Proceedings

FALL RIVER COUNTY UNAPPROVED MINUTES
OF AUGUST 17, 2023
The Fall River Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on August 17, 2023. Present: Joe Allen, Les Cope, Joe Falkenburg, Heath Greenough, Deb Russell and Sue Ganje, Auditor.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given, and the meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m.
The agenda was reviewed for conflicts; none were noted. ALL MOTIONS RECORDED IN THESE MINUTES WERE PASSED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. The full context of the meeting can be found on the county website under Commissioners at http://fallriver.sdcounties.org, or on Facebook, on the Fall River County’s website.
Motion made by Allen, seconded by Russell, to approve the agenda as written.
Motion made by Russell, seconded by Allen, to approve the minutes of the County Commissioners for August 3, 2023.
Motion made by Cope, seconded by Allen, to approve the Auditor’s Account with the Treasurer’s Office for July 2023 as follows:
AUDITOR’S ACCOUNT WITH THE COUNTY TREASURER
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF
FALL RIVER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
I hereby submit the following report of my examination of the cash and cash items in the hands of the County Treasurer of this County on this 31st day of July 2023.
Total Amount of Deposit in First Interstate Bank, HS:  $650,320.06
Total Amount of Cash: $3,219.50
Total Amount of Treasurer’s Change Fund:  $900.00
Total Amount of Checks in Treasurer’s Possession Not Exceeding Three Days: $18,861.28
SAVINGS: #4) First Interstate Bank, HS: $2,515,490.28
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT: #8) Black Hills Federal Credit Union, HS: $250,000.00; #14) Schwab Treasury: $44,234.39; #15) First National Bank, Lead: $321,631.87; #21) Schwab Treasury 2 Yr: $268,226.56; #22) Schwab Treasury 2 Yr: $974,692.97; #23) Schwab Treasury 2 Yr: $976,250.00; #24) Schwab Treasury 2 Yr: $2,042,164.06; #25) Schwab Treasury 3 Yr: $1,932,187.50; #26) Schwab Treasury 4 Yr: $1,016,016.09; #27) Schwab Treasury 2 Yr: $975,827.34
Itemized list of all items, checks and drafts that have been in the Treasurer’s possession over three days:
Register of Deeds Change Fund: $500.00
Highway Petty Cash: $20.00
Election Petty Cash: $15.00
RETURNED CHECKS: Hannah Thomas: $426.01; Lewis, Harold/ Carole: $557.77
TOTAL: $11,991,540.68
Dated This 31st Day of July 2023.
/S/ Sue Ganje
Sue Ganje, County Auditor of Fall River County
/S/ Tereasa Pullen
Teresa Pullen, County Treasurer of Fall River County
County Monies: $11,549,659.64
Held for other Entities: $99,124.24
Held in Trust: $342,756.80
TOTAL: $11,991,540.68
The Above Balance Reflects County Monies, Monies Held in Trust,
and Monies Collected for and to be remitted to Other ENTITIES: SCHOOLS, TOWNS AND STATE.
Motion made by Russell, seconded by Allen, to rescind the motion regarding travel approval for Dan Cullen, VSO to attend the Annual VSO Conference in Sioux Falls on August 10 and 11, 2023 and approve the travel request for Dan Cullen, VSO to attend the Annual Veteran Service Officer Conference in Sioux Falls September 5 through 7, 2023.
Motion made by Russell, seconded by Cope, to surplus to junk a Thermal Zone Window Air Conditioner from Building Repair and Maintenance inventory.
Motion made by Russell, seconded by Cope, to approve the County to pay the Rural Attorney Program Grant in the amount of $4,379.76 to Cole J Romey, Associate Attorney at Husted Law Office, as per the contract.
There were no county assistance/death expense applications currently.
Lyle Norton, Sheriff, met with the Board with updates including the following jail count. There are 19 inmates, 14 male and 2 females with 3 being in Pennington County, 2 males and 1 female.
Norton presented the quotes for conducting a feasibility study regarding the jail. Discussion followed. Some questions included; what to do with prisoners in the event of a remodel/rebuild. Allen spoke of a previous study that included how to house prisoners in the interim.
Motion made by Greenough, seconded by Russell, to approve hiring Elevatus in the amount of $6,000.00 to conduct a feasibility study for the jail.
Norton notified the Board that the recently hired dispatcher had resigned. The Dispatch department is currently needing 3 more employees to be fully staffed.
Motion made by Greenough, seconded by Russell, to approve signing the 2024 Edgemont Law Enforcement Contract.
