Grant County Commission Proceedings • October 8 and 13, 2021

     October 8, 2021

The Grant County Commission met at 8 AM on Friday, October 8, due to postponing the Tuesday, October 5, meeting due to illness. Commissioners Buttke, Mach, Stengel and Tostenson were present. Commissioner Street joined via telephone. Chairman Tostenson called the meeting to order with a quorum present and asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to approve the minutes of the September 21 and 22, 2021, meetings. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Minutes filed. Motion by Mach and seconded by Stengel to approve the agenda noting that this week is Fire Prevention Week. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

Members of the public present were Gary Magedanz, Dennis Kohl, Greg Wollschlager, Steve Street, Bart Wittnebel and Scott Wittnebel. Staff members present were States Attorney Schwandt and Drainage Officer Steve Berkner.

Public Comment: The Chairman called for public comment. No member of the public present offered any comment.

Drainage: Chairman Tostenson adjourned the Board of Commissioners and convened the Commission acting as the Drainage Board. Chairman Tostenson asked for a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of a personnel issue pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1) and potential litigation issue pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (3). Motion by Stengel and seconded by Mach to enter into executive session at 8:05 AM. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Auditor Layher and States Attorney Schwandt were present. Chairman Tostenson declared the meeting open to the public at 8:17 AM. No action was taken.

Chairman Tostenson addressed the Board members on how the permitting process has changed since the referral election. He stated the Board has gone through a very lengthy process to understand what the Board’s responsibilities are regarding drainage. The Drainage Officer has been working on an administrative form with a list of questions that will be used starting today. Our duties as the Drainage Board are to protect the financial interest of the County, protect the downstream landowners, to protect the hearing process and promote economic development.

The right to drain is provided under state statute. He reminded the Board members to ask questions during the hearing process, ask questions of the applicant who will explain the project, and use the administrative form to guide the discussion.

Chairman Tostenson asked for a motion to approve Permit DR2021-27 for Magedanz Farms, owned by Gary and Michael Magedanz located in the SW ¼ of 29-118-48 (Vernon Twp). Motion by Street and seconded by Mach to approve permit DR2021-27.

Drainage Office Berkner reported on the administrative form that will be used as part of the permit hearing. He stated he has been working with Jay Gilbertson with East Dakota Water District. The form is a list of central questions, that we've been trying to ask, that are all found in our ordinance. The questions are part of Sections 313, 317 and 318 and Section 101. The purpose of the form is to remove the redundancy of asking the same questions from each section of the ordinance.

Drainage Officer Berkner presented Permit DR2021-27 as follows. The applicant provided a certified wetlands determination map. The project is to install 250 feet of 5-inch tile that will run directly into the waterway. The outlet for the project is on their own property. The downstream landowner letters were sent, the certified mail followed the notification process. Two questions answered are does this affect wildlife and are we adding water to a stream that will affect aquatic wildlife? Again, this is a simple drainage project. The maximum flow rate for both five-inch lines with a 0.1% grade is calculated at a maximum flow rate of 106 gallons per minute for both lines.

Applicant Gary Magedanz stated this is an add-on to an existing project done in 2015. The land stays wet, and the area is flat. Once it gets into the low spot, it doesn't drain any place, it just sits there.

Chairman Tostenson opened the public hearing and called for pro and con comments from the public on DR2021-27. There were not any comments offered and the public hearing was closed. The Board began their discussion.

Commissioner Buttke asked about the natural run. The applicant explained one tile goes into a blue line, and the other tile goes into an existing line. Commissioner Street reported he had reviewed the project with the applicant and minimal flow is being added to the run. Commissioner Stengel stated the area is flat, and this project will improve the farm ground. Commissioner Mach asked if there are open inlets. The answer is no. Chairman Tostenson questioned if downstream landowners would be affected and if there would be any impact to wildlife. The applicant responded no.

Chairman Tostenson asked for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye to approve Permit 2021-27. Motion carried 5-0. Chairman Tostenson reminded the applicant to bring in the final tile diagram to the Drainage Officer when the project is completed.

