Grant County Commission Proceedings • October 6, 2020

       October 6, 2020

The Grant County Commission met at 8 AM by telephonic conference with the public. Commissioners Buttke, Street and Tostenson were present at the meeting site. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called the meeting to order. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Street to approve the minutes of September 22, 2020 meeting. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 3-0. Minutes filed. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Street to approve the agenda. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 3-0. 

Commissioner Stengel joined by telephone at 8:03 AM. 

Members of the public present were Donn Streich and Raynelle Mueller. Joining later in the meeting by telephone was Todd Kays.

The Vice-Chairman called for public comment. No member of the public addressed the Commission.

Drainage: Vice-Chairman Tostenson adjourned the Board of Commissioners and convened the Commission acting as the Drainage Board. The Drainage Administrator presented Drainage Permit DR2020-19 by Donn Streich, for Gary Baun et al, Bradley Schultz and Quentin and Marilyn Schultz Trust, in the NW1/4 of Section 32 Township 118, Range 47 (Adams Township). The request, if granted, would make the land easier to farm for timely planting and harvest. The applicant stated the outlet feeds into a blue line on his own property. Commissioner Street reported he had reviewed the project and recommends approval. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Street to approve DR2020-19 as presented. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0. 

The Drainage Administrator presented Drainage Permit DR2020-20 for Bernard Wollschlager with Dan Scoblic in Township 121, Range 47 and for Section 24 Range 47 and Sections 30 & 19 in Range 46. (Big Stone Township). The request if granted would remove excess water.  The Administrator reported Dan Scoblic is installing the main line that goes into the blue line and exits through a culvert on the Game, Fish and Park property, who have signed off on the project.  Raynelle Mueller questioned if the culvert exiting the GFP lands was still plugged. The water flows onto their land and if the culvert is open, they will receive the water. She stated the area is currently dry. Commissioner Stengel stated he had not been contacted to review the project and he would like to do so before any action is taken.  Motion by Stengel and seconded by Street to table Permit DR2020-20 until the October 20 meeting. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0. This concluded the business for the Drainage Board. Vice-Chairman Tostenson adjourned the Drainage Board and reconvened the Board of Commissioners. 

Highway: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Street to table the ROW Application Occupancy for Ben Wollschlager between Section 24 and 30 in Big Stone Township until the October 20 meeting. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0. WVEC: Supt. Schultz presented a ROW occupancy application from WVEC to bore under County Road 19 (AKA 472nd Ave) in Kilborn Twp for the replacement of underground electrical wire. Commissioner Tostenson excused himself from the discussion and turned the Chair over to Auditor Layher. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Street to approve ROW 2020-29 for WVEC as presented in the application. Auditor Layher called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye and Stengel aye. Motion carried 3-0 with Commissioner Tostenson excusing himself from the vote. Auditor Layher returned the chair back to Vice -Chairman Tostenson. Easement: Supt. Schultz reported he is working on acquiring two permanent easements for the bridge replacement project on County Road 19. He stated the permanent easement for outside the ROW is for approximately .04 of an acre of land and the cost would be $300 per easement. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Street to approve the cost of the two easements. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0.

5 Year Plan: The Commission reviewed the revised 5 Year Highway Plan based on the changes to the 2021 budget. Bridge 363-090 on 151st St was moved to be replaced in 2021 as the bridge was closed when inspected in August. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Street to adopt the 5 Year Plan as presented and to adopt the following resolution. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0. Resolution adopted. 

Grant County Resolution

of Adoption

RESOLUTION 2020-36

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING

THE GRANT COUNTY FIVE-YEAR HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE

IMPROVEMENT PLAN

WHEREAS, the South Dakota Department of Transportation Local Bridge and Improvement Grant Fund requires that in order to be eligible to apply for Bridge Improvement Grant funds, Counties are required to develop a five-year Highway and Bridge Improvement Plan, hereinafter referred to as Plan; and

WHEREAS, Grant County has utilized the South Dakota Department of Transportation, County Staff, the First District Association of Local Governments, Townships, and the general public in developing the various components of the Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Plan includes maps and lists identifying an inventory of highways and bridges, project needs, and revenue sources; and

WHEREAS, Grant County held a public meeting on September 22, 2020 to solicit input into the Plan, and the citizens who attended expressed an interest in the Plan; and 

WHEREAS, the County will be able to use the Plan as a tool to budget for transportation enhancements and better coordinate transportation issues with other entities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GRANT COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS THAT THE GRANT COUNTY FIVE-YEAR HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT PLAN IS HEREBY ADOPTED AND IS RECOGNIZED AS THE HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR GRANT COUNTY.

Dated at Grant County, South Dakota this 6th day of October, 2020.

William J Tostenson

Grant County Vice-Commissioner Chair

ATTEST: Karen M. Layher

Grant County Auditor Courthouse: Ottertail Power Company has a rebate program for LED light fixture conversion. The cost to change the light fixtures in all the County buildings is $43,326.71 submitted by Magedanz Electric. The rebate allowance from Ottertail Power is $15,177.10. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Stengel to approve the quote from Magadanz Electric for the LED light fixture conversion. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0.

EM: Kevin Schuelke reported the 5-Year Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan has been approved by FEMA. The sites listed in the plan may qualify for future funding. Drone: The 2020 budget has funding of $10,000 for the purchase of a drone. Kevin stated he had seen a demonstration at EM Conference on the capabilities of the Matrix 210 and would recommend purchasing. The cost of the drone is $24,000. The Milbank Fire Dept. has funds set aside for the purchase of a drone also. Kevin asked how the Commission would like to fund the purchase and how the ownership would be handled. Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve the purchase of the drone with the County paying half of the cost and the Milbank Fire Dept paying half of the cost with the understanding the drone is available for all fire and law enforcement departments in the County to use under the operation of the trained personnel as selected by the EM Director. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0.

