Proceedings Milbank City Council

October 9, 2023

Call to Order - The City Council met in regular session on October 9, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center, 1001 East Fourth Avenue, Mayor Raffety presiding.

Roll Call - Mayor Raffety. Councilmembers: Roger Briggs, Mike Hanson, Mindy Rogers, Craig Weinberg, John Weyh, and Josh Karels (via electronically).  Absent: none.

Staff Present: Cynthia Schumacher, Brandy Blauert, Corey Hooth, Ron Krause, Cody Pohlen, Dan Keyes, Dick Poppen, Darin Thiele, Don Settje, Carl Bostrom, Kiefer Lesnar, Randy Folk and Marlin Fenner.

Public Present: Holli Seehafer, Ryan Kohl, Mike Mach, Brittnee Frerichs, Travis Lester, Justin Heim, Terry Ganske, Isaac Hackbarth, Tim Jurgens, Kathy Ward, Monte and Marilyn Robinson, Duane Tillman, Lynn VanSambeek, and Brendan VanSambeek.

Thank you - Cody Pohlen expressed his appreciation to the volunteers for their contributions to the youth programs. Their assistance makes these programs successful.

A great deal of gratitude is due to Berkner Excavating for their prompt response and repair of the transmission line. 

Public Comments – Isaac Hackbarth introduced himself to the council.  Hackbarth has recently relocated to the Milbank area from southern California where he was employed in the law enforcement field. He expressed his desire to become involved with the Milbank Police Department. The council thanked him for coming and directed him to communicate with Chief Hooth.

Tim Jurgens was pleased to see progress on the baseball field. Valley Queen Charitable Foundation has committed to matching donations made to the Legion Baseball project. Jurgens stated that is not well known and asked if this could be publicized. 

Jurgens reported the 100th year anniversary of American Legion baseball is 2025. They have submitted a resolution to host both the Class A and Class B junior and senior tournaments in 2025 and the national tournament in 2026.  

Public Hearing – A public hearing was held for the transfer of Berens Market LLC malt beverage & SD farm license to their new store located at 1612 Morningside Drive. No one from the public spoke in favor or against the transfer. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Berens Market Malt Beverage & SD Farm Wine license transfer from 1506 Morningside Drive to 1612 Morningside Drive. Motion carried 6-0.

School Pedestrian Traffic – Chief Hooth reported he has discussed options with Ryan Kohl. Hooth stated there are several entities involved, the city, school and state. He would also like input from the parent groups. He is attempting to obtain information and the state’s report from the last traffic count on Highway 12 and Ninth Street.  He would like a push button crosswalk light installed at that intersection. His immediate recommendations are 1. Education on the rules of school zones and crosswalks. 2. Improved signage.  3. Saturation patrols. A motion was made and seconded to direct Chief Hooth to purchase and install the necessary signage. Motion carried 6-0.

Minutes – A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the September 11, September 20, and amended minutes from the September 29, 2023 meetings. Amendment: Reflect Councilman Weinberg was absent from the September 29, 2023, meeting. Motion carried 6-0.

Consent Agenda – A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried 6-0.  

1. Ratify hiring of lifeguards, $14.51/hr: Jaiden Tillotson & Lilly Hartman. 

Soccer instructors, 11.49/hr:  Brody Job & Franklin Pederson.

Front desk reception/building attendants, $12.47/hr: Antonio Charles, Corrine Akpavie.

2. Remove the following from Unity’s payroll roster: Aidan Foell, Camryn Wiese, Pamela Jackson.

3. Approve hire of Cory Harms, seasonal street department technician, $20.06/hr, effective 

10-9-23.

4. Approve the Holiday Lighted Parade/Tree lighting Ceremony, December 2, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. Main Street, 5th Avenue to Railway Avenue.

5. Resolution 10-9-23C Consolidated Board of Equalization.

RESOLUTION 10-9-23C

City of Milbank Combined

Board of Equalization

WHEREAS, the City of Milbank Board of Equalization, Grant County, South Dakota, does desire to consolidate local board of equalization with the County Board of Equalization for 2023 tax year, payable 2024, as permitted in SDCL 10-11-68, and

WHEREAS, the City of Milbank Board of Equalization also believes the consolidation of the two boards would promote efficiency and equity of the equalization procedures.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that there be formed a Consolidated Board of Equalization in accordance with SDCL 10-11-68 for real property within the County of Grant.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Milbank Board of Equalization will have a member sit on the Consolidated Board of Equalization as designated by SDCL 10-11-68.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Milbank Board of Equalization will compensate any expenses for their member that is on the County Board of Equalization.

Adopted and approved on the 9th day of October 2023.

Aye:  6 Nay: 0 Absent:  --

Pat Raffety, Mayor

ATTEST

Cynthia Schumacher,

Finance Officer

CC: Kathy Folk,

Grant County Auditor

Action Items - 

Personnel – Mayor Raffety requested Finance Officer Schumacher, Councilmembers Weinberg, and Rogers to assist with a salary grid update.