Chairman Tostenson asked for a motion to approve Permit DR2021-28 for Scott Wittnebel for property owned by Greg and Teresa Wollschlager, located in the S1/2 NE1/4 of 32-119-47 (Vernon East Township), Jennifer Wittnebel Living Trust located in the N1/2 NE1/4 of 32-119-47 (Vernon East Township) and C. Bart and Kelly Wittnebel Living Trust located in the S1/2 SE1/4 & SE1/4 SW1/4 in 29-119-47 (Vernon East Township). Motion by Mach and seconded by Stengel to approve permit DR2021-28.

Drainage Officer Berkner explained there's essentially eight or nine inlets indicated on the diagram and three outlets. The flow capacity at 100% is estimated to be 1,184 gallons per minute. The tile diagram is on file. The applicant is trying to slow the water flow down to control erosion. The project area is 100 acres. The applicant answered the questions in Section 101 in the affirmative.

The applicant stated this land drains into the south fork of the Yellowbank then flows into Minnesota. When it does rain, the flow rate is closer to 5,000 gallons per minute. The intent of the project is to slow the water flow down to prevent soil erosion. We want to get the water into the pipes and not have overland flooding. For example, if we get two or three inches in a hour all that water goes right down that ditch and it's in the creek, just like that. We're going to slow it down to about a 24-hour release.

Chairman Tostenson opened the public hearing and called for pro and con comments from the public on DR2021-28. There were not any comments offered and the public hearing was closed. The Board began their discussion.

Chairman Tostenson asked the applicant about nutrients going into the streams faster with the tiling pattern. Applicant replied soil testing is done before any fertilizers are applied and are worked into the soil right away. Soil samples are done by the State of MN. Applicant stated the intent of the project is to slow down the overland flooding. Discussion on tiling projects in Minnesota and how tiling has helped with erosion control, which has helped with keeping streams cleaner. Also discussed was how the tile holds the water and releases the water at a controlled rate. Applicant stated there is 700 ft in elevation change in 2.5 miles of the stream.

Drainage Officer Berkner reported on comments he had received from adjacent landowner Steve Schmidt. These comments are part of the drainage testimony and are filed with the permit.

Commissioner Buttke asked if the project affects any other landowners or fish and wildlife. Applicant responded no. Commissioner Street stated the applicant had called him to discuss the project and he is in support of approving the permit. Commissioner Stengel stated all questions had been answered. Commissioners Mach reminded the applicant to file the final tile diagram with the drainage officer.

States Attorney Schwandt asked how the project will affect the ditch. The applicant replied the ditch will be leveled or filled in to allow farming through the ditch. The applicant stated they currently farm through the ditch now.

Hwy. Supt. Schultz has approved a tile through the county road as part of this project. Chairman Tostenson asked if the culverts downstream to the Minnesota line are adequate for the tiling project. Applicant responded yes as the project will slow the water down.

Chairman Tostenson asked for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye to approve Permit 2021-28. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Street stated he would be recusing himself from the two permits being presented for Steve Street.

Chairman Tostenson asked for a motion to approve Permit DR2021-29 for property owned by Steve and Gail Street Living Trust located in the E 117 A S of RTY of 23-118-48 (Adams West Township); Steve and Gail Street Living Trust located in RTY in SECTION EX. W 440' of W1/2SE1/4 NW1/4 & E1/2SW1/4NW1/4 of 23-118-48 (Adams West Twp) and Blake and Brenda Sime located in the N1/2 N of RTY of 23-118-48 (Adams West Township). Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to approve DR2021-29.

Drainage Officer Berkner reported the black lines on the drawing are existing tile lines. This project is split by an old railroad bed. There are two inlets and a 12 inch line follows next to the ROW and then flows into a waterway. The maximum rate of flow with a 1% grade is 549 gallons per minute. This project is tying previous tiling projects together. The applicant has answered the questions in the affirmative. The project should be good for wildlife as water is being added.

Applicant Steve Street stated the project was started about 16 or 17 years ago and the east side of the project was not completed because the main line could not get put in deep enough because of the sandy soil. Now with the improvements to tiling, the project can move forward. Blake Sime is tiling to the north and will use the existing main line to connect into. Both mains will enter into the Mud Creek watershed which is the outlet on the original project. No roads are being crossed. This is a cooperative project.

