City Council Agendas, Packets and Minutes

Unapproved Minutes City Council Regular Session February 2, 2026 Monday 6:00 p.m. The regular session of the City Council, City of Vermillion, South Dakota was called to order on February 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Cole. 1. Roll Call Present: Thaler, Leber, Price, Holland, Jennewein, Cheeseman, Murra, Mayor Cole Absent: Hellwege 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Minutes A. Minutes of January 20, 2026, Special Session and January 20, 2026, Regular Session. 26-26 Council Member Holland moved approval of the January 20, 2026, special session and January 20, 2026, regular session minutes. Council Member Leber seconded the motion. Motion carried 8 to 0. Mayor Cole declared the motion adopted. 4. Adoption of the Agenda 27-26 Council Member Price moved approval of the agenda. Council Member Jennewein seconded the motion. Motion carried 8 to 0. Mayor Cole declared the motion adopted. 5. Visitors to be Heard A. Black History Month Proclamation – Human Relations Commission. Mohamed Mohamed, Human Relations Commission, read the following proclamation: A PROCLAMATION TO CELEBRATE THE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH WHEREAS, in February 2026, we mark a historic milestone: the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. For a century, this observance has served as a national call to recognize, honor, and preserve the history, culture, and immeasurable contributions of African Americans whose labor, leadership, creativity, and resilience have shaped the United States; and WHEREAS, Black history is American history. From the earliest days of this nation, African Americans have helped build its foundations economically, culturally, and morally often while being denied the very freedoms and protections promised by the nation’s founding ideals. Their stories are stories of endurance, innovation, courage, and an unwavering demand that America live up to its creed; and WHEREAS, The United States was founded on the powerful and unfinished promise that all people are created equal and deserving of dignity. To honor that promise honestly, we must confront the realities of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism, while also recognizing the generations of Black Americans who, through struggle and sacrifice, expanded democracy and advanced justice for all; and WHEREAS, African Americans were instrumental in building the nation’s infrastructure, institutions, and economy, including the construction of the nation’s capital; and WHEREAS, African Americans have served in every American war since the Revolutionary War, often fighting for freedoms abroad that were not fully realized at home; and WHEREAS, Black leaders, activists, educators, artists, and community builders have led transformative movements that reshaped the nation and strengthened its commitment to equality, civil rights, and human dignity; and WHEREAS, the centennial of Black History Month provides a rare and meaningful opportunity not only to reflect on the past, but to recommit ourselves to building a future rooted in truth, equity, and shared humanity. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Vermillion, through the Vermillion Human Relations Commission, in partnership with the Black Students Union of the University of South Dakota, hereby proclaims February 2026 as Black History Month, commemorating 100 Years of Black History Month, and calls upon all residents to honor this centennial through education, remembrance, dialogue, and action. 6. Public Hearings - None 7. Consent Agenda Council Member Murra asked for item D. Engineering Agreement Task Order #5 - Highway 50 Utility Crossings be removed from the consent agenda. A. Invoices payable. AARON BJORKMAN REFUND PARKING TICKET OVERPAYMENT $5.00 ACCENT WIRE - TIE BALER BAGS $78,912.00 AMAZON BUSINESS SUPPLIES $1,995.62 AMY SANFORD REFUND REC FEES $30.00 ANTHONY KRONAIZL MEALS REIMBURSEMENT $68.00 APCO INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DUES $12.30 AT&T MOBILITY HOTSPOTS $277.36 AUTO VALUE PARTS $1,243.42 BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOP WORK ORDER CHARGES $1,277.45 BECK MOTORS, INC CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB $42,808.00 BEST WESTERN PLUS RAMKOTA LODGING $1,150.00 HOTEL BLUEBEAM, INC SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL $660.00 BOMGAARS TOOLS $1,022.82 BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES INC MATERIALS $1,731.46 BRANDED BILLS MERCHANDISE $739.56 BRANDON STEENECK MEALS REIMBURSEMENT $68.00 BUTLER MACHINERY CO PARTS $251.39 CARLSON ENTERPRISES, LLC HVAC LABOR - ICMA EMO $1,521.85 CASK & CORK MERCHANDISE $2,262.00 CHAD CHRISTOPHERSON MEALS REIMBURSEMENT $68.00 CHAMBERLAIN OIL CO FUEL $2,200.02 CINTAS SUPPLIES $73.21 CITY OF VERMILLION CITY DEPARTMENTS POSTAGE $1,273.30 CITY OF VERMILLION CITY UTILITY BILLS $39,414.07 CLEAN SWEEP INDUSTRIES SUPPLIES $426.50 COYOTE CHEMICAL COMPANY WASH SERVICES $210.00 COYOTE SPORTS PROPERTIES SPONSORSHIP $2,000.00 DAKOTA BEVERAGE MERCHANDISE $6,967.40 DAN'S DRAIN & DUCT CLEANING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - ICMA EMO $495.72 LLC DENNIS MARTENS MAINTENANCE $833.34 DGR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $55.00 DLT SOLUTIONS, INC SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL $2,481.48 DOLL DISTRIBUTING LLC MERCHANDISE $2,821.35 DUBOIS CHEMICALS SODA ASH $10,340.00 ECHO ELECTRIC SUPPLY MATERIALS $851.11 ELEVATE HEALTHCARE SERVICE CONTRACT $3,788.40 ERIC McPHERSON MEALS REIMBURSEMENT $102.00 ERICKSON SOLUTIONS GROUP PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $1,688.20 ESRI SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL $8,700.00 FASTENAL COMPANY MATERIALS $1,169.04 FEDEX. SHIPPING $21.97 FIRST BANK & TRUST-VISA TRAVEL/TRAINING/SUPPLIES $16,943.06 FRONTIER PRECISION, INC SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE $3,639.00 GEOTEK ENGINEERING WWTF IMPROVEMENTS $4,629.50 GRAYMONT (WI) LLC CHEMICALS $6,633.78 GREGG PETERS FREIGHT $1,458.54 GREGG PETERS RENT $3,450.00 HAWKINS INC CHEMICALS $3,227.41 HEIMAN, INC FIRE EQUIP $25,191.47 HENDERSON EXHAUST PLUS REPAIR $22.00 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS LODGING $224.00 HOUSTON ENGINEERING INC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $7,580.11 HYDRO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $976.25 OPTIMIZATION/AUTOMATION SOLNS, INC INGRAM LIBRARY MATERIALS $346.65 JAY'S PLUMBING REPAIRS $102.00 JOHNSON BROTHERS OF SD MERCHANDISE $15,495.02 JONES FOOD CENTER SUPPLIES $400.43 JOSH ANGLIN PARTS/LABOR $6,724.22 JOSH MANNING MEALS REIMBURSEMENT $68.00 KNOX COMPANY LICENSE RENEWAL $1,298.00 LAYNES WORLD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $223.60 LOFFLER COPIER CONTRACT $611.10 M & T FIRE AND SAFETY INC MATERIALS/LABOR $751.15 MAIN STREET CENTER 1ST QTR CONTRIBUTIONS 2026 $4,000.00 MARK CLARK REIMBURSEMENT FOR SUPPLIES $41.72 MCLEODS PRINTING OFFICE SUPPLIES $438.83 MEDICAL WASTE TRANSPORT, INC HAUL MEDICAL WASTE $337.55 MENARDS SUPPLIES $883.90 MIDWEST ALARM CO QUARTERLY ALARM MONITORING $101.28 NATIONAL SPORTS PRODUCTS DUGOUT WINSCREEN $1,476.17 NCL OF WISCONSIN, INC FILTERS $255.83 NEBRASKA JOURNAL-LEADER ADVERTISING $36.75 NETSYS+ PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $29.25 PHELPS UNIFORM SPECIALISTS UNIFORM CLEANING $132.80 PING/KARSTEN MFG CORP MERCHANDISE $405.24 PKG CONTRACTING, INC WWTF IMPROVEMENTS $93,522.43 PRESSING MATTERS ENVELOPES $201.00 PRESTO-X-COMPANY PEST CONTROL $205.10 QUADIENT FINANCE USA, INC POSTAGE FOR METER - METER SUPPLIES $200.00 QUADIENT LEASING USA, INC POSTAGE METER LEASE PAYMENT $269.73 QUILL OFFICE SUPPLIES $84.76 REDI TOWING TOWING $1,050.00 REPUBLIC NATIONAL MERCHANDISE $2,421.10 DISTRIBUTING CO. RESCO MATERIALS $5,040.27 RIVERSIDE HYDRAULICS & LABS SUPPLIES $205.16 INC RUNNING SUPPLY, LLC SUPPLIES $1,593.36 SCOTT PETERSEN CONSTRUCTION, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $8,200.00 INC SD CHAPTER GCSAA REGISTRATION $400.00 SD MUNICIPAL LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP DUES $300.00 SD PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY TESTING $344.00 SD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 2026 CONTRIBUTION $5,000.00 SERVICE FIRST FIRE ANNUAL INSPECTION $350.00 SPRINKLER, LLC SERVICE MASTER OF SE SOUTH CUSTODIAL $4,149.56 DAKOTA SHANE GRIESE MEALS REIMBURSEMENT $102.00 SOOLAND BOBCAT MATERIALS $400.00 SOUTHERN GLAZER'S OF SD MERCHANDISE $1,951.13 STAPLES BUSINESS CREDIT SUPPLIES $837.67 STOCKTON TOWING INC TOWING $150.00 TAYLOR'S TINS LLC FIRE EQUIP $5,068.00 TELEFLEX LLC MEDICAL SUPPLIES $1,100.00 THE BEAN COMMUNITY LIBRARY EVENT $175.00 COFFEEHOUSE THE WALKING BILLBOARD UNIFORMS $439.10 TOTAL RESPONSE SOFTWARE RENEWAL & TRAINING $4,778.40 TRAVIS TARR BOOTS REIMBURSEMENT $250.00 TREVIPAY- WALMART SUPPLIES $315.51 TWO LANE TACTICS, LLC COURSE REGISTRATION $359.98 ULINE SUPPLIES $1,792.69 US POSTMASTER POSTAGE FOR UTILITY BILLS $1,600.00 USD WELLNESS CENTER PUNCH PASSES $678.00 VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONES $2,309.49 VERMILLION ACE HARDWARE SUPPLIES $1,866.51 