Frank Maynard, Emergency Manager, met with the Board. Motion made by Greenough, seconded by Allen, to approve Maynard to purchase a Kenwood handheld radio from Rushmore Communication in the amount of approximately $1,500.00.
Motion made by Cope, seconded by Allen, to approve travel for Gary Baker, assistant EM, to attend the Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluation Program training in Pierre on October 25, 2023.
Motion made by Greenough, seconded by Russell, to approve getting quotes for the Dispatch (911) UPS Backup Battery System from Rushmore Communications. Maynard is to bring the quote back to the Board for further action.
Maynard provided updates to the Board regarding the Local Emergency Operating Plan (LEOP) which is secured in the Auditor’s vault, along with the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan (PDM) is also secured in the Auditor’s vault. He is required to report about them to governing bodies annually.
Maynard reported that he has submitted documents to Safety Benefits for the year. The Safety Benefits Conference and Awards will be November 1 and 2, 2023 in Pierre. He also provided updates to the Board on fires and incidents. He noted that the contract with the seat planes that had been positioned at the Hot Springs Municipal Airport had expired and they were pulled from that post. However, there is 1 seat plane in Alliance, NE that can be dispatched to the area.
Discussion continued about seat planes and, the Oelrichs Volunteer Fire Department assisting with a Signal 2 incident providing traffic control until after dark. Maynard recommended that the fire department purchase a stop sign with a light for safety.
Randy Seiler, Highway Superintendent, met with the Board. Motion made by Russell, seconded by Allen, to approve the permit to occupy County Highway Right-of-Way submitted by Golden West Telecommunications as GW Project # ID# 2582/WO# T23278.
Motion made by Allen, seconded by Russell, to approve the application for approach permit from Angostura Recreation Area/GF&P for a request to construct an approach road connection to the North side of Highland Rd, #71B approximately at 71D & 71 to serve a water access.
Motion made by Russell, seconded by Allen, to approve the application for approach permit from Chris or Cheryl Hageman for a request to construct an approach road connection to the North side of East Oral Rd, #2 approximately at address 14290 to serve a residence.
Motion made by Russell, seconded by Allen, to approve the purchase of a new TrailKing Model TKBD22-43 from Butler Machinery at a cost of $64,065.44. With Greenough and Cope voting no, all others voting yes, motion carried.
The Board reviewed the additional Minimum Maintenance Road policies that were provided. Discussion was held.
Motion made by Russell, seconded by Allen, to use the portion of Pennington County’s Ordinance 14 that defines maintenance levels as follows: Minimum Maintenance and snow removal. Maintenance and snow removal will be as determined by the Highway Department, but generally aggregate surfaces will be maintained once or twice a year. Mowing will be conducted only as required for efficient maintenance and proper drainage to occur at least 1 time per year. With Greenough voting no, all others voting yes, motion carried.
Motion made by Russell, seconded by Allen, to accept the low and only bid of $3.74/gallon of 8,000 gallons of #2 diesel fuel from Nelson’s Oil and Gas.
Seiler updated the Board that the department has been blading roads; there are 2 broken mowers that should be operational within the next week. Greenough spoke to Seiler that he doesn’t think that the gravel provided by Simons meets specifications.
Lily Heidebrink, Director of Equalization, met with the Board. Motion made by Greenough, seconded by Allen, to approve the abatement of $1,979.37 for AY 22/Pay 23 2nd ½ taxes and to refund the Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church $1,319.58 for partial overpayment of AY 22/Pay 23 1st ½ taxes, totaling $3,298.95. Parcel #755000320000400.
Motion made by Allen, seconded by Russell, to approve travel and to include overnight accommodations for Heidebrink to attend the SDAAO Sales Ratio School in Rapid City September 18-22, 2023. With Greenough and Cope voting no, all others voting yes, motion carried.
Motion made by Allen, seconded by Russell, to approve travel for Sam Kipp and Jonathan Harris, both Assessors in Training, to attend the required SDAAO Basics Course in Pierre October 2-6, 2023.
Joe Falkenburg, Board Chairman, referenced the article that was provided in the Commissioner’s packets about property taxes in Wyoming. He noted that it was similar to recent proposals in South Dakota. Falkenburg referenced the Opposition of using Eminent Domain for Carbon Capture Pipeline letter from Bon Homme County that was presented at the last meeting. The County drafted a similar letter that was signed by all Commissioners and sent to the following: Governor Kristi Noem, Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden, Attorney General Marty Jackley, South Dakota Association of County Commissioners, County Commissioners of affected counties; Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Clark, Codington, Edmunds, Hamlin, Hand, Hyde, Kingsbury, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, McPherson, Minnehaha, Moody Spink, Sully and Turner. Lastly, Falkenburg addressed the article in the Commissioners packets regarding emissions regulations that are not approved by Congress, but by decree.