Chairman Tostenson opened the public hearing and called for pro and con comments from the public on DR2021-29. There were not any comments offered and the public hearing was closed. The Board began their discussion.

Chairman Tostenson asked if the outlets go into a blue line. Applicant responded yes. Another question was asked if there are any springs or aquifers within the project area. Applicant responded no. Commissioner Mach asked for clarification that the project flows to the north. Commissioner Stengel asked if the ground had seen improved production based on the original tile project. Applicant answered yes to both. Commissioner Stengel also asked if there would be any adverse effects to wildlife. Applicant stated this is all tillable land, only small areas stay wet and affect the crop from growing. States Attorney Schwandt asked if any easements were required. Applicant responded no. He also asked if the railroad property had been vacated. The answer is yes. Commissioner Mach asked how many letters were sent out to the downstream landowners. Drainage Officer Berkner stated six letters were sent and acknowledged. Commissioner Buttke asked if any adjacent landowners were opposed to the project. Applicant responded no one had expressed any concerns to him. Commissioner Buttke asked if the blue line can handle the flow rate and control erosion. Applicant responded yes. Chairman Tostenson asked Drainage Officer Berkner to follow up with information on nitrate studies with the Board. He informed the Board that East Dakota Water District does collect samples and the nitrates are minimal by the time they filter through the soils. The farmers test the soils before applying fertilizer and do not apply more fertilizer than is needed as cost is a factor. The comments from Steve Schmidt remain on record and in the permit file for this application.

Chairman Tostenson asked for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, and Tostenson aye to approve Permit 2021-29. Motion carried 4-0.

Chairman Tostenson asked for a motion to approve Permit DR2021-30 for property owned by Steve and Gail Street Living Trust located in the S ½ SE ¼ in 16-118-47 (Adams East Township). Motion by Mach and seconded by Stengel to approve Permit DR2021-30.

Drainage Officer Berkner provided the Board with the comments from Steve Schmidt and asked for them to be part of the record with the permit application. The applicant has answered the questions in the affirmative. The project area is 60 acres with one inlet and flows north. The rate of flow with a 1% grade is 996 gallons per minute if running at full capacity. The pipe is 15 inches. The drop is very minimal as this area is very flat. The water meanders through the Schmidt property and because it is very flat, the water does collect and beavers have built dams on the Schmidt property. His signature is not required because the outlet is not on his property. The outlet is on the Schuelke land, who has signed the application as the landowner receiving the water.

Steve Street explained he had a discussion on a tiling project with Steve Schmidt years earlier, but everyone involved had agreed not to do the tiling project as it was cost prohibitive. He stated he had put in a ditch about 30 years ago, carved through a hill to drain water from the west to the east end of his property. The project being proposed will fill that ditch in and install an inlet at the mouth of the old ditch. The purpose is to slow the water down. There is another inlet on the south end of the project. On the east side of the project there is not any tile, only an inlet. There is a ditch that runs north to the south. There are not any roads being crossed. The outlet is on the Schuelke land who has signed the application.

Chairman Tostenson opened the public hearing and called for pro and con comments from the public on DR2021-30. There were not any comments offered and the public hearing was closed.

The Board began their discussion. Chairman Tostenson commented on how the prior project had improved the farm ground and slowed the water down. He asked how the concerns expressed by Steve Schmidt should be addressed. Steve Street has had conversations in the past with Steve Schmidt on tiling and recognizes the area is flat and meanders slowly. Also, the climate cycle is currently in a wet period. The Board recognizes the comments expressed by Steve Schmidt who is appreciative of the opportunity to comment at a public hearing. Steve Street stated there is not any additional water being added to the stream, just slowing the water rate down. Commissioner Stengel remarked the water naturally flows in that direction and under state law the downstream landowner receives the water. Chairman Tostenson asked if Steve Schmidt has limited access to his land due to water levels. No issue of access was expressed to the drainage officer. Drainage Officer Berkner reported the water hits the Schmidt property on two sides and remains wet for a longer period of time. Commissioner Mach asked for clarification on inlets and tile size and if the non-perforated tile puts uncontrolled amounts of water in the line. Steve Street stated by closing the ditch, there will be less water running and erosion will be improved. Commissioner Stengel had no questions. Commissioner Buttke asked for clarification that Steve Schmidt was not objecting just wanted his comments on record. Drainage Officer Berkner responded yes. Chairman Tostenson asked if wildlife would be affected. The east side of the project will still be grassland, receptive for pheasants.