VERMILLION AREA COMMUNITY ROUND UP PROGRAM $233.75 FOUNDATION VERMILLION CHAMBER & MEMBERSHIP $385.00 DEVELOPMENT CO VERMILLION CPR CPR $30.00 VERMILLION ROTARY CLUB MEALS/DUES $346.50 VERUM TECHNOLOGIES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $1,813.35 VGS INC MONTHLY HAULING $960.96 WESCO DISTRIBUTION, INC PARTS $3,319.80 WILLIAMS & CO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $2,885.00 ZACHARY HAMMOND MEALS REIMBURSEMENT $102.00 ZIEGLER INC PARTS $993.52 B. Fuel quotes. Recommended the low quote of Stern Oil on Item 1, and Jerry’s Service on Items 2 and 3. Item 1 - 4,350 gal. unleaded 10% ethanol: Brunick Service $2.49, Jerry’s Service $2.5550, SE Farmers Coop $2.289, Stern Oil $2.28; Item 2 – 3,000 gal. No. 1 & 2 diesel fuel-dyed average price: Brunick Service $3.15, Jerry’s Service $2.80, SE Farmers Coop $2.899, Stern Oil $3.02; Item 3 - 3,000 gal. No. 1 & 2 diesel fuel-clear average price: Brunick Service $3.40, Jerry’s Service $3.08, SE Farmers Coop $3.179, Stern Oil $3.30. C. Resolution adjusting the salary of Nick Doty as Interim Finance Officer. RESOLUTION ADJUSTING INTERIM FINANCE OFFICER SALARY WHEREAS, SDCL 9-14-28 provides that the governing body of every municipality shall fix and determine by ordinance or resolution the amount of salaries and compensation of municipal officers; and WHEREAS, in early December 2025, City Finance Officer Katie Redden submitted her resignation to be effective on Friday, January 9, 2026; and WHEREAS, Deputy Finance Officer Nick Doty has worked in the City Finance Office since June 2024 and is familiar with the functions and responsibilities of the Finance Office; and WHEREAS, Nick Doty was appointed as the Interim Finance Officer and the City Council desires to compensate him for these additional duties until the Finance Officer position is filled. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the City of Vermillion, South Dakota, that the salary of the Interim Finance Officer will include an additional $500 per pay period, beginning with the pay period starting January 11, 2026, during his time and service as the Interim Finance Officer. Upon appointing a new Finance Officer, Nick Doty’s salary will revert back to what he is currently earning as the Deputy Finance Officer. Dated at Vermillion, South Dakota, on this 2nd day of February 2026. FOR THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF VERMILLION, SOUTH DAKOTA By _____________________________ Jonathan D. Cole, Mayor ATTEST: By _____________________________ Nick Doty, Interim Finance Officer 28-26 Council Member Price moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Council Member Holland seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0. Mayor Cole declared the motion adopted. 8. Old Business 9. New Business A. First reading of Ordinance 1550 to amend Title XV, Land Usage; Chapter 152, Signs; Table 3: Number, Dimensions, and Location of Individual Signs by Zoning District adding (h) to provide for larger freestanding signs along South Dakota Highway 50. Alex Goodburn, Building Official, reported that on January 5, 2026, the City Council serving as the Board of Appeals, held a public hearing for an appeal to the Building Official’s decision to deny a sign permit. The requested sign fell outside of City ordinance and the permit denial was upheld. However, the hearing demonstrated a need to update a specific section of Chapter 152: Signs, as it pertains specifically to SD Hwy. 50 (bypass). The recommendation at the public hearing had unanimous consent to allow staff to present an updated proposal specific to SD Hwy. 50 (bypass) at a City Council noon meeting. Alex presented a proposed update to Chapter 152: Signs, Table 3 to the Mayor and City Council at the noon meeting on January 20, 2026. The Mayor and City Council provided the Building Official with their feedback and an updated ordinance with those considerations put forward. The proposed change would allow for the size of signs along SD Hwy. 50 (bypass) in the General Business, General Industrial, and Heavy Industrial zoned areas to allow for an increase to freestanding or individual signs from 160 square feet to 300 square feet. Alex stated that Administration recommends advancing Ordinance 1550 to amend Chapter 152, Signs; Table 3: Number, Dimensions, and Location of Individual signs by Zoning District adding (h) to provide for larger freestanding signs along SD Hwy. 50 (bypass) to a second reading on February 17, 2026. Alex noted that included in the packet is the updated table from the proposed ordinance. The proposed ordinance would add note “h” to the General Business, General Industrial, and Heavy Industrial along with “(h) freestanding or individual signs along SD Hwy. 50 (Bypass) may be increased up to no more than 300 square feet. This exemption only applies to the GB, GI, and HI zoning districts. Sign must be within the SD Hwy. 50 setback. No sign may be located within 75 feet of residential zoning or residential use” under the notes section in the chart. Mayor Cole asked if the sign that was in question would now be in compliance if this ordinance was put into place. Alex stated that the sign would be in compliance. 