Milbank City Council Proceedings
Milbank City Council Proceedings
March 9, 2026
Call to Order – The City Council met in regular session on March 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Visitor Center, 1001 East Fourth Avenue, with Mayor Raffety presiding.
Roll Call – Present were Mayor Raffety and Councilmembers Ryan Gruba, Josh Karels, Mindy Rogers, Craig Weinberg, and John Weyh. Roger Briggs was absent. Staff present included Attorney Mark Reedstrom, Steve Pendergrass, Cynthia Schumacher, Corey Hooth, Jeremy Breon, and Boyd VanVooren. Members of the public present included Dominic Weinkauf, Traci Stein, Dillon Dwyer, Dusti Johnson, and Jamie Henderson.
Agenda – A motion was made and seconded to adopt the agenda and approve the consent agenda, with the addition of DO Bike & Fitness, $13,109.95 to the claims list. Motion carried 5-0.
Consent Agenda
1. Approve the minutes of the February 9, 2026, meeting.
2. Approve the claims list.
Adobe, subscription, $176.76; Advanced Technologies Inc., shipping, $88.25; Agtegra, gas, $4,491.55; Amazon, supplies/parts, $603.21; American Lifeguard, certifications, $285.00; AT&T, cell phone/WIFI, $751.85; Badger Oil, mobile oil, $1,800.00; Ban-Koe Systems, inspection/monitor system, $2,859.00; Banner Associates, Inc., engineering, $39,273.79; Basin Construction & Drain, Lake Farley storm shelter, $55,005.00; Berens Market, supplies, $55.94; Berkner Excavating, system repairs, $14,087.43; Breon, Esther, cleaning service, $1,639.50; Brewster Building Center, shelving, $26.24; Butler Machinery Co., parts, $3,887.95; Canva, subscription, $42.48; Card Pointe, card fees, $549.43; Carquest, parts/supplies, $148.69; Chiropractor in Motion, CDL health test, $80.00; CHS, LP gas/tank rental, $896.92; Cole Papers, supplies, $1,222.39; Cole’s Petroleum, gas, $20,045.00; Corporate Technologies, IT managed services, $19,911.74; Czur, scanner, $267.24; Dakota Oil, grease, $3,053.35; DBT Transportation Services, LLC, AWOS system maintenance, $6,394.00; Dinges Fire Company, nozzles, $1,300.00; Do Bike Fitness, repairs, treadmill, elliptical, $13,109.95; Doheny’s Commercial, parts, $44.24; Eastside Car Wash, truck wash usage, parts, $535.52; Electric Pump, repair lift station, $6,460.43; Energy Lab, testing, $3,668.00; Equipment Blades Inc., curb guards, $1,285.83; FedEx, shipping, $18.89; Ferguson Water Works, meters/update project, $33,723.30; First Bank & Trust, fees/travel expense, $3,174.71; Food-N-Fuel, gas, $163.51; Fritz Chevrolet Inc., vehicles, $21,908.00; Grainger, parts, $67.76; Grant County Auditor, county services, $1,000.00; Grant County Development Corp, allocation, $15,500.00; Grant County Review, publications, $158.38; Grant Roberts Rural Water, water service, $67.20; Hach Co., supplies, $7,758.30; Hawkins, Inc., chemicals, $6,198.79; Helms & Associates, engineering, $10,613.02; Inland Truck Parts & Service, supplies, $334.52; ITC, phone/internet, $2,008.50; John Deere, parts, $289.98; Kessler, Darrell, platform, $250.00; Lewis Drug Stores, supplies, $13.98; Linde Gas & Equipment, air system maint., $67.12; Malloy Electric Bearing Supply, repairs, $9,047.20; Mendard’s, supplies, $84.47; Midwest Power Sports, parts, $103.95; Milbank Area Chamber, allocation, $15,500.00; Milbank Fire Department, rent/education/donation, $27,500.00; Milbank Glass LLC, cut keys, $16.00; Milbank School District, refund, $28,715.38; Milbank Winwater, parts, $504.91; MnN Cleaning Services, cleaning, $7,600.00; NAPA Auto Parts, parts, $417.22; Nick’s Tree Service, tree removal, $3,000.00; Northern Truck Equipment, parts, $1,805.33; NW Energy, natural gas, $8,127.86; O’Reilly Automotive Inc., parts, $84.30; Otter Tail Power, electric/relocate, $25,366.76; Petty Cash, shipping/supplies, $77.79; Pro Image Partners, vinyl window film, $1,123.50; Quadalajara’s, admin expense, $73.52; R&R Specialties of WI, parts, $146.20; Racarie Software, HR software, $219.98; Reedstrom, Mark, retainer, $1,000.00; Robert Brooke & Assoc, parts, $75.97; Rockbot, music system, $63.72; Roger’s