by Benjamin Chase
of the Plainsman
HURON –– The Huron City Commission approved the purchase of a new ladder truck for the Huron Fire Department at its regular meeting Monday evening. The cost of the truck is $1,677,380.
Commissioner Shawn Harvey explained to the commission that Feld Fire of Olevette, Mo., presented the bid for the truck, including training for the department staff on use of the new truck.
The intention is to have the truck ordered as soon as possible in order to have the truck “in hand” by May, according to Harvey. Commissioner Rich Bragg noted that this expenditure has been foreseen for some time, which is why there is money in reserve for the expenditure. Finance Director Paullyn Carey explained that funding for the truck would be taken from second penny tax receipts and reserves. This was approved.
The meeting opened with a public forum notice from Comm. Harvey that the Huron Fire Department, along with other local departments, would be doing training on Saturday, March 21, at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds. Huron residents may see smoke as multiple buildings were set for demolition, and the department is utilizing that demolition as an opportunity for training.
City Engineer Brett Runge presented a quote for a fleet SUV from Iverson Auto in the amount of $36,139, which is taken from state bid. This was approved.
Commissioners approved an agreement to pave over existing BNSF railroad tracks at Market St. and Third St. as the tracks are no longer in use. Runge explained that planning will be done on ramping to the new paving, and he also noted that the tracks cannot be removed, which could potentially lead to more maintenance than a typical fresh paving.
The commission approved a final payment to Lot Pros, Inc. for asphalt concrete crack sealing for $55,874.10, with a $5,000 decrease change order also approved.
A plat for a metal recycling center at the former Huron Dressed Beef location northwest of Huron was approved.
TIF No. 9 was considered for High Plains Premium Beef. With members of the organization present, commissioners heard about the plans for a spring groundbreaking and 18 months of construction. They were also informed that, though the plant will process 150 head of cattle per day at full capacity, it will take multiple months after opening before the plant will be up to that capacity. The plant also intends to employ 100 staff at full capacity. This was approved.
Commissioners also:
– Rescinded an offer of employment for the Solid Waste Maintenance 1 position and authorized posting and advertising to fill the vacancy.
– Approved the 2026 seasonal employment for Day Camp staff and Splash Central Waterpark for 16 staff members.
– Approved the annual inventory report with the National Museum of the US Air Force for the aircraft display located at 76 15th St. NW.
– Approved the fireworks display permit submitted by Danny Hofer for July 4 at Ravine Lake.
– Approved the second reading for edits to the Historic Preservation ordinance 228-23-419.
– Approved the first reading of ordinance 2282-23-419 regarding vacation rentals to allow vacation rental homes in districts B2 and B3 as an allowed use.
– Approved $20,425.06 additional funds for flow meters at the Water Treatment Plant to be taken from reserve funds.
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