December 21, 2021
The Miner County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on December 21, 2021 in the Miner County Courthouse Commission room. Members present: Alex Protsch, Garrett Gassman, Kathy Faber and Joe Bechen. Absent: Tom Reisch. The flag pledge was recited. Tami Severson was also present. Motion by Faber, seconded by Gassman and carried to approve the agenda. Commissioner Faber reported on attending the December Weed Board Meeting.
The minutes of the December 7th meeting were approved.
The auditor’s account with the county treasurer showed a December 1, 2021 balance of $6,153,552.21 in all state, county, civil, school and trust accounts.
No persons appeared for Public Comment. Commissioner Protsch informed the board of the condition of the floor in the dispatch and sheriff’s office and encouraged each commissioner to visit those offices to view. Auditor Connor presented information received from 1st District of Local Govts. concerning the use of American Rescue Plan funds. She also gave a review of the recently held department head meeting.
It was moved by Gassman, seconded by Faber and carried to approve the following claims for payment: SD Office of Child & Family Services $1,634.75 CO NURSE PMT TO STATE; Santel $55.12 911 CHARGES; Churchill, Manolis, Freeman, Kludt & Burns $1,583.65 ABSD/NEG CHILD DEFENSE ATTY; ICAP $691.67 COMMUNITY ACTION PMT; Ulteig $5,490.36 CONTRACTED MAINTENANCE; Blue, Wheeler & Banks $821.93, Lammers Kleibacker & Dawson $1,866.97 COURT APPOINTED ATTY; Ultra $6,292.54 EQUIPMENT; Miner Insurance Agency $46,324.00 INSURANCE; Minnehaha Co Regional Juvenile Detention $2,928.00 JUVENILE DETENTION PER DIEM; Thomson Reuters-West $121.92 LAW BOOKS; Architecture Incorporated $791.00 MISC. SERVICE; Davison Co Sheriff $855.00 PRISONER CARE; Dust-Tex $281.56, Microfilm Imaging Systems $385.00 RENT; Alliance $211.00, Dakota Alignment & Frame $339.00, Graham Tire Co $447.92, Howard Auto Clinic $129.24, Office Peeps $136.24, Ultra $110.00 REPAIRS; Homestead Building Supply $693.07, Sign Solutions $794.69 ROAD MATERIALS; Cardmember Services $23.83, Dakota Alignment & Frame $130.34, Gall’s $57.99, Home Service Water Conditioning $39.40, IState Truck Center $344.06, John Deere Financial $94.98, Kimball Midwest $497.92, Mighty Auto Parts $253.43, North Central Int’l $160.88, Northern Truck Equipment $167.40, RDO Equipment $402.43, Kent Terwilliger $38.32, Titan Machinery $65.00, Transource $343.39, Ultra $1,130.00, USPS $100.00, Wheelco $911.76 SUPPLIES; Patricia Hartsel $524.40 TRANSCRIPTS; Kathy Faber $17.64, Brandon Jacobson $6.30, Kim Lewis $10.50, Dan Page $13.86, Wyatt Walter $12.60 TRAVEL; Central Electric Coop $126.35 UTILITIES.
Sheriff Rob Eggert joined the meeting to inform the commission of storage issues for vehicles used in crimes. These vehicles must be secured until they are no longer used as evidence within the court system. The highway department would like to see a solution so that the highway storage areas are not used for that purpose. Several options were discussed – building a garage type structure – adding a lean onto an existing building and renting a storage unit. At this time the commission took no action.
Eggert also requested to declare surplus the Glock 9mm gun which was used by Deputy Clary. Clary would like to purchase a new gun to replace the Glock 9mm. It was moved by Bechen, seconded by Faber and carried to declare the Glock 9mm as surplus and transfer ownership to Mike Clary. Motion by Gassman, seconded by Faber and carried to accept Clary’s purchase of a replacement gun of equal or greater value and transfer ownership to the county.
The Lake County Inmate Housing agreement was considered. Bechen asked about the current rates and for an explanation of the In-House Arrest Program. Motion by Gassman, seconded by Faber and carried to approve the 2022 Lake County Inmate Housing agreement.
It was moved by Faber, seconded by Bechen and carried to approve and authorize the chairman to sign the 2022 SD Dept. of Health Contract for Community Health Nurse services.
It was moved by Gassman, seconded by Faber and carried to follow Governor Noem’s closing of the state offices at noon on December 23rd and close county offices to coincide with state offices.
It was moved by Bechen, seconded by Faber and carried to authorize Chairman Protsch to sign the memo of understanding with SDSU for 4-H Youth services in 2022.
Highway Superintendent reported that he has completed the township small structure inventory. Krempges will be submitting a bill for those services provided by the county.
Krempges requested the following level increases effective January 1, 2022. Motion by Bechen, seconded by Faber and carried to approve the following level increases: Darwin Callies from level 7 to level 8; Eric Smith from level 5 to level 6; Adam Mentele level 4 to level 5; Brian Dold level 2 to level 3; and Amie Kidd level 6 to level 7.
Krempges requested that all pay levels be increased at the highway. He would like to keep the crew and he is having difficulty hiring replacements when positions open. He suggested a $1.00/hour increase for each level and an increase to his salary. No action was taken by the board.
Other highway matters were discussed including B.I.G. application submission; flashing lights have been installed on the stop signs by Carthage; 4-H campground work has not been completed; gravel hauling progress; sprayer certification; equipment condition and repairs.
Deputy State’s Attorney Protsch joined the meeting to inform the board that no agreement has been reached between Dave Graf and Judy Shaw for the purchase of the Howard Hotel and Convention Center. Protsch requested the board’s approval to proceed with the lawsuit concerning the property. The board instructed him to begin the paperwork and file the necessary documents to start the process.
Having no further business, the meeting adjourned until December 30th. Dated this 21st day of December, 2021.
Alex Protsch, Chairman
Miner County Board of Commissioners
Attest: Susan Connor, Miner County Auditor