[{"_1":2,"_134":-5,"_135":-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",[32,75,86,98,110,122],{"_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",6522433,"mediaKeyId","5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7","parentId",5070945,"title","Council hires RVM Consulting to facilitate fall retreat","audioSeconds",162,"startMs",6168000,"endMs",6330000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7&start=6168&end=6330","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7/thumbnail_6168000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6522433/Lennox/Lincoln-County/South-Dakota/Council-hires-RVM-Consulting-to-facilitate-fall-retreat","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522433-c86d1a73dce08bb4e4bfbcf466769e97/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164496&Signature=DJLwOxcMpJTtGsBdyFoS3La4QVXySBMe4wIHfskVGWJIMShClaG-7c6FbXjbvzJbTRKlMphAThVt8mGf8TFHyLZ6ogLWXbrP6eEgsnjt4aErfUlLyQrF41vPSpw1R-RkKCxlPtmJ1QSBjJmXZpMFr-5VHHEYL1MIj9G78ed~w4mEGY6yeEjgH2k7geYh6CJGF2a-R4ZhLL4Rq6iMaHCSvj6Z9xydu9CGgnqvZhsOnm6Q0LPP8CjjtuUNUF2jK-hMWqNpfBeWkAxX6EQl0sIOha~krCp3ZDosUcWoSpOREDbQwvI1qA4ADNGZtscGRU1QZfIrgVIfxal4VHyzEzujWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lennox","date","2025-06-24T19:25:18Z","article","The Lennox City Council on July 1 approved hiring RVM Consulting, led by Rick Velmer, to facilitate a two-day council retreat later this year to discuss goals and objectives.

Staff said two proposals were received: RVM Consulting at $1,500 and another consultant at just over $6,000. Given cost and familiarity, staff recommended RVM Consulting and the council approved the recommendation by motion. Council members said they expect to schedule the retreat in September (or late August) and staff will circulate dates to participants.

The consultant will facilitate goal-setting and provide a DISC assessment as part of the scope. Staff will send a Doodle poll to council members to finalize retreat dates.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lennox City Council 6.23.2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council selected RVM Consulting (Rick Velmer) to facilitate a two-day council retreat this fall; council expects the session in September and the consultant’s fee is $1,500.","taxTitle","Lennox, Lincoln County, South Dakota","taxId",75768,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6522438,"Council approves second pay application for museum and bandshell; completion timeline discussed",0,6572000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7&start=6572&end=6572","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7/thumbnail_6572000.jpg","/articles/6522438/Lennox/Lincoln-County/South-Dakota/Council-approves-second-pay-application-for-museum-and-bandshell-completion-timeline-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522438-da319a345a6ed07f0ae2448372a66511/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164496&Signature=eBIfR0TpajTxxOXmK48OLVlqaFaKB2eh~fG5AjZdEOW~b1E5ZD8rVrLDOT3T1ut~~UxTY51ILczqjpQC0D1c-2Iq6AmoJ9MPe4EqiAtFrI~ybvCbPWSNAPP6RN4ZMysUnNIIeTStts35wQ3A3mFMWpM1VDIrU29AeBGoikYuGvdiOo7pKjBHfjCu5fsNL5HzRy1V~0ZY0JfE2RPTend3i9XsvOf3~1z0l9hnNWUE7PZQ0xHKAQGsvLiUw7fkxbZmfIsCLDSqlSTM1ijh4V3cGqv9zsBIb~r0vOG6eZzjGtfX2OUmYSR7DhdtHxr-upXva1rvLM6FO~QIlJIs7Rc0kA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lennox City Council approved a second pay application for the museum and bandshell construction project on July 1 and discussed remaining work needed before public use.

Staff recommended the payment to Schwartz Construction as the contractor neared project completion. During a recent walkthrough, staff noted unfinished items — including final lighting work, paint touch-ups and some window repairs — and indicated a contract time extension will likely be needed to complete those items. Staff said the electrician was scheduled and the goal remained to have usable lighting for upcoming events.

The council approved the pay application by motion. Staff will continue inspections and oversee contractor completion of remaining items and any required contract extensions.","The council approved a second contractor pay application for the museum and bandshell project and staff said a final punch list and minor touch-ups remain before expected opening around July 4 events.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6522443,"Council approves subdivision construction agreement and bond for Windsong Place",347,6264000,6611000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7&start=6264&end=6611","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7/thumbnail_6264000.jpg","/articles/6522443/Lennox/Lincoln-County/South-Dakota/Council-approves-subdivision-construction-agreement-and-bond-for-Windsong-Place","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522443-421f461081359ef6b630a78c7fba161e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164496&Signature=PynaTfZN0vaB5~NyILz8PrBrKKdpJuQ3~MSqIFXy2lU6WiF3QTowNdBsw2dtTpkL0ZfQ1f3J1OEiq5G7AsnPaLJP2Dvy94eEwiaXPPi1GgDXvFNi1Gvl5lwqyd-fgyMDydpNF2OnVfDXV~TiWtL2KYUSrtz0JMshSLjkQ9GPiVdK7JnEzYa4U307VYOrEjhLhWBCBSe68RPclhrWINOKRX-p0d48aGIsouwFoz0wcnj8Npm2Ls4sJuQHFxfxIWoNmfFLzWBACJJBODGi9lx5CgYpSzY7KeB-m67UXB7IR8SRAOEQVr7-gbmRf1sYHJRXwd5j1YnVrO8brU2NPDipMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lennox City Council voted July 1 to approve a construction agreement and performance bond for public improvements in the Windsong Place subdivision, clearing the way for final plat recording.