Motion made by Greenough, seconded by Allen to approve the bills as follows:
General Fund: Alex Air Apparatus 2, Llc, Air Apparatus Compre, $26,499.00; Cura Hospitality, Inmate Meals, $12,333.00; A-Z Shredding Inc, Shredding, $57.10; Black Hills Chemical, Supply, $288.62; Cameron, George, Court Reporter, $72.03; Centralsquare, Zuercher/Law Enforem, $19,251.31; Century Business Leasing, Copier Lease & Usage, $379.87; Century Business Leasing, Copier Lease & Meter, $1,055.65; Cheyenne Sanitation, Sanitation Collectio, $376.73; Consolidated Electrical, Semi-Annual Generato, $844.70; Correct Rx Pharmacy Serv., Inmate Pharmacy, $43.84; Culligan Soft Water, Rental/Supply, $223.50; Executive Mgmt Finance, Bit Network Fees, $52.75; Fall River Auto Supply, Supply, $146.88; Fall River County Herald, Publication, $26.40; Golden West Technologies, It Support/Contract, $6,376.68; Golden West, Phone Bill/Long Dist, $2,185.60; Grant Writing Usa, Grant Writing Manage, $990.00; Harris, Jonathan, Travel Reimbursement, $94.00; Hayes, Susie, Reissue Outstanding, $148.36; Heidebrink, Lily, Travel Reimbursement, $94.00; Hot Springs Ace Hardware, Supply, $118.41; City Of Hot Springs, City Water Bill, $894.41; Hustead Law Office, P.C., Caaf/Mag/Mi, $3,065.99; Quadient Leasing Usa, Inc, Postage Machine Leas, $760.80; Marco, Copier Lease, $213.14; Marty’s Tire & Auto Body, Repair/Service, $3,152.00; Massa Dental Offices Pc, Inmate Medical, $34.00; Mastel, Bruce, Database Setup & Mon, $35.00; Maverick Tire & Auto, Service, $70.96; McGlumphy, Erin, Travel Reimbursement, $529.09; Microfilm Imaging Systems, Scanning Equip Lease, $140.00; Quadient Finance Usa, Inc, Postage, $1,818.42; Newman Signs Inc., Signage, $2,066.87; Onsite First Aid, Llc , First Aid, $73.90; Penn Co Sts Attny Office, Qmhp/Mi, $215.00; Pennington County Jail, Inmate Housing Penni, $5,130.00; Pennington County Jail, Transport, $501.12; Quill Corporation, Supplies, $103.76; Rapid Rooter, Service, $510.00; Rushmore Communications, Service, $345.00; Safety Benefits Inc, 2023 Annual Safety C, $75.00; Sd Department Of Health, Blood Draw Analysis, $685.00; Sd Dept Of Revenue, Auto/Mi State Remitt, $60.00; Sdaao, 2023 Annual Assessor, $350.00; Sdvsoa, Conference Registrat, $50.00; Servall, Rugs And Mats Servic, $411.05; Sig Sauer Inc., Equipment, $1,498.00; Software Services Inc, Software Services, $1,100.00; Sonny’s Super Foods, Supply, $35.64; Stevens Automotive, Service, $875.20; Haskvitz, Laree, Blood Draw, $300.00; Trugreen Commercial, Service, $47.23; Vanguard Appraisals Inc, Service Contract, $175.00; Western Sd Juv Serv Ctr, Juvenile Services, $1,800.00; Romey, Cole, Rural Attorney Progr, $4,379.76; Freshour, Bethany, Refund, $99.40; Olovich, George, Reissue Check#76022, $343.85; Total For General Fund: $103,603.02
County Road & Bridge: Cheyenne Sanitation, Sanitation Collectio, $79.00; Floyd’s Truck Center, Parts, $734.82; Golden West Technologies, It Support/Contract, $8.25; Golden West, Phone Bill/Long Dist, $256.61; Grant Writing Usa, Grant Writing Manage, $495.00; Hot Springs Ace Hardware, Supply, $33.97; City Of Hot Springs, City Water Bill, $41.45; Nelsons Oil & Gas Inc., Utility, $62,833.38; Safety Benefits Inc, 2023 Annual Safety C, $75.00; Sd Dept Of Transportation, Chilson Bridge Proje, $504,330.87; Total For County Road And Bridge: $568,888.35
911 Surcharge Reimbursement: Century Business Leasing, Copier Lease & Meter, $128.95; Golden West Technologies, It Support/Contract, $8.25; Golden West, Phone Bill/Long Dist, $850.64; Onsite First Aid, Llc, First Aid, $36.95; Quintana, Veronica, Uniform Allowance, $164.73; Rapid City Medical Center, Pre-Employment Physi, $172.00; Total For 911 Surcharge Reimbursement: $1,361.52