Electric Motor, parts, $431.10; Runnings Supply, parts/supplies, $511.98; SD Dept of Public Safety, NCIC service, $3,090.00; SD Public Health Lab, testing, $112.00; SDML, membership, $3,646.00; SDML, registration fees, $125.00; SDWWA, registration fees, $104.00; Shade Valley Farms, FBO Agreement, $750.00; South Dakota 811, one calls, $15.75; Square Signs, signs, $165.08; Star Laundry & Cleaners, laundry service, $436.82; Street Graphex Inc., unity shirts, $692.88; Subway, admin expense, $113.03; Topdon, scan renewal, $249.00; Trapp Plumbing, repairs, $76.50; Twin Valley Tire, tire, $121.00; US Bank, bond interest, $87,465.00; US Postal Service, billing expense, $600.00; USA Bluebook, testing supplies, $1,901.52; Valley Office Products, supplies, $23.59; Valley Rental & Recycling LLC, recycling agreement, $900.00; Vanvooren, Boyd, supplies, $252.72; Viessman Trucking, refund meter downsize, $980.00; Whetstone Home Center, supplies/parts, $3,312.56; Whetstone Sanitation, garbage service/portable cleaning, $300.00; Whetstone Valley Electric, electric/repairs, $9,543.60; WM Corporate Services, garbage service, $404.92; Xerox, copier leases, $458.20; Yost, Phillip, refund, $41.42; Zem’s Inc., washing machine, $649.00; Zoom Video Communications, subscription, $18.04.
$555,507.41
3. Approve treasurer’s report.
4. Update Unity staff: remove Bailee Durham & Claire Snaza.
5. Approve the 2026 combined election agreement with Grant County and the Milbank School District 25-4.
6. Approve advertising for alcohol license requests for the Milbank Area Chamber summer events.
7. Approve SD DOT agreement for project No. 3-46-0034-22-2025, Construction of Taxiway A (turnaround – asphalt surfacing, taxiway lighting, storm sewer, and construction engineering). State cost share is 2.5%, not to exceed $15,625.00.
8. Approve amendments to the Milbank Airport Fixed Based Operator agreement between the City and Shade Valley Farms, LLC.
Presentations and Open Forum: No one addressed the Council during the open session.
Action Items:
1. A public hearing was held regarding Ordinance 866, which proposes amendments to Chapter 17.25 of the City Code – Signs and Outdoor Advertising – to update standards, definitions, and permitting requirements for signs, including electronic message centers, across all zoning districts. No members of the public addressed the Council. Upon the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission, a motion was made and seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 866. The motion carried by roll call vote, 5-0, Briggs absent.
2. A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution 3-9-26 – regarding compensation for the Planning & Zoning Commission. The motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 3-9-26
A Resolution amending compensation for members of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Milbank has established compensation rates for members serving on City boards, commissions, and advisory bodies; and
WHEREAS, during the City’s prior review of board and commission compensation, an adjustment to Planning & Zoning Commission member compensation was discussed but not implemented; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it appropriate to ensure compensation for Planning & Zoning Commission members is consistent with the time commitment, training expectations, and responsibilities associated with the position; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend the current compensation rate for members of the Planning & Zoning Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Milbank, South Dakota, that compensation for members of the Planning & Zoning Commission shall be increased from Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) per meeting to Thirty Dollars ($30.00) per meeting.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this adjustment shall become effective for meetings occurring on or after March 9, 2026, and shall remain in effect until amended by future action of the City Council.
