Grant County Commission Proceedings • April 19, 2022

    April 19, 2022

The Grant County Commission met at 8 AM with Commissioners Buttke, Mach, Stengel, Street and Tostenson present. Chairman Stengel called the meeting to order. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Mach to approve the minutes of the April 5 and 12, 2022, meetings as presented. Motion carried 5-0. Minutes filed. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Buttke to approve the agenda noting Library Director Jody Carlson will present a report under new business. Motion carried 5-0.

Members of the public present were Jerry Zubke, Robert Wollschlager, Bruce Granquist, Nathan Granquist, Tyler Grabow, John Forman, Steven Spors, Josh Wendland, Jim Wendland, Leslie Peters, Michael Schneck, Bill Schuneman, Bert Loehrer, Paul Anderson, Jim DeVaal, Roger Briggs, Calvin Moser, Dan Loehrer, Steve Hiniker, Jay Gilbertson and District 4 Representative Fred Deutsch.

Members of the staff present were Drainage Officer Berkner and States Attorney Schwandt.

The Auditor’s Account with the Treasurer for the month of March was noted.

AUDITOR’S ACCOUNT WITH THE COUNTY TREASURER

To the Honorable Board of County Commissioners, Grant County:

I hereby submit the following report of my examination of the cash and cash items in the hands of the County Treasurer of the County of Grant as of the last day of March, 2022

Cash on Hand, $7,388.46 

Checks in Treasurer’s possession less than 3 days, $70,630.23 

Cash Items, $0.00 

TOTAL CASH ASSETS ON HAND

$78,018.69 

RECONCILED CHECKING First Bank & Trust, $3,253.22; Interest, $0.00; Credit Card Transactions/TIF Fee, $3,056.92; First Bank & Trust (Svgs), $7,090,600.00. 

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT First Bank & Trust, $0.00; First Bank & Trust (TIF), $0.00. 

TOTAL CASH ASSETS

$7,174,928.83  

GENERAL LEDGER CASH

BALANCES:

General, $2,219,989.46; General restricted cash, $2,250,000.00; Cash Accounts for Offices General Fund, $656.00; Sp. Revenue, $821,698.58; Sp. Revenue restricted cash, $0.00; Henze Road District, $0.00; TIF Apportioning, $0.00; TIF Milbank, $0.00; TIF Milbank, $0.00; Special assessment Land Rent, $0.00;  Trust & Agency, $1,882,584.79; (schools 543,722.40, twps 105,555.15, city/towns 69,932.18)

TOTAL GENERAL LEDGER CASH

$7,174,928.83 

Dated this 13th day of April, 2022

Karen M. Layher

County Auditor

The Clerk of Courts fees for the month of March were $10,704.31 and the Register of Deeds fees for March were $10,429.25. The following statistics for the month of March for the Sheriff’s Office were presented by report. Average daily inmate population 6.96; Number of bookings 19; Work release money collected $755.00; 24/7 Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) fees collected $251.00; SCRAM (alcohol detecting bracelet) fees collected $372.00; 24/7 PBT participants 4; SCRAM (Sobriety Program) participants 1; Calls for Service (does not include walk-in traffic) 357; Accidents investigated 3; Civil papers served 43; Cumulative miles traveled 12,488; 911 calls responded to (including Milbank) 119.

Chairman Stengel called for public comment for any items not listed on the agenda. District 4 Representative Fred Deutsch spoke on the district line for District 4 with all the county remaining in District 4. He also stated he is attending commission meetings before the next session begins to ask this question; what one item you would like him to work on during the next session. The Commission named funding for roads and bridges. There were not any other comments offered. Chairman Stengel closed the public comment period.

Drainage: Chairman Stengel adjourned the Board of Commissioners and convened the Commission acting as the Drainage Board.

