OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Vermillion City Council Regular Meeting – September 16, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, September 16, 2025
BodyVermillion, South Dakota
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 16, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:28:35

Transcript — Verbatim
0:10

We will call the city of meeting uh city of Vermillion regular scheduled meeting for 6 p.m.

0:14

Monday, September 15th to order.

0:16

We can leave call roll.

0:18

Taller Lieber Price Holland Genoine Hellwig Cheesman here Murray Mayor Cole.

0:25

Here will you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance?

0:29

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:53

Uh from September 2nd, 2025, the joint meeting with the Clay County, the special meeting, and then also the uh regular scheduled meeting.

1:03

Is there any changes to the minutes for motion to approve?

1:08

I move to approve.

1:10

Motion to approved by Councillor Holland, second by counselor price.

1:12

Any discussion on the minutes?

1:14

All in favor say aye.

1:16

Aye.

1:17

Opposed say nay.

1:19

Minutes are approved.

1:20

Uh adoption of the agenda.

1:22

Is everyone had a chance to review the agenda?

1:24

If so, is there a uh motion to adopt?

1:26

Is there any changes to the agenda?

1:28

Councilor Toller.

1:31

Uh I'd like to add an executive session uh at the end of it.

1:35

There's a motion to adopt the agenda with an executive session at the end of it.

1:41

Uh is there a second for that?

1:44

You need to stay subject, don't you?

1:45

Uh subject for legal matters.

1:48

Legal matters for legal matters.

1:51

Is there a second on that?

1:52

I'll second.

1:53

Second by counselor Holland.

1:54

Any discussion on the agenda?

1:57

I was uh in favor of the agenda as adopted, signified by saying aye.

2:02

Aye opposed to saying nay agendas clarifying question.

2:07

Do we need a roll call vote or a vote for adding the executive session?

2:14

Or just as amended.

2:17

I believe that the uh the motion was to adopt it with that amendment.

2:21

Correct.

2:22

So I think we're okay.

2:23

Is that correct, Council Toller?

2:26

Yes.

2:26

That workout legal.

2:27

Yes, in my legal opinion, or just my opinion.

2:31

That's her for her legal opinion.

2:33

Yes, thank you.

2:36

Um visitors to be heard.

2:39

Uh for visitors to be heard, please use the uh the mic at the podium.

2:43

State your name and an address under visitors to be heard.

2:46

Uh each visitors to be heard will speak for five minutes on any topic that's not on the agenda.

2:53

An agenda item, public testimony will be taken at the beginning of each agenda item after the subject has been announced and explained by the staff.

3:01

Any citizen who wishes to speak under any agenda item may speak for one time for five minutes.

3:07

Public testimony will then be closed and topic given to the governing body for possible action.

3:12

At that time, only city council members and staff may discuss the agenda item unless a council member moves to allow another person to speak, and there's unanimous consent.

3:20

Questions, however, from the council may be directed to staff or member of the public through the presiding officer at any time.

3:27

On that, is there any visitors to be heard on any item that is not on the agenda tonight?

3:33

Seeing none, uh first public hearing we have uh is an authorized the application of 2.02 million dollars for community development block grant awarded for renovations of the boys and girls club building at 300th high street.

3:53

How are you doing?

3:54

My name is Nick West McBain.

3:56

Um I'm the facility chief of facilities for the Northern Plains of the Boys and Girls Club.

4:01

Um today we're looking to uh have you guys be our representative for the community block grant um with this.

4:10

Uh we're trying to make our facility uh the old elementary school into a better facility for our community.

4:18

Um, with that, we're trying to do some renovations that um that have occurred.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████20%
Utilities Management████████████████16%
Zoning And Land Use███████████████15%
Cannabis Regulation███████████11%
Community Engagement██████████10%
Public Engagement███████7%
Economic Development███████7%
Budget Equity Analysis██████6%
Public Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Vermillion City Council Regular Meeting – September 16, 2025

The Vermillion City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, September 15, 2025 (transcript dated September 16) at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The agenda covered budget approvals, zoning changes, wastewater rate adjustments, liquor license amendments, a TIF developer agreement, and several resolutions. The council approved all second readings, held public hearings, and tabled two items for further stakeholder input. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session at 7:28 p.m.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes: Approved minutes from the September 2, 2025 joint meeting with Clay County, special meeting, and regular meeting.
  • Agenda: Adopted as amended to add an executive session for legal matters.
  • Visitors to be Heard: No public comment on non‑agenda items.

Public Hearings

  • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application for Boys & Girls Club: Nick West McBain, facility chief for Northern Plains Boys & Girls Club, presented a request for the city to sponsor a $2.02 million CDBG grant for renovations at 300 High Street. The project includes roof, window, HVAC, security upgrades (80 cameras), and a commercial kitchen. The city would pass through funds. No public testimony. The council later approved the resolution authorizing the application (see New Business).
  • First Reading – Ordinance 1541 (Rezone 1313 West Cherry Street): City Planner Jose presented a request to rezone approximately two acres from General Business (GB) to R3 Residential to allow apartment development. The planning commission recommended approval 7‑0. Council advanced the ordinance to second reading on October 6, 2025.

Old Business (Second Readings)

  • Ordinance 1538 (Rezone 440 Adam Street): Rezone from R2/R4 to R3, effective June 1, 2026. Roll call vote: 6‑0. Approved.
  • Ordinance 1539 (2025 Budget Revision): Adjusted appropriations including TIF 8 demolition costs ($449,000), sales tax rebate, and tennis/pickleball facility. Roll call: 6‑0. Approved.
  • Ordinance 1540 (2026 Budget): Adopted with rate increases for sanitary sewer, curbside recycling ($3.90 to $4.00/month), and stormwater fee. Roll call: 6‑0. Approved.

