January 2, 2024

STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

January 2, 2024

The regular meeting of the Stanley County Commission was called to order at 5:08 P.M.(CT) by Chairman Dana Iversen with Commissioners Mike Kenzy, Craig Heller, Sonny Harrowa and Gary Grittner. Also present was State’s Attorney Tom P. Maher, Treasurer Bill Konst, Highway Superintendent Lee Smith, Government Building Manager Rick Striker, Don Kirkpatrick, Lura Kirkpatrick, and Auditor Philena Burtch. The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

AGENDA: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve the Agenda. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

MINUTES:  Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve December 5, 2023, Minutes and December 19, 2023, Minutes. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

Conclude 2023’s Business: All business having been transacted for 2023, Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Craig Heller, to adjourn Business for 2023, at 5:09 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

Convene the First Meeting of 2024 at 5:10 P.M.

Organization of Board – Chairman/Vice Chairman

            Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to nominate Craig Heller for Chairman.

            Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to cease nominations and a Ballot be cast for Craig Heller as Chairman 2024. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

            Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Sonny Harrowa, to nominate Dana Iversen for Vice Chairman.

            Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Mike Kenzy, to cease nominations and a Ballot be cast for Dana Iversen as Vice Chairman 2024. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

CLAIMS:  Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve Claims as presented. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

AMERICAN STAMP & MARKETING          158.45  ROD SUPPL

ARAMARK                              85.72  R&B MAINT                    

AL ARENDT                           404.25  OVERPAID TAXES               

AT&T MOBILITY                       472.53  CELL PHONES                  

CAPITAL AREA COUNSELING INC         600.00  NOV 2023 MCR                 

CENTRAL SD ENHANCEMENT DISTRIC     7660.11  ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES       

CENTURYLINK                         224.86  OFFICE PHONES                

COMMUNITY YOUTH INVOLVED INC       2083.33  JANUARY SUPPORT              

COWBOY COUNTRY STORES                45.52  GOV BLDG FUEL                

JLF ENTERPRISES INC                  14.98  R&B SUPPL                    

FLEET SERVICES                      951.02  R&B/FRGRNDS FUEL             

FLOYD'S TRUCK CENTER                  9.22  R&B SUPPL-T12                

FORT PIERRE FIRE DEPT             18750.00  1ST QTR SUPPORT

FORT PIERRE CITY                     68.82  EXT COPIER LEASE & COPIES             

FORT PIERRE CITY                   2930.23  UTILITIES                    

FOUR CORNERS FIRE DEPTMENT         5625.00  1ST QTR SUPPORT              

GOLDEN WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS      200.00  E-911                        

GRAHAM TIRE COMPANY                1165.54  R&B REPAIR/MAINT-C1/T2       

HUGHES CO EMERGENCY & DISASTER      325.00  ANTENNA SITE LEAS-SNAKE BUTTE

INLAND TRUCK PARTS                   33.31  R&B SUPPL-T3

LILA’S SEWING & EMBROIDERY          22.00  2022 EOY                

THOMAS P MAHER                     1914.49  DEC 2023 EXPENSES            

MENARDS - PIERRE                     35.92  GOV BLDG MAINT               

MID DAKOTA VEGETATION MNGT         6375.00  W&P ROW SPRAYING             

MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION          154.55  COUNTY SHOP PHONE & INTERNET 

MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION          216.78  OFFICE INTERNET              

MIDLAND FARMS                       911.34  OVERPAID TAXES               

MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO         332.98  COUNTY SHOP NATURAL GAS      

MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO         711.18  CH BLDG/FRGRNDS NATURAL GAS  

NE SD COMM ACTN PRGM               5000.00  SD GROW ANNUAL SUPPORT       

NORTHWEST PIPE FITTINGS INC         633.39  FRGRNDS REPAIR & MAINT       

OVERHEAD DOOR CO OF PIERRE          581.78  R&B REPAIR/SUPPL             

CITY OF PIERRE                      110.00  DEC MED DIR                  

PITNEY BOWES INC                    421.09  POSTAGE                      

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT             4000.00  DOE GIS                      

QUILL CORPORATION                   225.17  OFFICE SUPPL                 

REDWOOD TOXICOLOGY LABORATORY       123.00  TOXICOLOGY TESTS             

REES COMMUNICATIONS                1646.50  R&B MAINT/SUPPL              

ROBINS WATER CONDITIONING INC        12.00  R&B SUPPL                    

RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC                 219.77  R&B SUPPL                    

RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC                  22.49  FRGRNDS MAINT                

STANLEY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT    75669.00  1ST QRT SUPPORT

SCHREIBER ELECTRIC LLC             1018.43  CH BLDG LIGHTING             

SD BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATION         107.91  OFFICE LONG DIST/BIT         

SDML WORKERS COMPENSATION FUND    41989.08  WORKERS COMPENSATION         

SERVALL UNIFORM/LINEN CO             48.52  GOV BLDG SUPPL

K THOMPSON LAW PROF                1030.70  CRT APPT ATTRNY              

VERENDRYE MUSEUM                    875.00  1ST QTR SUPPORT              

JESS WRIGHT                          21.00  MV REFUND                    

WW TIRE SERVICE INC                 265.80  R&B REPAIR/MAINT-T8-LOWBOY-P5

ZANDER AUTO PARTS                     8.49  R&B SUPPL                    

Auditor Report: Auditor Philena Burtch presented the Commissioners with the November 2023 Budget Expenditure Report showing each department’s expenses as of November 30, 2023, and Fiscal Revenue Report as of November 30, 2023.

SALARIES BY OFFICE: Commissioners - $3,759.88; Auditor - $5,601.87; Treasurer - $5,677.68; States Attorney - $10,841.49; Custodial - $3,193.67; Director of Equalization - $7,154.89; Register of Deeds - $3,444.72; Road & Bridge - $23,575.31; Weed & Pest - $463.73; Fairgrounds - $5,932.37; Extension - $1,758.36; Employee Health Insurance - $16,830.03; SD Retirement System, withheld and match - $11,875.64; Electronic Transfer; FICA, Medicare and Withholding Tax - $21,980.62.

Register of Deeds:

Regular Fees December 2023 - $ 1,435.63

Transfer Fees December 2023 - $ 3,000.00

Government Building: Rick Striker informed the Commission that for safety purposes, lights and cameras on the north side of the building would be beneficial. Rick will get quotes.

Highway Department: Lee Smith presented the Commission with a report of work performed by the Highway Department for the month of December 2023, which consists of hauling gravel, mowing, clean culvert on Hayes Road and B&B Ranch Road, snow removal, service and repair equipment.

Pickup Snow Blade: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Dana Iversen, to approve the purchase of a Western 8’6 MVP Plus V-Plow from Floyd’s Truck Center, in the amount of $8,155.61. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

Board Appointments: All boards to remain the same as CY2023.

Designation of Official Places of Sale: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to designate the Courthouse, Fairgrounds and County Highway Shop as official places of sale for Stanley County. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

Department Purchase Policy: Department purchase policy requires all Departments to receive Commissioner approval for purchases over $500.00. The Highway Department needs Commissioner approval for fuel purchases over $25,000.00.

Resolution:  2024-02 Official Bank Depositories: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to adopt Resolution 2024-02 Designating Bank Depositories. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION 2024-02

DESIGNATING BANK DEPOSITORIES

BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Stanley County Commissioners that the bank depositories for Calendar Year 2024 will be as follows:  American Bank & Trust, Pierre, SD; BankWest, Pierre, SD; First Fidelity Bank, Fort Pierre, SD; First National Bank, Fort Pierre and Pierre, SD; SD FIT (South Dakota Public Funds Investment Trust), Fort Pierre, SD; US Bank, Pierre, SD; Wells Fargo Bank, Pierre, SD.

Dated this 2nd day of January 2024.

ATTEST:                                                                                         BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

(SEAL)

Philena Burtch, Auditor                                                                Craig Heller, Chairman

2024-03 Official Newspaper: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Mike Kenzy, to adopt Resolution 2024-03 Official Newspaper. Iversen voted Aye, Kenzy voted Aye, Grittner voted Nay, Harrowa voted Nay, Heller voted Aye. Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION 2024-03

DESIGNATING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER

WHEREAS, the law requires that an official newspaper be designated for the county.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Stanley County Commissioners that the official newspaper for Calendar Year 2024 shall be the Capital Journal.

Dated this 2nd day of January, 2024.