Permit DR2022-13 for Tyler Grabow for property owned by Tyler and Hilary Grabow for land located in the PT OF NE1/4 N OF RTY in 8-118-48 (Adams West Township). Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Buttke to approve DR2022-13. Drainage Officer Berkner explained the project drains to the northeast and connects to Adam Hunt’s project. There are three outlets. The outlet pipe sizes are five, eight, ten and twelve-inch pipes. At a .1% grade with a double wall pipe, water would flow at 580 gallons per minute if running at full capacity. The tile pipe will be bored through County Road 18 (161st St). Supt Schultz has approved the ROW occupancy for the project. The six questions under the SD statutes were answered in the affirmative and the other list of questions in Section 313 and 317 were answered in the affirmative with the note on not enough information on the impact to wildlife. There were not any additional comments from the applicant. Chairman Stengel opened the public comment period for pro and con comments. There were not any comments. He closed the public portion of the hearing and opened the Board’s discussion.

Commissioner Tostenson confirmed the project outlets into Adam Hunt’s project and that there is not any tile in the ROW. Commissioner Mach confirmed tile size and remarked the project should benefit the county road. With no further comment, the motion carried 5-0.

Permit DR2022-14 for Bruce Granquist for property owned by Bruce and Janet Granquist for land located in the S1/2NE1/4 & E1/2SE1/4 in 31-119-49 (Madison Township). Motion by Street and seconded by Tostenson to approve DR2022-14. Drainage Officer Berkner explained the project drains to the east and has one eight-inch outlet and a four-inch inlet. The tile pipe sizes are four-inch to an eight-inch. At a .1% grade with a double wall pipe, water would flow at 185 gallons per minute if running at full capacity. The project area affects about 30 acres of land. The six questions under the SD statutes were answered in the affirmative and the other list of questions in Section 313 and 317 were answered in the affirmative with the note on not enough information on the impact to wildlife.

The applicant stated he is good with what was presented. The application stated the project is to improve the farm ground, remove standing water and collect surface water from adjoining land. Chairman Stengel opened the public comment period for pro and con comments. There were not any comments. He closed the public portion of the hearing and opened the Board’s discussion.

Commissioner Tostenson clarified the inlet size being a four-inch inlet. Commissioner Mach asked if the inlet was needed or could a French drain or additional laterals be installed versus the inlet. The applicant responded the flow in the run is fast and cuts deep and they are trying to hold back the erosion of the field. Discussion continued on a wash cob system, French drain, farming around inlets and berms. After discussion, the vote to approve the permit was 5-0.

Permit DR2022-15 for Bruce Granquist for property owned by Bruce and Janet Granquist for land located in the OL A EX LOT 1 SWENSON SUBDIV & EX LOUNSBERY ADDITION in 7-118-49 (Georgia Township). Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Buttke to approve DR2022-15. Drainage Officer Berkner explained the project drains to the south and then turns to run to the northeast into a wetland. There are two inlets. The tile pipe sizes are five-inch to an eight-inch. At a .1% grade with a double wall pipe, water would flow at 215 gallons per minute if running at full capacity. The project area affects about 25 acres of land. The six questions under the SD statutes were answered in the affirmative and the other list of questions in Section 313 and 317 were answered in the affirmative with the note on not enough information on the impact to downstream. The outlet is in a grass waterway for trapping sediments. The applicant states there are two inlets located next to the Town of Strandburg. The runoff is from the town and causes the water seepage and filling the low land by the grass waterway. Chairman Stengel opened the public comment period for pro and con comments. There were not any comments. He closed the public portion of the hearing and opened the Board’s discussion.

Commissioner Tostenson asked if the town was contacted to assist with the project. The applicant stated no, as this project is on private ground and there are trees and grass that cause the seepage problem of water lingering. Both inlets are in a grass waterway and go into a grass waterway. Supt Schultz approved the ROW occupancy application for boring under the road. There were not any other questions. Motion to approve carried 5-0.

Permit DR2022-16 for Bruce Granquist for property owned by Bruce and Janet Granquist for land located in the NE1/4 in 35-119-50 (Stockholm Township). Motion by Mach and seconded by Street to approve Permit DR2022-16. Drainage Officer Berkner stated this permit has seven inlets and two outlets. The applicant is working with the NRCS on terracing by the inlets. The project area covers 70 acres with tiling to fix the problem areas only. The tile is four-inch and eight-inch pipes. At a .1% grade with a double wall pipe, water would flow at 215 gallons per minute if running at full capacity. The six questions under the SD statutes were answered in the affirmative and the other list of questions in Section 313 and 317 were answered in the affirmative noting the terracing around the inlets will help with slowing the water runoff.

