Milbank City Council Awards Bid, Swears in New City Attorney

The Milbank City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 8. Council members approved a construction bid for excavation work at a new rubble site, administered the oath of office to the city’s newly-appointed attorney, and provided an update on the process of filling the city’s mayoral vacancy. 

At the start of the meeting, Lisa Marceau,  the newly-appointed attorney for the City of Milbank, took the oath of office via telephone. She replaces Mark Reedstrom.

The council approved the meeting agenda after removing an item regarding excavation bids from the consent agenda and placing it under action items.

Council members then reviewed three quotes for the excavation work associated with a new rubble site hole. Two bids fell below the formal bidding threshold. Roger Briggs made the motion to accept the bid from J & J Excavating. The motion was seconded by Josh Karels, and the council unanimously awarded the project to J & J Excavating with a  bid of $38,320.48. Ronlin Excavating submitted the other qualifying bid. It came in at  $42,600.

A lengthy discussion followed regarding the city’s mayoral transition. Council President Mindy Rogers said the council wanted to keep residents informed as it works through the unique circumstances surrounding the vacancy.

Council members explained they are seeking legal guidance to ensure the process complies with state law and serves the community’s best interests. They emphasized they are intentionally taking their time rather than rushing a decision.

The council also outlined plans for its July meeting. Current city business will be handled first, after which the newly elected council member Kyle Schwandt will be seated to replace the outgoing council member Craig Weinberg. The reorganized council will then elect a new council president and vice president.

During the discussion, Weinberg asked Marceau about recently revised South Dakota law governing mayoral vacancies and whether it requires the council to appoint a mayor to serve the remainder of the term until the next election. Marceau said she had not yet been asked to research the issue because her appointment had just become official and stated she would review the law and provide a legal opinion before the July meeting.

The council also recognized city employee, Kim Carlson, after receiving a letter from visitors who praised her for researching historical records and maps to locate their great-grandfather’s gravesite. Council members thanked Carlson for her diligence and excellent communication.

Council member Roger Briggs also commended city employees for preparing Lake Farley and Pribyl Park for recent events. They noted positive comments from visitors about the cleanliness and appearance of the parks.

Department heads presented monthly reports:

• Kevin Schuelke, head of Grant County Emergency Management, reported weather notification systems are in place for community events and storm shelters are operational, including the new one at Lake Farley, and firefighters will attend the South Dakota State Fire School in Watertown.
• Milbank Chief of Police Corey Hooth highlighted numerous community engagement activities, including the Special Olympics Torch Run, DARE graduation, the bicycle rodeo, and presentations during driver’s ed classes. Officers will again be handing out free ice cream tokens this summer to kids wearing bike helmets. Police also discussed the increasing use of electric bicycles that are classified as a bicycle — the  same as a pedal bicycle. They said  education—not new ordinances—will be the department’s initial approach to addressing safety concerns.
• The Water Department reported repairing two water main breaks.The department also recently recorded one of the city’s highest water usage totals while monitoring the system’s capacity.
• Wastewater and Street Department officials reported routine maintenance, street sweeping, line painting, and ongoing operator certification efforts.
• Boyd Van Vooren of the Parks and Recreation staff reviewed preparations for Memorial Day. He said the busy summer recreation schedule that includes baseball, softball, golf and tennis is in full swing. He also noted usage at the splash park will continue to be monitored and operating hours could be adjusted if necessary.

The council concluded by thanking city employees across all departments for their work and announced its next regular meeting will be held Monday, July 13, at 6 p.m.