Aye 5
Nay 0
Absent: Roger Briggs
Pat Raffety, Mayor
ATTEST:
Cynthia Schumacher,
Finance Officer
3. A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution 3-9-26A – which updates Chapter 10.20, Traffic-Control Devices and Signals, to authorize the addition or removal of traffic control signage on designated streets as specified in the resolution. The motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 3-9-26A
A resolution to amend certain provisions of Table II of the Milbank Municipal Code regarding the location of traffic control signs on streets and avenues.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Table II of the Milbank Municipal Code shall be amended to include the following:
Stop & Yield Intersections:
Stop Signs
• All-Way Madison Street at 8th Avenue
• Industrial Drive at 12th Ave (change yield to stop)
• North/South 6th Street at 3rd Avenue
• Randall Drive at Viola Street
• East/West 3rd Avenue at Viola Street
• East/West 3rd Avenue at 9th Street
• East/West 5th Avenue at 7th Street
• Viola Street at Milbank Avenue (change yield to stop)
Yield Signs
• Northbound Industrial Drive at 8th Avenue
Speed Limit
• 3rd Ave between Main and Harriet to 15 mph
No Trucks Except Trash/Service Vehicles
• Madison (between 8th Ave & Hwy 12)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that appropriate traffic control signs shall be erected in accordance with the provisions of this resolution.
Aye 5
Nay 0
Absent: Roger Briggs
Pat Raffety, Mayor
ATTEST:
Cynthia Schumacher,
Finance Officer
4. A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution 3-9-29B, updating the Milbank Master Fee Schedule with revised fees, additions, and clarifications for City services and permits. The sale of flags, maps, and jet-vac truck and trailer services was removed from the schedule as these items are no longer applicable. All fees associated with pet licensing, boarding, or related fines were also eliminated.
Fees for food truck vendors were set aside for discussion at a future meeting. After discussion, Resolution 3-9-29B was approved as amended, 5-0.
Resolution 3-9-26B
WHEREAS, the City Council, City of Milbank, Grant County, South Dakota, desires to update and set new fees for services provided by the City; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council has agreed that services provided by the City should maintain a fee structure that is adequate to cover all expenses for these services;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Milbank does hereby revise and set new fee structures to cover the expenses for services provided by the City of Milbank, such that:
Fee Description
2026 Proposed Fee
Community Room
$50 / <4 hrs, $100 / >4 hrs
Office Space
$10 per square foot per month
Fire Call - Each Tanker of Water Used, 2700 gal. $100.00
Fire Call - Each Tanker of Water Used, 4,000 gal. $200.00
Fire Call – First Hour or Fraction Thereof $500.00
Fire Call – After First Hour, Each Additional $200.00
Fire Call – Each Gallon of Class A Foam $40.00
Fire Call – Each Gallon of Class AFFF Foam $80.00
Video Lottery Machines $50 each
Retail On-Sale Liquor $1,200.00
Retail On & Off Sale Wine $500.00
Package Liquor $400.00
Retail On & Off Sale Malt Beverage & SD Farm Wine ($150 city/$150 state)
$300.00
Special Event Alcohol License
$100.00
Lot Merger $50 plus mailing
Transport Fee - Transport to Aberdeen $325.00
Transport Fee - Transport to Sioux Falls $410.00
Transport Fee - Transport to Yankton
$670.00
Stop Light/Sign
$60 fine+$68.50 costs = $128.50
Clay $4.50/cu. yd. we load
Clay $4.00/ cu. yd. they load
Crushed Concrete $13.50/ton
Rubble/Trees Car, Pickup, 2-Wheel Trailer $15/GC Res., $30 Non-Res.
Rubble/Trees 4-Wheel Trailer, Single Axle Truck
$65/GC Res., $145 Non-Res.
Rubble/Trees Tandem Truck
$85/GC Res., $175 Non-Res.
Rubble/Trees Semi (Side Dump)
$125/GC Res., $225 Non-Res.
Rubble/Trees Semi (End Dump)
$275/GC Res., $525 Non-Res.
Rubble/Trees Super-Size Semi Trailer $400/GC Res., $775 Non-Res.
Yard Waste Car, Pickup, 2-Wheel Trailer Free/GC Res., $20 Non-Res.
Yard Waste 4-Wheel Trailer, Single Axle Truck
$30/GC Res., $60 Non-Res.
Yard Waste Tandem Truck
$75/GC Res., $100 Non-Res.