29-26 Mayor Cole read the title to the above-mentioned Ordinance and Council Member Murra moved adoption of the following Resolution: BE IT RESOLVED that the minutes of this meeting shall show that the title to proposed Ordinance No. 1550 entitled An Ordinance amending Title XV, Land Usage; Chapter 152, Signs; Section 152.13 Tables, Table 3: Number, Dimensions, and Location of Individual Signs by Zoning District has been read and the Ordinance has been considered to advance to the second reading at this meeting being a regularly called meeting of the Governing Body of the City on this 2nd day of February, 2026 at the Council Chambers in City Hall in the manner prescribed by SDCL 9- 19-7 as amended. The motion was seconded by Council Member Thaler. After discussion the question of adoption of the Resolution was put to a vote of the Governing Body and 8 members voted in favor of and 0 members voted in opposition to the motion. Mayor Cole declared the motion adopted. B. Human Relations Commission Appointments. Mayor Cole recommended Ashley Lemons for the term expiring in May 2026, and Kacie Hall for the term expiring in May 2027 on the Human Relations Commission. Mayor Cole also discussed each candidate’s qualifications. 30-26 Council Member Holland moved approval of appointing Ashley Lemons and Kacie Hall to the Human Relations Commission Appointments. Council Member Leber seconded the motion. Motion carried 8 to 0. Mayor Cole declared the motion adopted. C. Resolution fixing the time and place for a hearing and notice of hearing on the special assessment roll for construction of concrete surfacing and other improvements along Carr Street from West Duke Street to Bower Street. Jose Dominguez, City Engineer, reported that on June 17, 2024, the City Council adopted a Resolution of Necessity for the construction of this portion of North Carr Street. The City Council awarded a contract to Steve Harris Construction on February 18, 2025, to construct this section of Carr Street. Construction of this section of Carr Street was completed in early October 2025, with the final payment being issued in November 2025. Jose stated the special assessments were calculated and filed with the Interim Finance Officer on January 29, 2026. Jose added per State statute, the City is required to hold a public hearing to allow the affected property owners to review and discuss any concerns regarding the assessed value. The property owners to be assessed will also be notified of the hearing by mail. The public hearing notice will be published in the Plain Talk. Jose stated the total construction costs were $586,369.78. This cost includes the construction of the road, sidewalks, approaches, and street lighting. Of this amount the City is responsible for $233,530.38. This amount covers all oversized items such as part of the gravel, all the geotextiles used, some of the paving costs, all of the water improvements, and all the soil cement stabilization. The remaining $381,066.56 is the amount to be assessed to the two property owners. The City’s portion will be paid from the City’s STIP fund. Jose concluded that administration recommends approving the Resolution to set a hearing date of March 2, 2026, for the special assessment roll for the construction of a portion of North Carr Street. Mayor Cole asked if this was just short of the budget. Jose stated the project was over budget. Mayor Cole asked how far over budget the project was. Jose estimated that the project was $120,000 over. The project was under the assessable amount, but the actual contracted amount was over. Council Member Holland stated in the Resolution, it says Tuesday the 2nd day of March, but March 2nd is a Monday. 