HURON — The Huron City Commission on Monday evening denied a request from Vincent and Tarin Oyler to waive the sidewalk requirement for new construction being done in the Lake Heights addition. The denial brought back a discussion on sidewalk requirements.

While all new building projects after Jan. 1, 2021 were to require sidewalks with no exceptions, according to the city commission, Commissioner Rich Bragg understood the reasoning for Oyler’s request.

“I drove by there and saw what you are talking about,” Bragg stated, referring to the comment by Tarin Oyler that they would be the lone house in the development with a sidewalk if the request was denied. “There has been construction done since that 2021 date, and it got past our city offices, so that will be fixed.”

Commissioners and Mayor Mark Robish explained that many years of research and discussion have gone into the “right” way to handle sidewalk requests, noting that if a program came out to help the city assist with funds for sidewalk construction, requirements on old construction through the city would likely be enforced.

The commission voted unanimously to deny the waiver.

Commissioners approved a training program for department heads with Mitchell Technical College, through their leadership program. This could lead to a long-term partnership if the program works well for the city.

To open the meeting, Mayor Robish addressed a group of staff and clients with Center For Independence to deliver a proclamation recognizing Direct Support Professionals Week.

“This was actually last week (Sept. 8-14), but we didn’t have everything together on our side, so we would like to apologize, first and foremost, and also thank you for all of the work you do for so many in our community,” Robish said.

Commissioners also:
• Approved the resignation of Dan Campbell from the Board of Historic Preservation.

The commission adjourned into executive sessions on negotiations and personnel before holding a work session on the 2025 budget.