Yard Waste Semi (Side Dump)
$100/GC Res., $125 Non-Res.
Yard Waste Semi (End Dump)
$125/GC Res., $175 Non-Res.
Yard Waste Super-Size Semi Trailer
$175/GC Res., $275 Non-Res.
Shingles/Concrete Car, Pickup, 2-Wheel Trailer
$30/GC Res., $50 Non-Res.
Shingles/Concrete 4-Wheel Trailer, Single Axle Truck
$75/GC Res., $175 Non-Res.
Shingles/Concrete Tandem Truck
$125/GC Res., $225 Non-Res.
Shingles/Concrete Semi (Side Dump)
$175/GC Res., $325 Non-Res.
Shingles/Concrete Semi (End Dump)
$275/GC Res., $525 Non-Res.
Shingles/Concrete Super-Size Trailer
$400/GC Res., $800 Non-Res.
White Goods (Dishwashers, Washing Machines, Dryers, etc.)
$15/GC Res., $20 Non-Res.
Electronics (Monitors, Microwaves, Printers, TV’s)
$15/GC Res., $30 Non-Res.
Apply Salt/Sand
$200/hr with hr min charge
Street Sweeper
$240/hr with hr min charge
Water Shut-Off requested by owner/customer $25.00
Water Turn-On requested by owner/customer $25.00
Aye 5
Nay 0
Absent: Roger Briggs
Pat Raffety, Mayor
ATTEST:
Cynthia Schumacher,
Finance Officer
5. A motion was made and seconded to approve the special event permit for the Antique & Vintage Snowmobile Show & Swap Meet at Lake Farley Park, June 4, 5, 6, 2026. Motion carried 5-0.
6. Administrator Pendergrass reviewed the Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Plan. The plan establishes a comprehensive framework to manage and mitigate the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer. According to Milbank’s 2025 tree inventory, there are approximately 1,650 ash trees across city-managed and public right-of-way areas. Of these, 700 are in parks and cemeteries, while the remainder are in boulevards maintained by private property owners.
During the first year of the six-year plan, one-third of high-risk trees will be removed and another third treated, followed by evaluation. City staff will manage smaller tree removals, while contractors will manage large removals and treatments. Replacement plantings and public education are also included. In later phases, we will continue removing affected trees.
The City will solicit bids to obtain accurate cost estimates. Treating ash trees costs about $10 per inch of diameter, with treated trees typically 24 to 40 inches wide. For instance, treatment for a 40-inch tree would be about $400.
A motion was made and seconded to adopt the Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Plan for 2026–2032. Administrator Pendergrass was directed to complete the bid specifications and advertise for tree removal. Motion carried 5-0.
Department Reports:
Police – Officers attended a dementia training. DARE classes continue this semester.
Water – The generator was repaired under warranty. Staff continue to flush hydrants and assist residents in identifying lead service lines. The city is utilizing 25% spring water.
Pendergrass reported that the state water board’s findings will not permit the use of the remaining loan funds for constructing a sand filter to help remove iron. Instead, the funds must be de-obligated and a new application submitted.
Park/Unity – Summer recreation activities are underway, with registration and staffing in progress. Everyone is invited to celebrate 30 years of Unity at the Adult Prom on March 28.
February Permits: Jason & Geri Redmond - 913 S. 5th St, - residential addition.
February Salaries: Mayor/Council- $2,000. Finance-$24,583. Police-$45,084. Fire-$1,862. Streets-$23,468. Rubble Site-$1,071. Recreation-$5,917. Pool-$563. Fitness-$5,889. Unity-$11,501. Park-$12,426. Water-$8,789. Sewer-$23,019.
A motion was made and seconded to enter Executive Session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2(1) personnel and 1-25-2(3) Legal. Motion carried 6-0. Mayor Raffety called the Council out of Executive Session.
A motion was made and seconded to direct Pendergrass to prepare a request for proposal for the city attorney position, as Mark Reedstrom will be retiring. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made and seconded to rescind the application submitted to DANR for future water rights of Antelope Valley. Motion carried 5-0.
Adjournment – The next regular meeting is April 13, 2026, at 6 p.m. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. The motion carried 5-0.
Pat Raffety, Mayor
ATTEST
Cynthia Schumacher,
Finance Officer
