[{"_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",6701681,"mediaKeyId","3409373-0e28bb120ff616c0c5d5e64d73479d4a","parentId",3409373,"title","City approves transfer of two lots to Mitchell Area Development Corporation for Habitat homes amid public questions about the sale price","audioSeconds",361,"startMs",4085000,"endMs",4446000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3409373-0e28bb120ff616c0c5d5e64d73479d4a&start=4085&end=4446","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3409373-0e28bb120ff616c0c5d5e64d73479d4a/thumbnail_4085000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6701681/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/City-approves-transfer-of-two-lots-to-Mitchell-Area-Development-Corporation-for-Habitat-homes-amid-public-questions-about-the-sale-price","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701681-a2507b51e0d62cabc247ee38f9d76e50/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568901&Signature=o0jshw8Pp49WytUnc3tGBdmQSPax5dzW9U3mx9udQ1ok~4nBPh-w1Z2YNP9igMkjyqRV4YFYQ0JOdyYxJauciTugXgrrnRjVquB~tl2yhJlDeQlUr1TuluWit9Va3562OmtuUQjWJXLEVjyKkDXegaxTEqwJC8f5kr8pKwiAAG~ys4lsLdDI82Es7HHCIA-BeaZclojf2WfpoAZSSIzjDhedBJqfZifiAzhOEm89u9uoRPLvERRyU-L7nrGlAL~fVumxvtuEQ7v9qFaXS71TBSONpsynb6OKWJAKAhj79Y~Ryqs0oFW~S73kntr9HFUC4u5B75DdZkSNMTO4r5UwJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mitchell, SD","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","Mitchell — The City Council approved an agreement to transfer two lots on the north side of East First Avenue to the Mitchell Area Development Corporation, which will in turn convey the parcels to Mitchell Regional Habitat for Humanity for development of owner-occupied homes.

City attorney Justin Johnson described the transfer as similar to prior transfers the city has used to facilitate Habitat projects. Under the agreement, the city transfers the lots to the development corporation, which conveys them to Habitat to build owner-occupied townhomes with attached garages.

Resident Steve Simpson asked why the city had purchased the larger parcel previously for approximately $1 million and was now transferring specific lots for a nominal purchase price. “As a taxpayer, I’m concerned about the city buying property and then transfer it to a corporation,” Simpson said.

Rachel Hegenbaugh, executive director of Mitchell Regional Habitat for Humanity, responded at the meeting: the lots are vacant and Habitat plans affordable, owner-occupied townhomes; the organization is starting homeowner-credit classes and partnering with Lutheran Social Services and local developers to prepare prospective owners. Hegenbaugh said Habitat requires families to complete credit and readiness classes before building.

Councilmembers said the transfer follows the city’s prior practice of using the development corporation as an intermediary for Habitat transfers but noted the city could, under state law, transfer directly to Habitat in future cases. The motion to approve the transfer carried by voice vote.

The council also approved related items on the agenda, including a surplus property resolution and a separate transfer and surplus for manufactured homes in the same broader transaction set. Habitat said it will not immediately build: it is recruiting and educating future homeowners and will start construction once parcels are formally in hand and project funding and scheduling are arranged.

