January 7, 2025
STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
January 7, 2025
The regular meeting of the Stanley County Commission was called to order at 5:00 P.M. (CT) by Chairman Craig Heller with Commissioners Mike Kenzy, Dana Iversen, Sonny Harrowa and Gary Grittner. Also present was State’s Attorney Tom P. Maher, Treasurer Bill Konst, Highway Superintendent Lee Smith, Fairgrounds Manager Scott Deal, Central South Dakota Enhancement District David Reiss, and Auditor Philena Burtch. The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Auditor Burtch requested to Amend the Agenda to add 2025 Brule County Jail Contract.
AGENDA: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Dana Iversen, to approve the Amended Agenda. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
MINUTES: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve December 3, 2024, Minutes and December 19, 2024, Minutes. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Conclude 2024’s Business: All business having been transacted for 2024, Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Mike Kenzy, to adjourn Business for 2024, at 5:02 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Convene the First Meeting of 2025 at 5:02 P.M.
Oath of Office – Michael Kenzy – Commission District 2
Sonny Harrowa – Commission District 4
Gary Grittner – Coroner
Tom P Maher – State’s Attorney
Bill Konst - Treasurer
Organization of Board – Chairman/Vice Chairman
Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to nominate Craig Heller for Chairman.
Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to cease nominations and a Ballot be cast for Craig Heller as Chairman 2025. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Sonny Harrowa, to nominate Dana Iversen for Vice Chairman.
Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to cease nominations and a Ballot be cast for Dana Iversen as Vice Chairman 2025. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
CLAIMS: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve Claims as presented. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ACE STEEL & RECYCLING INC 91.81 FRGRNDS MAINT
AIRTECH HEATING & COOLING INC 10084.96 COUNTY SHOP FURNACE
ARAMARK 153.88 R&B MAINT
AT&T MOBILITY 480.78 CELL PHONES
BOTTOM LINE WELDING 76.00 R&B SUPPL
BUTLER MACHINERY CO 2762.02 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
CAPITAL AREA COUNSELING INC 413.64 QMHP EVAL
CAPITAL AREA REFUSE LLC 856.11 GOV BLDG/R&B TRASH BILLING
CENTRAL DAKOTA EYECARE 150.00 MEDICAL CARE
CLEARFLY 391.33 OFFICE PHONES & LONG DIST
COLUMN SOFTWARE PBC 745.30 COMM MINS 12/3-12/19-EXT
COMMUNITY YOUTH INVOLVED INC 2083.33 JANUARY SUPPORT
CONNECTING POINT 2534.50 SRVR MAINT/ANNUAL TECH CARE
COWBOY COUNTRY STORES 154.80 GOV BLDG/FRGRNDS FUEL
DAKOTA DATA SHRED 48.83 AUD MAINT
JLF ENTERPRISES INC 166.04 FRGRNDS/R&B MAINT/SUPPL
JOHN DUFFY 80.00 CH SHOP JANUARY LOT RENT
FLEET SERVICES 777.82 R&B/FRGRNDS FUEL
FLOYD'S TRUCK CENTER 40.36 R&B SUPPL
FLOYD'S KUBOTA 588.18 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-P9
FORT PIERRE FIRE DEPT 20000.00 1ST QTR SUPPORT
FORT PIERRE CITY 69.00 EXT COPIER LEASE & COPIES
FORT PIERRE CITY 3175.19 UTILITIES
FOUR CORNERS FIRE DEPTMENT 2957.45 HAYES SHOP 2024 UTILITIES
FOUR CORNERS FIRE DEPTMENT 5625.00 1ST QTR SUPPORT
FRIMAN OIL & GAS INC 12.00 R&B PROPANE
FRIMAN OIL & GAS INC 282.91 FRGRNDS PROPANE
GOLDEN WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS 200.00 E-911
GROSSENBURG IMPLEMENT OF PIERR 151.28 R&B SUPPL
JC OFFICE SUPPLIES 46.20 TREAS SUPPL
JUSTIN JONES 250.00 R&B SUPPL
LILA'S SEWING & EMBROIDERY 25.00 2023 EOY
BRENDA LOUNSBURY 1740.00 BLOOD TESTS
THOMAS P MAHER 824.11 DECEMBER 2024 EXPENSES
MAY ADAM GERDES & THOMPSON LLP 1437.50 M FEIK/W BROOKY
MENARDS - PIERRE 204.65 GOV BLDG/FRGRNDS SUPPL/MAINT
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 176.50 R&B PHONES & INTERNET
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 262.32 OFFICE INTERNET & PHONES
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 533.00 COUNTY SHOP NATURAL GAS
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 948.92 CH BLDG/FRGRNDS NATURAL GAS
NE SD COMM ACTN PRGM 5000.00 GROW SD
CITY OF PIERRE 110.00 DEC 2024 MED DIRCTR
PITNEY BOWES 311.73 POSTAGE
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT 4000.00 ANNUAL GIS
POWERPLAN BF 111.14 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-G5
PRAIRIE ATV & CYCLES 134.43 2019 POLARIS MAINT
QUILL CORPORATION 885.53 OFFICE SUPPLIES
BEST WESTERN RAMKOTA HOTEL 208.00 2024 FALL CONVNTN - ROD
REDWOOD TOXICOLOGY LABORATORY 116.00 TOXICOLOGY TESTS
ROBINS WATER CONDITIONING INC 12.00 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 101.94 GOV BLDG SUPPL