Employee anniversaries: Richard Poppen - 36  years.  

Unity Health & Fitness – An engineering agreement for conceptual design services, $42,250 was discussed.  Discussion included what is the identified need? Will the expansion generate additional revenue? Is this an upgrade or an expansion servicing an additional need? Additional information is requested before a decision is made, a joint meeting with the park and recreation board. A motion was made and seconded to table action on the engineering agreement for conceptual design services. Motion carried 6-0.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the job description and position of Recreation Specialist. Motion carried 6-0. A motion was made and seconded to promote Julie Landmark to recreation specialist effective 10-16-23, $15.53/hr.  Motion carried 6-0.

Police – A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution 10-9-23 Stop, Yield Signs. Motion carried 6-0.

Resolution 10-9-23

A resolution to amend certain provisions of Table II of the Milbank Municipal Code regarding the location of stop or yield 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:

- On 10th Avenue at 5th Street, remove stop signs for east and west bound traffic.

Retain stop signs on 5th Street for north and south bound traffic.

- On 10th Avenue at Viola Street, install yield signs for north and south bound traffic.

- On 3rd Avenue at 4th Street, install yield signs for east and west bound traffic.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that appropriate traffic control signs shall be erected in accordance with the provisions of this resolution.

Aye 6 Nay 0 Absent none. Pat Raffety, Mayor

ATTEST:

Cynthia Schumacher,

Finance Officer

A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution 10-9-23A Parking Regulations.  Motion carried 6-0.

Resolution 10-9-23

A resolution to amend certain provisions of Table II of the Milbank Municipal Code regarding the location of stop or yield 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:

- On 10th Avenue at 5th Street, remove stop signs for east and west bound traffic.

Retain stop signs on 5th Street for north and south bound traffic.

- On 10th Avenue at Viola Street, install yield signs for north and south bound traffic.

- On 3rd Avenue at 4th Street, install yield signs for east and west bound traffic.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that appropriate traffic control signs shall be erected in accordance with the provisions of this resolution.

Aye 6 Nay 0 Absent  none.

Pat Raffety, Mayor

ATTEST:

Cynthia Schumacher,

Finance Officer

Chief Hooth reported he met with Mike Mauer and several residents in the neighborhood. At this point, several of the neighbors are assisting with the cat rescues and do not have many concerns. Strays are sometimes deposited at Mr. Mauer’s house when he is not home and without his knowledge.  He has taken extensive action to secure and improve the health of the strays. Chief Hooth was asked to assist Mr. Mauer in obtaining a conditional use permit for the shelter.  

Streets – The city was able to secure a Cat Motor Grader from Grant County highway department for $70,000. Half will be paid from the 2023 budget and the balance paid in January 2024.  

No snow removal bids were received.

Water – A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution 10-9-23B Water Rates. Schumacher explained the new rates do not go into effect until 2024, however the state requires the resolution be approved prior to the city letting bids for the project. (Resolution published separately.) Motion carried 6-0.

Planning & Zoning – Justin Heim with ISG Engineering addressed questions pertaining to the preliminary plat of Hunt Second, Janmark LLC developer. Several residents from the area were present.  A motion was made and seconded to approve the Preliminary plat of Hunt Second Addition to the City of Milbank.  Motion carried 6-0.

September Permits

Building: Judy Haase-908 E Park Ave-residential addition. Vincent Hagen-203 Jen Lane-residential addition.  Kenny Brotzel-405 W 8th Ave-accessory structure. Mark Veen-307 S 5th  St-commercial sign.

Demolition: none.

Moving: none. 

Fence: Kenneth & Dawn Wiseman-205 N Grant St-wood.

Roofing: none.

Special Event Permits: none.

Finance – No action was taken on the September Treasurers report.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the amended bills list, $457,993.61. Motion carried 6-0.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the Whetstone Arts Council’s request for financial assistance of $2,300, provided there are no outstanding agreements tied to any non-city owned statues. Motion carried 6-0.

September wages: Mayor/Council $1,600; Finance $12,847; Police $29,680; Fire $1,751; Street $9,790; Rubble Site $910; Recreation $24,666; Park $12,066; Water $9,781.37; Wastewater $1707.68.

Executive Session -A motion was made and seconded to go into Executive Session pursuant to 1-25-2(1). Motion carried 6-0. Mayor Raffety called the Council out of executive session.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the Mayors appointment of Steve Pendergrass as city administrator, $92,500, effective 11-27-23. Motion carried 6-0.

Adjourn – The next regular meeting is November 13, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. Motion carried 6-0.

/s/ Pat Raffety, Mayor

ATTEST

/s/ Cynthia Schumacher, 

Finance Officer

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