The transfer drew a few public questions about transparency and price; staff and Habitat leaders said the lots are intended for affordable ownership and described next steps for outreach and homeowner readiness training.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 19, 2025 City Council Meeting (Local Recorded Version)","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved a transfer agreement that will move two city-owned lots to the Mitchell Area Development Corporation for eventual conveyance to Habitat for Humanity. Residents questioned the $1 transfer price; Habitat representatives described plans for owner-occupied townhomes and training for prospective homeowners.","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},6701684,"Council picks second-option term-limits ordinance for more study after heated public debate",4788,2717000,7505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3409373-0e28bb120ff616c0c5d5e64d73479d4a&start=2717&end=7505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3409373-0e28bb120ff616c0c5d5e64d73479d4a/thumbnail_2717000.jpg","/articles/6701684/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/Council-picks-second-option-term-limits-ordinance-for-more-study-after-heated-public-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701684-683c0809cc3bfc425aba91e8f89fb823/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568901&Signature=htFkxuWQnnS-ErP3O2e-nMLfipRr4ILPRI4o4ko-QPeV3CA1~89pB7aoiciKudPK029KNG5Uag08u610etQbJRW4VQ2aFiCpNs3knDHfnVHmxXG-hrOTgwPGlx5lzs9MHPkoi2fZQ3fyP0Feep-qBPqrxRq93EcFKNbsUMlHtLmgFnMMPyAtsWzYqVaug0oSt1rl2~liP1K99LGyXn4t4MwIWwYtGIUcDWD5FlxCy8Fm177nKO6ISB-ZLT9EiM1hS~QAS2pFqQGdtP~LVzAX7pVWHTgAxICQJ1dldC7kPjZKE59ZgBU~5jjNqmtA9Jy5fngYkx0-ljR1zAdinWaKTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mitchell — The City Council voted to move a proposed ordinance on term limits for mayor and councilmembers to a second reading after contentious discussion and public testimony that included neighborhood and civic voices both for and against immediate limits.

City attorney Justin Johnson presented two versions of the proposed ordinance. Version 1 would set a limit of three consecutive full terms and would count prior service toward that limit. Version 2 would also set a three-term cap but would not count previously served terms — giving current officeholders a fresh slate.

Council debate ran more than an hour and included multiple public speakers. Roger Musick urged immediate limits and said the change would encourage new candidates to run. Pam Basky, citing her 2021 run against an incumbent, argued entrenched incumbency discourages challengers and supported immediate limits. Several council members said they were sympathetic but split over retroactivity.

After an initial council vote on Version 1 failed, a motion to send Version 2 to a second reading passed on a roll-call tie (4-4) that the mayor broke in favor. The recorded roll-call vote on the motion to move Version 2 to second reading was: Barrington — aye; Basky — no; Charx — no; Smith — aye; Savers — aye; Goldammer — no; Dolcher — no; McCardell — aye. The mayor then cast the deciding vote in favor.

Mark Genigis, city planning staff, suggested one compromise discussed during public comment: require a petition or contested candidate before a termed-out incumbent could be prevented from appearing on the ballot. The transcript records that suggestion but the council did not adopt it as part of tonight’s action.

Councilmembers said they will bring Version 2 back for a formal second reading where they may refine language, including whether to require a petition threshold before preventing a termed-out incumbent from reappearing on the ballot. The ordinance’s differences hinge chiefly on whether current and past terms count toward the three-term limit.

The question of term limits drew sustained public turnout: commenters cited the advantages of incumbency, recruitment of younger candidates, and concerns about losing institutional knowledge. The council’s procedural vote now moves Version 2 forward for additional review and possible amendment before a final vote.

No final term-limit policy was adopted tonight; council approved moving the alternative (Version 2) to a second reading.","After a contentious public hearing and lengthy council discussion, Mitchell City Council voted to advance the version of a term-limits ordinance that would not count prior terms toward the new three-term limit. The ordinance was sent to a second reading with a split council and the mayor casting the tie-breaking vote.",{"_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},6701686,"Council advances rental housing code to second reading after lengthy debate",2990,4640000,7630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3409373-0e28bb120ff616c0c5d5e64d73479d4a&start=4640&end=7630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3409373-0e28bb120ff616c0c5d5e64d73479d4a/thumbnail_4640000.jpg","/articles/6701686/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/Council-advances-rental-housing-code-to-second-reading-after-lengthy-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701686-31706cec411afe1ebc5eebecb66556fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568901&Signature=dSZT4JrdD0QJw9UTTTa4o2rvsQgyi9EK-WATgy3etdF3Hrf4G-67p84ZajQFjIqQtNgupOdHeXIZV1-qPDNMsCwnlGePZz30N~A4MrzyFOykjunkFjCRpI8D6qhZqHnMtPjgaFDFhnWhZnj6XuSCV4ZlcFcrva7QbDNfngrB5K9BzrUSyYUmz-EyThzSYZepjHQpNiDiKjVaAlEwjgqvjQSFtIywYLV5vLXNPsmHpl8q2dkhA9W1zntOut0zKbUyxf3ubW-EfP7EeHMqgVU3MO8ZD3R11mV-tzUcY~qX2dpGEgGAEQP5E6zZW5Y1qNUjoyvcSd842HZZWZBucgkHJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mitchell — The City Council voted to move a proposed rental housing code ordinance to a second reading after a multi-hour presentation and public comment on tenants’ safety, landlord costs and implementation timing.

