January 7, 2020
The Miner County Board of Commissioners held their reorganization meeting January 7, 2020, in the Miner County Courthouse. Members present: Alex Protsch, Garrett Gassman, Tom Reisch, Lavonne Durant and Roger Wentland. Members absent: none. Also, present included Director of Equalization Tami Severson, Rob Eggert and Colleen Arens.
County Auditor Susan Connor called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The auditor’s account with the county treasurer showed a December 31, 2019 balance of $7,009,139.00 in all state, county, civil, school and trust accounts.
It was moved by Protsch seconded by Durant and carried to elect Roger Wentland as Chairman. Wentland took the chair.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Durant and carried to elect Alex Protsch as Vice-Chairman.
It was moved by Gassman seconded by Protsch and carried to approve the agenda. The minutes of the December 31st meeting were approved.
The board acknowledge receipt of the following correspondence: Miner County Conservation District October meeting minutes & September & October financial reports; NRCS October report.
The Miner County Pioneer was designated as official county newspaper, the Miner County Courthouse, Canova Community Hall, and Carthage Community Room as mortgage sale sites and the River’s Edge Bank at Howard, River’s Edge Bank at Canova, American Bank & Trust at Carthage, and the SD Public Funds Investment Trust as official depositories for the county for 2020.
The following appointments were made Jodi Becker (Medical), Jerry Johnson (City) and Lanny Klinkhammer (Law Enforcement) to 3-year terms on the Ambulance Board. Members and the year their term expires are as follows
Mike Connor (NE area) 1-1-21 Denise Gassman (SW area) 1-1-21
Jody Becker (EMT) 1-1-22 Kari Jo Carlson (SE area) 1-1-22
Gibi Page (NW area) 1-1-22 Jerry Johnson (City) 1-1-23
Jody Becker (Medical) 1-1-23 Lanny Klinkhammer (Law Enforcement) 1-1-23
Weed board members, their year their terms expire and area represented are as follows:
John Haak (SE Area) 1-1-21 Robert Peterson (SW Area) 1-1-21
Dan Page (NW Area) 1-1-23 Wally Jacobson (NE Area) 1-1-23
The following appointments were made to the 4-H Promotion & Expansion Committee-Agricultural Representatives: Jason Feldhaus & Joseph Calmus.
The following commissioners' appointments were made for 2020:
Entire board-Zoning, and Emergency Management Boards
Weed Board-Durant Dispatch Board/Law Enforcement-Protsch &Reisch
Community Action Board-Protsch Legislative Representative-Gassman
Ambulance Board-Durant Farm-Protsch & Wentland
First District Board-Gassman Courthouse-Wentland & Protsch
Highway-Wentland & Reisch Juvenile Detention Board-Durant
The following persons serve as weather spotters: Mike Clary, Rob Eggert, Kevin Feldhaus, Dave Hodges, Aaron Jeffries, Nathan Kizer, Ron Krempges, Chad Podhradsky, Mike Sebert, Nathan Ruml, Joe Calmus, Dave Esser, Mike Genzlinger, Sam Gosmire, Josh Tobin, Matt Bornitz, Reginald Faber, David Hattervig, Dick Henn, Randy Lager, Zack Maznio, Norm Madison, Tim Nelson, Grant Stevens, Travis Steven, Doyle Crane, Mike Hvam, Lee Lewis, Gary Nutter, Dan Page, Gibi Page.
The following persons serve as Volunteer Ambulance Attendants: Jody Becker Ashley Callies, Cathy Cavigielli, Aaron Jeffrey, Amber Kramer. Volunteer Ambulance drivers: Mike Clary, Hunter Eggert, Rob Eggert, Josh Esser, Kevin Feldhaus, Amie Kidd, Nathan Kizer, Nick Kramer, Ron Krempges, Evan Meyer, Adam North, Chad Podhradsky, Alex Protsch, Eric Rentschler, Nathan Ruml, Brandon Schwader, Rick Senner, Tim Sherman, Scott Stanghor and Drew Yanish.
The following serve as EOC Volunteers: John Mengenhausen, Connie Eliason, Rick Olson and Teresa Abrahamson.
It was moved by Gassman and seconded by Reisch to approve the following resolution.