Attest:                                                                              BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

(SEAL)

Philena Burtch, Auditor                                                 Craig Heller, Chairman

2024-04 Burial and Funeral Assistance: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Dana Iversen, to adopt Resolution 2024-04 Burial and Funeral Assistance. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION 2024-04

BURIAL AND FUNERAL ASSISTANCE

For those County residents who die in a state of indigence or who are otherwise qualified under SDCL 28-17

BE IT RESOLVED that Stanley County shall allow burial and funeral expenses as follows:  Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) burial fees and the opening and closing of the grave.

Any requests for County burial assistance shall be made prior to the services, whenever practical.  It shall be the duty of the Commissioner in whose district the decedent had established residency to determine if the resident was indigent at the time of death, if it is not possible for the entire Board to meet prior to the time of the internment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Stanley County Commissioners will follow all guidelines set out in Stanley County’s Welfare Guidelines for burial assistance as per Chapter 13 of the Welfare Guidelines for Stanley County.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aforementioned amounts shall be for the Calendar Year 2024.

Dated this 2nd day of January, 2024.

ATTEST:                                                                                         Stanley County Board of Commissioners

     (SEAL)

Philena Burtch, Auditor                                                               Craig Heller, Chairman

2024-05 Claims: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Sonny Harrowa, to adopt Resolution 2024-05 Claims. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION 2024-05

CLAIMS

WHEREAS certain entities require the payment of funds by the 15th day of each month or payment within a certain time frame; and

WHEREAS many of these claims are received after the Board of Commissioners’ monthly meeting; and

WHEREAS interest or a penalty might apply if these claims are not paid within the specified time;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the County Auditor is hereby given the authority to pay such claims without the Commissioners’ approval providing the claims are presented at the next regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.

Dated this 2nd day of January, 2024.

ATTEST:                                                                                         Stanley County Board of Commissioners

     (SEAL)

Philena Burtch, Auditor                                                               Craig Heller, Chairman

2024-06 Travel and Conference: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to adopt Resolution 2024-06 Travel and Conference. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION 2024-06

TRAVEL AND CONFERENCE

WHEREAS County Commissioners, Auditor, Register of Deeds, Treasurer, State’s Attorney, County Coroner, Director of Equalization, Highway Superintendent, and Assistants and/or Deputies as determined by Elected Official or Department Head, are hereby authorized to attend educational conferences, meetings and conventions held and conducted within or without the State of South Dakota pertaining to the betterment and advancement of County government per SDCL 7-7-25; and            

WHEREAS the Stanley County Board of Commissioners has set the mileage and conference expense for the county offices;              

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Stanley County will pay up to $40.00 per day for meals.  Meals are reimbursed when overnight travel is required at $6.00 for breakfast (leaving before 5:31 a.m.; returning after 7:59 a.m.); $14.00 for lunch (leaving before 11:31 a.m.; returning after 12:59 p.m.); and $20.00 for dinner (leaving before 5:31 p.m.; returning after 7:59 p.m.).  There shall be no reimbursement for meals when they are provided as part of the meeting.  Mileage for personally owned vehicle shall be at the state rate of $0.51 per mile.  Motel rooms shall be paid at actual cost.

Dated this 2nd day of January, 2024.

ATTEST:                                                                          STANLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

     (SEAL)

Philena Burtch, Auditor                                                 Craig Heller, Chairman

2024-01 Salaries and Wages 2024: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Resolution 2024-01 Salaries and Wages, effective first payroll of 2024. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

SALARY RESOLUTION 2024-01

WHEREAS, SDCL requires the Board of County Commissioners to designate the number of Deputies and Clerks and to set their salaries.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Stanley County Commissioners, that the salary of all new employees be set upon hiring.  Judges and Clerks of Elections, $15.00 per hour, $15.00 for Election School, plus mileage for rural Election workers; Mileage reimbursement rate for personally owned vehicle for all county employees, 51 cents per mile; Commissioners have the option of participation in the health insurance plan at their own expense. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all highway maintenance employees will work four (4), 10-hour days.

