Milbank City Council Proceedings
Milbank City Council Proceedings
July 13, 2026
Call to Order – The City Council met in regular session on July 13, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Visitor Center, 1001 East Fourth Avenue, with Mayor Pro Tempore Rogers and Vice-President Weinberg presiding.
Roll Call – Present were Council members Roger Briggs, Ryan Gruba, Josh Karels, Craig Weinberg, John Weyh, and Mindy Rogers (via Teams Communication) Absent: No members were absent. Attorney Marso (via Teams Communications). Staff present included Steve Pendergrass, Cynthia Schumacher, Kim Carlson, Bill Newstrand, Jeremy Breon, Ryan Hilbrands, Darin Thiele, and Boyd VanVooren. Members of the public included Mike Hanson, Kyle Schwandt, Dillon Dwyer, Dusti Johnson, Erek Holmquist, Kelsey Peery, Melanie Schwandt, Claire Schwandt, Mary Hoff, Roger Hoff, Dan Sorenson, Lacey Busack, and LeAnn Street.
Agenda – A motion carried 6-0 to adopt the agenda.
Consent Agenda – A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda. Passed 6-0.
1. Approve minutes from the June 8, 2026, meeting.
2. Approve claims list.
Adobe, subscription, $176.76; Advanced Technologies Inc., shipping /supplies, $322.29; Agtegra, gas, $9,682.80; Al’s Body Shop, transmission, $2,357.00; American Engineering Testing, testing, $133.75; Associated Supply Co., supplies, $318.23; AT&T, cell phone/WIFI, $793.30; Auto Value Parts Store, parts/supplies, $387.90; AutoMaxx CDJR Inc., parts, $1,448.67; Avera Medical Group, lab collection, $320.00; Avera Occupational Medicine testing, $120.40; Banner Associates, Inc., engineering, $36,636.85; Berens Market, supplies, $1,473.61; Berkner Excavating, system repairs, $41,416.20; Beyond Concrete, Pribyl Park concrete, $6,410.19; Beyond Concrete, ground maintenance agreement, $24,770.83; Boyce Law Firm, legal fees, $400.00; Breon, Esther, cleaning service, $1,404.50; Card Point, card fees, $591.11; Carquest, parts, $199.98; Chen, Angel, travel expense, $240.00; Chiropractor in Motion, DOT exam, $100.00; Cole Papers Inc., supplies, $1,006.91; Corporate Technologies, IT service, $3,840.00; DANR-Fiscal Office, operator exam fee, $61.50; Dewey’s Lawn Care, aerate field/chemicals, $3,453.00; Diede, Lauren, reimbursement, $492.77; Diesel Machinery Inc., parts, $1,022.34; Dinges Fire Co, parts, $518.96; DSC Communications, pager repair/parts, $110.00; Eastside Car Wash, truck wash usage, $375.96; Eide Bailly LLP, audit services, $14,463.75; Energy Laboratories Inc., testing, $3,668.00; Equipment Blades Inc., curb guards, $567.60; Eurofins, testing, $199.00; Family Dollar, supplies, $63.45; First Bank & Trust, fees/travel expense/supplies/parts, $3,428.91; First Tee-SD, golf program, $504.00; Food-N-Fuel, gas, $1,299.04; Freemotion Fitness Inc., parts, $234.46; Galls, uniforms, $352.96; Grant County Auditor, county services, $1,000.00; Grant County Historical Society, building displays, $3,000.00; Grant County Review, publications, $1,649.85; Grant Roberts Rural Water, water service, $62.00; Hach Co, testing supplies, $1,423.10; Hawkins, Inc., chemicals, $14,448.71; Helms & Associates, engineering, $28,141.55; Inland Truck Parts & Service, parts, $227.92; ITC, phone/internet, $1,997.64; J&J Earthworks, system repairs/rubble site pit/7th Ave Project, $75,447.61; Jefferson Lines, shipping, $165.00; John Deere Financial, parts, $83.37; Koch Senior Living, TIF #4, $76,646.02; Kowski, Thomas, parts, $132.32; Lewis Drug Stores, supplies, $25.96; Light & Siren, vehicle repairs, $3,900.66; LL & Sons, Industrial Drive Project, $88,150.13; Malloy Electric, repairs/parts, $457.33; Mead & Hunt airport evaluation, $5,000.00; Menards supplies, $1,003.90; Midwest Mechanical Inc., parts, $150.23, Midwestern Mechanical Inc., system repairs, $3,386.47; Milbank Area Community Tennis, tennis program, $1,385.00; Milbank Winwater, parts, $170.41; Millstone Family Restaurant, concession supplies, $275.00; MnN Cleaning Services, cleaning, $3,800.00; Morton, Jesse, clothing allowance, $51.16; NAPA Auto Parts, parts/supplies, $1,263.39; Nelson Electric, install outlet, $516.65; Norm’s Auto & Truck Repair, service trucks, $356.02; NW Energy, natural gas, $1,266.68; NW Energy, construction agreement, $5,110.50; O’Reilly Automotive Inc., parts, $1,272.00; Otter Tail Power, electric, $26,479.24; Pendergrass, Steve, travel