Grant County Commission Proceedings • March 2, 2021

      March 2, 2021

The Grant County Commission met at 8 AM with Commissioners Buttke, Mach, Stengel and Tostenson present. Commissioner Street joined the meeting through Zoom. 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 Stengel to approve the minutes of the February 16, 2021 meeting. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Minutes filed. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Stengel to approve the agenda as presented. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. 

Members of the public present were Jim DeVaal and Gerald Zubke. Todd Kays joined the meeting by Zoom.

Drainage: States Attorney Jackson Schwandt and Deputy Mark Reedstrom were present to update the Commission on the proposed change to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance for drainage. Chairman Tostenson started the discussion on the proposed changes to the Flood Prevention ordinance and reported the committee had been advised the issue of drainage should have been part of the Flood Prevention Ordinance rather than a stand-alone ordinance. Mark Reedstrom explained in order to continue as a drainage board then chapter 46A-10A needs to be followed including creating a drainage plan and having a hydrological study done to determine the watersheds in the County including a base line of water volume. If the Drainage Board is to continue then the applicant would need to have a hydrological study done. He explained the Committee then considered the arguments in favor of keeping drainage. The issues the Board wants to know is where the drainage is occurring and providing a mechanism to let the public know where drainage is occurring, plus the Board wants to keep the landowners talking to each other on drainage. Then the Committee discussed how to implement these objectives the Commission wants to keep. Mark explained the revision of the Flood Ordinance where he addressed the notice to the public and having a depository for drainage documents occurring in the County. The proposed change would remove the drainage board from approving a permit. Mark proceeded to explain the new section in the Flood Ordinance, Section G, titled Man-Made Hydrological Alterations. Section 1: Filing of the plan for information purposes only with the Zoning Officer. Section 2: Defining what is required to be listed on the HAP Plan. Section 3: Notice of publication of the HAP plan. Section 4: Maintaining HAP Plan in the Office of P & Z. Section 5: Violation clause. 

Todd Kays remarked drainage is a part of the flood prevention ordinance and addressed the timeline for the Planning Commission and the County Commission to hold the required public hearings with a 1st and 2nd reading as this would be a change to an ordinance.  Commissioner Mach asked if there should be an inspection clause or a 24-hour notice before covering the pipes to allow an inspection of the site. The proposed ordinance revision removes the Drainage Board as the regulatory authority and if a party is harmed their course of action is circuit court.  This concluded reviewing with the Commission the proposed changes on drainage.   

The Chairman called for public comment. No member of the public addressed the Commission. 

Highway: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to set March 31 at 1 PM for the opening of the annual bid letting for highway supplies with the acceptance of bids on April 6 at 8:15 AM. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. 

Community Transit: Present were Kathy Holman and Terry Hoffman representing Community Transit and from Holton Engineering were Richard Misterek and Lundee Stadtler. Kathy reported on the grant process for a new addition to the present bus barn. The proposed addition would enlarge the present office, add additional space for supplies, a driver’s lounge, and the construction of a 34’ X 44’ parking garage located south of the present building. After discussion and questions, Commissioner Stengel motioned and seconded by Buttke to approve a building size of 39’ X 44’ for the construction of an additional garage for Community Transit. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. The new building will be located south of their present building.

4-H: The preliminary drawings of the 4-H static exhibit building were presented by Richard Misterek and Lundee Stadtler from Holton Engineering. The Building Committee has been working with the firm in finalizing the plans for an 80’ X 180’ building. The plan is to be ready to call for bids this spring.  

EM: The Commission reviewed a letter to be sent to the State Office of EM on the problems of coverage for paging and the need for an additional tower for the southern part of Grant County which would also improve communications for Deuel and Codington. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to have Chairman Tostenson sign a letter to be sent to surrounding counties asking them to support the need for the additional tower. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to have Chairman Tostenson sign the letter on the need for the tower and to send the letter to the State Office of EM. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. 

