[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6274459,"mediaKeyId","2990179-7872be91724d86f4de264ada075280a1","parentId",2990179,"title","Council hears split public reaction to proposed Northwest Railroad shared-use path and glow-in-the-dark surface","audioSeconds",108,"startMs",1584000,"endMs",1692000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2990179-7872be91724d86f4de264ada075280a1&start=1584&end=1692","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2990179-7872be91724d86f4de264ada075280a1/thumbnail_1584000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6274459/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/Council-hears-split-public-reaction-to-proposed-Northwest-Railroad-shared-use-path-and-glow-in-the-dark-surface","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274459-aff624b93b694b67d4f196bca7d4d68d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180394&Signature=IUndaWbf4Mxq1JVGW2SosDL7e3TMLoWTbd8qVuko~z78HjuvZ88DQKXvBRjZBWBG3PNdGMsKjQ5lbEgux5xmMN0xuzUvn3CC6AWgx9F5yPoQMU8frlfAsQ5oUL95z6bV8qlJ~nSsI7YeDOhpNuDEudsIAf23G4B8cRd-mQGFZrT8S4OFGzk~xhxSz9AtrzRJ8g9311ySzMCcLzrRPwnbZHdbAZR1t8SrMqlUE0FeEcrGc7xhHHqMgW3RGPPBT-i7OAsPNkcAdvjccyba8J3zCidmqmg4ZSw5Os48QxZUPN4UahO9JP77qr0U77tPfDaakmqDaWsMzXtin7oAzEJWSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mitchell, SD","date","2025-01-06T00:00:00Z","article","A citizen-proposed project to pave the roughly 2.25-mile gravel trail running northwest from the 20 Third Avenue/Olmen Street area along the railroad corridor drew a mixed response at the council meeting. The concept included evenly dispersed photoluminescent aggregate—known as \"glow stones\"—embedded in the asphalt to produce a low-level, long-duration glow.

City staff and a sponsoring council member described the technical idea and the budget estimate provided by proponents: approximately $140,000 to pave the trail, $125,000 for the glow-stone material, plus a $60,000 contingency, for a total project estimate near $325,000. Staff said city forces would prep the trail and that the glow product is typically a 1/4\"–1/2\" aggregate with coverage on the order of a stone every 3–4 inches and a rated glow time of 15+ hours with a 20-year product warranty.

Public comments and council discussion:
- Bicycle-shop owners and cycling advocates urged prioritizing paved connectivity across Mitchell—linking the new cement Frank’s Bay-to-West-End trail, the Airport Road/Sandy Beach area and existing neighborhood connectors—rather than prioritizing decorative glow aggregate. They noted paved, connected routes would promote everyday biking and safety, and suggested staff pursue PeopleForBikes and other grant sources.
- Several commenters favored paving the trail and adding lighting but warned that burying electrical infrastructure along 2.25 miles would be expensive and suggested solar or staged grant funding as alternatives.
- The council heard that the Dry Run Creek trail lighting project used state funding and that similar grant programs could be sought to help offset local match requirements.

Council direction and next steps: members generally favored paving and better connectivity rather than committing to the glow-stone product immediately. Staff said they will pursue engineering proposals for paving and look into grant sources and staging options for lighting. No formal vote was taken on the glow-stone product; the team anticipates bringing design and funding options back for council consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","January 6, 2025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A proposal to pave a 2.25-mile gravel path along the Northwest Railroad corridor and embed photoluminescent 'glow' stones drew a split reaction; cyclists urged prioritizing connected paved routes and grant-funded lighting over a decorative glow aggregate.","taxTitle","Mitchell, Davison County, South Dakota","taxId",68826,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6274464,"Council members respond after local newspaper piece prompts townwide questions",295,166000,461000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2990179-7872be91724d86f4de264ada075280a1&start=166&end=461","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2990179-7872be91724d86f4de264ada075280a1/thumbnail_166000.jpg","/articles/6274464/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/Council-members-respond-after-local-newspaper-piece-prompts-townwide-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274464-0c35558ca5d8601475d9389a02abcd00/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180394&Signature=n-5daPFhWeCodBqCmGUSEcnDsjbUelGpXgebNaNcUYquWsqthKwnqr3s1r1ZrtQa~uGoprOiLblZtKRFFENkox8tyi86jchnBSHB~yyRLw1OxDsjp7L4HCyzR14i1F4yoApY8gyCmkdLQJO3Dgn5THMzWF5qqWN63HnEvy1oDIh0HpWClYZse5cx2cP6~38mS3EcyutT8dDwwTm3FwSHgsmIoVzvRg0RFjR0-9GaFF-ZsmhbBUnxaR-adrW0hx9rID6NBctRCDEX31HGpSANtVY6gQnOidfUnbN3mpR27N7WgeIALmf4MR0A1xgVzzePQ8jigIPFCThRZgc4IToqEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several council members addressed public concern about a recent newspaper article that raised questions about a \"good old boys\" culture in town. Speakers said the story prompted a substantial number of texts, calls and in-person comments and urged unity and professionalism among elected officials.

