by Benjamin Chase
of the Plainsman

HURON –— Commissioner Rich Bragg read an announcement from the Solid Waste department during Monday’s Huron City Commission meeting that announced the end of daily yard waste pickup.

The announcement read as follows:

“With temperatures falling to around the freezing point, leaves will stick to the inside of the green yard waste containers. In order for Solid Waste to not damage containers, the final full week of yard waste collection is this week, Monday, Oct. 30, to Friday, Nov. 3.

On Wednesday, Nov. 15, an extra city-wide collection will be made for yard waste. If weather allows, there may be another city-wide collection on Wednesday, Nov. 29.”

Water and sewer superintendent Rob Rieger gave an update on the water meter installation project going on. The city is currently installing new meters in zones 3, 6, and 7, which encapsulate the city South of Ninth Street.

Rieger noted that 992 letters were sent out to prompt appointments, which has led to 300 installations thus far, with 230 more installations scheduled. Those who do not set up an appointment from the letter, a second attempt will be made to contact through a door hanger to prompt making an appointment by a set date.

Rieger expressed that he was pleased with the rate of progress early in the project, with minor issues due to the cold and due to remodels in homes that has made the meter inaccessible, requiring rescheduling until the meter is accessible.

The commission approved the transfer of a retail on-sale liquor license for the Knights of Columbus from 565 21st St. S.E. to 425 21st St. S.W.

Assistant city engineer Dennis Bennett presented a date extension request regarding the Bridge Improvement Grant for improvements to the 3rd St. bridge. Delays for multiple reasons have pushed back the date on the project, and the South Dakota Department of Transportation has allowed an extension of completion on the project to Feb. 25, 2025. This was approved by the commission.

Commissioners also:
Set Nov. 13 as the public hearing date to consider liquor and wine license renewals for 2024.

• Approved posting internally and advertising for the position of library assistant in community outreach at the Huron Public Library.
• Approved hiring Brittany Layher for the accounting technician position in the finance office.
• Approved the hiring of seasonal part-time skating attendants.

City offices will be closed on Fri. Nov. 10 due to Veteran’s Day, Mayor Gary Harrington announced. The solid waste pickup for Nov. 10 will be picked up on the following Wednesday, Nov. 15.

The commission adjourned the public meeting and moved into executive session regarding personnel and contractual matters.