by Benjamin Chase
of the Plainsman

HURON — The Huron City Commission discussed and later approved three resolutions Monday evening regarding the water and wastewater system in the city as part of loan application process through the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources.

In total, the three projects will request up to $23.6 million in state-backed loans. The first resolution requests up to $13.1 million toward improvements in the city’s water system, including replacement of water lines, drinking water capacity expansion, water meter upgrades, and other improvements that have already been put into place as part of the five-year plan for water improvement within the city’s plans.

The second resolution approved up to $7.1 million toward improvements in the city’s wastewater system, including sanitary sewer collection improvements, lift station replacements, wastewater treatment facility improvements, and other improvements. Finally, the third resolution was for up to $3.4 million toward storm water system improvements at the fairgrounds.

Assistant city engineer Dennis Bennett and City Finance Director Paullyn Carey did state that many of these projects would be funded significantly through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded to the city.

The storm water project Bennett identified was part of the construction of the DEX building on the fairgrounds.

Bennett also explained to commissioners a bid/quote item on the agenda for oil for chip sealing that the city has planned from June 15 to Sept. 15. The bid will be opened on April 19 at 2 p.m.

Commissioners questioned Bennett about the prices that could be coming in, and Bennett admitted that he is not sure what to expect in bid prices, but if the number is too high, it will simply reduce the amount of chip sealing that the city is able to do this summer.

Human Resources Director Nathan Hofer presented a Memorandum of Agreement with Condrey and Associates, Inc. for approval. The MOA approves a wage study to be done among city employees from April 15 through June 30 after discussion in a work session last week led to agreement among commissioners that a study was needed.

Commissioners also:

• Authorized the mayor to sign the annual loan renewal with the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force for the aircraft display located at 76 15th St NW.
• Set April 11 as the public hearing date to consider transfer of a 2021-2022 retail on-off sale malt beverage and SD farm wine license from Marta Enriquez, LaPatrona, 208 Dakota Ave S, to LaPatrona Restaurant LLC, LaPatrona, 208 Dakota Ave S.
• Approved refund of property taxes for 1034 Iowa Ave SE.
• Appointed election workers for April 12 election.
• Authorized Finance Director to submit 2021 Unaudited Financial Statements to the South Dakota Department of Legislative Audit.

Mayor Gary Harrington reminded Huron voters during public forum that absentee balloting for the April 12 city election is now open and will run until election day.