Milbank City Council Proceedings
Milbank City Council Proceedings
August 10, 2026
Call to Order – The City Council met in regular session on August 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Visitor Center, 1001 East Fourth Avenue, with Mayor Hanson presiding.
Roll Call – Present were Council members Roger Briggs, Ryan Gruba, Josh Karels, Kyle Schwandt, John Weyh, and Mindy Rogers. Absent: No members were absent. Attorney Marso was present via Teams Communications. Staff present included Steve Pendergrass, Cynthia Schumacher, Kim Carlson, Corey Hooth, Kevin Schulke, Jeremy Breon, Darin Thiele, Boyd VanVooren, and Tom Kowski. Members of the public included Dillon Dwyer, Pat Carey, Mike Smith, Nathan Watson, Lisa Coomes, Brenda Kowski, Robert Schultz, and Heidi Schell.
Agenda – The agenda was adopted, 6-0.
Public Comment – Lisa Coomes addressed the council concerning water quality and stormwater drainage.
Presentation – Boyd VanVooren presented options for allocating the remaining bond funds of approximately $1,600,000. Option A proposed a 40’ x 40’ addition to Unity Fitness. Option B included a 60’ x 100’ park shop, expanded parking, a dock, and fencing at Lake Farley; parking, a shelter, and restrooms in southeast Pribyl Park; disc golf updates; improvements to Hurley Park; additions to the Jack & Jill playground; and upgrades to Unity pool equipment. The Park & Rec Board recommended Option B, with priority on the park shop, and confirmed that available funds should cover key projects.
Consent Agenda – A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda as amended. Following discussion, the motion passed 6-0.
1. Approve the minutes of the July 13 and July 27, 2026, meetings.
2. Approve the claims list.
Adobe, subscription, $176.76; Aaron Swan & Associates, Inc., testing, $3,052.80; Adelman, Joe, reimbursement, $113.63; Advanced Technologies Inc., shipping/supplies, $689.07; Agtegra, gas, $10,868.95; Amazon, supplies/parts, $1,140.21; American Engineering Testing, testing, $623.75; American Flag Co., flags, $498.95; Associated Supply Co., supplies, $5,214.72; AT&T, cell phone/WIFI, $791.33; Auto Value Parts Store, parts/supplies, $1,487.81; Basin Construction & Drainage, storm shelter, $426,600.13; Berens Market, supplies, $890.75; Berkner Excavating, system repairs, $25,008.72; Beyond Concrete, ground maintenance agreement, $24,770.83; Beyond Outdoors, property standards, $330.00; Bituminous Paving, Inc., asphalt paving, $193,756.83; Breon, Esther, cleaning service, $1,222.50; Card Point, card fees, $788.83; Carquest, parts, $587.26; Chappell Central Inc., install controls, $120.00; Cole Papers Inc., supplies, $2,694.23; Cole’s Petroleum, aviation gas, $13,271.70; Corporate Technologies LLC, managed services, $3,840.00; DBT Transportation Services, Inc., sensor, $1,953.05; Dewey’s Lawn Care, plantings, $945.18; Dinges Fire Company, equipment, $325.34; DO Supply, parts, $1,998.00; DSC Communications, radio installation, $1,689.89; Duncans Specialties, bench, $97.00; Energy Laboratories Inc., testing, $3,668.00; Equipment Blades Inc., parts, $1,127.00; ESRI, renewal, $700.00; Family Dollar, supplies, $9.29; Fast Partitions, petitions, $5,323.00; Ferguson Waterworks, meters, $10,555.28; First Bank & Trust, credit, $(300.00); Folk, Jake, travel expense, $356.20; Food-N-Fuel, gas, $329.37; Galls, uniforms, $243.99; GPGFO, membership/registration, $100.00; Grant County Auditor, county services, $1,000.00; Grant County Conservation, trees/shrubs, $3,075.00; Grant County Review, publications, $1,811.66; Grant Roberts Rural Water, water service, $67.20; Hawkins, Inc., chemicals, $1,446.50; Helms & Associates, engineering, $92,778.07; Hillyard