Personnel Policy: First District Executive Director Todd Kays joined by teleconference. Also present was ROD Becky Wellnitz. Todd Kays continued the review of the personnel policy with the Commission with discussion held on the benefit section of the policy. The Commission will continue their review of the policy at the next meeting. 

Essential Workers: A discussion was held on essential worker definition as under the guidelines of the advisory memorandum from the Department of Homeland Security. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Stengel to authorize the County Administrator/Auditor to determine the county’s list of essential workers to maintain the operation of the County. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0.

Lien: Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve a partial lien release on the property described as the West Half (W1/2) of Lots One (1), Two (2) and Three (3), Block Nine (9), Landin’s Second Addition to the Town of Strandburg, South Dakota, to allow the transfer of the property with the lien to stay in place after the transfer of the property is completed. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0.

P & Z: Commissioner Tostenson wanted to acknowledge the years of service Tom Adler had devoted as a board member to the Planning and Zoning up to the time of his passing. The Commission extends their sympathy to the family. With the sudden passing of Tom, Commissioner Tostenson remarked he would recommend John Seffrood to fill the vacancy. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to approve the appointment of John Seffrood to fill the P & Z term of Tom Adler through December of 2021. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0.

Old Business: Commissioner Tostenson spoke on the need for drivers for the DAV vehicle. He asked for an ad to be run for volunteer drivers.  

New Business: Commissioner Buttke reported he has checked the storm shelter heating system and will contact WVEC if he has any questions on the settings.  

Correspondence: None

Claims: Motion by Buttke and seconded by Street to approve the claims as presented. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0. ADVANCED TECH, supplies 245.26; AL’S BODY SHOP, repairs 290.00; AUTOVALUE, supplies 345.47; BERENS, supplies 6.87; BIG STONE CO SHERIFF, prof services 70.00; BORNS GROUP, mailing expense 986.92; CENGAGE LEARNING, books 205.70; CENTER POINT, books 288.21; CITY OF MILBANK, water & sewer 389.73; COLEPAPERS, supplies 493.06; DARCY LOCKWOOD, prof services 15.00; DEMCO, supplies, books 201.77; ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE, supplies 2,107.31; FREMAREK, supplies 338.21; GRANT CO REVIEW, publishing 961.65; GRANT-ROBERTS RURAL WATER, water usage 36.40; GREY HOUSE PUBLISHING, reference books 367.95; INGRAM, book 622.85; ITC, phone & internet 1,409.89; JACKSON SCHWANDT, prof services 150.00; KERRI COOK-HUBER, prof services 50.00; LUCILLE LEWNO, prof services 116.50; MARK KATTERHAGEN, prof services 15.00; MICROFILM IMAGING SYSTEMS, scanner rent 562.00; MICROMARKETING, book 44.99; MIDCO, internet 85.00; MILBANK AREA HOSPITAL AVERA, health services 1,967.95; NORTHWESTERN ENERGY, natural gas 94.63; OFFICE PEEPS, office supplies 13.92; RELX, online charges 725.00; RUNNINGS, supplies 136.01; SCANTRON, prof services 4,738.46; SD ASSN CO COMMISSIONERS, CLERP 3,989.00; SD DEPT OF LEGIS AUDIT, audit expense 14,085.50; SOUTH DAKOTA HUMAN SERVICE, prof services 600.00; VALLEY SHOPPER, publishing 53.16; WITTROCK & SONS, garbage service 157.50; YANKTON COUNTY SHERIFF, prof services 100.00. TOTAL: $37,066.87

Payroll for the following departments and offices for the September 28, 2020 payroll are as follows: Commissioners 2,708.40; AuditoR 8,105.95; ELECTION 985.73; Treasurer 5,253.26; States Attorney 6,002.75; Custodians 2,822.81; Dir. Of Equalization 3,722.00; Reg. of Deeds 3,949.72; VET. SERV. OFFICER 1,105.50; Sheriff 12,837.65; Communication CTR 7,413.93; Public HEALTH Nurse 684.20; ICAP 389.40; Visiting Neighbor 1,646.10; Library 6,517.71; 4-H 3,066.81; Weed Control 2,282.70; PLAN & ZONING 4,715.90; DRAINAGE 57.90; Road & Bridge 30,180.53; EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 1,724.80. TOTAL: $106,173.75.

Payroll Claims: FIRST BANK & TRUST, Fed WH 8,643.32; FIRST BANK & TRUST, FICA WH & Match 12,906.14; FIRST BANK & TRUST, Medicare WH & Match 3,018.44; AAA COLLECTIONS, deduction 33.42; American Family Life, AFLAC ins. 1,322.77; WELLMARK-Blue Cross of SD, Employee and Commission health ins. 47,707.20; COLONIAL LIFE INS, ins 101.51; DEARBORN NATIONAL, life ins. 292.07; LEGAL SHIELD, deduction 63.75; OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT, child support 210.00; OPTILEGRA, ins 441.18; SDRS SUPPLEMENTAL, deduction 1,195.83; SDRS, retire 11,406.35. TOTAL: $87,341.98.

Executive Session: Motion by Buttke and seconded by Stengel to enter executive session at 10:27 AM for the purpose of a personnel(s) issue pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1). Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0. Auditor Layher was present. Vice-Chairman Tostenson declared the meeting open to the public at 10:50 AM. No action was taken because of the executive session.

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 October 20 and November 5 (Thursday) and 17, 2020 at 8 AM. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to adjourn the meeting. Vice-Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned.

 /s/ William J. Tostenson, Vice-Chairman, Grant County Comm.

/s/ Karen M. Layher, 

Grant County Auditor