HURON During the public forum time of Mondays City Commission meeting, Human Resources manager Shanna Sterrett reported back to the commission regarding leadership training offered to city management staff this semester. Sterrett noted that 12 members of the citys management staff participated in the training through Mitchell Technical College, taught by Dr. Ryan VanZee.
The attendees attended eight sessions focusing on decision-making, problem solving, delegation, and emotional intelligence. The class concluded with presentations on a project of attendees choice. The commission approved leadership training funds in the annual budget, and the next semester of training begins in August.
Commissioner Bryan Smith spoke during public forum to update the community that sales tax revenue is up 15 percent year-over-year from 2024. He attributed that to a number of events held in Huron in the first quarter of the year as well as efforts by Huron residents to shop local.
Finally, to conclude public forum, Commissioner Rich Bragg explained that Monday, May 5, begins the change to the yard waste green bins being picked up on the same day as residents garbage/recycle pickup day rather than on Wednesdays as it was through April.
The meeting opened with two variance requests that were approved.
The first variance was filed by Nathan Faul on behalf of Prairie Smiles, 1265 Dakota Ave. S. to have signage larger than code allows. The signage will be on the windows and building and not protrude from the building. With no public comment against the signage, the commission approved the variance.
The second variance was filed by Fast Properties LLC for property on 1005 Kansas Ave. SE. Code states that a garage cannot stand on a plat without a residence, and the intention is to raze the residence on the property. The commission approved the garage for storage for the applicant, but tied a covenant for the property to the dentist property at 1010 Dakota Ave. S. and also put forth that outside storage rental of the garage would not be allowed.
Parks & Recreation director Chad Schroder presented a joint powers agreement between the city and the South Dakota Game Fish & Parks. The agreement regards upcoming work at Crown Park to change the fishing access. The city will remove the current wood dock structure, and the state will then design and construct a new rock-based fishing round and the city will take over maintenance once completed. This was approved.
Commissioner Bragg updated the commission on the land sale of property at Stony Run regarding financials on the transaction and other plans for the property. The sale is scheduled to be finalized on Monday, May 5.
The commission discussed Huron Community Campus credit fees going up beginning in Fall of 2025. This is due to processing of all fees done by Northern State, which will bring fees to the statewide minimum for a remote campus fee. HCC director Doug Pietz explained that the total cost for a class of the increase would be roughly $30, but the cost for a class through HCC is still half the cost of other remote campus options in the state – or cheaper. This was approved.
Commissioners also:
Approved the hire of Brian Peterson for a Water-Sewer Maintenance uncertified position.
Accepted the voluntary resignation of police officer Trevion Smith, effective May 8.
Approved an update to the fire chief position and approved posting and advertising the fire chief position.
Approved seasonal hires for Parks & Recreation and golf maintenance.
Approved special on-off sale alcoholic beverage license filed by Broadland Creek Golf Course for a Golf Invite scheduled for May 16-18.
Approved street closure and noise permit submitted by Hursts Corner for a bean bag tournament on June 28 closing 2nd St. SW from Dakota Ave. to the alley starting at 11 a.m.
Approved application for abatement and/or refund of property taxes for Louise Van Poll and Kathy Eining/Nathan Stevens.
Approved the public hearing for a retail on-off malt beverage and SD farm wine license for The Mat Casino at 853 21st St. SW upon final inspection by city inspector.
Approved the public hearing for retail on-off malt beverage and SD farm win license for The Back Door Casino at 853 21st St. SW once final inspection is completed.
Approved a Huron Event Center Management Agreement.
Approved the unaudited financial statements for the year 2024.
The commission concluded the public meeting and held an extended discussion regarding the city ordinances on door-to-door salesmen and temporary businesses, such as food trucks. Further work will be done before an amended ordinance and resolution on fees will come before the commission.
Finally, the commission adjourned into executive session regarding a contractual matter to conclude the evening.
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