New Business

  • Midco Annual Franchise Presentation: Brian Crump reported 2024 metrics: 1,700+ truck rolls, 95% first‑time right, 94% on‑time arrival, 9.8/10 customer satisfaction, average repair time 2.2 hours. Network extended to 8 new businesses, 1 apartment building, 3 single‑family homes. Total construction investment: $92,855. No action required.
  • Wastewater Rate Adjustment Resolution: Approved increasing rates to 211% (effective April 2027) to meet loan requirements for the $23.1 million wastewater treatment plant improvements. Average monthly bill for 4,346 gallons will increase from $52.56 to $65.23 ($12.68/month). Council noted the increase is a year and a half away and may be reduced if less funding is borrowed.
  • Revenue Bond Authorization for Wastewater Treatment Facility: Authorized up to $23.1 million in revenue bonds at 3.25% interest over 30 years. Approved.
  • First Reading – Ordinance 1543 (Special Alcohol Beverage Licenses): Proposed to allow current liquor license holders to sell alcohol at off‑premise special events and to allow on‑sale liquor for special licenses. Public comment from Chad Grunwald (Lumber Co.) and Blaine Schulerman (Bunions) expressed concerns about nonprofits selling liquor and market saturation. Council tabled the item to October 20, 2025 for further input from license holders.
  • Resolution on Full‑Service Restaurant Liquor License Fee: Proposed to set the fee at $70,000 (down from $95,000). Public testimony from Chad Grunwald and Garner Hanson (Docks Bar) urged tabling for more input. Council postponed to October 20, 2025.
  • TIF #12 Developer Agreement with AMS Building Systems: Approved for 502 Cottage, maximum TIF of $1,107,917 over 20 years. Includes $15,000 administration fee and performance standards.
  • CDBG Sponsorship Resolution for Boys & Girls Club: Approved authorizing the application and designating the Mayor as certifying officer.
  • Historic Preservation Commission Appointments: Reappointed Dedrick Vanderhill and William Denninger for three‑year terms.
  • First Reading – Ordinance 1542 (Rural Service District Addition): Added Marv Tract 1 and Munger Tract 4 to the rural service district for tax purposes. Approved.
  • Final Plat – Blue Stem Trail Edition: Approved 15‑acre plat near East Clark and Crawford Road for future development.
  • First Reading – Ordinance 1544 (Ward Boundaries): Updated ward boundaries to reflect recent annexations. Advanced to second reading.
  • Resolution in Support of Solera LLC for SD Housing Development Authority Loan: Approved name change from Stencil Group to Solera LLC for a low‑interest loan.
  • Fireworks Permit for Dakota Days: Approved for October 3, 2025 (rain date October 4) at Polaris parking lot.

City Manager’s Report

  • Special meeting September 22 at noon for USDA ambulance grant public hearing.
  • Joint powers board meeting September 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Yankton City Hall.
  • Planning commission meeting September 22 at 5:30 p.m. (rezone 1200 West Main, conditional use permit for veterinarian).
  • Housing survey open through September 26.
  • Openings on BID #1 board (owner/manager of lodging) and Historic Preservation Commission; expressions of interest due September 25.
  • Homecoming parade September 19 from 1‑3 p.m., Main Street closures.
  • Library awarded exemplary accreditation by South Dakota State Library.

Invoices Payable

  • Approved as presented.

Key Outcomes

  • All second readings and resolutions approved as listed.
  • Ordinance 1543 and the restaurant liquor license fee resolution tabled to October 20, 2025 for further stakeholder input.
  • Council entered executive session at 7:28 p.m. for legal matters.

Meeting Transcript

We will call the city of meeting uh city of Vermillion regular scheduled meeting for 6 p.m. Monday, September 15th to order. We can leave call roll. Taller Lieber Price Holland Genoine Hellwig Cheesman here Murray Mayor Cole. Here will you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. Uh from September 2nd, 2025, the joint meeting with the Clay County, the special meeting, and then also the uh regular scheduled meeting. Is there any changes to the minutes for motion to approve? I move to approve. Motion to approved by Councillor Holland, second by counselor price. Any discussion on the minutes? All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. Minutes are approved. Uh adoption of the agenda. Is everyone had a chance to review the agenda? If so, is there a uh motion to adopt? Is there any changes to the agenda? Councilor Toller. Uh I'd like to add an executive session uh at the end of it. There's a motion to adopt the agenda with an executive session at the end of it. Uh is there a second for that? You need to stay subject, don't you? Uh subject for legal matters. Legal matters for legal matters. Is there a second on that? I'll second. Second by counselor Holland. Any discussion on the agenda? I was uh in favor of the agenda as adopted, signified by saying aye. Aye opposed to saying nay agendas clarifying question. Do we need a roll call vote or a vote for adding the executive session? Or just as amended. I believe that the uh the motion was to adopt it with that amendment. Correct. So I think we're okay. Is that correct, Council Toller? Yes. That workout legal. Yes, in my legal opinion, or just my opinion. That's her for her legal opinion. Yes, thank you. Um visitors to be heard. Uh for visitors to be heard, please use the uh the mic at the podium. State your name and an address under visitors to be heard. Uh each visitors to be heard will speak for five minutes on any topic that's not on the agenda. An agenda item, public testimony will be taken at the beginning of each agenda item after the subject has been announced and explained by the staff. Any citizen who wishes to speak under any agenda item may speak for one time for five minutes. Public testimony will then be closed and topic given to the governing body for possible action.

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