The applicant remarked he is working with the NRCS to establish a berm and inlets around the smaller inlets. There is only one main inlet. Over the years the run has been maintained, but erosion is still an issue. The intent with the berms and terraces is to hold the hill back. Chairman Stengel opened the public comment period for pro and con comments. There were not any comments. He closed the public portion of the hearing and opened the Board’s discussion.

Commissioner Tostenson asked if the land was in a NRCS program. The response was there is a cost share on the design of the terraces. Commissioner Mach remarked with the design of the terraces, this will hold the sediment back. Commissioner Street asked the height of the terraces which range from two to five feet in height. There were not any other questions. Motion to approve carried 5-0.

Permit DR2022-17 for Nathan Granquist for property owned by Lee Granquist Restated Trust for land located in the SE 1/4 in 32-119-49 (Madison Township). Commissioner Street recused himself. Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to approve Permit DR2022-17. Drainage Officer Berkner stated this permit has one inlet and three outlets which are eight-inch pipes. At a .1% grade with a double wall pipe, water would flow at 555 gallons per minute if running at full capacity. The six questions under the SD statutes were answered in the affirmative and the other list of questions in Section 313 and 317 were answered in the affirmative noting unable to answer the question on the impact to wildlife.

Nathan Granquist stated the one inlet is on the other side of the culvert. This will pick up the water as the water naturally flows through the culvert. The intent of the project is to prevent the farm ground from being split in two. All three outlets are in a grass waterway.

Chairman Stengel opened the public comment period for pro and con comments. There were not any comments. He closed the public portion of the hearing and opened the Board’s discussion.

Commissioner Mach clarified the inlet is on the other side of the road. Commissioner Stengel asked if the outlets go into a grass waterway and to the trees. Response was yes. Commissioner Tostenson asked if the outlet is outside of the ROW with an affirmative response. There were not any other questions. Motion to approve carried 4-0 as Commissioner Street had recused.

Permit DR2022-18 for Leslie Peters for property owned by Larry Pew Irrevocable Trust for land located in the NE 1/4 in 4-121-48 (Melrose Township). Motion by Mach and seconded by Tostenson to approve Permit DR2022-18. Drainage Officer Berkner stated this permit is south of the Roberts County line with the water flowing south into Grant County into a natural run. There are not any inlets, only one six-inch outlet. At a .1% grade with a double wall pipe, water would flow at 90 gallons per minute if running at full capacity. The six questions under the SD statutes were answered in the affirmative and the other list of questions in Section 313 and 317 were answered in the affirmative noting unable to answer the question on the impact to wildlife.

There were not any comments from the applicant. Chairman Stengel opened the public comment period for pro and con comments. Drainage Officer Berkner stated he had received a phone call from Bernard Hermans with just a general drainage question of if the volume of water is being tracked. There were not any other comments. Chairman Stengel closed the public portion of the hearing and opened the Board’s discussion. Commissioner Stengel remarked he had been on site to review the project. The applicant is working with the neighbor to address a small soggy area. The outlet is into a natural run. Supt Schultz had signed the ROW occupancy for crossing 476th Avenue. There were not any other questions. Motion to approve carried 5-0.

Permit DR2022-19 for Chris Zubke for property owned by Charles Liebe Living Trust for land located in the LOTS 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A & 8A SHAW’S ADDITION IN SW1/4 & 80’ STRIP in 3-120-49 (Grant Center Township). Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve DR2022-19. Drainage Officer Berkner stated this permit does not have any inlets and only one outlet which is an eight-inch pipe. At a .1% grade with a double wall pipe, water would flow at 185 gallons per minute if running at full capacity. The project area is 20 acres of pattern tiling and drains to the northeast. The six questions under the SD statutes were answered in the affirmative and the other list of questions in Section 313 and 317 supports the six questions. There is a road that has never been developed but dedicated to public use. The landowner is in the process of vacating the designation of public use through the Melrose Township Board. The tile project does not impact the public access.

