Vermillion City Council Meeting - April 20, 2026
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Vermillion City Council Meeting - April 20, 2026
The Vermillion City Council met on April 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to adopt two proclamations, conduct a public hearing, approve the consent agenda, discuss park irrigation funding, receive a personnel manual update, award a roof replacement bid, and enter executive session.
Proclamations
- National Library Week (April 19–25, 2026): Recognized by Mayor with remarks from library staff highlighting week's events including author visit, Earth Day discussion, documentary screening, and summer reading program.
- Arbor Day (April 24, 2026): Recognized with acceptance by Parks Director Jim, who noted the city's tree board, retree initiative (up to $200 back for homeowners), and a ceremony planting a buckeye tree at the National Guard Armory on Friday.
Public Hearing
- Mamasidas Full-Service On-Sale Restaurant License: The applicant requested postponement to May 4, 2026. The council voted unanimously to continue the hearing to that date.
Consent Calendar
- Approved invoices payable.
- Resolution adjusting the landfill gate fee for asbestos and contaminated soil.
- Resolution authorizing the purchase of two dump truck chassis for the street department. All items were adopted unanimously.
Discussion Items
- Park Irrigation Projects (Cotton Park and Jollies Park): Parks Director Jim reported that both parks need irrigation to establish turf under drought conditions. Three quotes were received; the lowest was from Precision Irrigation and Lawn Care at $38,317. The budget had $26,000 allocated, but additional second penny funds are available. The council approved awarding the contract after discussion about the scope (automatic sprinkler system, 4–6 inches deep, winterization needed).
- Personnel Manual Update: Labor & Finance Committee chair Catherine presented changes to align with the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, update smoking policy to include e-cigarettes, clarify document storage locations, and revise the nepotism clause (allowing family members in same department if not in supervisory chain). A minor amendment was made to remove specificity in document storage language. The council accepted the report as amended; a formal vote on the manual will occur at the next meeting.
Key Outcomes
- Unanimously approved a motion to continue the Mamasidas public hearing to May 4, 2026.
- Unanimously adopted the consent agenda.
- Unanimously approved awarding the park irrigation contract to Precision Irrigation and Lawn Care for $38,317, funded by second penny funds.
- Unanimously accepted the personnel manual update report as amended.
- Unanimously awarded the city hall roof replacement bid to JC Roofing & Insulating for $133,541.65 (under the $180,000 budget).
- Council moved into executive session under SDCL 1-25-2(3) for a legal matter after a unanimous vote.
City Manager's Report
- Annual residential household hazardous waste collection: Friday, April 24, 2–5 p.m. at the Recycling Center, $15/vehicle.
- Vacancies on Human Relations Commission (two 3-year terms, one student term) and Library Board (two 3-year terms); applications due April 23.
- June 2 ballot includes a question on amending the city's home rule charter to allow a later budget process; information posted on city website.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome everybody. The Berlin City Council scheduled for today at 6 o'clock, of course, we'll come to order. Alex, please your role. Here. Price here. Here. Howig? Eric. Cheeseman. Eric. Murray. Miracle. Okay, please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God and divisible with liberty and justice. Thank you. Has everyone had a chance to review the minutes? And if so, do we have any changes or a motion? Move approval. Second. Okay. Move by very seconded by I didn't see Al. Okay. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Okay. Oh my god. Bang the hammer. Adoption of the agenda. I'm I'm going to right off the bat say we do need to amend it once. I'd like to add, I guess it'd be item 11. We need an executive session. I'll be added to it. Other than that, are there any other changes or additions to the agenda? We approval the agenda as amended. Okay, second. Sorry. Second. Okay. All those in favor? Say aye. Aye. Opposed. Alex? I'm not reading names. Should I read names so you can understand who's first and second? I mean, okay. Thank you. Visitors to be heard.
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