The following salaries shall be paid effective first payroll of Calendar Year 2024:  Craig Heller, Commissioner, $10,271.88; Michael Kenzy, Commissioner, $10,271.88; Dana Iversen, Commissioner, $10,271.88; Sonny Harrowa, Commissioner, $10,271.88; Gary Grittner, Commissioner, $10,271.88; Thomas P. Maher, States Attorney, $59,631.20; Anna Maher, Deputy State’s Attorney, $38,042.40; Philena Burtch, Auditor, $59,295.84; William Konst, Treasurer, $58,164.00; Patricia Duffy, Register of Deeds, $58,289.76; Matthew Riter, Director of Equalization, $47,306.72; Lee Smith, Highway Superintendent, $68,584.48; Scott Deal, Fairgrounds Manager/Maintenance, $58,247.84; Weed & Pest Supervisor, $7,531.07; Weed & Pest Secretary, $938.37.

The following wages shall be paid effective first payroll of Calendar Year 2024:  Rick Striker, Custodian, $21.25 per hour; Janice Booth, Deputy Auditor, $19.89; Jessicia Barta, Deputy Treasurer, $19.89 per hour;  Jodi Bothwell Assistant Director of Equalization, $21.42 per hour; Beverly Stoeser, Part-Time Deputy Register of Deeds, $25.00 per hour; Keva Hedman, Highway Administrative Assistant, $22.16 per hour; Thomas Richardson, Highway Foreman, $26.48 per hour; Patrick Prince, Equipment Operator/Truck Driver, $24.48 per hour; Kirby O’Dea, Truck Driver, $22.67 per hour; Justin Jones, Truck Driver/Equipment Operator, $23.46 per hour; Zachery Knowlton, Truck Driver/Equipment Operator, $19.64 per hour; William Uecker, Truck Driver/Equipment Operator, $23.21 per hour; , Stacy Buchholz, States Attorney Legal Assistant, $22.44 per hour; Jane Schrank, States Attorney Legal Assistant, $22.44 per hour; Jackie Husted, Extension Assistant, $22.46 per hour; Van Johnson, Highway Seasonal, $25.00; Highway Seasonal, $20.50 per hour; Marvin Cline, Fairgrounds Maintenance, $21.56 per hour; Fairgrounds Office, $17.50; Fairgrounds Seasonal, $20.00; Weed & Pest Board Members, $51.50 per meeting; Planning & Zoning Board Members, $51.50 per meeting; Coroner & Deputy Coroner, $61.80 per call.

Dated this 2nd day of January 2024.

ATTEST:                                                                          BOARD of STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

     (SEAL)

Philena Burtch, Auditor                                  Craig Heller, Chairman

Antenna Site Lease Agreement – Snake Butte Tower Lease: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to approve Antenna Site Lease Agreement 2024, Snake Butte Tower. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

Hughes County Emergency Management Services 2024 Agreement: Commissioner Iversen stated that Stanley County and Hughes County have worked years to build a good working relationship. In times of emergencies, we need to rely on each other. Lura Kirkpatrick stated that the first responders in Hayes have worked well with and appreciate all that the emergency management has done for Four Corners Fire Department over the years. Treasurer Konst has volunteered to be the liaison for emergency management.

Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to accept and approve Chairman Heller to sign the Hughes County Emergency Management Services 2024 Agreement. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Project – Ross: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Dana Iversen, to deny the request for Stanley County to sponsor the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant for Ross. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

Abatement – Record #9021: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Dana Iversen, to approve Abatement for Record #9021 in the amount of $1,912.94, due to house destroyed. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

Discussion: Chairman Heller asked if we have a plan to fix the elevator? Government Building Manager Rick Striker has been searching for someone with knowledge to fix it.

Tom P Maher thanked Commissioner Dana Iversen for all his years as Chairman. Tom greatly appreciates all Dana’s knowledge and leadership throughout the years as Chairman.

Auditor Burtch informed the Commission about a bill submitted by Secretary of State Office that would allow counties that have Electionware to be able to create ballot images and the cast vote record. If this bill goes through, we will have to purchase equipment and the license. The cost will be over $10,000.00. We did not budget for this expense so adjustments will need to be made.

Upcoming Workshops: MSHA Training, Highway Department

            Annual Report Workshop, Auditor

Adjournment: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Gary Grittner, to adjourn at 6:30 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.

ATTEST:                                                          BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

            (SEAL)

Philena Burtch, Auditor                                    Craig Heller, Chairman

Physical address

Stanley County Courthouse
08 E 2nd Avenue
Fort Pierre SD 57532

Mailing Address

Stanley County Courthouse
Auditors Office
PO Box 595
Fort Pierre SD 57532

Phone

605-223-7780