There were not any comments from the applicant as he was not present. Chairman Stengel opened the public comment period for pro and con comments. Jerry Zubke speaking on behalf of Chris Zubke, stated he would like the option of adding some inlets as he had been contacted by some of the homeowners in Shaw Addition asking if they could hook into the tile project to alleviate standing water behind their homes. There were not any other comments. Chairman Stengel closed the public portion of the hearing and opened the Board’s discussion.

Commissioner Tostenson asked Jerry if the permit was delayed by two weeks would this affect the applicant timeline. The purpose of the delay will allow the landowners time to determine if they want to add an inlet to the project. Jerry responded no. Jerry asked if the homeowners should see the Drainage Officer or plan the outlets through his permit. Drainage Officer Berkner stated the homeowners could file their own permit or add their inlets to Chris’ project. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Mach to postpone action on Permit DR2022-19 until the May 3rd meeting. Motion carried 5-0.

Permit DR2022-22 for Robert Wollschlager for property owned by Robert Wollschlager for land located in the S1/2NW1/4 & NE1/4SW1/4 EX PT SOLD in 16-118-47 (Adams East Township). Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to approve Permit DR2022-22. Drainage Officer Berkner stated there is one twelve-inch outlet and one five-inch outlet. At a .1% grade with a double wall pipe, water would flow at 605 gallons per minute if running at full capacity. The project area is 30 acres and ties into Steve Street’s project. The signature of the adjoining landowner is on the application. The six questions under the SD statutes were answered in the affirmative and the other list of questions in Section 313 and 317 supports the six questions noting there is not enough information on the effect on wildlife.

The applicant stated the project is to reduce erosion and make it easier to access the field. Currently, the only access to the field is from the south and crossing over the run to get to the farm ground on the other side of the run.

Chairman Stengel opened the public comment period for pro and con comments. There were not any comments. Chairman Stengel closed the public portion of the hearing and opened the Board’s discussion. Commissioner Street had reviewed the project with Robert and asked if the outlet was going to change. Robert clarified the outlet may go on the north side of the ditch and this would benefit the Street owned land. He will not be sure of this until the tiler does the diagram as it will depend on the depth of the hill. There were not any other comments from the Board. Motion carried 5-0 to approve Permit DR2022-22.

Permit DR2022-20 for Ron Anderson for property owned by Ron and Linda Anderson Living Trust for property located in Vernon West Township. (a) SE1/4 EX LOT 1 EBSENS SECOND ADDITION in 20-119-48; (b) S1/2SW1/4 EX LT 1, EBSENS SUBDIV IN SW1/4SW1/4 in 21-119-48; (c) NE1/4 EX LOT H-3 in 21-119-48. Commissioner Street recused himself from this permit hearing. Motion by Mach and seconded by Tostenson to approve Permit DR2022-20. Drainage Officer Berkner reported this permit has three inlets and one fifteen-inch outlet. At a .1% grade with a double wall pipe, water would flow at 1,000 gallons per minute if running at full capacity. The project area is 380 to 400 acres. The land owned by Dornbusch is not part of the project. The first five questions under SD statutes were answered in the affirmative. Question six did pose some questions from the neighbors, but in the end all six questions were answered yes. Sections 313 and 317 supports those affirmative answers. Consideration must be given to staying within the same watershed and going into a natural run.

Chairman Stengel asked if Paul Anderson had any comments for the Board. He had none at this time. Chairman Stengel opened the public comment period for pro comments. There were not any comments. Chairman Stengel called for con or opponent comments.

Steve Hiniker representing Roger Heller and Bailey Trust property asked if any consideration is being given to the downstream landowners and the increase in the volume of water as the trust land has two pumps to lift the water up from the tile to the natural run. Paul addressed the issue that the water flows naturally to the northeast. With their proposed project, State Hwy 158 would act as a dam and the Anderson project would move the water east along the south side of the highway and relieve the two pumps from any additional water. Bert Loehrer asked the question what happens if surface water goes past the first pump. Dan Loehrer commented the pumps run 100% of the time and are overloaded with the water back feeding into the run. He thinks the water from the Anderson project will need to be lifted through the pumps. Paul described the project moving northeast to the highway and then going east to join the natural run farther east. Questions were asked on what happens if the pumps are turned off. Is there only surface drainage and the tile water is not lifted into the run. Additional comments were made on lift pumps, surface drainage, water lifted by the pumps and water going east along the highway. Drainage Officer Berkner showed a map of elevation shots and the drop in elevation for the proposed project. Dan Loehrer remarked there are ancient water agreements made by their grandfathers that have not been considered or discussed.