supplies, $490.90; Huntington National Bank, Toro lease, $10,041.54; Inland Truck Parts & Service, parts, $5,060.76; ITC, phone/internet, $1,854.92; J&J Earthworks, 7th Ave Project, $188,041.50; John Deere Financial, parts, $97.82; Larson Elevator Co., maintenance, $295.14; Lewis Drug Stores, supplies, $29.97; Linde Gas & Equipment Inc., air system, $133.62; LL & Sons, Industrial Drive Project, $84,497.70; Loutsch, Jeff, DANR applicator, $35.88; Maguire Iron, Inc., inspection, $2,400.00; Menards, supplies, $172.47; Midwest Power Sports, parts, $269.99; Milbank Ball Diamond Assoc., reimbursement, $3,590.00; Milbank Winwater, parts, $1,128.24; MnN Cleaning Services, cleaning, $3,800.00; NAPA Auto Parts, parts/supplies, $337.15; Nelson Electric, install outlet, $612.93; NW Energy, natural gas, $1,078.34; O’Reilly Automotive Inc., parts, $452.30; Otter Tail Power, electric, $29,293.25; Petty Cash, postage, $34.57; Pitney Bowes, supplies, $186.54; Precision Machining & Welding, repairs, $499.14; Rockbot-music system, subscription, $31.86; Roger’s Electric Motor, parts, $20.10; Ronglien Excavating, Inc., locates, $160.00; Runnings Supply, parts/supplies, $1,745.34; SD Public Health Lab, testing, $32.00; Shade Valley Farms, FBO Agreement, $750.00; South Dakota 811, one calls, $52.50; Star Laundry & Cleaners, laundry service, $539.86; Stuntcams LLC, software, $500.00; Swipeclock, subscription, $109.99; The Bank, supplies, $145.66; Time Clock Plus LLC, overages, $210.00; Twin Valley Tire, tire/service, $69.50; US Bank-SRF, bond fee, $700.00; US Postal Service, billing expense, $600.00; USA Bluebook, testing supplies, $1,063.13; Valley Office Products, supplies, $93.57; Valley Rental & Recycling LLC, recycling agreement, $900.00; Watertown Lawn & Garden, parts, $220.00; Webster Scale Inc., turnaround project, $371,339.24; Whetstone Sanitation, garbage service/rental-cleaning, $2,339.00; Whetstone Home Center, supplies/parts, $18.72; Whetstone Valley Electric, electric, $2,009.22; Wiese Electric, installation, $2,086.74; WM Corporate Services Inc., garbage service, $640.04; Xerox, copier lease, $493.37; Zoom Subscription, Zoom video subscription, $18.04.
$1,569,161.33
3. Approve Applications for Arborist License: Milbank House Movers, Jacobsen Tree Experts, Nick’s Tree Service, Swenson’s Tree Service, Tip Top Tree Service, Dewey’s Landscaping, and Glacial Lakes Tree Service.
4. Appoint Lance Junso to the Capital Improvement Board (CIB) to replace Mike Hanson.
5. Approve Garbage Hauler Licenses: Whetstone Sanitation and Waste Management.
6. Approve Recyclable Materials Licenses: Valley Rental & Recycling, Waste Management, and Robert Sackreiter.
7. Approve the Grant County Election Agreement.
8. Approve the Second Annual Fly-In, September 12, 2026, at the Milbank Municipal Airport.
9. Approve airport leases: 2026-2030, 5-year leases – John Hickman #33. Johnathon Breon/Plane Rents #48.
10. Approve the Police Reserve and Fire Department Rosters.
11. Approve the hire of Renee Shelstad, Unity Front Desk, $14.65, effective 7/27/26.
12. Approve change order for Nick’s Tree Service/Ash Borer Treatment. From $9.00 to $9.25 per inch due to increased chemical costs.
13. Request for bids for the elevated water storage tank.
14. Seasonal staff done effective 7/27/26: Brittany Bray, Zayda Townsend, Bree Townsend, Brooke Hendricks, Ella Koplin, Kalli Grong, Kendra Grong, Bailee Hendricks, Kye Scoular, Kennedi Sayler, Addisyn Krause, Jeter Scoular, Max Scoular, Jaxon Wiese, Ryan Conrad, Braden Femling, Micah Tostenson, and Seth VanHoorn.
15. Approve the state financial assistance agreements for Phase I, Master Plan Update & Airport Layout Plan #3-46-0034-24-2026, 2.5% of project cost, $3,684. Phase II, all survey work for the Master Plan & ALP #3-46-0034-25-2026, 2.5% of project cost, $4,875.
