HURON — The Huron City Commission met as the city board of adjustment Monday evening and approved a conditional use permit from HME Development for lot seven of the Broadland Creek Industrial Park to be the site of a new senior living facility.
City planner Barry Cranston explained that the facility, once completed, would have memory care, senior housing and assisted living to total 60 units. In all, the facility is expected to employ 15-20 people when fully staffed.
The meeting opened with a public forum from Commissioner Mark Robish to recognize the large crowd at WinterFest over the weekend and express his appreciation for the volunteers who spent hours preparing the event, setting up and working Saturday to ensure the community had a successful and entertaining festival.
Mayor Gary Harrington delivered the somber news that former mayor Paul Aylward passed away Sunday evening. Harrington expressed his sympathy for the family at this time and the commission, along with those in attendance, observed a moment of silence in honor of the former mayor.
City attorney Tucker Volesky explained that the city had reached a purchase agreement with Aladdin Financial Inc to acquire property on the East part of town near the current solid waste facility.
Commissioner Rich Bragg explained that this property is the only property in that area not city-owned, and with the solid waste department preparing to construct a new facility, additional space in that same area will be vital.
The purchase price for the property was negotiated at $225,000. This was approved by the commission.
The commission approved four first readings of ordinances. The first ordinance pertained to personnel regulations to repeal a residence requirement for city employees, modify funeral leave, and add spouse-equivalent and foster children to the definition of family members.
The second ordinance approved the supplemental appropriations for 2022.
The third and fourth ordinances brought building and fire codes for the city up to date from ICC 2018 regulations to ICC 2021 regulations.
All four first readings were approved, with the second reading for all four ordinances set for Jan. 30.
The commission also approved the 2022 year-end fund transfers.
Commissioners also:
• Approved a special event on-sale alcoholic beverage license filed by Top Floor Events for a Chamber Mixer on Feb. 14 at Black Tie, 350 Dakota Ave S.
• Approved the hire of Pywe Der for a Police Officer position with the Huron Police Department.
• Approved the addition of Stephanie Vaitohi to the volunteer fire department.
The commission will meet next on Monday, Jan. 30, at 5:30 p.m. in the commission room at City Hall.
