Grant County Commission Proceedings • October 20, 2020

       October 20, 2020

The Grant County Commission met at 8 AM by telephonic conference with the public. Commissioners Buttke, Mach, Stengel, Street and Tostenson were present at the meeting site. Chairman Mach called the meeting to order. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel to approve the minutes of October 6, 2020 meeting with a correction under the executive session section to read Vice-Chairman Tostenson (not Mach) declared the meeting open. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0. Minutes filed. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to approve the agenda. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0. 

Members of the public present were Darren Strasser, Tom Frogner, Todd Lounsbery, Dan Scoblic and States Attorney Reedstrom.

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

Auditor’s Account with the Treasurer for the month of September 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 September, 2020.

Cash on Hand, $936.47 

Checks in Treasurer’s possession less than 3 days, $48,827.21 

Cash Items, $0.00 

TOTAL CASH ASSETS ON HAND

$49,763.68 

RECONCILED CHECKING First Bank & Trust, $4,284.79; Interest, $0.00; Credit Card Transactions/TIF Fee, $2,389.20; First Bank & Trust (Svgs), $6,736,411.00. 

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

TOTAL CASH ASSETS

$6,792,848.67  

GENERAL LEDGER CASH

BALANCES:

General, $3,099,145.75; General restricted cash, $1,500,000.00; Cash Accounts for Offices General Fund, $605.00; Sp. Revenue, $1,047,040.65; Sp. Revenue restricted cash, $0.00; Henze Road District, $319.35; TIF Apportioning Northern Lights, $0.00; TIF Milbank, $0.00; TIF Northern Lights, $0.00; Special assessment Land Rent, $0.00;  Trust & Agency, $1,145,737.92; (schools 615,076.32, twps 91,764.39, city/town 55,696.09)

TOTAL GENERAL LEDGER CASH

$6,792,848.67 

Dated this 7th day of October, 2020

Karen M. Layher

County Auditor

The Register of Deeds fees for the month of September were $13,513.50 and the Sheriff fees for the month of September were $5,601.72 with $3,686.64 receipted into the General Fund. The Grant-Roberts Ambulance report for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020 was noted. 

Drainage: Chairman Mach adjourned the Board of Commissioners and convened the Commission acting as the Drainage Board. The Drainage Administrator presented Drainage Permit DR2020-20 for Bernard Wollschlager with Dan Scoblic in Township 121, Range 47 and for Section 24 Range 47 and Sections 30 & 19 in Range 46. (Big Stone Township). The request, if granted, would remove excess water. Dan Scoblic is installing the main line that goes into the blue line and exits through a culvert on the Game, Fish and Park property, who have signed off on the project. Commissioner Stengel reported he was on-site to review the project. The project is a small area behind a hill and does output into the natural run. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Tostenson to approve Permit DR2020-20 as presented.  Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0. 

The Drainage Administrator presented Drainage Permit DR2020-21 by Darren Strasser 7-121-49 (Kilborn Township). The request, if granted, would improve farming ability. The wetland determination is on file. The adjoining landowner has signed the permit. Commissioner Tostenson reported he had reviewed the project and the ground is salty and the drainage would enhance the ground for farming. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel to approve DR2020-21 as presented. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0. 

The Drainage Administrator presented Drainage Permit DR2020-22 for Tom Frogner in 24-119-48 (Vernon Township). The request, if granted, would improve production. This is a cooperative project with Blue Sky Colony. The wetland determination is on file. Commissioner Street reported he had been on-site to look at the project with the applicant. The outlets go into a blue line. Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve Permit DR2020-22 as presented. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0. 

Drainage Ordinance: Auditor Layher informed the Commission on the process to repeal an ordinance which is the same process as to enact an ordinance. If any action is taken by the Commission at the meeting it would be to begin the ordinance repeal process. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel to begin the process to repeal Drainage Ordinance 1997-1C. Chairman Mach called for discussion. Todd Lounsbery, echoed by Tom Frogner, requested the Commission to keep the Drainage Ordinance in place as it is working well in the county for the landowners. They like the process the county has established as farmers have learned to communicate and cooperate with one another on projects. They believe local control is best. Commissioner Mach and Tostenson addressed the issue of liability for the county and the issue of neighbors communicating with one another on tiling and drainage. Commissioner Street likes the transparency the permit process provides for the adjoining landowners. Chairman Mach called for a vote on the motion. Buttke nay, Street nay, Stengel nay, Tostenson nay and Mach nay. Motion failed 0-5.

