Vermillion City Council Meeting and Proclamations - June 16, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. and concluded later that evening; the date used follows the instruction to treat the meeting as occurring on June 16, 2026.

The Vermillion City Council held a regular meeting on June 15–16, 2026. The meeting included two proclamations from the Human Relations Commission, two public hearings (a zoning variance and a liquor license), approval of the consent agenda, second readings of three ordinances, appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission, a first reading of a ward boundary ordinance, and a resolution to purchase a mower for the wastewater department. All votes were unanimous (8-0) where recorded, with one abstention on the liquor license.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: June 1 (regular), June 4 (special), and June 8 (special) meetings were approved without change.
• Agenda: Adopted without changes.
• Invoices Payable: Approved as part of the consent agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the “Visitors to be Heard” period or during any of the public hearings.

Proclamations

• LGBTQ+ Pride Month: A representative from the Human Relations Commission read a proclamation designating June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Vermillion, recognizing contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and the city’s commitment to diversity.
• Juneteenth: A second proclamation declared June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in Vermillion, commemorating the end of slavery and encouraging participation in related events.

Discussion Items

• Variance Request (Duplex Project): The City Council, acting as the Board of Adjustments, considered a petition to reduce the rear yard setback from 25 to 22 feet and the side yard setback from 15 to 14 feet for 10 duplexes in the Jack Powell Addition. The duplexes are part of an income-based housing project for the elderly, awarded tax credits by South Dakota Housing and Development. Staff recommended approval. A two-thirds majority (6 of 9 votes) was required; the motion carried unanimously.
• Special Daily Malt Beverage/Wine License: The South Dakota Shakespeare Festival applied for a license for June 18–21 at Prentice Park. The police chief reported no prior alcohol-related violations. Councilor Holland abstained due to board affiliation; the license was approved.
• Second Reading – Ordinance 1555 (Rezoning): Rezoning 12 East Cherry Street from R3 Residential to General Business District to allow a drive-through. The property had been rezoned to R3 in 2024; the owner requested GB again. The council discussed the need for access and the impossibility of partial rezoning. Approved 8-0 on a roll call.
• Second Reading – Ordinance 1556 (Noise Ordinance): Amendments to Title 9 regarding noise permits, decibel levels, and seasonal hours. Only grammatical changes were made since the first reading. Approved 8-0 on a roll call.
• Second Reading – Ordinance 1557 (Budget Process): Amends Title 3 to provide flexibility in the budget adoption timeline, following a voter-approved home rule charter change. No changes from first reading. Approved 8-0 on a roll call.
• Planning and Zoning Commission Appointment: Mayor appointed Tyler Meshersmith, a journeyman electrician with two decades of construction experience, to fill the vacancy left by Jim Wilson. Councilor Lieber expressed disappointment that other applicants provided more detailed applications, but the appointment was approved.
• Historic Preservation Commission Appointment: Mayor appointed Erin Ames to fill the vacancy left by Jim Wilson. Ames does not reside in a historic district but meets the educational/research criteria. Discussion noted the board still meets membership requirements. Approved.
• First Reading – Ordinance 1558 (Ward Boundaries): Proposed to annex Munger Tracts 1–3 into the Northwest Ward and Blue Stem Tract 1 into the Southeast Ward following recent annexations. Both areas are currently vacant. The motion to advance to a second reading on July 7 carried.
• Resolution – Mower Purchase: The wastewater department’s 12-year-old mower became inoperable due to damage. Staff recommended purchasing a John Deere 1570 Terrain Cut mower for $34,751.69, which exceeds the $19,500 budgeted in the equipment replacement fund. The budget gap will be addressed during year-end review. The motion to approve the resolution carried.

Key Outcomes

• Variance Granted: Approved (unanimous voice vote).
• Liquor License Approved: Approved with one abstention (Holland).
• Ordinance 1555 (Rezoning) Adopted: 8-0 roll call.
• Ordinance 1556 (Noise) Adopted: 8-0 roll call.
• Ordinance 1557 (Budget Process) Adopted: 8-0 roll call.
• Planning Commission Appointee Confirmed: Tyler Meshersmith approved (voice vote).
• Historic Preservation Commission Appointee Confirmed: Erin Ames approved (voice vote).
• Ordinance 1558 Advanced: First reading approved; second reading set for July 7, 2026.
• Mower Purchase Authorized: Resolution approved (voice vote).
• City Manager’s Report: Recognized Maddie Lehman for her service (she is leaving in early July); announced upcoming meetings and street closures for Shakespeare Festival (June 18–21) and July 4th celebrations.