31-26 After reading the same once, Council Member Leber moved adoption of the following: RESOLUTION FIXING THE TIME AND PLACE FOR A HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE SURFACING AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS ALONG NORTH CARR STREET FROM WEST DUKE STREET TO BOWER STREET IN THE CITY OF VERMILLION, SD WHEREAS, a special assessment roll was filed in the office of the City Finance Officer of the City of Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota, on the 29th day of January, 2026, for the construction of a concrete street and other improvements in front or abutting lots in the City of Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota, said special assessment being against the property abutting upon said improvement; and WHEREAS, said assessment roll, now on file in the office of the City Finance Officer of the City of Vermillion, South Dakota, is open for public inspection and is referred to for further particulars; and WHEREAS, said assessment roll shows as follows: 1. The name of the owner(s) of each lot to be assessed, as shown by the assessment rolls, of the Director of Equalization; and 2. A description by lot, block and addition, or by metes and bounds of each parcel of land to be assessed, recognizing divisions by deed of platted lots, and obtaining the legal description of land as of the date of the adoption of the Resolution of Necessity for such improvement; and 3. The amount assessed against each lot; and 4. The number of installments, the rate of interest deferred installments shall bear, and the whole of such assessment, or any installment thereof, may be paid at any time, and that all installments paid prior to the respective due dates shall be deemed paid in inverse order of their due date; and 5. Whenever the word “lot” appears therein, it shall be construed to include tracts and other parcels of land. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Monday, the 2nd day of March, 2026, at the hour of 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall located at 25 Center Street, in the City of Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota, be and the same is hereby fixed as the time and place for hearing upon said assessment roll. Any interested person may appear and show cause why the Governing Body of said City of Vermillion, South Dakota, should not approve and levy said assessments against the respective premises as set forth in said assessment roll, to defray the costs of the construction of said improvement. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Finance Officer of the City of Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota, shall be and is hereby authorized and directed to cause this Resolution and Notice to be published in the official newspaper in the City of Vermillion, South Dakota. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Finance Officer of the City of Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota, shall mail a copy of this Resolution and Notice, by first-class mail, addressed to the owner(s) of any property to be assessed for such improvement at their address as shown by the records of the Director of Equalization. The mailing may not be less than ten nor more than twenty days before the date set for the hearing. Adopted at Vermillion, South Dakota, this 2nd day of February 2026. THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF VERMILLION, SOUTH DAKOTA BY____________________________ Jonathan D. Cole, Mayor ATTEST: BY______________________________ Nick Doty, Interim Finance Officer SEAL CERTIFICATION OF ADOPTION: Adoption of the above and foregoing Resolution and Notice was moved by Council member _______________, seconded by Council member ______________ and said Resolution and Notice was thereafter put to a vote of the Governing Body, whereupon __ members voted in favor thereof and __ members voted in opposition thereto; said Resolution and Notice being by the Mayor declared adopted. _________________________________________ Nick Doty, Interim Finance Officer The motion was seconded by Council Member Cheeseman. Discussion followed and the question of the adoption of the Resolution was presented for a vote of the Governing Body. 8 members voted in favor of and 0 members voted in opposition to the Resolution. Mayor Cole declared that the Resolution was adopted. D. Proposed Home Rule Charter Amendment. John Prescott, City Manager, stated last year the City Council looked at amending the Home Rule Charter to allow the budget process to be moved later in the year. While the State statute allowed for this change, the challenge was the Home Rule Charter that was adopted by voters in 2020 has dates that prevented the change. John stated this is being brought forward for the community and the Council to consider. He also noted that an ordinance