RESOLUTION 20-1
WHEREAS, SDCL 12-15-11 provides that the Board of Commissioners shall by annual resolution at the first regular commission meeting establish the rate of compensation to be paid the judges and clerks of a necessary election;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the rate of compensation for judges and clerks for any county-wide election in 2018 be established at $175.00 for a general election, $175.00 for a primary or special election, on call election board workers $50, for attendance of election schools $30 and resolution board workers $75.
Voting aye: Gassman, Protsch, Reisch, Durant and Wentland. Nay: none.
Resolution approved this 7th day of January, 2020.
Roger Wentland, Chairman
Miner County Board of Commissioners
Attest: Susan Connor, Miner County Auditor
It was moved by Protsch and seconded by Durant to pass the following resolution.
RESOLUTION 20-2
WHEREAS, SDCL 7-7-25 states that the Board of County Commissioners, by resolution, may authorize county officials to attend educational conferences, meetings, and conventions held and conducted within the state of South Dakota pertaining to the betterment and advancement of county government;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the county commissioners, highway superintendent, auditor, treasurer, register of deeds, state's attorney, sheriff, assessing officer, coroner, and veterans service officer be authorized to attend conferences, meetings, and conventions (within SD) called for the purpose set forth in SDCL 7-7-25 and that the mileage and necessary expenses to attend such be allowed. This resolution shall be in force for fiscal year 2020.
Voting aye: Protsch, Gassman, Reisch, Durant and Wentland. Nay: none.
Resolution approved this 7th day of January, 2020.
Roger Wentland, Chairman
Miner County Board of Commissioners
Attest: Susan Connor, Miner County Auditor
It was moved by Gassman and seconded by Reisch to pass the following resolution.
RESOLUTION 20-3
2020 SALARY RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the following wage scale for Miner County employees be in effect for fiscal year 2020 (annual salary unless otherwise specified).
Commissioners-Chairman $11,389
Vice-chairman 10,874
Commissioners 10,301
Appointed boards 25.00/ meeting
Auditor, Susan Connor 53,481
Treasurer Pat Carmon 48,903
Register of Deeds Karla Neises, 51,582
Director of Equalization Tami Severson 48,903
State's Attorney Gregory Protsch 49,580
Deputy State’s Attorney Kristian Ellendorf 18,433
Sheriff Robert Eggert 54,000
Chief Deputy Sheriff Mike Clary 46,478
Deputy Sheriff Ethan Wiesz 39,978
Part-time law enforcement 19.37/hr.
Director of 911 & Dispatch Services Cora Schwader 43,980
plus a $1.00 per hour bonus for providing dispatcher training
Guards- 17.96/hr.
Dispatchers:
Level 1- Sandra Roy, Grace Waters 17.59/hr.
Level 2- Jeremy James 17.82/hr.
Level 3- Deborah Gibson 18.08/hr.
Level 4-Jennifer Bolden, Stacey McCoy, Joni Jacobsen 18.30/hr.
Level 5- 18.52/hr.
Level 6-Randall Schwader 18.74/hr.
Level 7- 18.96/hr.
Level 8- 19.18/hr.
plus a $1.00 per hour bonus for providing dispatcher training
Full-time clerical:
Level 1- 32,016
Level 2- 32,433
Level 3-Brittany Yanish 32,907
Level 4-Jessica Charles 33,306
Level 5- Amie Kidd 33,708
Level 6-Darcy Albert 34,107
Level 7-Rebecca Mommaerts 34,509
Level 8- 34,908
Part-time clerical:
Level 1- 17.59/hr.
Level 2- 17.82/hr.
Level 3- 18.08/hr.
Level 4- 18.30/hr.
Level 5- 18.52/hr.
Level 6- 18.74/hr.
Level 7- 18.96/hr.
Level 8-Gibi Page, Cindy Foster 19.18/hr.
Temporary clerical 17.59/hr.
Custodian-Colleen Arens 17.95/hr.
Emergency Management Director-Kent Terwilliger 26,637
Veterans Service Officer-Terry Lee 10,716
Ambulance Manager-Cora Schwader 10,490
Welfare Director-Gibi Page 19.70/hr.
