March 4, 2025
STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
March 4, 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, Government Building Manager Rick Striker, Highway Superintendent Lee Smith, 4-H Extension Wendi Roberts, Jackie Husted, Stanley County Sheriff Deputy Dustin Baxter, Bryan Hanson, and Auditor Philena Burtch. The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve the Agenda. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
MINUTES: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve February 4, 2025, Minutes. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Conflict of Interest Declaration: No Conflict of Interest was declared.
4-H/Extension secretary Wendi Roberts was introduced. Her first day was Monday March 3rd.
Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bill Konst informed the Commission of interest earned for February 2025 is $12,451.81. The new motor vehicle system went live on February 18th. The new system has been keeping the office busy.
Auditor Report: Auditor Philena Burtch presented the Commissioners with the Budget Expenditure Report showing each department’s expenses as of January 31, 2025, and Outstanding Disbursements as of March 3, 2025.
SALARIES BY OFFICE: Commissioners - $3,754.58; Auditor - $3,367.90; Treasurer - $6,061.07; States Attorney - $10,019.38; Custodial - $2,725.71; Director of Equalization - $5,843.97; Register of Deeds - $3,662.18; Road & Bridge - $22,905.50; Weed & Pest - $462.26; Fairgrounds - $7,144.34; Extension - $5,017.26; Coroner - $57.08 Employee Health Insurance - $18,380.60; SD Retirement System, withheld and match - $12,055.98; Electronic Transfer; FICA, Medicare and Withholding Tax - $22,281.57.
Register of Deeds:
Regular Fees February 2025 - $ 1,523.17
Transfer Fees February 2025 - $ 3,268.50
Government Building – Courthouse Elevation Survey: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to accept and approve Aaron Swan & Associates, Inc. to conduct the courthouse elevation survey at a cost not to exceed $9,000.00. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Resolution 2025-11 – Opposition to Mandatory Electronic Identification Livestock Tags: Bryan Hanson informed the Commission that the US Department of Agriculture has implemented updated cattle identification rules to enhance traceability for disease control management. These new regulations require the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that are both visually and electronically readable for certain cattle and bison moving across state lines. These changes only apply to official ID for cattle and bison.
The cost of RDID tags burdens small and medium sized independent farmers and ranchers. Bryan explained that the metal USDA tags have been used for many years. The metal tags are fully functioning and effective, with less expense to the farmers, ranchers, producers, and consumers.
Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Dana Iversen, to approve Resolution 2025-11 – Opposition to Mandatory Electronic Identification Livestock Tags. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2025-11
OPPOSITION TO MANDATORY ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION LIVESTOCK TAGS
WHEREAS the traceability program is incremental. USDA APHIS stated on its website, updated October 11, 2024, after approving the new rule, that it “is committed to implementing a modern system that tracks animals from birth to slaughter”, and
WHEREAS the cost of EID tags disproportionately burdens small and medium sized independent farmers and ranchers. The USDA rule allows large, corporate-owned herds to be grouped and tagged as one group, creating huge loophole that keep costs low for larger companies, and
WHEREAS the EID mandate would potentially interfere with price discovery found in traditional markets, thereby furthering vertical integration of the US food supply at the expense of the consumer and independent producer, and
WHEREAS South Dakota Codified Law 40-3-27 provides for identification of animals and premises involved in animal movement. The Animal Industry Board may develop and implement specific programs for the identification of animals and premises involved in animal movement. Any program implemented pursuant to SDCL 40-3-27 to 40-3-29, inclusive, must provide for confidentiality of identification records other than those records requested by law enforcement officers of the state and those records used for mandatory disease control or eradication efforts. A livestock owner may choose to identify animals using any methods set forth in 9 C.F.R. part 86, as adopted on January 9, 2013, as well as any additional methods that are later approved by the South Dakota Animal Industry Board pursuant to this section, and
WHEREAS the EID mandate is far overreaching, intrusive and potentially circumvents privacy laws, threatening the livelihood of independent cattle and bison producers, and
WHEREAS independent, family-owned cattle ranches are a paramount importance to our local economy and to the economy as a whole, and
WHEREAS the comments received by USDA APHIS in the rulemaking process were overwhelmingly against the new rule, and
WHEREAS America has the safest and highest quality meat in the world using our current, fully functioning, and effective traceability system. The mandated rule claims to be about animal health, but does nothing to prevent or treat disease, and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Stanley County vehemently opposes the implementation of EID mandate by the USDA, with the suggestion that funds currently earmarked for this program be reallocated to efforts to restore import standards that protect all livestock producers and consumers from introduction to foreign animal disease.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Stanley County requests that all elected officials make every effort to block this government overreach by the USDA.
Dated this 4th day of March, 2025.