City attorney Justin Johnson, who presented the ordinance, said the measure would create a licensing and inspection program for rental houses and units, set minimum safety standards and establish a process for initial inspections, reinspection and appeals. Johnson said the ordinance is intended as a baseline that could be refined later and that the city would not require immediate compliance for many existing rental conditions.

“The ordinance would require everybody engaged in that business to obtain a license,” Johnson said, summarizing the framework. He added the city plans an initial transition period so existing landlords who apply in the first 30 days will continue operating while the first inspections are scheduled.

The ordinance sets a list of inspection standards covering smoke detectors, stairs, exterior openings and emergency escape and rescue openings (egress windows). It also contains grandfathering language intended to limit immediate retrofits for older construction, and directs council to set fees and staffing by resolution before the program goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

The council heard questions from members about appeals procedures and whether appeals should be heard by an appointed board rather than by council. Johnson said the city could create a separate appeals board later but recommended starting the program with the council hearing appeals and then moving to a different board if council chooses.

Public commenters focused on egress windows and cost and scheduling concerns. Josh Peterson, who said he served on the ordinance committee, urged the council to recognize that many older Mitchell properties were constructed before modern codes and that requiring larger egress window openings could be costly.

“Egress windows weren’t really adopted until 2021 by the international building code,” Peterson said. “When you think of an egress window you think of a basement but the way this ordinance applies is any sleeping area.”

Another commenter, Jeff Baffin, noted contractor availability and said that even if the city requires egress windows, owners will need time to get work scheduled.

Council members and staff said the ordinance focuses on human-safety items and includes flexibility: reinspection timing is not fixed because workload and staffing will determine how quickly the city can cycle through properties, and inspectors can extend deadlines where owners are making documented progress.

Councilmember Mr. Goldhammer moved to approve the ordinance for a second reading; Mr. Barrington seconded. After brief additional comments, the council approved the motion by voice vote.

The measure will return for a formal second reading, where council may refine standards, appeals procedures and fees before final adoption. The ordinance as drafted sets Jan. 1, 2026, as the intended effective date to allow staff and landlords time to prepare.

