Vermilion City Council and Joint County Commission Meeting - May 4, 2026

This meeting began as a joint session of the Clay County Commission and the City of Vermilion City Council at 5:30 PM to discuss a zoning ordinance, then transitioned into the regular City Council meeting at 6:00 PM. The council approved several items including alcohol license renewals, a noise permit for Dakota Days, a liquor license for Mamacita's, street closure for a dance, advanced an ordinance on building numbering, adopted new ambulance fees, acknowledged the unaudited financial report, made appointments to boards, adopted tax increment financing guidelines, awarded an airport pavement contract, and concluded with an executive session.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the April 2026 regular meeting and April 27 special meeting were approved unanimously.
• The agenda was adopted as amended to add an executive session for personnel matters.
• The consent agenda (excluding invoice item A, moved to new business) was approved. This included routine items not discussed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan (IT specialist for the city) spoke during visitors to be heard. He expressed concern about a growing gap in mid-career staff retention in specialized or technical roles, noting that while money may not be what initially brings people to public service, it often determines whether they stay long term. He suggested there may be early signals worth addressing proactively.
• No public testimony was offered on any of the public hearings (alcohol licenses, noise permit, liquor license) or discussion items.

Discussion Items

• Second Reading of Ordinance 1553 (Zoning Amendment) : This ordinance changes zoning from A1 agricultural to rural residential district, affecting the Hobden land at 466 and Main Street. City staff explained that rural residential allows three houses per quarter-quarter section and one acre per house. Both the city council (unanimous on roll call) and the county commission approved the ordinance.
• Annual Renewal of Malt Beverage and Farm Wine Licenses : All licenses were approved based on compliance reports and no violations. One applicant (Dexo) submitted late materials and will be on the next agenda.
• Special Permit to Exceed Sound Levels – Dakota Days Street Dance : Approved for Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 7-10:30 PM at Radigan Platz, with actual dance from 8-10 PM. The applicant paid the $25 fee.
• Full Service On-Sale Restaurant License – Mamacita's : Approved contingent on receipt of the full application fee ($1745 cashier's check) by the end of business on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
• Street Closure Request – Dakota Days : Approved for West Main Street and Market Street on October 1 from 1 PM to 11:59 PM (two hours earlier than previous year for vendor setup). Security by UPD, no parking posted one hour prior.
• First Reading of Ordinance 1554 (Building Numbering) : Introduced by Police Chief Callahan. The ordinance increases minimum number size from 3 to 6 inches and establishes a size chart based on distance from curb. It also sharpens contrast requirements. This applies to new construction or when numbers are removed. Advanced to second reading on May 18.
• Resolution to Amend Ambulance Fee Rates : Adopted. Adds an ALS2 intercept charge ($450) for blood product administration, and a $75 lift assist fee (after three free calls per calendar year). Fees benchmarked against Yankton and Aberdeen.
• 2025 Unaudited Annual Financial Report : The council acknowledged receipt. Total government fund balance approximately $15.5 million, enterprise funds added $1.6 million. Audited report in progress.
• Human Relations Commission Appointments : Council appointed Ashley Lemons (continuing, Title IX coordinator at USD) and Daniel Herrera (disabled community volunteer) to three-year terms. A post-secondary student position was not applied for; one applicant may be a student and the council agreed to verify for possible appointment at next meeting.
• Library Board of Trustees Appointments : Reappointed Lenny Bilberg (teacher at Vermilion High School) and Bryce Mayrose (tech-minded) for three-year terms. Board members may receive $25 per meeting.
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Guidelines : Adopted after six months of development including four council noon meetings, input from VCDC, banks, and attorneys. Key guidelines: projects must be at least $750,000, taxable value increase of at least 20%, 4% interest cap on TIF reimbursement, $2,500 application fee, third-party review (as required by 2026 state law), and early notification to county and school district.
• Invoices Payable : Approved excluding item 41 (Tom Street lift station) pending resolution of an elevation issue. Staff will bring it back at the next meeting.
• Bid Opening – Harold Davidson Field Airport Pavement Rehabilitation : Awarded to Farner Asphalt Sealers from Euclaire, Wisconsin, for $111,896.92 (lowest of four bids, engineer's estimate was $161,418). Project is 95% federally/state reimbursed. Motion authorized the mayor to sign required documents.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 1553 : Unanimously approved by both city council (roll call: all ayes) and county commission.
• Alcohol License Renewals : Unanimously approved.
• Dakota Days Noise Permit : Unanimously approved.
• Mamacita's Liquor License : Approved with contingency on payment by May 6.
• Ordinance 1554 : Advanced to second reading on May 18.
• Ambulance Fee Resolution : Adopted unanimously.
• Human Relations Commission Appointments : Approved (no vote tally given but no dissent).
• Library Board Appointments : Approved unanimously.
• TIF Guidelines : Approved unanimously.
• Airport Bid : Awarded unanimously.
• Executive Session : Added to the end of the agenda and council moved into closed session for personnel matters.\n\nThe meeting adjourned after the executive session.