Council discussion did not identify named individuals or produce a formal inquiry; members repeatedly emphasized teamwork. Council member McCartle (last name provided in the record) said he had received numerous comments from residents and business owners about the piece and asked whether the item described in the newspaper was accurate. Others responded that the article raised questions but did not present confirmed, named allegations; one council member said their reporting was a set of questions posed to the community rather than a claim.

Several speakers asked that complaints be handled through existing internal channels rather than litigated in open meeting. One council member said they had collected emails, calls and texts from residents describing past and current incidents but declined to read specific allegations publicly to avoid embarrassing individuals. Another council member said public criticism can be helpful but urged that it be used constructively to improve recruitment and staff morale.

No formal complaints, investigations or personnel actions were filed or initiated during the meeting. The matter remained a topic of colloquy and informal concern rather than an agenda item with action.

Quote:
\"If it's true, it's true. If it's not, it's a lie. Plain and simple,\" a council member said, reflecting the polarized response some residents reported.

The council did not vote on the topic and directed no staff investigation during the session. Several members asked colleagues and citizens to follow up privately and emphasized continuing work on projects such as the water deal and major capital improvements.","Council members discussed a recent newspaper article describing a \"good old boys\" culture. Speakers said they received many citizen inquiries, urged teamwork among elected officials, and encouraged private follow-up rather than public sparring during the meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6274469,"Councilmember reports progress from rental-inspection task force; safety checks emphasized",87,0,87000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2990179-7872be91724d86f4de264ada075280a1&start=0&end=87","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2990179-7872be91724d86f4de264ada075280a1/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6274469/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/Councilmember-reports-progress-from-rental-inspection-task-force-safety-checks-emphasized","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274469-308b2a76875e5aeb8ee6e86b61875274/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180394&Signature=bok~K1UOTC7cObCoRLF5CikkX8aVyi5IlBQ0Ry7YYWcvcDMq~uCzKiJAcVtX5ykCmMBuRNxorEWEa-6jVsJFw8ijX7s6Uj5m~fpztRMLVnD0StYHmLa18y1wkfFNyQRfUmmejBkwYpuIaeGKXG1w~6yEXfRxgnjPq~JGL2XifQUmIZDuufLCdXNjk9e-dHXEogVvppiwOh2tajq1Tmmfsc4KMMKs5Sw1OuC-OX-ky2qgE4hndTQtY5ahsW5vGcGF433YK8DBh3UB8gsUHlZsNEkuF5kjYV7Omq2Zsm-u839a4hFUYAzzljQXnIdQaIcvYfSVO-YPefRVsAkor9LjPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A council member briefed colleagues on the rental-inspection task force meeting, saying the group met for about two hours to focus primarily on life-safety items and program structure.

According to the council update, participants included property managers and landlords, a tenant representative, the state electrical inspector, the chief of police, public-works staff, the building department, the city planner, the city inspector and code enforcement. The meeting concentrated on fire and life-safety topics such as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, access and egress, windows, electrical safety, pest and rodent control, mold, and boiler inspections.

Staff and the task force will continue work internally; the group requested another meeting so that staff can prepare a proposal the task force can review. Once the task force and staff reach agreement, the proposal will be brought to the City Council for discussion and potential future action. No ordinance or policy was adopted at this meeting, and council members said the item will return after staff refinement.

Quotes:
\"The primary focus was safety and human life,\" the council member reporting the task force said, listing smoke alarms, egress, windows and electrical among topics covered.

