John Weyh, the newest member of the Milbank City Council, took his oath of office during the council’s regular meeting on August 8. Weyh was appointed by Mayor Pat Raffety to replace Steve Weiner as a representative of Ward One. Weiner’s term expired and his vacancy was expected to be filled during the election on June 7, but no candidate expressed interest or filed to run for the position.
Weyh, who is employed at Twin Valley Tire, has lived in Milbank for 20 years. He has been active with the Milbank Fire Department for 17 years and is currently one of the assistant chiefs. He and his wife, Misty, have been married for 22 years and they have two daughters Sydnee, 11 and Whitney, nine. He also serves as an elder at Emanuel Lutheran Church.
Regarding his appointment to the council, Weyh, said, “I love living in Milbank. Two concerns I hear about all the time from citizens are the odor around town and the shortage of housing.”
The council unanimously approved minutes from the July 11, July 18, and August 1 meetings.
The council tabled a vote regarding a proposed agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) to redo the crossing at the end of Main Street. Instead, the council moved to schedule a special meeting for Monday August 15, to make a decision.
John Forman, administrator for the City of Milbank, explained that BNSF had approached the city about replacing the Main Street crossing and asked them to bear approximately half the cost of the project or about $99,000. In addition, the City of Milbank would also be financially responsible for the asphalt between the crossing, the approaches to the crossing, and the signage.
BNSF is requesting the work schedule be moved up to complete the project in 2022, but the city’s budget for 2022 has already been finalized. Forman said he had indicated to BNSF that the city might agree to the proposal if the cost dropped to $88,362. Council members expressed concern that the Highway 15 crossing, as well as, the Fourth Street viaduct fall higher on the list for needed repairs.
The council decided to delay action and determine if the budget includes funds allocated for other projects for this year that could be moved to the railroad project.
The special meeting, which is open to the public, is set for Monday, August 15 at 6 p.m.in the Milbank Visitor Center.
In other business, the council approved the transfer of a retail (on-off sale) malt beverage license owned by Luvern Hanson of the Back Door Pub to Triple C’s Bar, an LLC, owned by Curtis Laub. Mr.Laub was present at the meeting.
An agreement with Banner Engineering for $84,000 for Phase One of the Fifth Street reconstruction project was approved. The funds are earmarked for design and bidding support, with construction oversight not to exceed $40,000.
The council approved the payment of bills in the amount of $534,130.38.
The council approved Resolution 8-8-22 for a plat of six lots (1-6) in Liebe’s First Addition. Arvid Liebe was present and offered to answer questions.
Forman shared his research and recommendations for cameras at the airport, parks, rubble site, and departmental offices. The council raised questions regarding usage, quality, cost, and possible legal consequences. They approved the purchase of one camera and a trial one-month subscription.
The next regular meeting of the council is scheduled for Monday, September 12, at 7 p.m. in the Milbank visitor Center.
The special meeting, which is open to the public, is set for Monday, August 15 at 6 p.m.in the Milbank Visitor Center.
Staff
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