16. Approve Resolution 8-10-26B - A resolution authorizing the assignment of the Developer Agreement Relating to TIF District #3.
RESOLUTION NO. 8-10-26B
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE DEVELOPER AGREEMENT RELATING TO TIF DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the City of Milbank, South Dakota (the “Municipality”), and Rosewood Apartments, LLC, (the “Developer”), entered into that certain Developer Agreement dated January 13, 2020, (the “Developer Agreement”), relating to Tax Increment District #3; and
WHEREAS, the Developer has requested the Municipality’s consent to the assignment of the Developer Agreement to Trail Group Rosewood LLC and Bruger Milbank, LLC, as equal tenants-in-common (the “Assignee”), pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement in substantially the form presented to the governing body (the “Assignment”); and
WHEREAS, the governing body has determined that consenting to the Assignment, subject to the conditions stated in this Resolution, is in the best interests of the Municipality and will facilitate the continued performance of the Developer Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF MILBANK, SOUTH DAKOTA, AS FOLLOWS:
1. Approval and Consent. The assignment by the Developer to the Assignee of all of the Developer’s rights, title, interest, duties, and obligations under the Developer Agreement is approved, and the Municipality consents to the Assignment, subject to the terms and conditions of this Resolution.
2. Assumption; No Release Until Effective. As a condition to the Municipality’s consent, the Assignee shall assume in writing all duties and obligations of the Developer under the Developer Agreement arising on and after the effective date of the Assignment. The Developer shall not be released from any liability or obligation arising before the effective date of the Assignment.
3. Conditions to Effectiveness. The Municipality’s consent shall become effective only upon: (a) execution and delivery of the Assignment by the Developer and the Assignee; (b) execution of the Municipality’s written consent, if required; (c) receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Municipality that the Assignee has authority and capacity to perform the Developer Agreement; (d) receipt of any required lender, owner, or other third-party consents; and (e) satisfaction of any other conditions required by the Developer Agreement or approved by the [Mayor/President] and the Municipality’s legal counsel.
4. No Other Amendment or Waiver. Except for the assignment expressly approved by this Resolution, the Developer Agreement is not amended, modified, or waived. The Municipality reserves all rights and remedies under the Developer Agreement and applicable law.
5. Authorized Officers. The [Mayor/ President], Finance Officer, and other appropriate municipal officers are authorized to execute and deliver the Municipality’s consent to the Assignment and any related certificates or documents, with such nonmaterial revisions as the [Mayor/President] and the Municipality’s legal counsel determine to be necessary or appropriate to carry out this Resolution.
6. Effective Date. This Resolution is effective upon its adoption.
Adopted this 10th day of August 2026.
CITY OF MILBANK
By: Mike Hanson, Mayor
ATTEST
Cynthia Schumacher,
Finance Officer
Action Items –
A motion to approve the Mayor’s appointments carried 6-0. City Administrator: Steve Pendergrass, Finance Officer: Cynthia Schumacher, Police Chief: Corey Hooth. Fire Chief: Dave Giesen.
A motion to accept the Mayor’s committee appointments carried 6-0. Mayor’s committee appointments were as follows: Mike Hanson – Finance and Grant County Development; Roger Briggs – Water and Airport; John Weyh – Streets, Fire, and Grant County Emergency; Mindy Rogers – Finance and Personnel; Kyle Schwandt – Planning and Zoning and Water; Ryan Gruba – Wastewater and Parks and Recreation; and Josh Karels – Public Works and Police.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the letter of contract with Banner Associates, Inc. for engineering services to conduct a water and sewer rate study with cost-of-service analysis, not to exceed $30,000.00. Milbank’s rates are significantly lower than those of peer cities. Adjusting rates to typical levels is required for state and federal funding. The council acknowledged rate increases are challenging but needed to support infrastructure and meet grant thresholds. Motion passed 6-0.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution 8-10-26, A resolution approving a lot merger agreement.
RESOLUTION 8-10-26
LOT MERGER AGREEMENT
THIS LOT MERGER AGREEMENT is made on this 10th day of August, 2026, by and between Kenneth & Dawn Wiseman (hereinafter called “Property Owner”), and the CITY OF MILBANK, SOUTH DAKOTA (hereinafter called ‘City’).
