Grant County Commission Proceedings – May 2, 2023

     May 2, 2023

The Grant County Commission met at 8 a.m. with Commissioners Buttke, Mach, Stengel and Street. Commissioner Tostenson was absent. Chairman Mach called the meeting to order. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to approve the April 11 (equalization), April 11 (special meeting) and April 18, 2023, minutes. Motion carried 4-0. Minutes filed. Motion by Street and seconded by Stengel to approve the agenda with the addition of the 911 meeting report from Commissioner Stengel under new business. Motion carried 4-0.

Present from the public were Jim DeVaal. Staff members present were Commissioner Assistant Layher, Drainage Officer Berkner and States Attorney Schwandt.

Public Comment: Chairman Mach called for public comment. There were no comments. Chairman Mach closed the public comment.

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

Drainage Officer Berkner gave an overview of the possible impact of drainage permits awarded by Grant County within the Whetstone River Watershed and the recent flooding near Big Stone City.

Berkner began his report by stating that the peak river water flow measured on April 12 by the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) river gauge located near Big Stone City was at 20,100 cubic feet per second (CF/s), or just over 9 million gallons per minute (GPM), where it reached a height of 19.7 feet.

According to the USGS website, that was the second highest volume of river water flow measured since records have been kept for the Whetstone River at that location since 1911. Berkner added that according to the USGS website the highest flow rate measured on the Whetstone River near Big Stone City was nearly 30,000 CF/s recorded in 1919 when it crested at 26 feet.

Berkner also presented USGS data that showed the next two recent highest recorded Whetstone River water flows prior to this year were in 2001 where its highest volume was 9,930 CF/s and crested at 15.9 feet, and 2007 where its maximum volume was 9,060 CF/s and crested at 15 feet.

  Berkner stated that approximately 235 square miles of the Whetstone River’s total watershed of roughly 440 square miles lies within the borders of Grant County where three main feeder-tributaries combine into one larger main river northeast of Milbank that eventually flows by Big Stone City before leaving the county a few miles later downstream. The USGS Whetstone River gauge is located on the west side of Big Stone City just outside city limits.

In preparing for his report, Berkner reviewed all the available drainage permits awarded by Grant County going back to when detailed county drainage permit records began in 1992. Berkner identified that 808 drainage permits in total were applied for in the county where 192 of those permits were located exclusively within the county’s portion of the Whetstone River Watershed.

Berkner stated after his review of those specific 192 Whetstone River Watershed drainage permits, where detailed information was available, that the average maximum discharge rate was estimated to be around .5 CF/s, or 200 GPM. According to Berkner that amount of water would almost fill a 10-inch discharge pipe if it was installed at .1% grade and stressed only if the pipe was nearly 100% full.

Berkner multiplied that average .5 CF/s by the 192 total permits applied for within the Whetstone River Watershed in the county to equal an estimated maximum combined outlet flow rate of 96 CF/s out of the reported maximum 20,100 CF/s. According to the USGS data for the Whetstone River gauge, that would be the equivalent of less than 1/2 an inch of the total 19.7-foot river gauge height at that location at its recorded highest flows on April 12th.

A spreadsheet presented by Berkner, which was also based on the same USGS Whetstone River gauge data, projected what the impact of a total of 192-12 inch outlet pipes installed at the same .1% grade, which is over 2 times the flow rate of a 10 inch pipe, would have had a maximum flow rate of 1.2 CF/s each, or 230 CF/s total, which according to Berkner would be about 1.3 inches of the total 19.7 feet river height.

Berkner also stated that reaching maximum flows of any out letting drainage tile is very unlikely where a majority of the tile installed is at least 2 feet or more underground where surface water must soak through the topsoil to reach the tile which can take many days if not weeks in extreme wet conditions.

Berkner added that in those cases where drainage outlets are underwater from swollen waterways their maximum discharge rate is significantly less where water is literally forced back up the drainage tile which is often the case during flooding.

Berkner was asked his opinion of what he thought was the biggest contributor to the recent Whetstone River flooding. He believed it was caused by a very rapid snow melt over just a few days that came from a near record amount of snowpack in the Marvin and Coteau area above Twin Brooks.

Commissioner Tostenson joined the meeting by phone at 8:15 during the drainage discussion.

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

Highway: Supt Peterson presented the contract between Banner Engineering and the SDDOT for 6 bridge re-inspections and 5 special bridge inspections needed due to the spring flooding. The SDDOT will invoice the county for 20% of the costs, which is $2,400. Motion by Street and seconded by Stengel to approve the cost share for the bridge inspections. Motion carried 5-0.

Supt Peterson reported that the county gravel pit #5 is empty and our other pits do not have good quality gravel in them. He advised the county will have to mine for gravel next year.