expense, $782.50; PepsiCo Beverage Sales LLC, concession supplies, $2,611.12; Peterson, Connie, alter uniforms, $20.00; Pitney Bowes, supplies, $135.86; Pizza Hut, meeting expense, $74.49; Plunkett’s Pest Control Inc., pest control, $245.36, Pollardwater, supplies, $119.95; Purchase Power, postage, $500.00; Quality Quick Print, vehicle decals, $850.00; Rockbot-music system, subscription, $31.86; Rosewood Apartments LLC, TIF #3, $30,007.51; Runnings Supply, parts/supplies, $2,109.83; Schumacher, Cynthia, travel expense/supplies, $915.14; SD Public Health Lab, testing, $1,650.00; Shade Valley Farms, FBO Agreement, $750.00; Share Corp, supplies, $3,258.38; Sharp Automotive, vehicle repairs, $156.00; South Dakota 811, one calls, $69.30; Star Laundry & Cleaners, laundry service, $508.20; Stengel Seed & Grain Co., concession supplies, $129.00; Street Graphex Inc, staff shirts, $417.48; Swipeclock, subscription, $109.99; Teamlab, supplies, $1,300.75; The Ortonville Independent signs, $217.50; The Training Center, CPO certification, $1,560.00; Thiele, Darin, travel expense, $707.13; Thomas Welding, repairs, $62.50; Time Clock Plus LLC, license fee, $84.00; Tommy D Creative LLC, wrap design, $335.00; Trapp Plumbing, installation, $3,598.65; Turf Tank, tank subscription, $16,000.00, Twin Valley Tire, tire/service, $1,127.50; Unzen Motors, vehicle repairs, $160.50; US Bank-SRF, bond payment, $52,951.51; US Postal Service, billing expense, $600.00; USA Bluebook, testing supplies, $7,051.91; Valley Office Products, supplies, $49.19; Valley Rental & Recycling LLC, recycling agreement, $900.00; Van Diest Supply Co, mosquito chemicals, $15,498.50; Whetstone Creek Golf Course, program green fees, $500.00; Whetstone Home Center, supplies/ parts, $507.82; Whetstone Sanitation, garbage service/ portable cleaning, $2,509.00; Whetstone Valley Electric, electric/repairs, $2,918.50; Xerox, copier leases, $441.82; Zoom Subscription, Zoom video subscription, $18.04
$668,364.59
3. Approve the treasurer’s report.
Before stepping down from his term, Councilman Weinberg shared that he never imagined he would find himself here 18 years after moving to Milbank. He reflected on being elected to the council, recalling how eye-opening the experience was, and how much he had to learn along the way. He thanked Mayor Raffety and the councilmembers for welcoming him, engaging in meaningful discussions, and making the time together so valuable. Serving with them was a pleasure. He expressed confidence that Kyle will do a great job and gratitude for the trust placed in him to represent Milbank.
Councilwoman Rogers thanked Weinberg for the hours he spent researching complex issues and asking thoughtful questions – even when it was not always easy, and even when you faced some pushback from the rest of us. That is exactly what public service is about. Your commitment made a real difference, and your dedication never went unnoticed. Taking on this role meant sacrificing time with your family, at work, and in your personal life, and we are grateful. We wish you and your family all the best in your next chapter. The Weinbergs will be missed.
The Oath of Office was administered to Councilmen John Weyh, Kyle Schwandt, and Josh Karels.
Mindy Rogers was unanimously elected council president. Josh Karels was unanimously elected council vice-president.
Open Forum and Presentations –
Roger Hoff, 606 E 4th Ave, addressed the council concerning the condition of his neighbor’s property and requested enforcement of the city’s property standards ordinance.
LeAnn Street, 704 S Main Street, expressed concern about the previous Main Street construction project, noting that her driveway apron was not completed while neighboring driveways were. Ms. Street requested that the council include the completion of her driveway apron as part of the ongoing adjacent road project.
Consent Agenda – A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda; the motion carried 6-0.
1. Authorize the Mayor to sign related documents for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for the Milbank Industrial Expansion Project.
2. Declare the 1987 Duplex Aerial Cat Fire Truck (VIN: 1D91L43F6H1008836) as surplus and authorize it to be advertised for sale. Accept the donation of a 2005 Pierce Aerial Cat Fire Truck from the Milbank Fire Department.