The council’s action advances a program supporters say will raise minimum safety standards for tenants while giving owners time to comply; opponents and landlords asked the council to preserve flexibility on costly items such as egress windows.","Mitchell City Council voted to move a proposed rental housing code to second reading, advancing a licensing-and-inspection program after multiple hours of staff explanation, council discussion and public testimony about egress windows, smoke detectors and inspection timelines.",{"_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},6701674,"Palace City Pre‑Sturgis party, Main Street events and Lake Mitchell cleanup highlighted in public comments",309,75000,384000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3409373-0e28bb120ff616c0c5d5e64d73479d4a&start=75&end=384","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3409373-0e28bb120ff616c0c5d5e64d73479d4a/thumbnail_75000.jpg","/articles/6701674/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/Palace-City-PreSturgis-party-Main-Street-events-and-Lake-Mitchell-cleanup-highlighted-in-public-comments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701674-21a63ba108f3500c26aa60f1ef154479/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568901&Signature=LcCnRxTp4DExL6hq6gjNUba1GLQUs0NFGxlUbe3Pkqhe39XdXvB5BFPmrO~E3iSzlKYC1EDhfavOGJPpI-mXegm84P5jWLvG~-j4Yk6L9suRtEpVU~wctsS21epoxAxlJ1OucSe6l4hE8yNnNRiIdeuop7fvVIICelTLC6TQmq5G8eZv3LHXvq8xTWNuPEu4B39TYzgJSzKZgrn6aro3hkvb99iZDTiBqP2JQhkdmtsFnBG6i1vr~4xVVkoWWnBb9J5idK70yMz8XngNgzxVJKt6PVSnkWAnjnfCEBWUXELsl-MLDDzXJ9YimWhKyWII0bZDrJY6c7tvJyaCI~v5mQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mitchell — The meeting opened with several community announcements and public comments.

Aaron Heeb (representing the Palace City Pre‑Sturgis party) told the council the event will be Thursday, July 31, from 5 to 10 p.m. on Mitchell’s Main Street and will include motorcycle and car shows, vendor booths, a Strider bike track and a main concert headliner, Shelby Lee Lowe, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Proceeds are to provide Plankinton Elementary with equipment for a kindergarten “learn to ride” PE program, including 24 bikes, helmets and pedal kits. Heeb thanked event partners and sponsors including J&L Harley-Davidson, Plains Commerce Bank and CycleSource.

In public input, resident Terry Sabers commended volunteers John McLeod, Dwight Scott and their team for clearing scrub trees along Lake Mitchell’s shoreline, saying the work improved public visibility and access and encouraged the mayor and parks staff to support ongoing volunteer cleanup efforts.

Other brief announcements included Mitchell Main Street’s First Friday activities and a Memorial Day weekend schedule of events at Railroad Plaza (Depot Plaza) concluding with a barbecue rib championship tasting.

These announcements and public comments were made during the public-input portion of the meeting and did not require council action.","At the opening of the meeting, community representatives announced the Palace City Pre‑Sturgis party on Mitchell’s Main Street and Mitchell Main Street updates; a resident thanked volunteers for clearing shoreline trees at Lake Mitchell, noting improved fishing access.",{"_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},6701678,"Votes at a glance: Mitchell City Council actions (selected)",1425,61000,1486000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3409373-0e28bb120ff616c0c5d5e64d73479d4a&start=61&end=1486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3409373-0e28bb120ff616c0c5d5e64d73479d4a/thumbnail_61000.jpg","/articles/6701678/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/Votes-at-a-glance-Mitchell-City-Council-actions-selected","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701678-0e410c29e17c3c7ad1da6cd69368357c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568901&Signature=O8ZOVpU01M-o5hUv7Wi8NptAZ7FgcBTu6WnyeYt~MjVYzJKT6mTLi1OdVStF4S1akBPd2Moy-6gVJQ6VTgdewEwF6alASoZg~0Wc8McvhlmwoeD0yXVs8q9GNnIVkhwTlMi9yUms3qKUfn~RjxF9HcrLqeesnvScA1V9ZfT2OjEOMjvUVhgfQxinZK8XM1Qhikk-UJY11yOttRl0QPPeqyhIcZUGqmXaEZf-GSY-DakLTGYT1gKG7DYQlXegmMKRPU0eaeK2Z2fdi9RVZP3rXIsytDpc5t9aRDaDrnPm2kZd9AGR92bkFRIsazhc0DBcy1m7-OEHz~PZgdtThx4~ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mitchell — The City Council conducted a full agenda and voted on the items listed below. Where a mover or second was recorded in the meeting transcript it is indicated; most actions were resolved by voice vote and are recorded as approved or denied as shown.

- Consent agenda: Approved (motion by Mr. McCardell; second by Mr. Goldhammer). Vote: voice approval.