WHEREAS, Property Owner owns two or more contiguous lots located in a residential zoning district of the City; and
WHEREAS, Property Owner has applied for Building Permit Number 26073 to construct an addition; and
WHEREAS, Property Owner desires to use the below described lots in service of a single principal residence; and
WHEREAS, merger of the lots is required by Section 17.47.
The City and Property Owner agree as follows:
1. Property Owner and City do hereby agree that the lots described as 205 & 207 N Grant St and the property adjacent to the east of 205 N Grant St; Parcels: 26.00.55.07, 26.00.55.07A, & 26.00.55.08; legal descriptions: ORIGINAL TOWNSITE E 44’ OF LOT 7 BLOCK 55, ORIGINAL TOWNSITE W 98t OF LOT 7 BLOCK 55, & ORIGINAL TOWNSITE LOT 8 BLOCK 55. The plat for which is recorded in the Register of Deeds of Grant County in Books 126 & 128, Pages 505 & 126, and as more fully described in a deed from Foley & Foley Law Offices and Karl & Vicki Nelson to Kenneth & Dawn Wiseman dated 8/8/2026 and recorded at the Register of Deeds of Grant County in Books 126 & 128, Pages 505 & 126 (the Lots) are subject to the terms and conditions of this agreement.
2. Upon execution of this Agreement by all parties, the Lots shall be merged for the purpose of serving a single principal use as described by and under the conditions imposed by the City of Milbank.
3. This Agreement shall be recorded with the Register of Deeds of Grant County at the expense of the Property Owner.
4. For the purposes of complying with City of Milbank zoning and subdivision codes, lot lines separating the Lots, as shown on the referenced subdivision plat, shall no longer be considered as Lot lines for any zoning or subdivision purpose, and the Lots shall, for building and development purposes, be considered as a single lot.
5. The parties hereby agree that the Lots shall not be unmerged or resubdivided except in compliance with the ordinances of the City of Milbank.
6. The parties further agree that this Agreement is intended to bind future use and development of the lots and shall survive any conveyance of the individual lots merged by this Agreement.
7. Property Owner and City agree and understand that this Agreement shall not affect the legal description or title to the Lots.
8. The obligations and benefits of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the parties to the Agreement, their legal representatives, successors, and assigns.
The parties do hereby set their hands and seals on the date and year first above written.
Kenneth & Dawn Wiseman,
Property Owners
State of South Dakota
County of Grant
On this 10th day of the month of August, year 2026, before me, a Notary Public, personally appeared known to me to be the person who is described in, and who executed the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he (or they) executed the same.
Kim Carlson, Notary
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the said grantor has caused these presents to be executed in its corporate name, by the Mayor and the City Finance Officer of the said City of Milbank, Grant County, South Dakota, this day of the month of in the year THE CITY OF MILBANK, Grant County, South Dakota, a municipal corporation,
By: Mike Hanson, Mayor
ATTEST:
Cynthia Schumacher,
Finance Officer
A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution 8-10-26A – A resolution authorizing the submission of an application for financial assistance under the South Dakota Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Motion carried 6-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 8-10-26A
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE SOUTH DAKOTA RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM (RHTP)
WHEREAS, the South Dakota Department of Health has established the Rural Health Transformation Program to implement evidence-based initiatives that enhance local resources for active lifestyle promotion and chronic disease management; and
WHEREAS, chronic health conditions – including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and stroke – account for a significant portion of healthcare burdens within the City of Milbank and Grant County; and
WHEREAS, the City of Milbank seeks to transform its existing recreational complex at Farley Park, located at 302 N Dakota St., Milbank, SD 57252, into a regional, year-round sports and wellness destination; and
WHEREAS, the project involves the replacement of existing natural grass soccer and flag football fields with modern synthetic turf to provide a safe, all-weather, and ADA-compliant environment, while constructing a multi-use walking trail to expand local capacity for physical movement, youth and adult athletic programming, and clinical exercise-based interventions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Milbank recognizes that sustainable chronic disease management requires tight integration between municipal community assets, such as Farley Park, and clinical care delivery models; and
WHEREAS, the City of Milbank, in coordination with partners including the Milbank School District and the Valley Queen Charitable Foundation, shall secure a formal Letter of Intent to partner with local healthcare providers to ensure dedicated care coordination, localized health screenings, and evidence-based clinical programming are executed at the newly established facility; and
WHEREAS, the City of Milbank affirms that the requested grant funds will be utilized solely for capital procurement, installation, and field delivery assets, and that the City possesses the operational capacity to maintain the infrastructure assets beyond the term of the grant using established municipal parks and recreation maintenance frameworks;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MILBANK, SOUTH DAKOTA:
Section 1. Authorization of Submission: The City Council hereby formally authorizes the preparation and submission of a comprehensive grant application packet under the South Dakota Rural Health Transformation Program for the Farley Park Modernization Project.
