Vermillion City Council Regular & Reorganizational Meeting – July 7, 2026

The Vermillion City Council convened on July 7, 2026 (the evening of July 6 local time) for a regular meeting followed by a reorganizational meeting. The regular session featured a parks and recreation proclamation, approval of a ward-boundary ordinance, tributes to outgoing council members, and public hearings on a new mixed-use fuel ordinance and a tax increment financing (TIF) district boundary. The reorganizational meeting included the swearing-in of Mayor Kevin O’Kelly, election of council officers, appointment of administrative officers, and adoption of rules and procedures.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved, including invoices payable and the final plat of Lots 5B–15B, Block 1; Lots 1B–3B, Block 6; and Outlot 1B, all in Bliss Point Addition.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• July 2026 was proclaimed Parks and Recreation Month. Parks Director Jim Goblish accepted the proclamation and thanked the council and his staff.
• Outgoing council members were honored: Catherine Price (Central Ward, 12 years), Richard Holland (Southeast Ward, 12 years), and Mayor John Cole (4 years). Price encouraged the incoming council to “lean into the dissonance” and collaborate with people of differing views; Holland thanked Price for her partnership; Cole highlighted accomplishments such as the Jack Powell addition and urged his successor to “lead steady, lead strong.”

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeffrey Greylob expressed general support for TIF districts but raised concerns about developer-led TIFs, including the “but for” test and the temporary loss of tax revenue. He later clarified, with unanimous consent for a second appearance, that he favored moving the TIF boundary forward and his prior remarks were intended for future consideration.
• Jim Peterson (Chamber and Development Company) cited a nearly finalized housing study showing continued need for multifamily housing and supported advancing the TIF boundary.

Discussion Items

• Ward Boundaries (Ordinance 1558, second reading): Staff explained the ordinance would place the annexed Munger tracts in the Northwest Ward and the Blue Stem tract in the Southeast Ward; both areas are vacant, so no ward population changes. The ordinance was approved on a roll call vote.
• Mixed-Use Fuel Ordinance (Ordinance 1559, first reading): The council considered creating a new “fuel dispensing mixed use building” definition and adding it as a conditional use in the General Business District. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended renaming the use from “special mixed use building” to “fuel dispensing mixed use building” and imposing a 45-foot separation between the residential portion and the fuel canopy (with an additional 15 feet for pump setbacks) plus a 20-foot buffer from residential districts. Council discussion addressed parking, occupancy, and protections for surrounding residents. Both items were advanced to second reading.
• TIF District #13 Boundary: Staff presented a 1.7-acre parcel at Elm Street and Alumni Street for a proposed 56-unit multifamily project with 95 off-street parking spaces. Some council members asked whether to wait for the housing study, but the council ultimately approved the boundary resolution, with the project plan to be considered later by the Planning and Zoning Commission and city council.
• Beresford Mutual Aid Agreement: A formal mutual aid agreement with the City of Beresford for emergency assistance between the light and power departments was approved.
• Airport Land Lease: A 50-by-160-foot lease with Nebraska Iowa Helicopter LLC was approved at 15 cents per square foot ($1,200/year), with an initial 10-year term and a 10-year renewal option.
• Housing Authority Appointment: One application was returned as incomplete; no appointment was made and the vacancy remains posted.
• City Manager’s Report: Upcoming meetings, Thursdays on the Platz street closures, and a Boys and Girls Club raffle were announced.

Reorganizational Meeting

• Mayor Kevin O’Kelly and council members took their oaths of office.
• Julia Hellwig was elected City Council President (5–4 vote), and Lindsay Genowine was elected Vice President (5–4 vote).
• Nick Dottie was appointed interim finance officer, with Wendy Borja Diaz as finance officer effective August 3, 2026.
• Crairy Huff was reappointed as city attorney.
• Committee assignments were adopted; the mayor deferred designation of committee chairs.
• The Vermilion Plain Talk was designated the official newspaper (Mayor O’Kelly abstained due to an association with the publication).
• BMO, First Bank and Trust, First Dakota National Bank, South Dakota Public Funds Investment Trust, Wells Fargo, and U.S. Bank were designated official depositories.
• The city continued participation in the Consolidated Board of Equalization.
• The council adopted the 12th edition of Robert’s Rules of Order and reaffirmed the June 2024 Rules of Procedures.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 1558 (ward boundaries) was approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 1559 (fuel dispensing mixed use definition and conditional use) was advanced to a second reading at the July 20, 2026 meeting.
• TIF District #13 boundaries were approved; the project plan will be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission on July 13 and the city council on July 20.
• The Beresford mutual aid agreement and Nebraska Iowa Helicopter lease were approved.
• The reorganizational items were completed, including new council officers, administrative appointments, official newspaper/depositories, and rules of order.