3. Approve the Easement Mapping Contract with First District in the amount of $21,000 over three years.
4. Approve the following airport land leases:
2026, 1-year lease - Reimche Airspray/Christian Reimche #33, #40, #13. Buffalo Ridge Airspray, NE of #13, E of fuel tanks. Dakota Air Spray, along E fence.
2026-2030, 5-year leases – Calvin Moser #34. James Grorud #35, #74. Henry Kliner #36. Steve Benson #37. Kirby Hins #43. Ryan Kohl #48. Dan & Shelly Loehrer #73.
5. Authorize the Mayor to sign the FAA Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG), No. 3-46-0034-024-2026, for the Phase I Master Plan Update – Airport Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan, in an amount not to exceed $140,000 with a 2.5% city match.
Action Items –
1. Public Hearing: Resolution 7-13-26, A resolution authorizing an application for financial assistance in the amount not to exceed $10,000,000 to the SD of Water and Natural Resources, the execution and submittal of the application, and designating an authorized representative to certify and sign the payment requests. No one present spoke for or against the resolution. A motion was made, seconded and passed 6-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 7-13-26
Resolution Authorizing an Application for Financial Assistance, Authorizing the Execution and Submittal of the Application, and Designate an Authorized Representative to Certify and Sign Payment Requests.
WHEREAS, the City of Milbank (the “City”) has determined it is necessary to proceed with improvements to its Drinking Water System, including but not limited to a 2.0 MGD Iron and Manganese removal plant, etc. (the “Project”); and
WHEREAS, the City has determined that financial assistance will be necessary to undertake the Project and an application for financial assistance to the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources (the “Board”) will be prepared; and
WHEREAS it is necessary to designate an authorized representative to execute and submit the Application on behalf of the City and to certify and sign payment requests in the event financial assistance is awarded for the Project,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City as follows:
1. The City hereby approves the submission of an Application for financial assistance in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 to the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources for the Project.
2. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the Application and submit it to the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources, and to execute and deliver such other documents and perform all acts necessary to effectuate the Application for financial assistance.
3. The Mayor is hereby designated as the authorized representative of the City to do all things on its behalf to certify and sign payment requests in the event financial assistance is awarded for the Project.
Adopted at Milbank, South Dakota, this 13th day of July.
APPROVED: aye-6 nay-0
Mindy Rogers, Mayor Pro Tempore
2. Resolution 7-13-26A, 2027 Application for Bridge Improvement Grant-W Milbank Ave. Str. No. 26-284-070 and Resolution 7-13-26B, 2027 Application for Bridge Improvement Grant-Eastman Ave/Fair Street Str. No. 26-292-069 were reviewed. Pendergrass reported there have been no changes to the bridges and recommended approving the applications the same as in 2025 with a 20% local funding match. A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution 7-13-26A and Resolution 7-13-26B as presented. Motion carried 6-0.
Resolution 7-13-26A
2027 Bridge Improvement Grant/Local Federal Bridge PE
Programs Resolution Authorizing Submission of Applications
Whereas, the City of Milbank wishes to submit an application for consideration of an award for the Bridge Improvement Grant and/or Local Federal Bridge Programs: Structure Number 26-284-070, West Milbank Avenue, 0.6 miles west of SD Hwy 15.
And, whereas, the City of Milbank agrees to pay the 20% match on the Bridge Improvement funds and 100% of ineligible expenses, and/or the applicable match as noted below on the Local Federal Bridge funds and 100% of non-participating expenses;
And, whereas, the City of Milbank hereby authorizes the Bridge Improvement Grant and Local Federal Bridge application and any required funding commitments.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved: that the South Dakota Department of Transportation be and hereby is requested to accept the attached Bridge Improvement Grant and/or Local Federal Bridge application.
Vote of Council: Yes 6 No 0.
Dated at Milbank, SD, this 13th day of July 2026.
Mindy Rogers,
Mayor Pro tempore
ATTEST:
Cynthia Schumacher
Finance Officer
Resolution 7-13-26B
2027 Bridge Improvement Grant/Local Federal Bridge PE
Programs Resolution Authorizing Submission of Applications
Whereas, the City of Milbank wishes to submit an application for consideration of an award for the Bridge Improvement Grant and/or Local Federal Bridge Programs: Structure Number 26-292-069, Eastman Ave/Fair Street.
And, whereas, the City of Milbank agrees to pay the 20% match on the Bridge Improvement funds and 100% of ineligible expenses, and/or the applicable match as noted below on the Local Federal Bridge funds and 100% of non-participating expenses;
And, whereas, the City of Milbank hereby authorizes the Bridge Improvement Grant and Local Federal Bridge application and any required funding commitments.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved: that the South Dakota Department of Transportation be and hereby is requested to accept the attached bridge Improvement Grant and/or Local Federal Bridge application.
Vote of Council: Yes 6 No 0.
Dated at Milbank, SD, this 13th day of July 2026.