Chairman Stengel closed the public portion of the hearing and opened the Board’s discussion. Commissioner Tostenson referred to Section 101, item three that refers to unreasonable hardship downstream and Section 313 referring to adverse effects on downstream landowners. Information has been presented that the Board needs to consider before a decision is made. Commissioner Mach motioned to table Permit DR2022-20 until the May 17 meeting to allow all the parties involved to work on an acceptable plan for all parties. Seconded by Buttke who reinstated for all parties to work together on a solution. Motion carried 4-0 to table until May 17.

Permit DR2022-02 for Michael Schneck, for property owned by Schneck Real Estate LTD, located in the N1/2NW1/4 EX PT SOLD & EX LOTS 1-4 ADLERS NORTHGATE ADDN, S1/2NW1/4, W1/2SW1/4 EX LOT 1 VANORNY SUBDIV EX LOTS 1 & 2 ADLER’S SECOND ADDN, and E1/2SW1/4 EX LT 1 & 2 & EX ADLERS SOUTHGATE ADDN in 13-120-49 (Grant Center Township). Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Mach to bring DR2022-02 to the table for discussion. Motion carried 5-0.

Drainage Officer Berkner remarked the Board may want to consider this permit before the Wendland permit hearing as the outlet on the Wendland property had changed from a 24-inch to a 30-inch outlet. The Schneck project covers 250 acres of pattern tiling. With a change to the outlet size, Drainage Officer Berkner reran the pipe capacity. For a 24” outlet at a .05% grade with a double wall pipe, water would flow at 2,466 gallons per minute if running at full capacity. For a 30” outlet at a .05% grade with a double wall pipe, water would flow at 4,470 gallons per minute if running at full capacity.

The applicant offered no comment but stated he would be available for questions.

Chairman Stengel opened the public comment period for pro and con comments.

Bill Schuneman spoke in favor of the permit as he had farmed the Wendland property for many years and if there was a two-inch rain, the water would rush across ground, and back up at Highway 15 flooding the low ground. With the Schneck tiling project, this will help slow the water down and release at a slower rate. He commented this is a good project and will have a positive effective downstream including Milbank. Jerry Zubke understands the Board is concerned with inlets, but with the 600 acres west of this property there is a lot of sediment and pollutants crossing the Schneck property. With the inlet on the west side of the Schneck property the flow will be controlled. This project will help reduce pollutants as the water will filter through the ground, down to the tile and exit through the outlet at a controlled rate.

Chairman Stengel asked for any additional comments either for or against. There were not any additional comments. Chairman Stengel closed the public portion of the hearing and opened the Board’s discussion.

Commissioner Tostenson began the discussion by asking for clarification on the inlet to take the water on the west side as the discussion held at a prior meeting indicated one inlet in the middle of the field. Jerry Zubke stated he had not surveyed the land then but had done the survey prior to this meeting and had turned in the inlet map to the Drainage Officer. The applicant would like to put in a combination of inlets and French drains and fill in the ditches (runs) in the field to allow the farming of the ground. He indicated with the amount of tile underground, this will hold and filter the water over a four-day period. The discussion on the addition of inlets, outlets and the removing the ditches (runs) within the field to allow farming of the ground created a discussion on if these changes were substantial and if a new permit should be submitted to the Board.

Commissioner Tostenson recommended voting down the motion to approve the permit and have the applicant start over with a new permit. Commissioner Mach asked for an illustration of where the inlets would be located and a clarification on where the ditches are located. Commissioner Street remarked that the outlet size has not changed for this permit. It is still a 24-inch pipe for this permit. The size of the outlet changes to a 30-inch outlet on the Wendland permit. He asked to call the question. There was not a second to call the question and discussion continued. States Attorney Jackson referred to the ordinance section which does allow conditions to be added to a permit. Commissioner Mach made a motion and Buttke seconded to add these conditions to DR2022-02. Motion carried 5-0.