STANLEY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT 87136.50 1ST QTR SUPPORT
JOAN BOOS SCHUELLER 448.50 E BAD HORSE
SD PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY 120.00 BLOOD TESTS
SDML WORKERS COMPENSATION FUND 33230.82 WORKERS COMPENSATION
VERENDRYE MUSEUM 875.00 1ST QTR SUPPORT
WALK-N-ROLL 1271.24 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-G8
WHEELHOUSE PLUMBING INC 13247.04 CH AC/BOILER REPAIR/REPLACMNT
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 1649.31 R&B SUPPL
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 117.41 FRGRNDS MAINT
Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bill Konst informed the Commission of interest earned for December 2024 is $15,723.51, Wheel Tax collection is $2,849.32, and delinquent taxes to collect is $55,520.75.
Auditor Report: Auditor Philena Burtch presented the Commissioners with the December 2024 Budget Expenditure Report showing each department’s expenses as of December 31, 2024, and Fiscal Revenue Report as of December 31, 2024, and Outstanding Disbursements as of January 6, 2025.
SALARIES BY OFFICE: Commissioners - $3,745.36; Auditor - $3,260.10; Treasurer - $5,893.95; States Attorney - $11,073.84; Custodial - $2,644.93; Director of Equalization - $5,883.35; Register of Deeds - $4,106.27; Road & Bridge - $21,969.26; Weed & Pest - $462.48; Fairgrounds - $6,189.03; Extension - $1,805.78; Employee Health Insurance - $19,781.60; SD Retirement System, withheld and match - $12,297.34; Electronic Transfer; FICA, Medicare and Withholding Tax - $20,404.10.
Register of Deeds:
Regular Fees December 2024 - $ 1,381.82
Transfer Fees December 2024 - $ 727.00
Central South Dakota Enhancement District: David Reiss informed the Commission that the one-year moratorium on energy facilities is a good move to give the County time to update and approve ordinances. David has started working with Director of Equalization Matthew Riter to assist with the process.
David Reiss also explained that the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan needs to be updated. Our current five-year plan expires in 2027, so we need to start updating now. This plan must be in place to qualify for FEMA dollars in case of a disaster.
2025 Statement of Extension to the Joint Cooperative Agreement and Financial Commitment – Central South Dakota Enhancement District: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Mike Kenzy, to accept and approve Chairman Heller to sign the 2025 Statement of Extension to the Joint Cooperative Agreement and Financial Commitment between Stanley County and Central South Dakota Enhancement District, annual amount of $7,889.91. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Fairgrounds – 2000 International Water Truck: Scott Deal informed the Commission that the water truck needs a new motor. This water truck fits and works where it is needed at the fairgrounds, so he would like to fix it. Scott got one estimate for $20,000. Commissioner Iversen got an estimate of $13,000, however, there will be additional costs, plus travel. Scott will get more information.
Scott Deal informed the Commission that Fort Pierre/Stanley County held its first 4th of July celebration in 1826. Next year will be the 200th anniversary of our celebration. Scott is planning six days of events at the fairgrounds June 29-July 4, 2026.
Highway Department: Lee Smith presented the Commission with a report of work performed by the Highway Department for the month of December 2024, which consists of blading, hauling gravel, service and repair equipment.
2016 John Deere 2412DE Scraper: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Dana Iversen, to approve the purchase of a 2016 John Deere 2412DE Scraper in the amount of $62,700.00 through Purple Wave. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
2025 Brule County Jail Contract: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to accept and approve Chairman Heller to sign the 2025 Brule County Jail Contract. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Abatements – Record #8275 and Record #7574: Record #8275 – Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to approve Abatement request for Record #8275, 2024 Taxes Due and Payable 2025, in the amount of $1,235.44, due to foundation failure in April 2024. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Record #7574 – Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Dana Iversen, to approve Abatement request for Record #7574, 2024 Taxes Due and Payable 2025, in the amount of $69.56, due to house fire in September 2024. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Board Appointments: All boards to remain the same as CY2024.
