HURON — Highway department superintendent Jason Fritzsche led off the Beadle County Commission meeting Tuesday morning with a report on the new highway department building.
Fritzsche informed the commission that an MEP substantial completion review had been done this past week, and he was awaiting the results.
Commissioner Denis Drake reported that he was present for the inspection and a number of minor deficiencies were noted that needed to be cleaned up before the building will be finished, but Fritzsche did note that much of the major work is done, and he and his crew could begin moving fully into the new facility soon.
As part of that eventual move, a floor scrubber was approved for purchase from Fastenal at a cost of $3,517.99. Drake mentioned that the cleaning crew of the courthouse would also be interested in a similar machine, and Fritzsche stated that he would check with the maintenance staff about potentially working together to purchase something that could work in both places.
The wage rate for summer workers in the highway department was discussed as Fritzsche mentioned that finding seasonal help at $13 per hour is difficult when competing with multiple options that pay $15 per hour or more.
After discussion, the commission chose to raise the rate of pay for seasonal highway workers to $14.50 per hour starting wage.
The commission approved the resignation of a jailer and approved the hire of seasonal employees for the museums.
A variance request was heard regarding a church proposed at 39588 US Hwy 14. The joint planning commission and the city have both approved the variance. The property owner, Eh Shee, was present and discussed the plans for the ground and his comfort with his neighbors. The variance was approved with a “right to farm” included would the church property be platted off in the future.
The commission will meet next on April 11 at 9:30 a.m. in the commission room at the courthouse.