Mindy Rogers,
Mayor Pro Tempore
ATTEST:
Cynthia Schumacher
Finance Officer
3. Ordinance 868, first reading – An ordinance authorizing the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Milbank of a temporary one percent (1%) municipal gross receipts tax for a community childcare center capital project; Establishing the purpose of the tax and the minimum amount to be generated; Providing for review by the Capital Improvement Board, deposit of revenues into a special capital outlay fund, expenditure of revenues for eligible capital improvement purposes, and an election; And providing for related matters pursuant to Chapter 10-52 of the South Dakota Codified Law.
Brian Sandvig spoke on behalf of the Grant County Development Corporation (GCDC) in support of the ordinance. GCDC has been working on childcare shortage for a couple of years. Two different professional firms were engaged to do surveys and studies. They held focus groups, interviewed, and surveyed most local daycares, parents, and employers. There is a significant childcare crisis in the Milbank area, with insufficient capacity to meet community needs. Providers report they cannot accommodate demand, and all maintain waitlists. There are only approximately two licensed providers in the area. Some providers feel the time and effort required for state licensing is not worthwhile, as they see little benefit. Meanwhile, some parents qualify for benefit programs that would help pay for childcare, but these are only available through licensed providers. Two-thirds of parents reported missing work due to childcare challenges, and three-fourths of responding employers noted unplanned PTO related to childcare shortages.
The School District recently announced it has implemented temporary childcare solutions within the school to help retain its workforce. GCDC has been addressing the childcare crisis for two years and will soon announce a new program, the Bright Futures Fund. This program will provide financial support to existing providers in the community.
Sandvig expressed gratitude to the Capital Improvement Board (CIB) for advancing this initiative. It is encouraging to see the efforts come together. They support the proposed ordinance to meet this community need. This process is transparent, competitive, and allows voters to make the final decision.
Administrator Pendergrass explained that, following the signing of Senate Bill 1245, the Council first discussed the Community Accessible Projects Program (CAPS) and established the CIB in May 2026. On July 1st, the first day SB 1245 took effect, the CIB board met to review options and supporting materials, ultimately moving forward with the daycare initiative.
The funds are restricted exclusively to the designated project and cannot be used for roads, salaries, interest, or bond payments. The process begins with the CIB proposing an idea, followed by the development of an ordinance. Both the council and CIB review and vote on the ordinance. If approved, it advances to a second reading and becomes law after 20 days. The last step is placing the question on the next election ballot, which requires a 60% majority to pass. No sales tax is imposed at this stage by tonight’s actions or the CIB’s work. The ordinance will only impose a sales tax if approved by voters.
The first reading of Ordinance 868 authorizes a temporary 1% municipal gross receipts tax dedicated solely to a community childcare center capital project. This tax is limited to $4.5 million or 60 months, whichever comes first, and will end once the threshold is reached. The city cannot propose a similar measure for another two years. If the funding goal is not met, the facility would be scaled back. The funds cannot be used for any other purpose.
The 1% sales tax would apply to all purchases in Milbank, including those by non-residents, contingent upon voter approval. This initiative presents an opportunity to secure additional funding beyond the annual budget, with the final decision made by taxpayers through a public vote. Estimated revenue is about $1 million per year, meaning the $4.5 million target could be reached in less than five years if revenues exceed projections. Construction can begin as funds become available.
The city will not operate the daycare; maintenance will be the responsibility of the selected provider as outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP).
A motion was made and seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 868. Motion carried by roll call vote, 6-0.
Department Monthly Reports –
New fuel tanks were installed at the street department. A new rubble site hole was dug. Several fire hydrants were repaired/replaced. They continue to flush hydrants and replace meters. Annual main cleaning has started. There have been issues with the SCADA system at the wastewater plant, and parts are obsolete. The Auger Monster was repaired and is now operational. The police department completed the state qualification shoot, participated in community events. The summer recreation programs are ending. Promotional events were held at Legion Field. The Park and Recreation Board is considering options for relocating or constructing the park shop. Property standards violations continue to be addressed. The City was awarded future water rights in the Antelope Valley. The Industrial Park project is behind schedule and in the penalty phase.
Employee Acknowledgments –
The SRO program and Officer Folk received praise for their meaningful contributions to the school. “Many students face significant trauma and difficult home situations, often unseen by the community. Officer Folk has an exceptional ability to help students feel safe, heard, and respected, serving as a positive male role model for those who may not have one at home. His influence extends beyond academics, making a difference in students’ lives. Thank you for supporting his essential work within the school.”
Executive Session –
A motion was made and seconded to enter Executive Session pursuant to SDCL 1-25- 2 (3), legal consultation.
Adjourn –
The next regular meeting will be held on August 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. Motion carried 6-0.
Josh Karels,
Council Vice President
ATTEST
Cynthia Schumacher,
Finance Officer