Chairman Tostenson asked for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, and Tostenson aye to approve Permit 2021-30. Motion carried 4-0.

States Attorney Schwandt reminded the Board that all applicants are required to follow the state laws for drainage.

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

Highway: Motion by Mach and seconded by Stengel to approve the ROW occupancy applications from Midco for fiber optic cable installation in Grant Center and Madison Townships. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

1. ROW 2021-55, Sections 24, Township 120, Range 49, (Grant Center) on CR 12 AKA 151st St

2. ROW 2021-56, Section 12, Township 119, Range 49, (Madison) on CR 26 AKA 155th St

Department Reports: Register of Deeds Becky Wellnitz provided the September Statement of Fees collected. She reported our computer and software company made us aware that one of the IT technicians that has worked closely with our office passed away. Another technician is being provided and they are confident they can meet the office needs. We reviewed security measures with our digital images and software, and they are being backed up off site. Customer research in the office is constant.

DOE: Kathy Steinlicht reported she has completed the Milbank reappraisal. She will begin inspection of new construction projects next, starting on the west end of the county.

Treasurer: Karla DeVaal informed the Commission the new motor vehicle program scheduled to go live on November 26 has been postponed until next year as the program is not ready to be released. She provided a handout to the Commission on what a person should bring with them for registration renewals, mailing fees, company or trust information needed, transfers and the 2290 heavy use forms. She requested permission to put this information in the official paper for information to the public. The information will also be under the Treasurer tab on the county website.

Auditor: Karen Layher reminded the Commission her office will be closed on Tuesday, October 19, beginning at 2 PM, Wednesday the 20th and Thursday the 21st to allow the staff to attend the bi-annual election training. The office will be open on Friday, October 22, at 8 AM. The tax levy process for 2022 has been started and the cross training of staff to learn figuring of levies is being done.

EM: Kevin Schuelke is working on updating Mutual Aid agreements with surrounding agencies and agencies across the border in Minnesota. He reported on the onsite training with Dakota Range III personnel; the Mortenson personnel with Dakota Range II; the Emergency Action Plan; the LEPC meeting; “I Am Responding” is up and running for notifying first responders; the resource from the SDML on debriefing after a serious incident; touring the 911 center in Watertown; and Regional Coordinator Randy Maddox was onsite to conduct the Homeland Security Grant audit. Kevin informed the Commission the hovercraft was approved for purchasing with Homeland Security funding of $30,000.00. The Commission gave verbal approval to house the unit with the Big Stone Fire Department and to pay remaining costs. Kevin will finalize the details of the purchase and present the total cost at a future meeting. The Red Cross trailer is now located next to the City maintenance shop. A State committee has been formed to study tower locations across the State for better radio coverage with our area being part of the study.

VSO: Scott Malimanek provided copies of his office log of appointments from July through September. He has a total of 418 veterans on record in his office. The FY 2020 distribution of VA expenditures for the county is $5,702,000.00. The publication of “What Every Veteran Should Know” for July through September was given to the Commission. Scott stated the VA would like the VSO to reach out to all the Veterans, active military, and dependent spouses to let them know of benefits that may be available to them. A notice will be in the official newspaper, the website, and letters will be sent out directly to the 418 veterans and dependents. He will host a coffee time on first floor for meet and greet the VSO.

4-H: Sara Koepke reported on National 4-H week and the activities planned. She thanked the Commission for their great support. The 4-H Leaders purchased a clover for indicating fund raising dollars for the building project with the slogan of “Where the 4-H Pledge Comes Alive”. She is working on preparing programming for “Adopt A Cow” which has 996 participants from across the State. A five-member advisory board has been formed to find a temporary location for Shooting Sports until the new facility is ready in 2022. The building project is progressing with the in-floor heat and plumbing installed. Donations are being received with the goal of $1.1 million being obtained by the end of the year. Nathaniel Steinlicht is writing three grant proposals for the building. Any monies raised beyond the construction cost will be used to pay future expenses.