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

Highway: Supt. Schultz presented a ROW occupancy application from Dakota Range III to bore under County Road 24 (AKA 144th St) in Farmington Twp for the placement of buried fiber optic cable to connect to the aircraft detection lighting system. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Buttke to approve ROW 2020-30 for Dakota Range III as presented in the application. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0. Grant: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Tostenson to authorize Chairman Mach to sign the Preliminary Engineering Design agreement with Roberts County for the 20% cost share on bridge 26-056-020 on 144th St. with each county paying a maximum of $8,200.00. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0. ROW: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to approve a ROW 2020-31 occupancy application from Ben Wollschlager to bore under 485th Ave in Big Stone Twp between sections 24 and 30 in connection with DR 2020-20. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0.

Community Transit: Documents regarding the consolidation process of

Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton, Inc. (which serves Milbank and

Grant County) for the closing out the grant for building the original bus barn was presented. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Street to authorize Chairman Mach to sign the consent to assignment for agreement #810821, the original grant to build the bus barn, to Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Tostenson recusing.

P & Z: Motion by Buttke and seconded by Stengel to accept the resignation of Krista Atyeo-Gortmaker effective 10-28-2020 as Drainage and P & Z Officer. The Commission extends their best wishes in her new job. The Commission discussed hiring for the P & Z position or contracting for services with First District. No decision was made. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel for the County Administrator/Auditor to oversee the office duties in the P & Z Office, with assistance from First District until a decision is made by the Commission on staffing. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0. DOE Steinlicht stated her office deputy would be willing to assist with the issuance of building permits not connected to conditional use permits.  

Wellmark: Agent Theresa Kocer reviewed the employee health insurance plan for 2021. The Commission asked about HRA, HSA and Flexible Spending Account options. Additional information on health insurance will be reviewed at the next meeting. 

Personnel Policy: First District Executive Director Todd Kays joined by teleconference. Also present was DOE Kathy Steinlicht. Todd Kays continued the review of the revised personnel policy. The Commission will continue their review at the next meeting. 

First District: Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel to approve the agreement with First District to assist in facilitating the development of an update to the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan for a cost not to exceed $10,000 for services. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0.

Consent: Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve the consent agenda as presented. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0. 

1. Approve Plats:

2020-37

COUNTY COMMISSION RESOLUTION

a. It was moved by Commissioner Street, seconded by Commissioner Buttke, motion carried that the LOTS 1, 2 AND 3 OF DAN LEDDY ADDITION LOCATED IN THE W1/2 E1/2; E1/2 W1/2 AND GOVERNMENT LOTS 1, 2, 3 AND 4 OF SECTION 18 TOWNSHIP 119 NORTH, RANGE 49 WEST OF THE 5TH P.M., GRANT COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA, as described above and hereon be approved and accepted and the Chairman is hereby instructed to endorse on such plat this resolution and to certify the same.

Michael J. Mach, Chairman

Board of Commissioners,

Grant County, South Dakota

2020-38

COUNTY COMMISSION RESOLUTION

b. It was moved by Commissioner Street, seconded by Commissioner Buttke, motion carried that the LOTS 1, 2 AND 3 OF MOSER FARM ADDITION LOCATED IN THE W 1260 FEET OF THE NW ¼ OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 120 NORTH, RANGE 48 WEST OF THE 5TH  P.M., GRANT COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA, as described above and hereon be approved and accepted and the Chairman is hereby instructed to endorse on such plat this resolution and to certify the same.

Michael J. Mach, Chairman

Board of Commissioners,

Grant County, South Dakota

2. Step increase for Deputy Sheriff Ryan Bakeberg from 6 months to 1 year at a rate of $22.80 per hour effective 9-24-2020

3. Step increase for Library Tech Tammy Wollschlager to step 7 at a rate of $16.40 per hour effective 9-21-2020

4. Approve maintenance and support agreement for fingerprint equipment at $2,349.00 for 1 year (ending 9-29-2021)

Unfinished Business: None  

New Business: Commissioner Buttke reported he had spoken with Engelstad Electric who had done the electrical work on the storm shelter and the electrician had answered his questions on the heating system. 

