Grant County Commission Proceedings
August 6, 2019
The Grant County Commission met at 8 AM with Commissioners Buttke, Mach, Stengel, Street and Tostenson. Chairman Stengel called the meeting to order. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Mach to approve the minutes of the July 16, 2019 meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Minutes filed. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Street to approve the agenda with removing report on recycling program and adding a request from Rudy Nef to address the Commission. Motion carried 5-0.
Members of the public present were Arvin Mueller, Myron Mueller, Marlyn Johnson, Chris Zubke, Ralph Schmidt, Bill O’Farrell, Bobbi Bohlen and Rudy Nef.
The Chairman called for public comment. Rudy Nef addressed the Commission on the issue of finances, tax call cap and the road levy passed in July. He is not opposed to raising taxes, but states there needs to be a balance between spending and keeping too much in reserve.
Drainage: Chairman Stengel adjourned the Board of Commissioners and convened the commission acting as the Drainage Board. The Drainage Officer presented the following permits.
Drainage Permit DR2019-20 by Marlyn Johnson in the NW ¼ FRL 02-118-49 (Georgia Township). The request, if granted, would, improve quality of farmland in a cooperative effort crossing 160th St once a bore agreement has been offered by the County. The publication and letters are in order for this permit. No other comment from the public or the applicant. Motion by Street and seconded by Tostenson to approve DR2019-20 with the condition the applicant apply for and is granted a ROW occupancy application to bore under the county road. Motion carried 5-0.
Drainage Permit DR2019-21 by William O’Farrell in the NE 1/4 in 03-121-50 (Osceola Township). This request is to improve cropland and everything is in order with this permit approval. Commissioner Tostenson reported he had met with the landowner to review the project. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Mach to approve DR2019-21 as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
Drainage Permit DR2019-22 by Ralph Schmidt in the NW1/4 in 30-120-47 (Alban Township). This request is to dry up soils and is being done cooperatively with the northern adjoining landowner tile connection moving this water to a natural course directly north of the property in the tile that has been installed already.
A letter was received from a landowner who is riparian to the watercourse. The letter expressed concern of the permit increasing the amount of water onto their land and protection from increases in the future. Myron and Arvin Mueller also appeared to express their concerns and stated they had talked with Jason Liebe, who had signed and given permission as the adjoining landowner and whose tile is in cooperative project with the current application. The location of outlet will allow the water a more direct outlet to the natural run by going north to the current watershed and will actually help the neighborhood to more efficiently send water to the blue line course. The Muellers stated they are fine with the permit as it was presented to them and what they heard today is allowable. Commissioner Stengel stated he had reviewed the project with the applicant and recommends approval. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Mach to approve DR2019-22 as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
Drainage Permit DR2019-23 by Chris Zubke in the N1/2 of NW1/4 & S1/2 of NW 1/4 in 25-120-50 (Twin Brooks Township). This drainage permit will improve the cropland and is a cooperative project to a natural run with multiple landowners. All landowner and adjoining landowner signatures are on file and the permit is complete. No comment offered from those in attendance. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Street to approve DR2019-23. Motion carried 5-0.
This concluded the business for the Drainage Board. Chairman Stengel adjourned the Drainage Board and reconvened the Board of Commissioners.
Public Defender: Present were States Attorney Mark Reedstrom and Public Defender Chad Nelson who requested approval from the Commission to take a leave of absence from his contract through the end of the year. The reason stated for the request is health reasons. He requested the Commission to approve subletting the contract to defense attorney Scott Bratland, who is willing to fill in as the public defender. His plan is to return to work in January. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Buttke to approve the leave of absence request and requested States Attorney Reedstrom to draw up a contract with Scott Bratland as the public defender for the period of August 1 to December 31, 2019 at the same contract amount of $4,088.98 per month. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Tostenson excused himself from the meeting at 8:45 AM.
Highway: Supt. Schultz presented maps indicating the ROW crossings of the transmission lines over county roads along with the application from Crowned Ridge Wind Farm. Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to approve ROW2019-12 for Crowned Ridge Wind for the crossing of lines over county roads as listed in the application. Motion carried 4-0. Permit: Wilbur Ellis submitted a permit to land aircraft on county roads. The applicant must follow SDCL 50-2 and Administrative Rule 70:02:02:08. Certificate of insurance is on file with applicant assuming all liability. The agreement is only for 2019. Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to approve the permit for the calendar year 2019. Motion carried 4-0.
Economic Development: Bobbie Bohlen reported on the proposed apartment housing complex, the issue of rezoning the land and the discussion of a TIF district. The Commission asked to have an update on other housing projects at the next meeting.