Peterson researched the cost of solar stop signs with flashing lights. For one 36” sign it is $2,341. The Commission discussed installing these at certain intersections within the county even though the intersections are signed according to federal regulations with stop signs, stop ahead signs, and rumble strips already at these intersections. Tostenson motioned to install the flashing light stop signs at the intersections of HWY 158 and 482nd Avenue and 149th Street and 482nd Avenue. It was seconded by Street. Supt Peterson suggested another option is to increase the size of the regular stop sign to a 36” sign. Tostenson rescinded his motion to install the stop signs with flashing lights at the two intersections and Street rescinded his second of that motion. Motion by Stengel to install the 36” stop signs at the intersections of HWY 158 and 482nd Avenue and 149th Street and 482nd Avenue and seconded by Buttke. Motion carried 5-0.

Land Lease: The land lease sale was held at 9:00 a.m. Doug Mielitz was present, and the following bids were received:

1. Part of the NW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 33-120-47 (About 15 Acres) Alban Twp. leased to Mielitz Brothers for $600.

  2. S 1⁄2 NE 1⁄4 of 8-120-51 (40 Acres) Mazeppa Twp. The lease will be offered to John Moes, who has leased the land in prior years.

Human Service Agency: Executive Director Kari Johnson presented the annual report on Serenity Hills, the New Horizons program, and the Human Service Agency. In early June they are opening their Appropriate Regional Facility that will offer crisis stabilization where patients can be put on five day holds. They will have 4 detox beds and 4 safe room beds. She also reported that since the pandemic they have seen an increase in individuals seeking their services in both mental health and addictions departments. They are struggling to retain staff to meet this need. She asked the Commission to consider a 3% increase for the 2024 budget and thanked them for their past support.

Travel: Motion by Street and seconded by Stengel to approve travel for ROD Becky Wellnitz for Spring workshop in Pierre, DOE Kathy Steinlicht for Annual Assessors School in Rapid City, DOE Deputy Taylor Stotesbery for Basics Class in Pierre, Kathy Steinlicht and Taylor Stotesbery for SDAAO Annual Conference in Sioux Falls and EM Kevin Schuelke for SDIMAT workshop in Watertown. Motion carried 5-0.

  County Assistance: None

Malt Beverage Licenses for 2023: Commissioner Assistant Layher reported the four renewals for the 2023-2024 package off-sale Malt Beverage and SD Farm Wine licenses were complete. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Stengel to approve the renewal of the licenses as presented for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. Chairman Mach called for a vote. Motion carried 5-0.

1. Bittersweet Lodge located at 15196 455th Ave., in Lura Township with a legal description of SW1/4 corner of the SW1/4 SW1/4 in Section 7, Township 120, Range 51, Grant County for Retail (off-sale) Package Malt Beverage

2. Gertje Van Lith Post 229 American Legion Club, located in Lot A NE1/4 NE1/4 (4.82A) Section 24, Township 121, Range 47, in Grant County, South Dakota for Retail (off-sale) Package Malt Beverage

3. Whetstone Creek Golf Course with the legal description of Gov’t Lot 1 & SE1/4NW1/4 & W1/2NW1/4 EX Lot 1, Second Country Club Addn, EX W 550’ of OL A, EX PT Platted and Sold and Road; Lt 1 3rd Country Club Addn in NE1/4 &Lt1,4th Country Club Addn inGov’t Lot 4 & EX LTS 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A for Retail (off-sale) Package Malt Beverage

  4. The Abbey of the Hills Inn and Retreat Center located in Lot 1 and Lot 2, Gilbert Hess Subdivision in the NE1/4 and in E1/2 NW 1/4 in Section 35, Township 121 North, Range 50 West of the 5th P.M. in Grant County, South Dakota, for Retail (on-off sale) and SD Farm Wine

Tax Freeze: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Street to approve applications AF2023-01 and AF2023-02 for the 2023 tax year Assessment Freeze for the Elderly as the applicants missed the deadline and qualified for the Assessment Freeze as per SDCL 10-6A-4. Chairman Mach called for a vote. Motion carried 5-0.

Executive Session: None

Unfinished Business: None

New Business: Commissioner Stengel reported on the 911 Communications meeting held April 27, 2023 in Watertown. He reported they answer the 911 calls within 10 seconds of it ringing. Their average phone call lasts two minutes and 50 seconds. They are fully staffed and have a couple employees in training.

Commissioner Assistant Layher stated the chair lift in the courthouse is not working. To repair it is $43,010 and to replace with installation is $67,980. The Commission discussed elevator costs, getting an architect to draw pictures of the aesthetics of it and the courthouse and other counties that have elevators. They directed Layher to do more research on installing an elevator.