Correspondence: None

Claims: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to approve the claims as presented. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0. A-OX WELDING, supplies 16.49; AUTO-GRAPHICS, computer maint 3,092.30; AVERA MCKENNAN, prisoner care 102.74; BANNER ASSOC, prof services 9,657.32; BEACON CENTER, 3rd qtr allocation 538.65; BREVIK LAW OFFICE, prof services 209.15; CENTER POINT, books 361.32; CENTURYLINK, phone 600.37; CHS, diesel fuel 3,439.99; CITY OF MILBANK, prof services 550.00; CONSOLIDATED READY MIX, gravel 6,914.52; CRAIG DEBOER, car wash usage 14.70; DARCY LOCKWOOD, prof services 15.00; DEAN SCHAEFER, prof services 60.00; DELORIS RUFER, lib rent 100.00; DEMCO, supplies 405.76; ESRI, ARC subc 1,000.00; FISHER SAND & GRAVEL, hwy proj 542.09; G & R CONTROLS, repair & maint 1,056.20; FOOD-N-FUEL, prisoner meals 225.75; GRANT/ROBERTS AMBULANCE, allocation 2,458.33; HARTMAN’S, prisoner groceries 404.25; HUMAN SERVICE AGENCY, allocation 7,797.44; INGRAM, books & a/v 785.95; INTER-LAKES COMM ACT, service worker 2,414.42; ITC, lib internet 113.01; JACKSON SCHWANDT, court appt atty 394.00; LEWIS & CLARK BEHAVIORAL, prof services 368.00; LEWIS FAMILY DRUG, supplies 149.80; LUCILLE LEWNO, prof services 166.50; MARK KATTERHAGEN, prof services 15.00; MILBANK AREA HOSPITAL, BLABS 702.00; MILBANK AUTO PARTS, supplies & parts 659.39; MILBANK COMMUNICATIONS, repairs & maint 355.00; MT LIBRARY, books 64.00; NEWMAN SIGNS, supplies 2,823.91; NORTHWESTERN ENERGY, natural gas 26.78; NOVAK SANITARY, shredding service 56.00; OFFICE PEEPS, supplies 579.19; OTTER TAIL POWER, electricity 2,818.69; PETTY CASH, postage 7.60; PROLINE, repair & maint 160.07; QUICK PRO LUBE, oil chg & supplies 855.93; QUILL, supplies 130.24; RC TECHNOLOGIES, 911 transport & tower rent 95.96; REGENCY MIDWEST VENTURES, motel 288.00; RELX, online charges 725.00; RIVER STREET PETROLEUM, ethanol & diesel 7,519.42; SCOTT BRATLAND, court appt atty 4,088.98; SD DEPT OF HEALTH, BLABS 80.00; SD DEPT TRANSPORTATION, hwy proj 289.91; ST WILLIAMS CARE CENTER, inmate laundry 144.00; STATE OF SD, mosquito control 300.00; WILMOT ENTERPRISE, subsc renewal 35.00; PENWORTHY, books 126.01; TRACY GRANT, maint 240.00; TRAPP PLUMBING, prof services 429.68; TWIN VALLEY TIRE, tires 5,614.44; VALLEY OFFICE, supplies 1,362.02; VALLEY RENTAL & RECYCLING, allocation 650.00; VAN DIEST, weed-control chemicals 3,734.10; VERIZON WIRELESS, hotspot 38.52; VISA, supplies, books, postage, minor equip 6,094.16; WHETSTONE HOME CENTER, supplies 5.49; WHETSTONE VALLEY ELECTRIC, electricity 602.46; WILBUR-ELLIS, weed-control chemicals 2,880.55; XEROX, copier rent 935.70; YANKTON COUNTY TREASURER, prof services 245.00. TOTAL: $89,732.25.

MONTHLY FEES: SD DEPT OF HEALTH, county health nurse 1,869.75; SDACO, ROD modernization fee 392.00; SD DEPT OF REVENUE, monthly fees 166,177.78. TOTAL: $168,439.53.

Payroll for the following departments and offices for the October 14, 2020 payroll are as follows: Commissioners 2,708.40; AuditoR 8,094.45; ELECTION 1,036.28; Treasurer 5,253.26; States Attorney 6,002.75; Custodians 2,829.78; Dir. Of Equalization 3,722.01; Reg. of Deeds 3,760.16; VET. SERV. OFFICER 1,105.50; Sheriff 12,288.42; Communication CTR 6,476.65; Public HEALTH Nurse 870.80; ICAP 389.40; Visiting Neighbor 1,746.50; Library 6,710.48; 4-H 3,118.38; Weed Control 2,155.80; P&Z 1,273.80; Road & Bridge 30,728.58; EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 1,724.80. TOTAL: $101,996.20.

Payroll Claims: FIRST BANK & TRUST, Fed WH 8,563.70; FIRST BANK & TRUST, FICA WH & Match 12,441.38; FIRST BANK & TRUST, Medicare WH & Match 2,909.76; AAA COLLECTIONS, deduction 33.42; American Family Life, AFLAC ins. 1,322.77; WELLMARK-Blue Cross of SD, Employee health ins. 686.72; OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT, child support 210.00; SDRS SUPPLEMENTAL, deduction 1,195.83; SDRS, retire 11,285.81. TOTAL: $38,649.39.

Executive Session: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to enter executive session at 11:12 AM for the purpose of a personnel(s) issue pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1). Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0. Auditor Layher was present. Chairman Mach declared the meeting open to the public at 11:22 AM. No action was taken because of the executive session.

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 November 5 (Thursday) and 17, 2020 at 8 AM. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to adjourn the meeting. Chairman Mach called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Street aye, Stengel aye, Tostenson aye and Mach aye. Motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned.

 /s/ Mike Mach, Chairman, Grant County Comm.

/s/ Karen M. Layher, 

Grant County Auditor