By Watertown Current - April 2, 2026 in Official Proceedings
County of Codington
Codington County Court House
14 1st Ave SE
Watertown, SD 57201
March 17, 2026
The Codington County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the Codington County Court House. Commission members present were: Lee Gabel, Tyler McElhany, Myron Johnson, Randall Schweer, and Troy VanDusen; VanDusen, presiding. The pledge of allegiance was led by Commissioner Gabel.
CALLS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST ITEMS
Chair VanDusen called for public comments to be taken up during the open portion of the meeting; none were offered. There were no conflict-of-interest items to note.
AGENDA APPROVED
Motion by Gabel, second by McElhany, to approve the agenda for March 17, 2026, as posted; all voted aye; motion carried.
MINUTES APPROVED
Motion by Johnson, second by Schweer, to approve the minutes of March 10, 2026; all voted aye; motion carried.
MONTHLY REPORTS
Highway Superintendent, Randy Falvey, updated the Board: Grangaard Construction Inc. is continuing ahead of schedule on the 14th Ave. bridge project, a good portion of the framing is in place to pour the deck, any thawing or ice movement has not been an issue so far; once again we were fortunate with the snowfall, other than our big event this past weekend we’ve only had to send the trucks out twice and motor graders once; we continue to crack seal as weather has permitted, in between fog, mist and flurries; we received Lynn’s new pickup and have it outfitted with radios, lights and a toolbox, Steve’s World is getting the plow and mount ready; talked with Rob Beynon and Aaron Wicks from the City Street Department about potentially looking at and jointly purchasing a newer screening plant to screen the reclaimed material from road projects, we have looked at different options for size and price point, we discussed a need to have a MOU in place if we do go this route; we received our new trailer for the skid steer and have prepped it for this summer; we have converted one of our older trailers into a sign trailer to more effectively haul our barricades and sand bags for road closures and such, we will continue to use our old sign trailer when we have multiple events; be advised that we will be closing down 175th Street just west of CR 9-4 on 458th Ave. which is the City landfill haul road, tomorrow March 18th, 2026, to repair the east wing wall, Hollaway Construction out of Mitchell will be doing the work, it is scheduled to be completed by Monday, March 23rd, 2026, weather permitting; will be attending the SD Association of County Highway Superintendent’s Short Course Conference. Facility Manager, Steve Molengraaf, Ag. Building – staff have been setting up and cleaning for many functions throughout the Extension Center for the past and remainder of March; Court House/Detention Center– staff have been doing daily routine maintenance; Park – 285 reservations, with a revenue of $43,819.50 as of 3-15-2026, the office will be open on April 1st, 2026, for anyone that wants to call or stop by to make any reservations either for camping and especially buildings or shelters; Weed – Annual Weed board meeting and soup supper with the Townships was held on March 11th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the kitchen of the Extension Complex, 36 individuals representing the county and townships were present; Randy Schweer and I attended the State Weed Conference in February in Deadwood, the sessions were very good and educational; WNV –
WEED BOARD APPOINTMENT
Motion by McElhany, second by Schweer, to approve the following Weed Board appointment: Adam Hartley, Steve Molengraaf, Facility Manager, informed the Board that he replaces Mike Paulsen, and he will be representing the southwest portion of Codington County; all voted aye; motion carried.
PLAT CABINENT IN REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE
Motion by Gabel, second by McElhany, to accept the quote to purchase 2 Easi File Plat cabinets and 2 carts along with a Easi File hanger and hanger applicator, from Easi File, in the amount of $6,728.22, as recommended by Register of Deeds, Ann Rasmussen, the previous plat cabinet was purchased in 2003, M&P funds will be used for this purchase; all voted aye; motion carried.
SURPLUS OFFICE EQUIPMENT IN SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Motion by McElhany, second by Schweer, to declare the following office equipment, in the Sheriff’s Office, surplus to be destroyed: 1- 578 HP Elite Book, SN 5CG1299344; 1- 574 Desktop Computer Prodesk, SN MXL1024N6P; 2 – 119 HP ProBook, SN 5CD110QD1X; and 1- 591 GTAC, SN RN503S1540; all voted aye; motion carried.
HMEP GRANT FUNDS
Motion by Johnson, second by McElhany, to approve the application of HMEP (Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness) Grant funds; Andrew Delgado, Emergency Manager, informed the Board that this is an annual grant application; all present voted aye; motion carried.
NOTE NO BOARD MEETING
Due to previously adopted policy the Board will not meet Tuesday, March 31st, 2026.
CLAIMS
Motion by McElhany, second by Gabel, to approve for payment the following claims: South Dakota Public Assurance Alliance $131,905.90, Auditor, Brenda Hanten, informed the Board that this is the annual renewal for general liability, auto liability and damage, and law enforcement coverage; all voted aye; motion carried.
TRAVEL REQUEST
Motion by Johnson, second by McElhany, to approve the following travel request: Director of Equalization staff to attend conference; all voted aye; motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Commissioner Gabel provided a construction update on the new jail. The steel columns and beams erection is progressing well, with another planned visit to inspect precast panels for Area C, which houses the Sheriff’s Office.
OPEN
Commission Comments – Commissioner Johnson mentioned he will be attending the SD Retirement meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Johnson, second by McElhany, to enter executive session, per SDCL 1-25-2 (1) Discussion of personnel issues (SDCL 1-25-2(1)) and (2) Consulting with legal counsel or reviewing communications from legal counsel about proposed or pending litigation or contractual matters (SDCL 1-25-2(2)) at 9:20 a.m.; all voted aye; motion carried. The Board returned to regular session at 9:28 a.m., and no action was taken. Human Resource Representative, Natalie Remund, and State’s Attorney, Alison Bakken, were present for executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon conclusion of all business to come before the Board, a motion was made by Gabel, second by Schweer to adjourn at 9:29 a.m., all voted aye; motion carried.
ATTEST:
Brenda Hanten
Codington County Auditor
Codington County does not discriminate on the basis of color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of service.
Published once on April 2, 2026, at the total approximate cost of $68.90 and can be viewed free of charge at www.sdpublicnotices.com and www.watertowncurrent.com.