ATTEST: STANLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Craig Heller, Chairman
Sheriff’s Office – Continuity of Response – Emergency Management: The Stanley County Sheriff’s office is interested in taking over the duties of Emergency Management. After discussion, it was agreed to discuss this subject with Hughes County before any decision is made.
Highway Department – Lee Smith presented the Commission with a report of work performed by the Highway Department for the month of February 2025, which consists of hauling gravel, blading, service and maintain equipment.
Diamond Mowers Side Boom Rotary Mower: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Gary Grittner, to approve the purchase of a Diamond Mowers Side Boom Rotary Mower from Purple Wave, in the amount of $7,920.00. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
2025 Antenna Site Lease Agreement – Snake Butte: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Dana Iversen, to approve Antenna Site Lease Agreement 2025, Snake Butte Tower. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Frontline Warning Systems Annual Service Contract – Frontier Road Siren: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to accept and approve Annual Service Proposal and Contract for Whelen Outdoor Warning Sirens with Frontline Warning Systems. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Hayes Hall Annual Raffle: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Hayes Hall Annual Raffle, during the Hayes Annual Play April 4-6, 2025, proceeds are used to support Hayes Hall. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Catholic Community Foundation Raffle: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Catholic Community Foundation Raffle April 15, 2025-June 9, 2025, proceeds used for Seminarian Education. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Automatic Budget Supplement – 4-H/Extension – Fairgrounds:
4-H/Extension – Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Dana Iversen, to approve Automatic Budget Supplement in the amount of $26,700.00 to 4-H/Extension-SDSU Educator (101-611-429.15), to reflect payment from Hughes County for 2025 Extension Allotment. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Fairgrounds – Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Dana Iversen, to approve Automatic Budget Supplement in the amount of $10,000.00 to Fairgrounds Maintenance (101-524-425.0), to reflect payment from City of Fort Pierre for Quarter 1 2025 Fairgrounds Subsidy. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Review & Approve Claims: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Claims as presented. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ACE STEEL & RECYCLING INC 209.44 W&P SUPPL
AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE INC 4035.85 JANUARY SUBSIDY BILLING
ARAMARK 159.59 R&B MAINT
AT&T MOBILITY 477.97 CELL PHONES
BOTTOM LINE WELDING 49.25 R&B SUPPL
BOTTOM LINE WELDING 470.00 W&P REPAIR & MAINT
BUTLER MACHINERY CO 581.70 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-D7
CAPITAL AREA COUNSELING INC 2145.00 NOV 24/JAN 25 MCR
CAPITAL AREA REFUSE 179.94 GOV BLDG/FRGRNDS TRASH BILL
CATLIN'S CAR CLINIC 194.83 FRGRNDS REPAIR-2011 FORD
CELERITY INTERNET 146.89 FRGRNDS WIFI
CENTURY BUSINESS PRODUCTS 184.86 COPIER LEASE & COPIES
CENTURYLINK 85.28 4 CORNERS REPEATER
CLEARFLY 366.38 OFFICE PHONES
MARVIN CLINE 31.70 FRGRNDS MAINT REIMB
COLUMN SOFTWARE PBC 497.71 PUBLICATIONS
COMMTECH INC 69.99 FRGRNDS MAINT
COMMUNITY YOUTH INVOLVED INC 2083.33 MARCH SUPPORT
CONNECTING POINT 1882.00 SRVR MAINT/ANNUAL SONICWALL
CORPORATE WAREHOUSE SUPPLY 1586.60 COPIER SUPPL
COWBOY COUNTRY STORES 124.50 GOV BLDG FUEL
CROSSROADS TRAILER SALES-SF 435.66 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-T3
CROSSWORX SOLUTIONS LLC 1500.00 R&B MAINT-D7
DAKOTA DATA SHRED 188.95 AUD MAINT
JLF ENTERPRISES INC 20.55 FRGRNDS/R&B SUPPL
JOHN DUFFY 80.00 CH SHOP LOT RENT-MARCH
FIRST NATIONAL BANK 33.00 ANNUAL SAFE DEPOSIT BOX
FISCHER LAW OFFICE PROF LLC 2922.07 CRT APPT ATTRNY
FLEET SERVICES 677.84 FRGRNDS/R&B FUEL
FLOYD'S TRUCK CENTER 1088.17 R&B SUPPL-TR16/T12/T3