Sheriff: Kevin Owen reported he had been contacted by members of the Big Stone City Council to provide law enforcement services. Later, Mayor Wiik, confirmed the council had approved moving forward with the Sheriff’s office providing law enforcement. The negotiations reached include a $7,500 per month fee for the service of major events, traffic control and school events. The agreement does not include enforcement of city ordinances. Office space and vehicle will be provided by the City. Also, the City will budget for vehicle replacement every four years at a cost of $40,000. Sheriff Owen believes this agreement will serve the City well. This additional services means the county would need to hire another deputy and Sheriff Owen would like to start the hiring process soon as he would like the agreement to be in place October 1. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Mach to authorize the Sheriff and States Attorney to draw up an agreement/MOU with Big Stone City for law enforcement services and to authorize Sheriff Owen to advertise for a deputy. Motion carried 4-0.
Travel: Motion by Buttke and seconded by Street to approve travel for EM Director Kevin Schuelke to attend a work shop in Pierre for Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) and for the Commissioners, Auditor, Treasurer and Hwy Supt to attend Convention in Pierre. Motion carried 4-0.
Interest Policy: Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to modify the county’s interest policy to state the interest earned on the Register of Deeds Modernization Fund (250) remains with the fund and does not transfer to the General Fund. Motion carried 4-0.
Cash Transfers: Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve the cash transfer as per the 2019 budget. Motion carried 4-0.
FROM, TO, AMOUNT
101 General, 201 Highway Fund, 250,000
4-H: The building committee for the proposed exhibit building had met with a representative from Morton Buildings for options and a quote on the building. It was suggested a soils study be completed prior to design or bids. Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to authorize Morton Buildings, the Watertown Branch, to conduct a soils test at the 4-H grounds for a proposed 80’ X 150’ post frame building for a cost of $6,200. Motion carried 4-0.
Generator: Motion by Buttke and seconded by Mach to approve the quote from Cummins for the replacement of OTEC board in the generator for an estimated cost of $1,750.65. Motion carried 4-0.
Computer Managed Service: Motion by Mach seconded by Street to authorize Chairman Stengel to sign the contract with Scantron for computer management services for the County. Motion carried 4-0.
Treasurer: Raynelle Mueller addressed on the county convention to be held in Pierre and encouraged attendance at the educational workshops. She currently serves as SD Association of County Officials President this year and will be passing the gavel to her successor at the final business meeting.
Unfinished Business: Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to set the sale date for the tax deed property on Sept 24th at 9 AM.
New Business: Reviewed the projected 161 Government Building expenses and discussed the window replacement project for the south and east side of the Courthouse. This item will be scheduled for the next meeting.
Correspondence: A letter was reviewed from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs stating there are 547 veterans receiving service in Grant County and expenditures totaling $5,007,000 are infused into the local economy.
Consent: Motion by Street and seconded by Mach to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried 4-0.
1. Declare surplus (4) media shelves from library, flat top book cart (asset 01797), maroon chair (asset 00979), black swivel chair (asset 00886), typing table (asset 0034A), counter(asset 9289A), computer desk (asset 0045A, rust chair (asset 00069), black chair w/o arms (asset 1149)
2. Approve step increase to Step 6 at $15.85 for Tammy Wollschlager effective 07-1-2019
3. Approve step increase to 1 year at $17.35 for Vickie Gulley effective 08-06-2019
