HURON Megan Hogle of the Huron Senior Center gave the semi-annual update to the Huron City Commission Monday evening, focusing on the changes that Meals on Wheels has made due to funding cuts for programs that fund the service.
She explained that the state funds services from Monday through Friday, so weekend meals are now the responsibility of the recipient at a cost of $5 per meal. That is still less than cost for each meal, but Hogle explained that further changes in the funding model could still be coming, and that could require full cost for each weekend meal.
Hogle also explained that the state is working on a system that would allow someone to eat in Huron or eat in Sioux Falls when doing shopping or doctoring and allowing the state to track that to better determine the number of people who are accessing the services.
She continued by explaining the work that is needed on the HVAC system in the Senior Center building. The cost is prohibitive, so finding responsible options within budget is a challenge.
The meeting opened with Mayor Mark Robish and Commissioner Bryan Smith both expressing their gratitude for those who put time into the Dusting Off Dakota event on July 3. Both expressed how much fun it was to see the number of people downtown, in spite of the heat, to celebrate the progress that has been made in the last 14 months.
Solid Waste Superintendent Dale Fortin presented a request to purchase seven recycling containers for the new solid waste facility at a cost of $75,435. The container cost will be offset by a 30% grant.
Fortin then discussed the timeline for the new kiosk system to open for Huron residents to scan a drivers license and access containers and yard waste disposal areas. He stated that solid waste staff would likely help the community as they learn the system.
Huron Police Chief Derek Layher presented a capital assets request to purchase a new call recording system for the dispatch area. He reported that funds would come from the budgeted cost for upgrades on the dispatch system, which came in significantly below budget. With the additional cost for the recorder of $23,941.25, Layher reported that the department was still under budget for the budget line of $75,000 for the overall project.
Commissioners also:
Approved a raffle permit for Huron Hockey Association to do Chase the Ace at Scoreboard beginning July 21.
Accepted the voluntary resignation of Bruce Hartley, water/sewer treatment 3, effective August 22 and thanked Hartley for more than 19 years of service to the city.
Approved to post internally for a water/sewer treatment 3 position.
Approved the seasonal hire of Carol Tschetter for Memorial Golf Pro Shop Attendant.
Approved a pay request to BX Civil & Construction for Dakota Ave. improvements for $611,850.97.
Approved the request to bid for a live floor trailer for Solid Waste Department with a $130,000 budget.
Approved a hold harmless agreement between Huron Public Library and Wolsey-Wessington School District for a mailbox to conduct a remote library returns and delivery.
After the regular meeting, the commission met with department heads to discuss marketing and social media plans for the city. They closed the evening with a contractual executive session.
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