Section 2. Clinical Partnership Integration: The City Council authorizes the integration of a localized healthcare partnership, noting that formal Letters of Intent shall be appended to the application to outline clinic-led wellness programming and care coordination paths at the facility.
Section 3. Execution of Supporting Documents: The Mayor, Mike Hanson, and the City Administrator, Steve Pendergrass, are hereby authorized and directed to execute the primary RFP Face Page, federal compliance certifications, and any subsequent contract or subrecipient agreements required to secure this financial assistance award.
Section 4. Fiscal Responsibility Alignment: The City of Milbank certifies that it possesses the operational capacity to support and maintain the new technology, equipment, and physical infrastructure assets beyond the term of the grant using established municipal parks and recreation maintenance frameworks.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 10th day of August 2026.
CITY OF MILBANK, SOUTH DAKOTA
Mike Hanson,
Mayor, City of Milbank
ATTEST:
Cynthia Schumacher,
Finance Officer
Department Reports – The Lake Farley storm shelter is expected to be completed this month, and the Industrial Park project is substantially complete. A water main break occurred at Tenth Avenue and Main Street. All hydrants have been repaired and are now operational. The Hero’s Pull is scheduled for September 26. The new fire trucks are in service, and all sirens are fixed and operational. We anticipate transitioning to the new website and email this month.
Pendergrass reported that the $8,000,000 in congressional funding for the water project now appears unlikely. A $10,000,000 SRF loan application is currently being prepared.
Salaries – May: Finance - $23,803. Police - $45,657. Streets - $22,860. Rubble Site - $1,058. Recreation - $4,875. Pool - $654. Fitness - $5,374. Unity - $10,853. Park - $18,092. Water - $12,661. Sewer - $21,843.
June: Mayor/Council - $5,200. Finance - $23,802. Police - $47,742. Fire - $1,862. Streets - $22,989. Rubble Site - $1,235. Recreation - $11,526. Pool - $2,575. Fitness - $7,963. Unity - $13,920. Park - $28,527. Water - $11,105. Sewer - $20,329.
July: Mayor/Council - $2,000. Finance - $24,295. Police - $43,169. Fire - $3,524. Streets - $22,698. Rubble Site - $961. Recreation - $11,753. Pool - $2,210. Fitness - $9,760. Unity - $13,903. Park - $28,367. Water - $12,085. Sewer - $21,805.
2026 Permits, May-July – Building: Tim Wendland-401 W. 8th Ave. - accessory structure. Kevin Schuelke - 512 S. Dakota St. - residential addition. Linda Larson - 502 E. 9th Ave. - deck. Michael O’Brien - 610 S. 3rd St. - carport. Dennis & Kim Wittrock - 802 E. 10th Ave. -accessory structure. Deborah Schatz - 412 S. 6th St. - deck. Galen Zemlicka-223 E. 4th Ave. - sign. Roof: Charlie Mork - 706 S. 5th St. Ray Ogdahl - 204 S. Main St. Darla Storm - 208 S. Main St. Galen Zemlicka - 303 S. 3rd St. Randy Jibbens - 514 S. 5th St. Demo-1012 S. Dakota St. - commercial building.
Fence: Ruth Wilson - 507 Peterson St. David Thompson - 406 S. 6th St. Demo: Alex Liebe - 301 E. Milbank Ave-garage. Moving: Valley Queen Cheese-201 S. Dakota St., 3rd Ave., Grant Street.
Conditional Use Permit: Abigail Jankord - 903 S. Viola St. - daycare.
Adjourn – A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8 p.m. Motion carried 6-0. The next regular meeting will be held on September 14, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Mike Hanson,
Mayor
ATTEST
Cynthia Schumacher,
Finance Officer