Reports: VSO Scott Malimanek reported on the number and length of appointments for February. He has seen an increase of veterans returning to his office for assistance who had received services in other locations. Veterans are encouraged to file their DD214 forms in the Register of Deeds Office and he stated this is a private document available for the veteran or the VSO. Chairman Tostenson requested he provide the newspaper with a weekly article on Veteran issues. Library: A written report from Jody Carlson reported the heating unit was repaired. The programs in March will continue to be a take home program or a video on Facebook. She is planning for the summer reading program to be held at the Library with the option of a take home packet. The statistics have shown an increase in users, especially after school. Treasurer: Karla DeVaal stated she has not yet decided on hiring additional staff and will continue to discuss staffing and training with her deputy. 

Abatements: Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to approve the following list of abatements as presented. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

1. An abatement in the amount of $337.74 for Parcel: 02.48.03.2001, Legal: Govt Lts 3 & 4 & Lt 1 Schneck Farms Second Subdivision in  Govt Lts 3 & 4 Ex Lt A in Govt Lts 3 & 4 & Part of Lt 2 Milbank Airport Addn as 18.78 acres became tax exempt as purchased by the city.

2. An abatement in the amount of $240.12 for Parcel: 26.07.04.07, Legal: Lot 7, Block 4, Merritt’s Addition, City of Milbank as a loss occurred due to fire. 

3. An abatement in the amount of $1,756.42 for T.G. as the applicant qualified for Disabled Veterans exemption.

4. An abatement in the amount of $21.02 for Parcel: 25.00.60.06, Legal: Consolidated Plat Lot 6 & 18’ Vac 2nd Ave & N ½ Vac Alley Block 60, City of Big Stone City as the property is owned by the County.

Scantron: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to approve contacts with Scantron for a hard drive replacement for $339.84, Office 365 Backup for $840.00, Axcient Upgrade-Replibit for $280.00 and adding the HP ML350 G9 server to the maintenance service agreement at no additional cost. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

Tasers: A request from Sheriff Owen was presented for consideration. Motion by Mach and seconded by Stengel to approve the purchase of (5) X26P Tasers from Axon Enterprise for an amount of $8,997.45. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

Paging: The Commission reviewed the letter of agreement between Big Stone County and Grant County for shared communications. The County’s store and forward will be replaced with a radio interface. This will allow Grant, Roberts and Watertown Dispatch to send pages to Ortonville Ambulance and Big Stone City Fire Dept through the Ortonville VHF repeater. Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to approve Chairman Tostenson to sign the agreement with Big Stone County. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Statistics: The following statistics for the month of January for the Detention Center and Sheriff’s Office were presented by report. Average daily inmate population 2.64; Number of bookings 16; Work release money collected $120.00; 24/7 Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) fees collected $520.00; SCRAM (alcohol detecting bracelet) fees collected $0.00; 24/7 PBT participants 5; SCRAM (Sobriety Program) participants 0; Calls for Service (does not include walk-in traffic) 355; Accidents investigated 5; Civil papers served 61; Cumulative miles traveled 7,928; 911 calls responded to (including Milbank) 85.

Unfinished Business: None

New Business: None

Correspondence: The Commission spring workshop has been set for March 17 and 18 in Pierre. Motion by Mach and seconded by Stengel to approve travel expense for Commissioners Tostenson and Mach to attend the Commissioner workshop. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