Speakers noted the multi-stakeholder composition of the task force and said they wanted to develop recommendations before bringing any regulatory proposals back to council for formal consideration.","A city council member reported that the rental-inspection task force met for about two hours and focused on life-safety issues including smoke alarms, egress, electrical, pests and mold; staff and a later meeting will refine proposals before bringing an ordinance or policy to council for potential vote.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6274474,"Mitchell council weighs Corn Palace overhaul: designs, seating and accessibility top the list",6025,873000,6898000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2990179-7872be91724d86f4de264ada075280a1&start=873&end=6898","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2990179-7872be91724d86f4de264ada075280a1/thumbnail_873000.jpg","/articles/6274474/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/Mitchell-council-weighs-Corn-Palace-overhaul-designs-seating-and-accessibility-top-the-list","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274474-4fea92c23e293b4b7fec039935401b76/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180394&Signature=TmgnW3YHVB5pM1qFbDpuq7GKsYhtX44dygAxR3IK6R80CzjfX3cJBA94y5g8Cy3rDONNJWYYUKhYdIxnToKzNSLqeqaYkVWEAIXC~Zy9sYUYRfLlt831yGYtZ7PFmv6JGajWcZtjVMjp83B-lgWZvmBgWNSP4oJQegNtGbfiynnOa4h9zbiNCref4WzcWtlaKrgm6uVYGTwYIaSzhPME1xJaQ9g5Ltei7DxoIit7i6PLQcJ-J3i9Fu8WuHM~DUxNHDbk0Km9MU1wPeP6KxfgBe3yLlylgI5RnKkrh8DXfMnJyhJbrhCQ1N9ZvaMzt-J3JhBy4boKNY2IvUGskkWUVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council members devoted extended discussion time to possible interior and seating upgrades at the Corn Palace, the community’s marquee event venue, as they weigh design costs, accessibility and revenue opportunities.

Council members and staff said the building needs interior improvements beyond ongoing maintenance such as boiler and freight-elevator repairs. Council member Susan (last name not specified) asked that architect Shemer bring a proposed agreement, designs and cost estimates to the Jan. 21 meeting so the public can see options and the council can consider sponsorships and funding. Several council members recalled previous schematic designs prepared before COVID and said the new work should not simply repackage earlier concepts without updated cost estimates and feasibility checks.

Discussion highlights and staff detail:
- Design scope: Shemer’s role would be to prepare biddable design documents that address ADA-compliant handrails, clearer circulation and wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms. Staff said some elements already proposed in prior schematic work would require a full design phase to be implemented.
- Seating options: Staff gave three illustrative seating options: (1) direct seat replacement with similar dimensions; (2) wider seats with more legroom and improved aisle access and handrails; (3) larger premium seats in selected front sections. Staff estimated seating procurement and related work would range roughly from $435,000 to $472,000 for seat units alone, with the full package (including handrails and accessibility work) bringing the total under $600,000 in the scenarios presented. Staff said a national Sourcewell cooperative contract could reduce prices by 3–8 percent compared with fresh competitive bidding and could shorten procurement timelines.
- Manufacturer and architect recommendations: Jeff Logan, an audience member with prior theater-architecture experience, recommended soliciting bids from multiple stadium/theater seating manufacturers (he specifically referenced Erwin and Hussey) and hiring an architect experienced in arenas/theaters rather than a generalist. Council members asked staff to get additional vendor samples and, where possible, visit nearby installations.
- Operational and timeline notes: Staff said the seat manufacturer quoted a 22-week lead time for chairs and 3–5 weeks for installation; Council members cautioned that delaying a decision more than about a month could push deliveries past the busy events season.

Council discussion also included options to repurpose or sell the removed seats (some longtime patrons want to keep or buy seats they used for years), the potential to create VIP areas, and whether to relocate the gift shop off the main floor to increase event flexibility. Several council members endorsed moving forward with additional samples and a design scope and directed staff to return costed options at the next meeting window to avoid losing an installation window for the upcoming season.

Quotes (from meeting):
\"If you keep doing the same thing over and over you're gonna keep getting the same thing over and over,\" Mayor (no full name given) said about revisiting prior schematic plans.
\"We need to make this improvement. This is the icon of our community,\" Council member Susan said, urging a renewed push for Corn Palace investment.
Jeff Logan, a local consultant, urged: \"I would really urge that we hire an architect who specializes in arenas, stadiums, theaters—there is a big difference.\"","Council members and staff discussed commissioning new designs, ADA-access upgrades, sponsorships and seat replacement options for the Corn Palace. The discussion covered three design options, potential costs (estimates under $600,000 for seating alone), and the trade-offs of seat width, legroom and accessibility.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6274479,"Votes at a glance: council approves streetscape bid, keeps $10 spring-cleanup fee and signs multiple engineering amendments",4037,1932000,5969000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2990179-7872be91724d86f4de264ada075280a1&start=1932&end=5969","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2990179-7872be91724d86f4de264ada075280a1/thumbnail_1932000.jpg","/articles/6274479/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-streetscape-bid-keeps-10-spring-cleanup-fee-and-signs-multiple-engineering-amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274479-ccde53dfca887bbfd51b91b20fee781b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180394&Signature=YLgDMQpasV4rKJ5YrSwPfapAGJo6E3-P6QLHEhEZC4mJMQL8WpxiUmttelwNtIlMxy7Re0zPt-uteInIo1fqI0zYSIE1RdD8BuqmR6IUdwHWvQ~FsgH7qaI~7yXZSRDYmU4gJvlBsA79MNmQmKDpflQEuptbJORk92xKZj1UR0EdcGSyb37HHj5vsKqrgJLrXcztXdIC86MSJ1T9DGAuGVaFOJwbIapgpiqR7v3mzK2s8kFczDEmdxXwZDymUDmKylPThErMYQIe~lK5UBmERhgX1qiwq-r~jutfiM~A95UAz79pOhlJXwdSsw3IK9RuRRcYUimhnj8s4cNhtfPeOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mitchell City Council members handled a slate of administrative and project votes during the meeting, approving construction and professional-service contracts, several engineering amendments, a grant resolution, and an ordinance to extend hours for medical cannabis dispensaries.