FLOYD'S KUBOTA 39.52 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-P9
FLOYD'S KUBOTA 639.52 FRGRNDS REPAIR & MAINT
FORT PIERRE CITY 74390.23 DUE TO CITY OF FORT PIERRE
FORT PIERRE CITY 137.64 EXT COPIER LEASE & COPIES
FORT PIERRE CITY 3665.16 UTILITIES
FRIMAN OIL & GAS INC 298.39 FRGRNDS PROPANE
FRONTLINE PLUS FIRE & RESCUE 375.00 ANNUAL SIREN SRVC CONTRCT
GARAGE DOORS ETC 6864.15 CLERK OF COURTS WALL
GOLDEN WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS 200.00 E-911
GRAHAM TIRE COMPANY 150.00 R&B REPAIR & MAINT-T12
GROSSENBURG IMPLEMENT OF PIERR 789.50 R&B SUPPLTG7/G6/G5
HOGEN'S HARDWARE HANK 99.98 TREAS SUPPL
HUGHES COUNTY FINANCE OFFICE 16485.00 JANUARY JAIL/JUV BILLING
HUGHES CO EMERGENCY MANGEMENT 400.00 ANNUAL ANTENNA SITE LEASE
HUGHES COUNTY JAIL 58.25 MEDICAL CARE
JC OFFICE SUPPLIES 39.45 R&B SUPPL
LAMB'S CHEVROLET & IMPLEMENT 576.71 FRGRNDS REPAIR & MAINT
LAWSON PRODUCTS INC 245.91 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
MENARDS - PIERRE 206.52 GOV BLDG/FRGRNDS/R&B SUPPL
MICROFILM IMAGING SYSTEMS INC 395.00 ROD EQUIP RENTAL
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 178.59 R&B PHONE/INTERNET
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 273.83 OFFICE PHONES & INTERNET
MIDWEST OIL COMPANY 715.00 R&B SUPPL-DEF
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 741.20 R&B NATURAL GAS
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 1212.52 CH BLDG/FRGRNDS NATURAL GAS
MORRIS INC 122.80 R&B SUPPL
MORRIS INC 178.18 FRGRNDS MAINT
NAPA 29.65 FRGRNDS MAINT & REPAIR
NORTHWEST PIPE FITTINGS INC 305.47 FRGRNDS MAINT
OVERHEAD DOOR CO OF PIERRE 3781.52 HAYES SHOP/CO SHOP REPR/MAINT
PIERRE SOLID WASTE FACILITY 15.90 GOV BDGE MAINT
PITNEY BOWES GLOBAL FINANCIAL 140.58 POSTAGE METER LEASE
PITNEY BOWES INC 1444.65 POSTAGE
PURPLE WAVE INC 7920.00 R&B DIAMOND MOWER
QUILL CORPORATION 341.64 OFFICE SUPPL
REDWOOD TOXICOLOGY LABORATORY 58.00 TOXICOLOGY TESTS
RITER ROGERS WATTIER & 584.50 CRT APPT ATTRNY
ROBINS WATER CONDITIONING INC 12.00 R&B SUPPL
ROCKMOUNT RESEARCH & ALLOYS 1993.00 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 62.93 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 918.25 FRGRNDS/W&P SUPPL
STANLEY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT 2039.50 US MARSHAL SRVC
STANLEY COUNTY SCHOOL DIST 255535.37 DUE TO SC SCHOOL
SCHREIBER ELECTRIC LLC 2818.00 FRGRNDS/GOV BLDG MAINT
JOAN BOOS SCHUELLER 600.00 CRT APPT ATTRNY
SD BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATION 13.79 OFFICE LONG DIST/BIT
SD DEPTMENT OF REVENUE 145238.06 MV/VITALS/MENTAL ILLNESS
SD DEPTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1105.75 R&B BRIDGE INSPECTION
SD PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY 120.00 BLOOD TESTS
SD ASSN OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER 2204.00 1ST QTR CLERP
SD ASSN OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER 500.00 COMM WORKSHOP
SD ASSOC OF COUNTY OFFICIALS 124.00 ROD M/P FUND
SD ASSOC OF COUNTY OFFICIALS 250.00 NEW OFFICIALS WORKSHOP
SD PUBLIC ASSURANCE ALLIANCE 100505.68 2025 LIABILITY PROPERTY INS
SDSU EXTENSION 23050.00 COUNTY 4H EDUCATOR ANNUAL
SECURITY LOCK SERVICE 189.40 GOV BLDG MAINT
SERVALL UNIFORM/LINEN CO 101.40 GOV BLDG SUPPL
SHARPE RENTALS INC 2916.18 MV REFUND
TITAN MACHINERY 248.30 R&B SUPPL-C1
US POSTAL SERVICE 166.00 FRGRNDS ANNUAL PO BOX SRVC
MONA WEIGER 127.40 CRT RPRTR
WIND CIRCLE NETWORK INC 615.87 R&B ANNUAL FIREWALL
WW TIRE SERVICE INC 201.00 R&B REPAIR/SUPPL-TR101/G5 PKR
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 756.48 R&B SUPPL
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 573.09 FRGRNDS/W&P MAINT/SUPPL
Executive Session – Personnel – SDCL 1-25-2(1): Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to go into Executive Session-Personnel-SDCL 1-25-2(1) at 6:10 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Chairman Heller declared to reconvene at 6:26 P.M.
Adjournment: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Dana Iversen, to adjourn at 6:40 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ATTEST: BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Craig Heller, Chairman