by Benjamin Chase
of the Plainsman
HURON –– The Huron City Commission approved a large change order as part of the regular meeting Monday at City Hall. City engineer Brett Runge presented the change order from BX Civil & Construction for Dakota Ave. improvements in the amount of $187,251.39.
Runge stated, “This is a balancing change order. We didn’t use certain items for the project, so this is evening those out for a decrease.”
Runge also noted that there are a few items left to finalize the project, specifically mentioning the irrigation system. The change order was approved.
City commissioner Shawn Harvey led the meeting in the absence of Mayor Mark Robish. The meeting opened with a number of items during public forum.
The commission first heard from Mary Ann Winter regarding traffic and parking issues at her residence. After hearing her concerns, the commission referred her to the public safety committee.
She was followed by Gayle Kludt, representing the Huron Rising 2.0 child care committee. She discussed progress toward getting daycare providers registered with the city moving forward. Kludt explained the potential safety implications of having all daycares registered if anything like a fire or natural disaster were to happen that affect the neighborhood or address of a daycare.
Commissioner Bryan Smith explained that Ninth Street SW from the softball complex to the truck bypass in order to pave that street. This work began Tuesday and will continue through the end of April. Residents are encouraged to find alternative routes.
Commissioner Rhonda Kludt reported on a fire on one of the compost piles that was quickly put out by the fire department. She explained that reports were made to the state. She also reminded residents that yard waste containers are now going to be picked up on regular trash and recycling pickup day.
Harvey read a proclamation acknowledging Arbor Day, which is Friday, April 24, in South Dakota. Parks and Recreation Director Chad Schroder accepted the proclamation.
The commission approved the second reading of ordinance 2280-5-138 to establish a video lottery fee within the city and then also approved resolution 2026-01 to set the terms of those fees at $50 per video lottery machine operated by a licensed establishment within the city.
The commission also approved the Huron Police Department’s request to apply for two grants. The first is a Homeland Security Grand for up to $152,634.70 for 25 portable radios. The second is a South Dakota Highway Safety 80/20 Grant for $15,000 and an 80/20 grant for three PBT units. Chief Derek Layher stated that if the grants are awarded, items could be purchased in the fall of 2026.
Commissioners also:
– Approved the classification change for Cody Campbell from Water-Sewer Maintenance uncertified to Maintenance I after obtaining state certification.
– Approved the 2026 seasonal employment for staff at Broadland Creek Pro Shop, Memorial Pro Shop, golf maintenance, Parks and Recreation, and Splash Central water park.
– Approved a parade permit for the July 4 parade.
– Approved alcoholic beverage consumption in a public area permits for downtown Huron for activities on July 3 and July 4.
– Approved a special alcoholic beverage license for 1 OAK Events for a Chamber Mixer on May 12 at Huron School District Foundation, 501 Wisconsin Ave. SW.
– Approved a special alcoholic beverage license for Hurst’s Corner for a wedding on May 16 at the Campus Center.
– Set May 4 as the public hearing date to consider 2026-2027 malt beverage and South Dakota farm wine license renewals.
– Approved a phone system upgrade through the IT department.
The commission concluded the public meeting and then entered a work session regarding the possibility of hiring a city administrator for the city government. No action was taken during this session.
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