- Conditional use permit — Sheena Lecker, family residential daycare at 710 N. Kittred Street: Approved (motion by council; second by Mr. Goldhammer). Concerns raised about drop-off safety and a requirement that the drop-off zone not block a neighbor’s driveway; applicant agreed to install front and backyard fencing. Vote: motion carries by voice vote.

- Conditional use permit — First Presbyterian Church, electric message center at 500 E. Fifth Avenue: Approved (motion by Mr. McCardell; second by Mr. Bethke). Planning recommended unanimous approval; two letters in favor. Vote: motion carries by voice vote.

- Variance permit — Todd and Nancy Boyd, front-yard setback at 155 S. Harmon Drive (requested reduction): Approved (motion by council; second by Mr. Smith). Planning commission recommended unanimously; neighbors expressed safety concerns about shoreline work and surveys. Vote: motion carries by voice vote.

- Conditional use permits — Cook Premier Properties LLC / Bembusker Homes LLC, multiple multi-family dwelling proposals at Lakeview Lane (two separate parcel applications for 5–12 units and for 8 units): Both approved (motions recorded; second recorded). Planning commission recommended unanimously. Neighbors raised traffic and narrow-road concerns. Vote: motions carry by voice vote.

- Board of Adjustment scheduling (6-2-205 parcel) and related variance actions: Set for hearing; council approved motions to set dates (voice votes).

- Malt beverage license renewals and special-event liquor licenses (Corn Palace Shrine Club): Approved (police department reported no objections). Vote: voice votes.

- Bid award — 2025 paving and overlay project 2025-15: Awarded to Commercial Asphalt; Bid schedule A $529,601.25; staff recommended award. Motion to approve carried by voice vote (mover Mr. Goldhammer, second Mr. Bathke).

- Reserved parking at 200 E. Eleventh Avenue: Denied (motion to deny by Mrs. Terps; second by Mr. Bolton). Council cited precedent concerns and public nature of right-of-way. Vote: motion to deny carried by voice vote.

- Hosted software and services agreement with H2O Analytics Corp. for a customer water-usage portal: Approved. Staff scheduled internal training and recommended approval. Vote: carried by voice vote.

- Developer agreements for Tax Increment District Number 41 (Woods Apartments, Groanwig LLC) and Number 42: Approved; council previously created the TIDs and approved the additional developer agreement terms. Vote: motions carried by voice vote.

- Transfer agreement to Mitchell Area Development Corporation for two lots in the 1200 block of East First (to be passed to Habitat for Humanity): Approved (see separate article for details). Vote: voice approval.

- Resolution to surplus building at 1215 E. First Avenue (auction process): Approved (motion by Mr. McCardell; second by Mr. Bevke). Vote: carried by voice vote.

- Annexations: Approved (CGM Consulting Inc. petition; JTZ Properties LLC petition). Vote: voice approvals.

- First readings: Term limits ordinance O 2025-05 (version selection moved to second reading — council advanced Version 2); rental housing code O 2025-06 (moved to second reading); rezoning item O 2025-07 approved on first reading.

- Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at conclusion of agenda.

Notes: Many actions were taken by unanimous voice vote; the record often did not capture numerical tallies. Where the transcript records a roll-call or named mover/second, that information is included above. Council and staff will return several items for formal second readings and further implementation steps.","A roundup of key votes and formal actions taken by the Mitchell City Council during the meeting, including conditional-use approvals, variances, developer agreements, awards and ordinance readings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City approves transfer of two lots to Mitchell Area Development Corporation for Habitat homes amid public questions about the sale price

Council picks second-option term-limits ordinance for more study after heated public debate

Council advances rental housing code to second reading after lengthy debate

Palace City Pre‑Sturgis party, Main Street events and Lake Mitchell cleanup highlighted in public comments

Votes at a glance: Mitchell City Council actions (selected)