Claims: Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to approve the claims as presented. Motion carried 4-0. A-OX WELDING, supplies 218.06; ANDREW VAN LITH, reimbursement 200.00; AUSTIN,HINDERAKER,HOPPER, court appt atty 1,244.50; AUTOVALUE, supplies 158.57; AVERA MCKENNAN, prisoner care 114.79; BANNER ASSOC., prof service 13,161.65; BERENS, supplies 399.74; BIG STONE CO SHERIFF, prof service 108.00; BIG STONE THERAPIES, prof service 65.00; BITUMINOUS PAVING, hwy projects 816,783.75; BORNS GROUP, mailing expense 1,166.58; BOYER TRUCK, parts 167.51; BRENDA HOLTQUIST, prof. services 185.50; BUREAU OF INFO & TELE, internet & email 556.00; BUTLER, parts 3,435.16; CENTER POINT, books 429.57; CHS, propane 476.42; CITY OF MILBANK, water & sewer 532.92; CITY OF WATERTOWN, 911 surcharge 6,448.19; CONSOLIDATED READY MIX, hwy projects 7,943.55; CORRIE & KARIN J QUALE, prof service 324.00; CRAIG DEBOER, car wash 26.46; DELORES KELLY, prof service 100.00; DELORIS J RUFER, rent 100.00; DESIGN ELECTRONICS, supplies 25.98; DIAMOND MOWERS, cpu 458.68; FIRST DISTRICT, allocation 7,701.63; FISHER SAND & GRAVEL, hwy projects 4,140.86; GOVERNMENT FORMS & SUPPLIES, supplies 106.16; GRANT CO TREASURER, vehicle title 21.20; GRANT COUNTY REVIEW, publishing 1,097.51; GRANT-ROBERTS RURAL, utilities 36.40; GRANT/ROBERTS AMBULANCE, allocation 2,458.33; HARTMAN'S, supplies 618.89; HEIMAN FIRE EQUIP, supplies 145.00; ITC, phone 1,135.00; INTOXIMETERS, equip 365.00; JACK JOHNSON, reimbursement 12.00; JERRY’S CHEVROLET, pickup 30,999.00; KATHLEEN PARISOT, reference book 28.00; LEWIS FAMILY DRUG, supplies 182.89; MAC'S, supplies 91.98; MANUEL CARDENAS, prof. service 958.25; MICROFILM IMAGING SYSTEMS, scanner rent 472.00; MICROMARKETING, a/v 92.96; MILBANK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, allocation 1,000.00; MILBANK AREA HOSPITAL, prisoner care 3,766.45; MILBANK AUTO PARTS, supplies 894.24; MILBANK FIRE DEPT, allocation 750.00; QUALITY INN, motel 140.00; MITCHELL BARKER, supplies 279.99; NELSON LAW OFFICE, court appt atty 4,088.98; NORTHWESTERN ENERGY, natural gas 138.03; NOVAK SANITARY SERVICE, prof. service 69.24; O'CONNOR COMPANY, maint agreement 2,180.62; PCMG, supplies 1,220.95; QUICK PRO LUBE, repair & supplies 193.92; RDO EQUIP, parts 142.39; RUNNINGS, supplies 492.06; SCANTRON, prof service 8,653.21; SCOTT R BRATLAND, court appt atty 1,463.00; SD ASSN CO COMMISSIONERS, 3rd qtr CLERP 2,288.00; SD ATTORNEY GENERAL, 24/7 40.00; SDSU EXTENSION, parking pass 55.00; SEEHAFER HARDWARE, supplies 20.96; SOUTH SHORE AMBULANCE, allocation 750.00; STAR LAUNDRY, prof. service 77.85; STURDEVANTS, supplies 8.04; SUMNER DIESEL, repairs 174.20; PENWORTHY, books 90.28; THOMSON REUTERS, reference books 1,040.16; TRANSOURCE TRUCK & EQUIP, parts 288.31; TRUENORTH STEEL, culvert bands 16,346.40; TWIN VALLEY TIRE, repairs & supplies 2,807.00; UPI, diesel fuel 13,311.74; US GOV. PUBLISHING, reference book 66.00; VALLEY RENTAL & RECYCLING, allocation 650.00; VALLEY SHOPPER, publishing 53.16; WATERTOWN IRON & METAL, supplies 268.74; WITTROCK & SON, garbage 192.50; ZEM'S FRESH STARTS, supplies 17.94. TOTAL: 969,513.00
Payroll for the following departments and offices for the month of July 2019 are as follows: COMMISSIONERS 5,260.60; AUDITOR 17,416.68; TREASURER 9,607.21; STATES ATTORNEY 11,410.14; CUSTODIANS 5,126.25; DIR. OF EQUALIZATION 6,538.00; REG. OF DEEDS 6,906.93; VET. SERV. OFFICER 950.63; SHERIFF 20,365.85; COMMUNICATION CTR 13,096.85; PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE 1,494.90; ICAP 618.30; VISITING NEIGHBOR 3,168.32; LIBRARY 12,764.01; 4-H 5,656.10; WEED CONTROL 3,962.06; PLAN & ZONING 2,006.26; ROAD & BRIDGE 54,419.13; EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 3,086.10. TOTAL: $183,854.32.
Payroll Claims: FIRST BANK & TRUST, Fed WH 14,751.66; FIRST BANK & TRUST, FICA WH & Match 22,391.62; FIRST BANK & TRUST, Medicare WH & Match 5,236.76; AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE, AFLAC ins. 2285.07; WELLMARK-BLUE CROSS OF SD, Employee and Commission health ins. 47,432.58; DEARBORN NATIONAL, life ins. 286.37; LEGAL SHIELD, deduction 88.65; OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT, child support 525.00; OPTILEGRA, ins 389.08; SDRS SUPPLEMENTAL, deduction 3,225.00; SDRS, retire 19,965.17; COLONIAL LIFE INS, ins 98.67. TOTAL: $116,675.63.
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 Tuesday, August 20, and September 3, 2019, at 8 AM. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Mach to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned.
/s/ Doug Stengel, Chairman, Grant County Comm.
/s/ Karen M. Layher,
Grant County Auditor
Published once at an approximate cost of $134.82.