1. To allow the inlets to be added to the permit as per the map provided to the Drainage Officer; noting that some of the inlets will be French drains and others will be open inlets.

2. To allow the ditches (runs) in the field to be filled in or flattened out which will allow for farming of all the farm ground. Motion carried 5-0.

The motion on the floor is to approve Permit DR2022-02 with a separate motion approved for the conditions. Motion carried 5-0.

Permit DR2022-21 for Jim Wendland for property owned by James Wendland Living Trust for land located in the NE1/4 EX RTY & EX LTS 1-4 OF JAMES WENDLAND ADDN & EX OL A & LT B & EX HWY, and LOT 3 JAMES WENDLAND ADDN IN NE1/4 EX HWY PLATS in 13-120-49 (Grant Center Twp). Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve Permit DR2022-21.

Drainage Officer Berkner remarked this permit would provide drainage for approximately 60 acres of land out of a total of 105 acres in two parcels. Twenty-two certified letters were sent with no responses from any of the landowners. The outlet is a 30-inch pipe as previously discussed with the Schneck Permit. This permit would share the same outlet pipe as DR2022-02. The maximum flow of the outlet could be 4,470 gallons per minute if the pipe was a dual wall installed at a .05% grade. Drainage Officer Berkner estimated an additional ten percent more volume of water from this permit as most of the drainage comes from the fields to the west. There are three inlets that affect about ten acres of low spots. A lift pump would be utilized to lift water three feet for water gathered from low land located on the southeast corner which then naturally flows to the outlet then under SD Hwy 15 as it enters the southernmost boundary of the City of Milbank. The six questions under Sections 101, 313 and 317 were answered in the affirmative with the accepted benefits of drainage in addition to possible negative effects. Pollution and sediment should be reduced through the filtering of water soaking down to the tile and through the grass waterway.

Commissioner Stengel asked the applicant if he had any additional comments. Jim Wendland responded no, just available for questions. Chairman Stengel called for proponent testimony. Bill Schuneman spoke in favor of the permit as this project is to control the surface water and will be a win, win for all. Opponent testimony was called. There were not any comments against the permit. Chairman Stengel closed the public portion of the hearing and opened the Board’s discussion.

Commissioner Tostenson asked for clarification if the water runs north and enters the creek by Lake Farley. The natural flow for the drainage permit is east going under Hwy 15 into the channel on the south side of Milbank. The discussion continued with watersheds; the drainage run in Pribyl Park merging with the run on the south side of Milbank. There were not any other comments from the Board. Motion carried 5-0 to approve Permit DR2022-21.

Jay Gilbertson with East Dakota Water District provided input on the drainage ordinance procedures and offered to present information at a future meeting on the directions of the creeks and rivers in the county.

This concluded the business for the Drainage Board. Chairman Stengel adjourned the Drainage Board and reconvened as the Board of Commissioners.

Highway: Supt. Schultz presented a right-of-way occupancy application from RC Technologies for the installation of fiber optics in Osceola Township. A map showing location of cable installation was provided by RC. Motion by Mach and seconded by Street to approve ROW 2022-03 occupancy application for RC as shown on the map. Motion carried 5-0. The second right-of-way occupancy application for consideration is from Codington Clark Electric for the installation of electrical lines in Blooming Valley, Farmington, Lura and Mazeppa Townships. Maps showing locations of cable installation were provided. Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve ROW 2022-04 occupancy application for Codington Clark Electric as shown on the maps. Motion carried 5-0.

Special License: The hearing for a special event malt beverage license was held. Snowmobile Club members Roger Briggs and Cal Moser were present. The request for the special license is by the Snowmobile Club for the Vintage Snowmobile Show to be held June 2-4 at the Twin Brooks Threshing grounds. Certificate of insurance will be provided by the Snowmobile Club. Motion by Street and seconded by Mach to approve the malt beverage special event license for the Snowmobile Club. Motion carried 5-0.

