Vermillion City Council Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Vermillion City Council met on March 2, 2026 (continuing into March 3) to address a range of items including a public hearing on a special assessment, approval of a consultant agreement for a utility crossing, annexation of land, notification to the electric co-op, purchase of a bucket truck, and a proclamation for Women's History Month. The meeting also featured a presentation from Feeding Vermilion and recognition of community achievements.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the February 17, 2026 special and regular meetings.
• Adopted the agenda.
• Approved consent agenda items: invoices, fuel quotes, resolution for sale of real property (Jolly Edition), final plat for Lot 1 Light and Power Edition, $25,000 for the Grover Million Pledge Payment for the East Side Facility Plan Study, a wastewater treatment improvement project, and a resolution to purchase a solid waste loader for joint powers.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Greg Merrigan, on behalf of the Feeding Vermilion board, presented the annual report and thanked the council for support. He described seven programs: Welcome Table (free community meals), Community Food Pantry, Tanager Shopping (special hours for students), Tanager Delivery (weekend meals to schools), Golden Chair (homebound deliveries), School Supplies (about 300 bags annually), and Brain Boost (600 snacks daily to all elementary students). He noted no paid employees (all are paid by United Way) and about 100 volunteers. Councilor asked about volunteering and donations.
• Aaron Burrow from the Human Relations Commission read a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Women's History Month in Vermillion.
• Councilor Murrah recognized Blair Merklon as Vermillion High School's first female wrestling state champion.
• Mayor announced Vermillion was named back-to-back champion in USA Today's Small Town Art Scene and South Dakota Community of the Year.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing: Special Assessment Roll for Carr Street – Jose presented details on construction of North Carr Street from West Duke to Bower Street. The total assessment was $381,000, less than the original estimate of $387,000. Council approved the resolution.
• Second Reading of Ordinance 1551 – To place on the June 2, 2026 ballot an amendment to the Home Rule Charter regarding financial procedures to allow adjusting the budget process timeline. Passed on roll call 9-0.
• Engineering Consultant Agreement for Highway 50 Utility Crossing at Princeton Street – After rejecting a prior proposal from Banner Associates due to cost, staff solicited proposals from eight DOT-approved consultants. Council discussed the lowest bid from McLowery Engineering ($15,000), which was substantially lower due to having existing survey data. Staff had no problems with any consultant. Council approved a motion to accept McLowery’s bid.
• Annexation of Tract 1, Blue Stem Trail Edition – 11.81 acres located east of North Crawford Road, north of East Main Street, currently farmed and to be developed for residential use. The owner agreed to city utilities. Council approved the resolution.
• Authorization to Notify Clay Union Electric of Intent to Serve – Per state statute, the city must notify the rural electric co-op within one year of annexation. Chris Larson, General Manager of CUE, sent an email opposing the transfer and proposing a partnership where the city would receive 6% of revenue. Council voted to approve the notification.
• Purchase of Small Bucket Truck – To replace the 2017 Altec AT37, ordering now due to long lead times. The new Altec AT37G-US40 with 40-foot reach costs $190,760; the equipment replacement fund has $110,700, leaving a shortfall of $80,600, partially offset by an estimated $70,000 from selling the old truck. Council approved the purchase.

Key Outcomes

• All motions passed unanimously except where noted.
• Roll call on Ordinance 1551: 9 in favor, 0 opposed.
• Approved consultant agreement with McLowery Engineering for $15,000 for design of the Highway 50 utility crossing.
• Approved annexation of 11.81 acres and authorized notification to Clay Union Electric of the city’s intent to serve.
• Approved purchase of bucket truck from Altec Industries at $190,760.
• City manager reported upcoming meetings: Human Relations Commission (March 5), Joint City/County Planning Commission (March 9), Historic Preservation Commission (March 11), and Board of Equalization and Board of Appeals dates.