is still being developed with the City Attorney. The goal is to have the first reading of the proposed ordinance at the February 17th Council meeting. John presented a PowerPoint on the Home Rule Charter Amendment and discussed the current budget process, State statute, the proposed budget process, pros and cons if the budget process was delayed, and the three changes that would need to be made to the Home Rule Charter. John concluded this discussion was held to provide an opportunity for the City Council and the public to begin learning about the matter and offer input. John stated no action is required this evening. Council Member Holland asked if any future changes would need to go through another ballot. John stated it would, as the Home Rule Charter can only be changed by a vote of the citizens. Council Member Holland stated the 30th day of November should be changed to a date set by the South Dakota Code of Law. If the State decides to change the date again, then the City would not need to change the Home Rule Charter. Mayor Cole asked if there will still be an explanation on the ballot so citizens will understand the proposal. John stated the City Attorney has written that explanation in the past. Council Member Price asked if there are other dates in the Home Rule Charter that are date specific and that can also be changed now. John stated Staff will review the Home Rule Charter and have that available at the next meeting. E. Engineering Agreement Task Order #5 – SD Highway 50 utility crossings. Shane Griese, Utilities Manager, reported that over the last year, multiple conversations regarding the utility crossings at the intersection of SD Highway 50 and Princeton Street have been held. At the January 20th Council meeting, the Council approved the resolution to allocate Second Penny funds to cover the cost of the potential project. Shane added following that meeting, Staff worked with Banner Associates to draft an agreement for performing the engineering services to create a set of plans and specifications for the utility crossings. Task Order #5 has been included in the packet for your review. Task Order #5 has been broken into two phases; a Preliminary Design Phase ($27,000) and a Final Design Phase ($30,900). The total cost of the engineering services is $58,600.00. Shane stated that Banner has also created an estimate of probable cost for the crossings. That estimate is roughly $608,000. This is substantially higher than the Staff estimate of $350,000. The biggest difference is the inclusion of an encasement pipe in Banner’s estimate. The addition of the encasement pipe adds roughly $300,000 to the estimated cost. Shane added that all construction contracts for this project would then come before the City Council for approval. Shane stated the Council approved a resolution to allocate Second Penny funds to cover the cost of this project. The VCDC also stated at the last meeting that there may be funds available to help cover the cost of this engineering agreement. Although, that proposal has not been in front of their board for consideration at this time. Shane concluded that Administration recommends approval of Task Order #5 with Banner Associates for the SD Highway 50 utility crossings for the engineering on this project in the amount of $58,600.00. Council Member Holland asked if an encasement was needed. Shane stated that the DOT requires encasements on most of the SD Highway 50 crossings, but the two most recent water crossings did not require encasements which is why that was not included in the previous total. Council Member Price asked why the new crossings need encasements and the past crossings did not. Shane stated it is not guaranteed that the new crossings will need the encasements, but Banner included it in the estimate just for worst case scenarios. Mayor Cole asked why the engineering agreement did not go out for bid. Shane explained that per State law, engineering services do not need to go out to bid and can be hired. Banner’s engineering services were considered due to their experience with City utilities. If streets or larger projects are involved that are not utility focused, those go to different engineering firms and Staff goes through the bullpen process. Discussion followed. Mayor Cole asked how the bullpen process worked. Jose stated that everyone that is in the bullpen is pre-selected by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT). Those in the bullpen are listed in order of proximity to the City, so that is why Banner is consulted first as they have an office in town. Council