HURON — The Huron City Commission approved four variances Monday evening at the regular commission meeting with minimal discussion on the variances.

The first variance approved was filed by Mark Harvey at 759 Elliott Dr. to build a six-foot tall fence where code states that corner lots may only construct a six-foot fence in rear yards.  The planner did not foresee any issues as long as cutouts at the intersection were completed. The commission approved with that condition.

The second variance was for Southern Sun, LLC at 99 15th St. NW, the former site of Banner Engineering, to prepare, roast, and package sunflower seeds and associated products in an area zoned I-1 limited industrial district. This has been done at a location on 21st St SW without complaints, and this space would allow for a natural expansion of the business. This was approved.

The third variance request was filed by Glenn Jungemann for 800 21st St SW, Suite 1, to operate a medical cannabis dispensary, which requires a conditional use permit. The planner noted that the drive-up window for a former business in the space would need to be secured, otherwise the location meets all zoning requirements. Jungemann did explain that the window would be secured from the outside and the inside, though fully securing or removing the window would not be possible as the business is a tenant in the space. This was approved unanimously.

Finally, a conditional use permit was filed by Nai Nyan Tun and Mi Khin Myo Hlaing for 256 Wisconsin Ave. SW, the former Bucky’s and Mulligan’s location, to allow apartments on the second floor of the building. The second floor of the building was originally constructed with living spaces, but the previous owner did not obtain a conditional use permit for residence on the second floor. There will be significant remodeling done, and the recommendation was that a full set of plans stamped by a design professional be submitted to the city before a permit will be issued. This was approved, with Commissioner Shawn Harvey recusing himself due to representing parties involved in the transaction.

The city then heard from Huron Housing Authority regarding the Housing Rehabilitation program. The program submitted nine applications for grant funding this past year, with five of the projects getting funding totaling more than $94,000 in renovations to update homes in the area. Further information on the program, which is income-limited, is at huronrehab.com.

Commissioners approved two items regarding the upcoming construction on SD Hwy 37 (Dakota Ave.) through town. The first was a construction easement through the State of South Dakota for construction.

The second item was a memorandum of agreement between the Federal Highway Administration and the South Dakota Historic Preservation Office to mitigate adverse effects on historic properties along the construction route.

Commissioners also:
• Approved the appointment of Jacob Lindgren to represent the Huron Chamber on the Business Improvement District (BID) board.

The commission issued a reminder that Huron city offices will be closed December 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s. The solid waste rubble site will be closed Dec. 23-25 for Christmas and Dec. 30-Jan. 1 for New Year’s. Monday’s garbage and recycling collection on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 will be done the following Wednesday.

The next Huron City Commission meeting will be held on Friday, Dec. 29, at noon for year-end items.