Ambulance EMT-
Molly Steeneck, Erin Feldhaus 29,086
Ambulance Volunteers
Weekday-12 hr shift $48
Weekend-12 hr shift $78
Holiday-24 hr shift $100
3rd Attendant/Driver $20/run
Weed Supervisor-Kent Terwilliger 14,343
Highway Department:
Superintendent-Ron Krempges 60,705
Level 8- Grant Stevens, Terry Carlson 19.18/hr.
Level 7-Donald Eppe, Darwin Callies, Jeremy Beyer, Logan Calmus 18.68/hr.
Level 6- 18.26/hr.
Level 5- 18.05/hr.
Level 4-Eric Smith 17.82/hr.
Level 3-Adam Mentele 17.60/hr.
Level 2- 17.38/hr.
Level 1- 16.59/hr.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that longevity pay based on $25.00 per year of employment be paid in November for 2020.
Voting aye: Protsch, Reisch, Gassman, Durant and Wentland. Voting nay: none. Resolution adopted this 7th day of January, 2020.
Roger Wentland, Chairman
Miner County Board of Commissioners
Attest: Susan Connor, Miner County Auditor
It was moved by Durant, seconded by Protsch and carried to set the 2020 holidays as follows: All County offices (excluding 911 call center employees) New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Good Friday (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve 12 PM- 5 PM Christmas Day; 911 call center employees all shifts unless otherwise noted New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Good Friday (5 PM to 1 PM), Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (5 PM-1AM shift), Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve (5 PM-1 AM shift).
It was moved by Reisch, seconded by Gassman and carried to approve the rates charged for dispatching and 911 services which were used to prepare the 2020 budget.
It was moved by Protsch, seconded by Durant and carried to approve the following clothing allowances: law enforcement $200/yr/employee for law enforcement clothing and highway workers $200/yr./employee for highly visibility clothing.
It was moved by Durant and seconded by Gassman to adopt the following resolution.
RESOLUTION 20-4
WHEREAS, a lien had been filed on an individual (S.W.) for court appointed attorney fees ($330.30) on February 8, 2011
AND WHEREAS, this lien was filed in error
AND WHEREAS, it is to the advantage and best interest of Miner County to grant the release of said property from said lien;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Miner County Board of Commissioners that the lien be released against the resident which Miner County, South Dakota, now has; and that upon this Resolution becoming effective the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of said Miner County and the County Auditor of said County, are hereby authorized to execute a full release and satisfaction of said court appointed attorney lien ($330.30) on behalf of said County, and that a record thereof be made as provided by law.
Voting aye: Protsch, Durant, Gassman, Reisch and Wentland. Voting nay: none. Resolution adopted.
Dated at the City of Howard, Miner County, South Dakota, this 7th day of January 2020.
Roger Wentland, Chairman
Miner County Board of Commissioners
Attest: Susan Connor, Miner County Auditor
Representatives of Peutz Construction, Jim Weber and Herm Harms, attended the meeting to discuss current issues with the Miner County Courthouse building. Weber informed the board that Peutz Construction does commercial construction projects for many public entities. Peutz just finished construction on the Hutchinson County Courthouse and designed and built the Hanson County Courthouse. Wentland stated the board is exploring options on whether to fix the issues with the current building or to build new. The board would like cost estimates on those options. The board and those in attendance gave a background of issues with the current courthouse building. A list of issues included: heating system replacement, windows leakage from outside moisture, basement ground water issues, damage to interior & exterior walls due to moisture, roof issues, asbestos removal, tuck pointing, cracks in the areas around the windows and door ways, NW corner settling issues, not handicapped accessible (elevator & bathrooms).
Weber explained Peutz can do a facility study by hiring a mechanical & electrical engineer to evaluate the mechanical and electrical systems and would then put a list together of other concerns with the current building. After that was completed Peutz would present cost estimates for the renovation project. Also, they could provide cost estimate for a new building. The board agreed to allow Peutz to proceed with putting together a preliminary design agreement & facility study agreement which will be considered at the January 21st meeting.
The board instructed the auditor to contact Johnson Controls to inform them to put on hold their exploration of costs in renovating the courthouse.