Claims: Motion by Buttke and seconded by Stengel to approve the claims. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. AVERA QUEEN OF PEACE, DOT testing 49.00; BANNER ASSOCIATES, hwy proj 7,724.10; BECK MOTORS, automotive equip 61,308.00; BERNIE HUNHOFF, periodicals 59.00; CENGAGE LEARNING, books 150.73; CENTER POINT, books 361.32; CITY OF MILBANK, water & sewer 502.51; CITY OF WATERTOWN, 911 surcharge 12,307.23; CREATIVE CO, books 266.69; DELORIS RUFER, lib rent 100.00; DEMCO, supplies 197.68; DIAMOND MOWERS, repairs 593.84; FOELL PC, DOT physicals 140.00; GRANT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY, allocation 5,000.00; GRANT COUNTY REVIEW, periodicals 38.00; GRANT/ROBERTS AMBULANCE, allocation 2,458.33; LABOLT DEVELOPMENT, lib internet 120.00; LEON’S CLEANING SERVICE, prof services 783.00; MAC’S, supplies 9.48; MACK STEEL WAREHOUSE, supplies 524.00; MICROMARKETING, audio/visuals 22.45; MIDCONTINENT, lib internet 85.00; MILBANK AREA HOSPITAL AVERA, blabs 476.00; MILBANK FORD & MERCURY, repairs & maint 142.66; NASASP, dues 39.00; NORTHWESTERN ENERGY, natural gas 1,278.81; PETERS DISTRIBUTING, repair & maint 244.04; QUICK PRO LUBE, supplies 19.99; RIVER STREET PETROLEUM, ethanol 3,457.74; SANDRA FONDER, prof services 50.00; SCOTT BRATLAND, court appt atty 4,088.98; SD ASSN CO COMMISSIONERS, registration 220.00; SD ASSN CO HWY SUPTS, dues 350.00; SD DEPT TRANSPORTATION, hwy proj 1,367.73; SD STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, dues 55.00; STURDEVANTS, supplies 7.80; VALLEY RENTAL & RECYCLING, allocation 650.00; XEROX, copier rent 97.19. TOTAL: $105,345.30.

MONTHLY FEES: SDACO, ROD modernization fee 288.00; SD DEPT OF REVENUE, monthly fees 157,046.08. TOTAL: $157,334.08.

Payroll for the following departments and offices for the February 26, 2021 payroll are as follows: Commissioners 3,223.90; AuditoR 7,504.11; ELECTION 67.31; Treasurer 3,853.85; States Attorney 5,913.02; Custodians 2,746.80; Dir. Of Equalization 3,756.24; Reg. of Deeds 4,121.28; VET. SERV. OFFICER 1,065.00; Sheriff 11,050.16; Communication CTR 7,544.00; Public HEALTH Nurse 693.00; ICAP 75.90; Visiting Neighbor 1,634.45; Library 6,861.15; 4-H 3,239.00; Weed Control 1,783.00; P & Z 1,480.00; Road & Bridge 29,260.66; EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 2,132.00. TOTAL: $98,004.83.

Payroll Claims: FIRST BANK & TRUST, Fed WH 7,124.11; FIRST BANK & TRUST, FICA WH & Match 11,786.16; FIRST BANK & TRUST, Medicare WH & Match 2,756.40; AAA COLLECTIONS, deduction 33.42; American Family Life, AFLAC ins. 1,417.19; WELLMARK-Blue Cross of SD, Employee and Commission health ins. 50,502.45; COLONIAL LIFE, ins 37.98; DEARBORN NATIONAL, life ins. 267.87; LEGAL SHIELD, deduction 63.75; OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT, child support 210.00; OPTILEGRA, ins 397.18; SDRS SUPPLEMENTAL, deduction 1,195.83; SDRS, retire 11,024.59. TOTAL: $86,816.93.

Consent: Motion by Mach and seconded by Stengel to approve the consent agenda with a correction on the surplus item to be a Brother DC 7065 copier.  Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

1. Set March 16 at 9 AM for the County land lease auction

2. Declare surplus a Brother DC 7065 copier from the Treasurer’s office, cost prohibitive to repair

3. Approve signing the Local EM Performance Grant Supplement with the SD Office of EM in the amount of $3,213 for personal protective equipment 

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 March 16 and April 6 and 20, 2021 at 8 AM. The April 13 meeting will be the County and the Consolidated Boards of Equalization. Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to adjourn the meeting. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Stengel aye, Mach aye, Street aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned.

 /s/ William J. Tostenson, Chairman,

Grant County Commission

/s/ Karen M. Layher, 

Grant County Auditor