Correspondence: None

Claims: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to approve the claims. Motion carried 5-0. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, supplies 59.97; AL'S BODY SHOP, repairs & maint 240.00; AUSTIN, STRAIT, BENSON, THOLE, court appt atty 85.60; AUTOVALUE, supplies, repairs & maint 157.62; AVERA MCKENNAN, health services 230.00; MILLSTONE, supplies 425.00; CHS, diesel & propane 5,080.78; CITY OF MILBANK, water & sewer 393.89; CITY OF WATERTOWN, 911 surcharge 12,000.00; CODY KELLY, prof services 80.00; COLLABORATIVE SUMMER LIBRARY, supplies 661.44; CORRIE QUALE, supplies 12.00; DELORIS RUFER, lib rent 100.00; ENGELSTAD ELECTRIC, repair & maint 173.88; EQUIPMENT BLADES, supplies 4,689.06; FISHER SAND & GRAVEL, gravel 3,996.33; FLAT RATE, gravel 16,681.21; FREMAREK, supplies 1,285.04; FOOD-N-FUEL, inmate meals 354.00; GRAJCZYK LAW OFFICE, court appt atty 3,400.00; GRANT/ROBERTS AMBULANCE, allocations 2,458.33; KIBBLE EQUIPMENT, repairs & maint 1,690.67; L. G. EVERIST, gravel 1,571.16; LAW OFFICE OF ALEXANDER SOCIA, court appt atty 758.10; LEWIS FAMILY DRUG, inmate rx & supplies 193.19; MICROMARKETING, audio/visual 44.79; MIDCO, library internet 113.94; MILBANK AREA HOSPITAL AVERA, blabs 4,920.00; MN DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION, tower rent 300.00; MOMAR, supplies 203.95; NATIONAL SHERIFFS ASSN, dues 71.00; NORTHWESTERN ENERGY, natural gas 2,045.34; QUICK PRO LUBE, supplies 87.96; R.D. OFFUTT, supplies 168.74; RED BRICK RESOURCES, books 167.59; REGENCY MIDWEST VENTURES, motel 232.00; RIVER STREET PETROLEUM, ethanol & diesel 9,337.84; SANDRA FONDER, prof services 58.33; SCANTRON, prof services 5,527.26; SD ASSN COUNTY OFFICIALS, registration 600.00; SD DEPT OF HEALTH, blabs 600.00; SD DEPT TRANSPORTATION, hwy project 938.03; SDAAO, registration 700.00; STAR LAUNDRY, prof services 144.73; STREET GRAPHEX, supplies 291.41; TRACY GRANT, prof services 240.00; TWIN VALLEY TIRE, repair & tires 391.73; VALLEY RENTAL & RECYCLING, allocation 650.00; VALLEY SHOPPER, publishing 26.58; WEST CENTRAL COMMUNICATION, minor equipment 8,905.61; WESTERN SURETY COMPANY, notary bond 50.00; XEROX, copier rent 309.21; ZEM'S, contracted projects 2,100.75. TOTAL: $96,004.06.

Payroll for the following departments and offices for the April 28, 2023, payroll are as follows: COMMISSIONERS 7,202.10; AUDITOR 8,166.63; ELECTION 83.40; TREASURER 6,050.94; STATES ATTORNEY 7,449.00; CUSTODIANS 3,508.48; DIR. OF EQUALIZATION 4,792.40; REG. OF DEEDS 4,969.47; VET. SERV. OFFICER 1,412.55; SHERIFF 21,316.01; COMMUNICATION CTR 8,841.17; PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE 1,369.83; ICAP 63.00; VISITING NEIGHBOR 2,328.38; LIBRARY 7,951.58; 4-H 4,360.75; WEED CONTROL 2,751.30; P&Z 1,184.93; DRAINAGE 864.68; ROAD & BRIDGE 44,521.91; EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 2,856.00. TOTAL: $142,044.51.

Payroll Claims: FIRST BANK & TRUST, Fed WH 12,454.08; FIRST BANK & TRUST, FICA WH & Match 17,105.56; FIRST BANK & TRUST, Medicare WH & Match 4,000.48; ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT, deduction 90.55; AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE, AFLAC ins. 1,585.19; ARGUS DENTAL, ins 655.43; WELLMARK–BLUE CROSS OF SD, Employee and Commission health ins. 54,394.87; COLONIAL LIFE, ins 37.98; DEARBORN NATIONAL, life ins. 293.74; LEGAL SHIELD, deduction 38.85; OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT, child support 210.00; OPTILEGRA, ins 348.83; SDRS SUPPLEMENTAL, deduction 1,488.83; SDRS, retire 14,903.30. TOTAL: $107,607.69.

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

1. Approve step increase for Taylor Stotesbery of 25 cents per hour for a 6-mo rate of $22.40 effective 03-19-23

2. Approve Dale Brandt as part-time truck driver at $22.00 per hour effective 4-18-23

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 16, June 6 and 20, 2023 at 8 a.m. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Stengel to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned.

 /s/ Michael J.  Mach,

Chairman,

Grant County Commission

/s/ Kathy Folk, 

Grant County Auditor              

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