It was moved by Reisch seconded by Protsch and carried to approve the following claims for payment: CLAIMS ALLOWED: Alliance $150.00, Santel $55.12 911 CHARGES; Horizon Health Care $100.00 BLOOD DRAW; CLIA Laboratory Program $180.00 CERTIFICATE FEE; Miner Co Treasurer $35.00 DOMESTIC ABUSE ADMIN EXPENSE; Domestic Violence Network $157.50, Mitchell Area Safehouse $157.50 DOMESTIC ABUSE PAY TO OTHERS; SD Assn of Co Officials $692.23, SD Assn of Co Commissioners $1,308.00, SD Assn of Weed Supervisors $50.00, SD Sheriffs Assn $571.67, Tri-State Emergency Mgt Assn $20.00 DUES; Xcel Energy $24.51 ELECTRIC SERVICE; HFCA $4,635.00 FUEL; Corner Pantry $62.96, Emergency Safety Education $4,700.00 IN SERVICE EDUCATION; Lake Co Sheriff’s Office $1,275.00 PRISONER CARE; Lake Co Sheriff’s Office $40.00 PRISONER MEDICAL; Miner Co Pioneer $606.06 PUBLISHING; Barry Callies $1,324.90, Microfilm Imaging Systems $580.00 RENT; Al’s Service $461.49, HFCA $17.00, Tyler Technologies $3,538.52, Ultra $913.50 REPAIRS; Greg Protsch $900.00 STATE’S ATTY OFFICE EXPENSE ALLOWANCE; Relx Inc. $149.00 SUBSCRIPTION; Dust-Tex $264.88, Girton Adams $245.00, HFCA $14.29, Kimball Midwest $861.28, Northern Truck Equipment $71.00, Office Peeps $94.04, Pharmchem $85.65, Rusty’s $22.91, Safety Kleen $200.00, Tami Severson $20.00, Streichers $9.98, Sturdevant’s $20.99, Thomson Reuters-West $444.00, Tom’s Hardware $32.95 SUPPLIES; Alliance $897.52, Colleen Arens $30.00, Tami Severson $30.00, Verizon $77.38 TELEPHONE; First District Assn of Local Govts $8,609.12 URBAN/RURAL DEVELOPMENT; City of Howard $1,924.81 UTILITIES; Beadle Co Auditor $1,175.00 VICTIMS ADVOCATE.
No one appeared for public comment.
Treasurer Pat Carmon presented as required by SDCL 10-22-31 a list of delinquent buildings on leased site. She will now proceed with statute requirements for collection.
Auditor Connor asked for clarification of the Emergency Snow or Severe Weather Policy as it applies to the Monday, December 30th when the courthouse was delayed in opening (10:00). The board instructed the auditor to record 2 hours of compensatory time to the highway workers.
Highway Superintendent Ron Krempges reported on the following: the F350 long box pickup has been ordered off of state bid; Redstone Twp. has paid the township’s share of the culvert project; snow plow truck tire blew out causing damage to the truck-the highway department plans on doing the repairs; Mack truck is back in the shop due to 4-5 codes showing; and other equipment repairs. Krempges would like residents to refrain from pushing snow across county roads and piling the snow in the ditches. These piles get hard and cause damage to the county’s snow equipment. It is the law (SDCL 31-32-3.1).
Emergency Management Director Kent Terwilliger made a request for the 2008 Ford Explorer be removed from his department as it is currently being using by Deputy Weisz traveling to the academy in Pierre. Sheriff Eggert did not want it to be transferred to the Sheriff’s department. Auditor Connor made the request for the vehicle to be transferred to the courthouse building department for county official/employee travels. Commissioners instructed the auditor to move the vehicle to the courthouse building department.
Terwilliger informed the board of the February 28th full scale exercise which is scheduled to be held at the EOC in the Howard municipal building. A commissioner must be present for the exercise. More information will be forwarded once it is received by Terwilliger.
Sheriff Eggert reported that his department has received 3 AED’s through the Leona M. & Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
The meeting adjourned to January 21st. Dated this 7th day of January 2020.
Roger Wentland, Chairman
Miner County Board of Commissioners
Attest: Susan Connor, Miner County Auditor