Staff said the developer’s construction drawings and engineering submittals met the city’s subdivision design standards. The construction agreement requires the developer to complete public improvements and is accompanied by a performance bond that allows the city to pay to finish work if the developer does not complete it. Staff recommended approval and noted the agreement submitted matched the signed version provided to the city.

Council members asked about timing and whether preliminary drawings had changed; staff said minor changes often occur in construction documents but the major elements, including required stormwater work and curbside sidewalks, were consistent with the preliminary plan. The bond term was discussed: standard practice is a one-year bond; if work extends beyond the bond period developers must supply an extension or new bond. Council approved the agreement by motion.

Staff will authorize the plat for recording following the approved agreement.","The council approved a subdivision construction agreement and required performance bond for Windsong Place, authorizing the developer to install public improvements and enabling the plat to be recorded.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6522446,"Council considers using prison-related reserve funds to finance Lewis and Clark water expansion",395,5848000,6243000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7&start=5848&end=6243","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7/thumbnail_5848000.jpg","/articles/6522446/Lennox/Lincoln-County/South-Dakota/Council-considers-using-prison-related-reserve-funds-to-finance-Lewis-and-Clark-water-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522446-f167512fdbd0625fd824517c8b390340/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164496&Signature=oWMwGDEZk1EuwmVjLTKNu5WbXSq4KdUxUmwEUsmHLQIVs5G8f1t2W1Sv2H1xJINYjLMasIdtcONKMnXA2rYABU5yTNK5r3PJS52Bw3AmnBBlzGeQUdF~KpdkbJ6AaaGIsYR0qut1EjazdTVJ5T9XeDTBuqQdk9417m0IG0nYxhwIVYjQPpqDgP-2wnktB3B61wvaiE2H2HFDCMLTj0ccuJbXM0fl2FplyRa3ZY5EzLbfXnJ3XGAfWLAM5xUbMYr~iJoMs24lRRtDeFGMkFQ579f7pGotQbxBBbjCmsab3Wk7z0inMBqcfeUP4dnF4b9tJ8m7LY1MhAlildlZG96iKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lennox City Council discussed financing options for the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System expansion on July 1 and heard an option to fund the project with an interfund loan from the city’s “super fund” (proceeds tied to the Department of Corrections project) rather than adding a new customer surcharge.

City staff said a conventional approach would add a water revenue bond surcharge — roughly $6–$7 per customer on average — to cover equalized annual debt service of about $90,000. As an alternative, staff proposed using super-fund proceeds to lend to the water fund at a council-determined interest rate (including the option of zero interest), which could lower annual debt-service payments to roughly $50,000 while keeping the burden internal to city accounts.

Staff noted the financing answer depends on variables that remain unsettled, including whether the planned prison connection will use city wastewater and final project costs set by state decisions. The council indicated the interfund-loan option was palatable and asked staff to develop a full proposal by August so payments can align with the project schedule and the January–February payment cycle.

Council members emphasized they prefer not to reintroduce a surcharge previously removed; staff said they will develop options that minimize new surcharges and return to council with the details and an implementation timeline.","Staff presented an alternative to adding a new water surcharge: an interfund loan from the city's ‘super fund’ (proceeds from Department of Corrections) to lower annual debt service for the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System expansion.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6522452,"Council leans to use second-penny funds for Oriole Avenue reconstruction",655,5321000,5976000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7&start=5321&end=5976","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7/thumbnail_5321000.jpg","/articles/6522452/Lennox/Lincoln-County/South-Dakota/Council-leans-to-use-second-penny-funds-for-Oriole-Avenue-reconstruction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522452-1bc0a6fccc88816edd0b9fbd3baad510/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164496&Signature=mmeT95xj4bSuUhlxOTkuB7tM9CXyN~fjfnrAnzfgujaTwmrWrj0DVg45ckDMG0TPYeGlgXC2NG83oPK9bdRUUWBzouDwVR1~oqLjG5irFYBGUI7UfSxBKYjf0E-A89~ciST12Xxw-flIG6fECMpFwEo4CIp3Gx9AQ9PCu9lgrRtWkdpcXJEaXenGiOucraC1yxoVpG99WHI8gpktfmIXbAOwkynMQ9oyRSFUCMV2lXtBJSS4wMwJgIAYyGPttJtbXZAaErwymga7M20yIix8bj6COP8JCEmjfDEFrPWjIBRZDPaW5hR8NVRf8umoCADgHydMtdXmp~kUJJOS9WX5mQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Lennox City Council on July 1 that the city has secured roughly 75% of the grant funding needed to rebuild Oriole Avenue and must decide how to fund the remaining local share, estimated at about $575,000.

