Grant County Commission Proceedings

      March 9, 2020

March 9, 2020

The Grant County Commission met for a special meeting at 8 AM with Commissioners Buttke, Mach, Stengel, Street and Tostenson. Chairman Mach called the meeting to order. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Street to approve the agenda as presented with these three items of business. Discussion and motion on selecting asphalt road exemptions for the spring load limit of seven ton per axle. Glenda Goens, Dept of Legislative Audit, engagement letter for the 2017-2018 audit. Executive session for personnel issue(s) per SDCL 1-25-2(1) and/or litigation issues per SDCL 1-25-2(3). Motion carried 5-0.

Members of the public present were Pat Raffety, Lowell Christensen, Evan Grong, Lance Frogner, Adam Hunt, John Seffrood, Annelies Seffrood and Blaine Gomer.

Weight Limit: Chairman Mach began the discussion with a review of a map indicating the roads being considered for exemption from the 7 ton weight limit during spring thaw. He explained the Commission’s position on keeping the commerce flowing within the county. Keeping certain portions of the asphalt road system at legal weight limit will allow access to and from agricultural and other businesses located in the county, even though producers hauling to some of these sites may have to load light. Adam Hunt brought forth allowing access from farm sites as this affects the farming operations and with concerns the gravel roads are not in the best condition. The intention of the plan is to balance protecting the county asphalt road system and to keep commerce moving. If a road surface does break up, the county highway superintendent does have the authority under state statute to post or close a road. Chairman Mach called for a vote. Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve the map presented with the change of including the 455th Ave (AKA Hwy 81) from 154th St to 144th St and removing 6 miles of road on 145th St (AKA CR 4) from the intersection of 472nd Ave and 145th St going east to the intersection of 478th Ave and 145th St.(AKA Hwy 15 and CR 4 intersection). Motion carried 5-0. Supt. Schultz will order the new signs. The weight limit will not be in effect until the signs are posted. The Commission thanked those in attendance for providing input at the meetings held on this subject.

2017-2018 Audit: The bi-annual audit is being conducted by the SD Dept of Legislative Audit. Glenda Goens, Auditor in Charge of the audit, presented the engagement letter for the audit to be signed by Chairman Mach. The audit will be completed in approximately six weeks. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel to approve Chairman Mach signing the letter of engagement. Motion carried 5-0.

Executive Session: Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel to enter executive session at 9:07 AM for the purpose of a personnel issue pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1) and for the purpose of litigation issues pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2(3). Motion carried 5-0. Auditor Layher was present. Chairman Mach declared the meeting open at 10:30AM. No action taken as a result 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 March 17 and April 7, 14 (equalization) and 21, 2020 at 8 AM. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned.

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

/s/ Karen M. Layher, 

Grant County Auditor