VSO: Community Transit was awarded a grant for transportation services for passengers through the National Rural Transit Assistance Program (NRTAP) Community Rides Grant Program (CRGP). Transit agencies will provide services for those unmet needs of the Grant County Veterans Services Office. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Mach to authorize Chairman Stengel to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton. Motion carried 5-0.

4-H: Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve change order #7 in the amount of $13,153.08 for light sensors, furnace moved to a different location, sink in kitchen, labor and materials for outside cover roof, extra pad and sidewalk and two kitchen fans. Motion carried 5-0. Amended contract amount is $1,759,813.59.

Consent: Motion by Mach and seconded by Tostenson to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried 5-0.

1. Approve step increase for Linda Raffety to step 5 at $16.00 per hour effective 4-7-22

2. Approve step increase for Wesley Bowsher to 1 year at $25.15 per hour effective 4-19-2022

3. Declare surplus a HP 8630 printer, fixed asst #10049, unrepairable

Unfinished Business: None

New Business: Librarian Jody Carlson presented the 2021 library statistics annual report. The circulation, programming and library service have all increased since 2020 indicating the area residents are returning to use the services at the library since the start of COVID.

Correspondence: None

Executive Session: Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Street to enter executive session at 11:27 AM for the purpose of a personnel issue pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1). Motion carried 5-0. Auditor Layher and States Attorney Schwandt were present. Chairman Stengel declared the meeting open to the public at 11:33 AM. No action was taken because of the executive session.

Claims: Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Buttke to approve the claims. Motion carried 5-0. A-OX WELDING, supplies 590.15; ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, supplies 131.49; BANNER ASSOCIATES, hwy proj 4,595.50; BEACON CENTER, 1st qtr domestic abuse 234.00; BERENS MARKET, supplies 42.77; BORNS GROUP, mailing expense 983.75; BUTLER MACHINERY, supplies 113.72; CENGAGE LEARNING, book 22.39; CENTER POINT, books 370.92; CENTURYLINK, telephone 152.12; CITY OF WATERTOWN, prof services 6,145.36; CRAIG DEBOER, car wash usage 146.64; DEMCO, supplies 563.28; GRANT COUNTY REVIEW, publishing 242.62; GRANT-ROBERTS RURAL WATER, water usage 541.70; GREY HOUSE PUBLISHING, book 162.00; HUMAN SERVICE AGENCY, appropriations 8,031.36; INGRAM, books, 906.52; INSIGHT, supplies 590.00; INTER-LAKES COMM ACTION, service worker 5,210.50; ITC, internet 1,425.80; JACKSON SCHWANDT, prof services 50.00; JASON SACKREITER, garbage services 230.00; LEWIS FAMILY DRUG, supplies 532.87; MCLEOD’S, supplies 711.88; MICROFILM IMAGING SYSTEMS, scanner rent 620.00; MICROMARKETING, book 68.32; MIDAMERICA, books 244.45; NOVAK, prof services 16.00; OTTER TAIL, electricity 3,756.93; PRAMUKHRAJ, Huron hotel 551.94; RELX, online charges 725.00; RUNNINGS, supplies 481.77; RYAN MAGEDANZ, supplies 117.47; SCANTRON, prof services 5,554.78; SD ASSN COUNTY OFFICIALS, workshop 555.00; SDAE4-HP, registration 65.00; SHARON STREI, furniture 1,546.64; STAR LAUNDRY, prof services 88.73; STATE OF SD, supplies 311.00; VALLEY OFFICE PRODUCTS, supplies 1,940.64; VALLEY SHOPPER, domestic abuse publishing 53.16; VERIZON, hotspot 38.52; VISA, supplies, gas, books 2,833.79; WHETSTONE VALLEY ELECTRIC, electricity 1,296.53; XEROX, copier rent 618.75; YANKTON

COUNTY SHERIFF, prof services 50.00; ZEM’S, supplies 29.00. TOTAL: $54,290.76.

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 May 3 and 17, and June 9 and 21, 2022 at 8 AM. Motion by Mach and seconded by Tostenson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned. 

Douglas Stengel, Chairman,

Grant County Commission

/s/ Karen M. Layher, 

Grant County Auditor