The council awarded the low construction bid for the Second, Fourth and Main streetscape improvement project to Schonefelder Construction for $936,218.29, with staff noting the project remains under budget overall after accounting for contingency items. The vote to award the bid was moved and seconded from the chamber and carried without recorded opposition.

On the city’s annual spring-cleanup curbside collection, Councilman Mercado moved to remove the $10 per-residence curbside fee; after debate the motion that the fee be retained carried. City staff told council the city collects roughly $5,000–$8,870 in fees in recent years and estimated the city’s incremental labor/equipment cost for the spring collection at about $36,500 last year. A public commenter urged keeping the curbside pickup option, noting not all residents have trailers.

The council approved multiple engineering amendments and consulting agreements that staff said are needed to keep utilities and street projects on schedule:
- Amendment 2 with HDR Engineering for continued services on the North Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project: $55,175 addition (new contract $1,806,325). Staff said the contractor is in liquidated damages and additional professional services were required.
- Amendment 1 to HR Green for design/coordination work so Moose Electric can add the First and Main intersection into its current contract; amendment $12,900 (new contract $79,409.60). Staff noted an additional supplemental appropriation would be requested for about $300,000 of additional funding drawn from project contingencies.
- Amendment 1 with SPN Associates to add lighting design to the six-court pickleball project at Hitchcock Park: $9,500, increasing engineering services to $62,500.
- Agreement with HDR for the EPA-required chlorine system risk-management compliance audit for $5,200; staff said the plant stores chlorine as a contingency but does not currently produce potable water.

The council approved a construction-phase services agreement with McClory Engineering for construction administration, testing and staking on the Second/Fourth/Main streetscape project at a not-to-exceed $164,400.

A resolution authorizing the city to apply for a South Dakota Dept. of Agriculture/Natural Resources grant to replace the landfill scraper (the city requested up to a 50% grant, up to $603,865) was approved and the mayor authorized to sign the application.

Personnel and code items passed on the consent/regular agenda: the council adopted a resolution amending the 2025 compensation plan to reorganize Corn Palace staffing, and it advanced an ordinance amending hours of operation for medical cannabis dispensaries from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. to 8 a.m.–10 p.m. (council conducted a roll call and adopted the ordinance on the reading presented).

Other contract votes carried by voice vote: additional tree removal near the Highway 37 DOT project (city crews to haul away; staff recommended using city crews at a $6,000 quote), and a contract amendment for construction professional services tied to the wastewater plant improvements. The council recessed to sit as the Board of Adjustment to set a hearing date on a conditional-use permit application for an Ashbrook Trail apartment project, then reconvened and approved the date.

Several items were noted as recommended by staff with recorded motions and carried by voice vote; individual roll-call tallies were only recorded in a few cases (notably the cannabis-hours ordinance). The council moved into an executive session at the end of the meeting on SDCL 1-25-2(3) (legal); no action followed the executive session.","The Mitchell City Council voted on a series of routine and project-specific items including awarding a streetscape construction contract, retaining the $10 spring-cleanup curbside fee, approving engineering amendments for wastewater and traffic-signal work, and adopting an ordinance extending medical-cannabis dispensary hours.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears split public reaction to proposed Northwest Railroad shared-use path and glow-in-the-dark surface

Council members respond after local newspaper piece prompts townwide questions

Councilmember reports progress from rental-inspection task force; safety checks emphasized

Mitchell council weighs Corn Palace overhaul: designs, seating and accessibility top the list

Votes at a glance: council approves streetscape bid, keeps $10 spring-cleanup fee and signs multiple engineering amendments