HURON The Huron City Commission heard semi-annual reports from South Dakota State Fair and Greater Huron Development at Monday evenings meeting.
Peggy Besch, manager of the State Fair, opened her report by discussing the newly-constructed SHED building to host open class sheep at the Fair. The SHED will have a grand opening on August 28 at 2 p.m. Besch was excited to report that a national sheep show has already booked The SHED with another national show in negotiations right now.
She updated the commission on projects around the fairgrounds over the past year, including the new roofs on the dairy barn and Dakotaland Museum, LED lighting changeover throughout the grounds, and campground water and sewer updates that should be completed before Fair.
Besch reported that 291 evens were hosted at the fairgrounds over the past year.
Ted Haeder, CEO/President of Greater Huron Development Corporation (GHDC), followed Besch. He reported that GHDC has three focuses – the downtown business area, housing development, and workforce development.
Haeder explained the continued work to occupy lots in the Southtown development and have the first lot sold in the Dogleg Court development. He reported that Peaceful Pines Senior Living is on pace to fill the 61 units at their facility by the end of 2025.
A new housing study done by an outside source is in the plans as the last outside housing study was done more than a decade ago.
Haeder also informed the commission that GHDC has made $1.4 million of investments in the downtown area. He specifically highlighted the 21 facade grants and the painting and signage work to help businesses improve their buildings.
The commission also:
Approved the full-time status of Wanda Barthelman, executive secretary for the finance/governing board, for completing her probationary period.
Approved Aristeo Escobar-Salanic as a swimming lesson instructor after obtaining certification.
Approved two raffle permits for Huron Elks Lodge #444, the first a gun raffle to begin on August 15 and the second a cow pie drop raffle to begin on September 27.
Approved a raffle permit submitted by Little Blossom Learning Center for Chase the Ace to be held at 21st Street Casino beginning July 30.
Approved a fireworks public display permit submitted by Mike Hofer for an event at the SD State Fairgrounds on August 2.
Approved the addition of one full-time solid waste maintenance 1 position and approved posting for the position.
Approved the request from the fire department for water rescue gear at the cost of $4,319.46.
Approved a memorandum of understanding with Dakota State University to assist with cybersecurity initiatives stemming from SB187.
Approved an engagement letter with Aaron Scheibe of May, Adam, Gerdes & Thompson LLP to provide legal services to the City of Huron, effective August 1.
The commission then adjourned the public meeting and held a work session to discuss a potential FEMA grant for work at Memorial Ballpark.
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