31. TOTAL: $163,111.63.

JULY MONTHLY FEES: SDACO, ROD modernization fee 172.00; SD DEPT OF REVENUE, monthly fees 213,440.22. TOTAL: $213,612.22.

Payroll for the following departments and offices for the August 14, 2023, payroll are as follows: COMMISSIONERS 7,215.10; AUDITOR 6,752.26; ELECTION 198.08; TREASURER 5,419.34; STATES ATTORNEY 7,147.40; CUSTODIANS 3,058.34; DIR. OF EQUALIZATION 4,018.00; REG. OF DEEDS 4,785.43; VET. SERV. OFFICER 1,161.00; SHERIFF 15,722.75; COMMUNICATION CTR 7,470.20; PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE 1,132.80; ICAP 49.00; VISITING NEIGHBOR 1,762.11; LIBRARY 7,632.30; 4-H 3,783.58; WEED CONTROL 2,134.95; P&Z 832.65; DRAINAGE 875.35; ROAD & BRIDGE 27,141.29; EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 2,324.00. TOTAL: $110,615.93.

Payroll Claims: FIRST BANK & TRUST, Fed WH 7,725.97; FIRST BANK & TRUST, FICA WH & Match 13,277.76; FIRST BANK & TRUST, Medicare WH & Match 3,105.30; ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT, deduction 84.04; AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE, AFLAC ins. 1,457.32; ARGUS DENTAL, ins 530.96; WELLMARK-BLUE CROSS OF SD, Employee health ins. 1,953.95; OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT, child support 210.00; SDRS SUPPLEMENTAL, deduction 1,428.83; SDRS, retire 12,569.03. TOTAL: $42,343.16.

Consent Agenda: Motion by Street and seconded by Stengel to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried 5-0.

1. Approve contract with Safe and Secure to replace two outside cameras on the courthouse for an estimated cost of $3,876.70

2. Set September 5, 2023 at 9 a.m. for budget supplement (increase) of $5,000 to the #246 Library Special Gifts Fund

3. Approve Ruckus Support renewal for $294.05 per year with Secur-Serv (Scantron)

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 September 5 and 19, October 3 and 17, 2023 at 8 a.m. in the basement meeting room. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned.

 /s/ Michael J.  Mach,

Chairman,

Grant County Commission

/s/ Kathy Folk, 

Grant County Auditor              

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