Designation of Official Places of Sale: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to designate the Courthouse, Fairgrounds and County Highway Shop as official places of sale for Stanley County for 2025. 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: 2025-02 Official Bank Depositories: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Gary Grittner, to adopt Resolution 2025-02 Designating Bank Depositories. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2025-02
DESIGNATING BANK DEPOSITORIES
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Stanley County Commissioners that the bank depositories for Calendar Year 2025 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 7th day of January 2025.
ATTEST: BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Craig Heller, Chairman
2025-03 Official Newspaper: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Mike Kenzy, to adopt Resolution 2025-03 Official Newspaper. Under protest, Iversen voted Aye, Kenzy voted Aye, Grittner voted Nay, Harrowa voted Nay, Heller voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2025-03
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 2025 shall be the Capital Journal.
Dated this 7th day of January, 2025.
Attest: BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Craig Heller, Chairman
2025-04 Burial and Funeral Assistance: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to adopt Resolution 2025-04 Burial and Funeral Assistance. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2025-04
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: Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) 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 2025.
Dated this 7th day of January, 2025.
ATTEST: Stanley County Board of Commissioners
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Craig Heller, Chairman
2025-05 Claims: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to adopt Resolution 2025-05 Claims. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2025-05
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 7th day of January, 2025.
ATTEST: Stanley County Board of Commissioners
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Craig Heller, Chairman
2025-06 Travel and Conference: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Mike Kenzy, to adopt Resolution 2025-06 Travel and Conference. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2025-06
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 $0.67 per mile. Motel rooms shall be paid at actual cost.
Dated this 7th day of January, 2025.
ATTEST: STANLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Craig Heller, Chairman
2025-01 Salaries and Wages 2025: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Resolution 2025-01 Salaries and Wages, effective second payroll of 2025. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
SALARY RESOLUTION 2025-01
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, 67 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 second payroll of Calendar Year 2025: 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, $61,658.64; Anna Maher, Deputy State’s Attorney, $39,337.92; Philena Burtch, Auditor, $61,324.56; William Konst, Treasurer, $60,155.28; Patricia Duffy, Register of Deeds, $60,280.56; Matthew Riter, Director of Equalization, $53,724.24; Lee Smith, Highway Superintendent, $70,976.40; Scott Deal, Fairgrounds Manager/Maintenance, $60,238.80; Weed & Pest Supervisor, $7,531.07; Weed & Pest Secretary, $938.37.
The following wages shall be paid effective second payroll of Calendar Year 2025: Rick Striker, Custodian, $21.89 per hour; Elizabeth Schmautz, Deputy Treasurer, $20.60 per hour; Jodi Bothwell Assistant Director of Equalization, $24.13 per hour; Beverly Stoeser, Part-Time Deputy Register of Deeds, $25.00 per hour; Keva Hedman, Highway Administrative Assistant, $22.83 per hour; Thomas Richardson, Highway Foreman, $27.28 per hour; Kirby O’Dea, Truck Driver, $23.35 per hour; Justin Jones, Truck Driver/Equipment Operator, $24.16 per hour; Zachery Knowlton, Truck Driver/Equipment Operator, $20.75 per hour; Tyrel Hall, Truck Driver, $20.34 per hour; , Harlie Petrak, States Attorney Legal Assistant, $22.10 per hour; Jane Schrank, States Attorney Legal Assistant, $23.65 per hour; Extension Assistant, $20.00 per hour; Van Johnson, Highway Seasonal, $27.00; Robert Warne, Highway Seasonal, $27.00 per hour; Wayne Deal, Highway Seasonal, $27.00 per hour; Marvin Cline, Fairgrounds Maintenance, $22.21 per hour; Fairgrounds Office, $17.50; Fairgrounds Seasonal, $15.00; 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 7th day of January 2025.
ATTEST: BOARD of STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Craig Heller, Chairman
Executive Session – Care of Poor – SDCL 28-17-2: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Gary Gritter, to go into Executive Session-Care of Poor-SDCL 28-17-2 at 6:50 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Chairman Heller declared to reconvene at 6:57 P.M.
Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Gary Grittner, to approve Care of Poor Case #1594 in the amount of $2,000.00. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Upcoming Workshops: MSHA Training, Highway Department
Annual Report Workshop, Auditor
Adjournment: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Mike Kenzy, to adjourn at 7:09 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ATTEST: BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Craig Heller, Chairman