Member Murra stated he was not happy with how it went on Tom Street and how long it took Banner to have meetings with the contractor. Discussion followed. Council Member Murra asked how confident Staff was with the bids coming in under Banner’s estimate. Shane stated the bidding atmosphere is tough right now, so it is hard to predict that. Discussion followed. Mayor Cole asked which engineering firm has the most experience working with the DOT. Shane stated each engineering firm probably has enough experience working with the DOT. Mayor Cole asked if there are any issues reaching out to two or more engineering firms. Jose stated the only issue would be timing, but Staff can take the scope that Staff worked with Banner on and send that to other engineering firms for their price on the scope of work. Council Member Jennewein asked if there was a timeline the Council was trying to meet. Jim Peterson, with the VCDC, stated the business going at the intersection of SD Highway 50 and Princeton Street asked on Friday what the timeline was. Mayor Cole asked if the Council would be setting that timeline. Jim said that is correct. Discussion continued. Mayor Cole asked if Staff could reach out to three or four other engineering firms to get their price for the scope of work and give the other engineering firms two weeks to respond. John stated Staff will try to bring the new proposals to the February 17th meeting, but most likely the new proposals would be presented at the March 2nd meeting. Discussion continued. No motion was made on Task Order #5 with Banner Associates for the SD Highway 50 utility crossing in the amount $58,600.00. Mayor Cole declared that the agenda item failed due to a lack of motion. 10. Bid Openings 11. City Manager’s Report  Human Relations Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in the Mamura Room on the 2nd floor of City Hall.  Historic Preservation Commission meets on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the Powell Conference room.  The City’s Planning and Zoning Commission will be having a Joint Meeting with the County’s Planning and Zoning Commission at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, in the Powell Conference room at City Hall. The Commissions will be reviewing the proposed Joint Jurisdiction Comprehensive Plan for Clay County and the City of Vermillion.  City Offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, for the Presidents’ Day holiday. The next City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.  The current term of the Mayor and one Council member from each ward is expiring in July. Petitions to run for these positions are available through the City Finance Office. Petitions are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 24, 2026.  There will be a press conference at the Fire/EMS station on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. announcing that Vermillion ambulances are the first in the state to have blood products.   Reminder that Kidder Street between Court Street and the alley between Court and Market Streets will be closed on Saturday, February 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge.  The City is a participant in a Safe Streets For All (SS4A) grant to evaluate traffic concerns in SE South Dakota communities. There is a website where individuals can enter their comments or concerns about streets in Vermillion and participating communities in the 6-county region. We have taken the comments from last Monday night and entered those on the website. The website can be found at https://tinyurl.com/SECOG-SS4A.  Raffle notifications: The Vermillion Youth Soccer League will be selling $5 tickets from February 1 to March 1, 2026. It is a 50/50 drawing. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to update soccer equipment in town and assist with the cost of attending soccer tournaments. PAYROLL ADDITIONS AND CHANGES Police: Mariah Koenig $30.54/hr, Tevin Mielitz $30.91; Code: Jeffrey Rasmussen $22.12/hr; Library: Kendra Brewer $26.67/hr; Clubhouse: Gage Watson $16.00/hr 12. Adjourn 32-26 Council Member Murra moved to adjourn the Council Meeting at 7:04 p.m. Council Member Leber seconded the motion. Motion carried 8 to 0. Mayor Cole declared the motion adopted. Dated at Vermillion, South Dakota this day of February 2, 2026. THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF VERMILLION, SOUTH DAKOTA BY____________________________ Jonathan D. Cole, Mayor ATTEST: BY___________________________________ Nick Doty, Interim Finance Officer Published once at the approximate cost of ___________.