Emergency Management: Computer Repair W/Therapy, New Computer, $1,409.99; Consolidated Electrical, Semi-Annual Generato, $250.00; Golden West Technologies, It Support/Contract, $16.50; Golden West, Phone Bill/Long Dist, $179.80; Hot Springs Ace Hardware, Supply, $54.85; Lynns Dakotamart, Supply, $14.00; Marco, Copier Lease, $106.56; Quadient Finance Usa, Inc, Postage, $4.75; Safety Benefits Inc, 2023 Annual Safety C, $75.00; Total For Emergency Management: $2,111.45
Courthouse Building Fund: Harvey’s Lock & Security, Part, $107.09; Hot Springs Ace Hardware, Supply, $71.58; Wilson Electric, Service  , $678.55; Total For Courthouse Building Fund, $857.22
Total Paid Between 8-4 & 8-17, 2023, $676,821.56
Break was taken at 9:53 a.m.
Meeting resumed at 10:04 a.m. Public comment was heard from Heath Greenough. He reported that he had spoken with Amy Ferley, Edgemont School Superintendent, about the new heavy equipment simulators at the Edgemont School. He stated that Barker Concrete was going to utilize them for heavy equipment training and recommended the County Highway Department do the same. Cope and Seiler reported that they had visited the Solar Farm stating that their full capacity is 100 megawatts, but 80 megawatts is what they are permitted to do. They had been told that the damaged panels get sent to Utah. They also noted that the fence that was built around the substation was constructed with wood posts and sheep wire instead of chain link that was the original type of fence the Solar Farm had indicated. It is their intention to put 300-400 head of sheep around the Solar Farm. Lastly, they stated that, in 30 years, everything will be put back to the way it was
Stacey Martin, GIS Coordinator, met with the Board. Motion made by Allen, seconded by Cope, to approve quote and payment to Newman Signs, Inc. in the amount of $4,673.08 for the 911 address sign replacement project.
Dustin Ross, Andersen Engineers, called prior to the meeting to withdraw the proposed Shep’s Canyon Plat that was on the agenda.
Sue Ganje, Auditor, met with the Board to present taxes to be levied, noting the allowable CPI and growth, and presented a Provisional Budget for their consideration. Falkenburg questioned why the Sheriff budget was up so much. Norton noted that they are hoping to purchase 2 new vehicles per year, that he had hired an 8th Deputy and that the recent wage increases were not included in the 2023 budget.
Motion made by Russell, seconded by Allen, to table the approval of the Provisional Budget until after executive session.
Motion made by Greenough, seconded by Cope, to go into executive session to discuss personnel at 10:41 a.m. as per SDCL 1- 25-2(1) personnel, and SDCL 1 -25-2(3) legal.
The Board came out of executive session at 11:12 a.m.
Motion made by Greenough, seconded by Allen, to take the approval of the Provisional Budget off the table.
Motion made by Russell, seconded by Allen, to approve the 2024 Provisional Budget.
Chairman Falkenburg declared the Board to be in recess at 11:13 a.m. and will be back in session at 1:00 p.m.
Chairman Falkenburg declared the Board back in session at 1:06 p.m.
Motion made by Cope, seconded by Greenough, to go into executive session as per SDCL 1-25-2(1) personnel, at 1:06 p.m.
The Board came out of executive session at 2:00 p.m.
Motion made by Allen, seconded by Russell, to accept Carlo Gibson’s resignation, effective immediately.
Motion made by Greenough, seconded by Russell, to adjourn at 2:02 p.m.
/s/ Joe Falkenburg
Joe Falkenburg, Chairman
Board of Fall River County Commissioners
ATTEST:
/s/ Sue Ganje, Auditor
Sue Ganje, Auditor
Fall River County
Published once at the total approximate cost of $211.20
and can be viewed free of charge at www.sdpublicnotices.com
Published: Aug. 31, 2023