4-H Building: Auditor Layher informed the Commission that Change Order #1 for $5,346.28 approved on September 21st for upgrading bathroom stalls, and fixtures for bathrooms was done incorrectly and will need to be rescinded. A total of three change orders are being presented for approval today.

1. Change order #1 for $2,961.98 for bathroom partition upgrade and toilet accessories

2. Change order #2 for $4,733.45 for moving and installing parallel 250 triplex feeders for one electrical service for the livestock barn and the new structure

3. Change order #3 for $2,585.79 for soil stabilization due to soil being saturated with water

Motion by Buttke and seconded by Mach to rescind Change Order #1 from the Sept 21st meeting and to approve the three changes presented today for approval. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

Zoning: Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to hold a joint hearing with the Planning Commission on October 18 at 4 PM for the purpose to take public testimony on proposed ordinance changes on aged, manufactured homes and plats. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

Unfinished Business: None

New Business: Discussed hail damage claim to the Marvin Shop roof and a proposed contract with SDACC for AARP funding guidelines.

Correspondence: The Legislative District meeting for Soil Conservation will be held in Webster on October 18 and First District will be holding their quarterly meeting in Milbank on October 14. Commissioners and staff will be attending.

Consent: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Mach to approve the consent agenda. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

1. Approve hiring of Zach Angerhofer as a PT Deputy Sheriff effective 09-13-2021 at a rate of $23.45 per hour

2. Declare surplus HP Office Jet PRO, fixed asset 00028 to be discarded

Claims: Motion by Mach and seconded by Stengel to approve the claims as presented. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. A-OX WELDING, supplies 16.49; AUTOVALUE, supplies 142.93; BANNER, hwy proj 11,996.43; BERKNER EXCAVATING, hwy proj 1,200.00; BLACKSTRAP, supplies 2,123.00; BUTLER, supplies 645.88; CCP INDUSTRIES, supplies 897.86; CENGAGE LEARNING, books 214.70; CENTER POINT, books 361.32; CHS, propane & gas 626.49; CITY OF MILBANK, water & sewer 489.55; CLARK EQUIPMENT, major equip 48,112.34; COLEPAPERS, supplies 230.05; CONSOLIDATED READY MIX, gravel, stone/riprap 8,669.30; CREATIVE CO, books 137.75; DELORIS RUFER, lib rent 100.00; DEMCO, supplies 47.88; DENNIS ADELMAN, repairs & maint 1,249.50; ESRI, ARC subs 1,000.00; FISHER SAND & GRAVEL, gravel & riprap 10,612.09; FREMAREK, supplies 469.29; GRANT CO EC & DEV BOARD, allocation 8,750.00; GRANT COUNTY REVIEW, publishing 1,182.34; GRANT-ROBERTS RURAL WATER, water usage 40.60; GRANT/ROBERTS AMBULANCE, allocation 2,458.33; HOLLAWAY BRIDGE & CULVERT, hwy proj 6,670.93; INSIGHT, supplies 550.00; JASON LIEBE, prof services 1,050.00; JEREMY WIESE, supplies 46.21; MICROMARKETING, dvd 30.89; MIDCONTINENT, lib internet 85.00; MILBANK AREA HOSPITAL AVERA, blabs 357.00; MILBANK AUTO PARTS, supplies & repairs 639.82; MILBANK FORD, repairs & maint 597.21; MOMAR, supplies 476.11; MUNDWILER FUNERAL HOME, prof services 247.00; NORTHWESTERN ENERGY, natural gas 14.83; PRAHM CONSTRUCTION, hwy proj 9,821.70; QUICK PRO LUBE, oil chg 71.98; REGENCY MIDWEST VENTURES, motel 808.00; REGENCY MIDWEST VENTURES- WATERTOWN, motel 154.00; RIVER STREET PETROLEUM, ethanol & diesel 6,181.11; RUNNINGS, supplies 177.35; SCOTT BRATLAND, court appt atty 4,088.98; SD PUB ASSURANCE ALLIANCE, insurance 389.11; SDAAO, ref books 50.00; STAR LAUNDRY, prof services 83.80; TERENCE O'KEEFE, periodicals 35.00; TRUENORTH STEEL, hwy proj 109,380.68; VALLEY RENTAL & RECYCLING, allocation 650.00; WEST CENTRAL COMMUNICATION, prof services 75.00; WHETSTONE HOME CENTER, supplies 276.35; WHETSTONE VALLEY ELECTRIC, electricity 420.16; WS LEASING, contracted proj 186,285.31. TOTAL: $431,487.65.

Payroll for the following departments and offices for the September 28, 2021, payroll are as follows: COMMISSIONERS 3,223.90; AUDITOR 7,447.13; ELECTION 367.98; TREASURER 4,381.26; STATES ATTORNEY 6,051.42; CUSTODIANS 2,830.50; DIR. OF EQUALIZATION 4,051.77; REG. OF DEEDS 4,408.72; VET. SERV. OFFICER 1,171.50; SHERIFF 12,867.77; CORONER 82.45; COMMUNICATION CTR 6,658.60; PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE 792.00; ICAP 75.90; VISITING NEIGHBOR 1,878.90; LIBRARY 8,406.56; 4-H 3,323.45; WEED CONTROL 2,452.63; P & Z 6,793.00; Drainage 380.00; ROAD & BRIDGE 33,327.21; EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 2,288.00. TOTAL: $113,260.65.

Payroll Claims: FIRST BANK & TRUST, Fed WH 8,244.81; FIRST BANK & TRUST, FICA WH & Match 13,745.12; FIRST BANK & TRUST, Medicare WH & Match 3,214.62; AAA COLLECTIONS, deduction 33.42; ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT, deduction 98.05; AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE, AFLAC ins. 1,468.71; WELLMARK-BLUE CROSS OF SD, Employee and Commission health ins. 50,079.53; COLONIAL LIFE, ins 37.98; DEARBORN NATIONAL, life ins. 272.04; LEGAL SHIELD, deduction 76.70; OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT, child support 210.00; OPTILEGRA, ins 423.10; SDRS SUPPLEMENTAL, deduction 1,369.33; SDRS, retire 12,043.08. TOTAL: $91,316.49.

Executive Session: Motion by Buttke and seconded by Stengel to enter executive session at 11 AM for the purpose of a personnel issue pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1) and potential litigation issue pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (3). Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Auditor Layher and States Attorney Schwandt were present. Chairman Tostenson declared the meeting open to the public at 11:16 AM. Motion by Mach and seconded by Stengel to approve moving forward with a proposed merit increase of 4% for the County Administrator in the proposed wage scale adjustments for 2022 with the final approval to be at the year-end meeting. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

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 19, and November 2 and 16, 2021, at 8 AM. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Mach to adjourn the meeting. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned.

October 13, 2021

The Grant County Commission met in special session at 8:15 AM with Commissioners Buttke, Mach and Tostenson present. Commissioner Street joined by telephone. Chairman Tostenson called the meeting to order with a quorum present. Motion by Mach and seconded by Street to approve the agenda. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0.

The purpose of the meeting is to consider a resolution requesting Grant County to remain in one legislative district. Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to adopt the following resolution. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 4-0. Resolution adopted.

RESOLUTION #2021-37

RESOLUTION FOR THE SUPPORT OF REDISTRICTING EFFORT

WHEREAS, since statehood, Grant County has existed in a singular legislative district, and has had good legislative representation; and

WHEREAS, it is critical that Grant County’s rural and municipal populations receive consistent representation in the state legislature; and

WHEREAS, while only one district consisting solely of Grant County is not mathematically possible, Grant County would be best represented by a single legislative district that serves our primary rural interest along with those of contiguous counties;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE GRANT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, do hereby urge the current House and Senate committees of the South Dakota Legislature, entrusted with the duty of recommending new legislative boundaries, to establish no more than one district within the boundaries of Grant County, so that the unincorporated areas and small towns of Grant County and the City of Milbank may be adequately represented within one singular legislative district.

Dated this 13th day of October, 2021.

William J. Tostenson, Chairman

Grant County Commission

ATTEST:

Karen M. Layher

Grant County Auditor

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 19 and November 2 and 16, 2021, at 8 AM. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Mach to adjourn the meeting. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Meeting sadjourned.

 /s/ William J. Tostenson, Chairman,

Grant County Commission

/s/ Karen M. Layher, 

Grant County Auditor