Staff outlined three options: (1) use the city's second-penny sales tax fund balance to pay the local share in cash; (2) issue a sales-tax-backed bond to finance the cost (raising annual debt service to about $300,000 depending on rates); or (3) a hybrid that combines some cash and a smaller sales-tax bond to reduce both cash drawdown and annual debt service. Staff described option 3 as the least-risk approach, but noted option 1 would avoid interest costs and use a fund set aside for capital.

Council members generally favored option 1 (use of fund balance) while asking for more forecasting. “We have the money. That's what the money's for,” one councilmember said, and another noted the hybrid approach could be acceptable if it reduces interest costs. Staff said the council should make a final decision within about a month so design and bidding can proceed to allow a January–February bid and construction next year.

Council directed staff to return with a funding resolution and additional forecasting at the next meeting; staff will explore hybrid splits and seek updated loan-rate estimates for a potential small bond.","Council members favored using the city's second-penny fund balance to cover the local share of the Oriole Avenue reconstruction project, but asked staff to run additional forecasts and return with a funding resolution next month.",{"_33":123,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":124,"_41":125,"_43":126,"_45":127,"_47":128,"_49":129,"_51":130,"_53":131,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":132,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":133,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6522457,"Lennox delays closure of Standing Stones mobile home park, approves three annual licenses",4393,1071000,5464000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7&start=1071&end=5464","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5070945-d50766c58159ada719dc1860e045aff7/thumbnail_1071000.jpg","/articles/6522457/Lennox/Lincoln-County/South-Dakota/Lennox-delays-closure-of-Standing-Stones-mobile-home-park-approves-three-annual-licenses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522457-b71f07aa53a2da8add495c407bb68489/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164496&Signature=OMy9x561O8k1UdQMuNkfwASQKpDilba15VfuCjJ5Yzn1XFFdcAkciA4gBFQsOs4rcIzPpC8sGduTmB3YI3GqxaD26QJPwXGqQCLp48BtQyJerAv3WB7RZobTDMvss6hfb-5uuqK5kLClRBMslkYBWmfYoitUqNMOXqZVA5sSUdXGvKQNMT62EzUbrLz6baznmoJZrse4cEjKsj9R9I~HtSMn0hfn0siH9nXc38N9~zV~7MINUvMPjnaOHy2pD1xWh-Zk6Mk4KquOxgcCNDi2J6ipZclxI2R1rl2WX45yOXUblnMG06T9oeVxJwEMyk0QA-fsV-e6PjeSInJtPAvVpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lennox City Council on July 1 approved annual license renewals for three mobile home parks and delayed action on Standing Stones Park for 60 days, citing unresolved health-and-safety issues at several units.

City staff recommended renewing licenses for Long Creek, Hanley Court and Sunnyside after inspections. The recommendation also advised against renewing Standing Stones’ license because of deficiencies found during an April inspection and a June reinspection. Staff asked council to direct coordination of any closure to give tenants time to relocate and to work with nonprofit groups on relocation assistance.

The recommendation and ensuing public comment focused on how to balance code enforcement with the housing needs of low-income residents. Ron Chadder, who identified himself as the Standing Stones park owner, described investments he and his wife have made since purchasing the park 3½ years ago, including bringing in new homes, installing eight curb stops to enable water shutoffs, repairing water lines and paying to remove problem units. “We have not taken a dime from the city of Lennox and from those residents; we've re-invested back in that park,” Chadder said.

Tenant Tara Potter, who lives in Lot 18, told the council she is repairing interior damage caused by frozen plumbing and is replacing siding and patching the roof when funds allow. “My daughter was just diagnosed with severe schizophrenia… I can't afford to move anywhere else,” Potter said, asking for time to complete repairs.

A city staff member summarized the city's position: “This is about safety issues with homes and whether or not they meet the minimum standards for our building and property maintenance goals.” The staff member also noted the inspection program and the 2021 rewrite of Chapter 12, which established the current inspection and licensing process.

Council members said they want measurable progress rather than solely verbal promises. After discussion, the council approved licenses for Long Creek, Hanley Court and Sunnyside Park and voted to defer a final decision on Standing Stones Park until its meeting on August 25. The council spelled out key minimum expectations for the 60-day period: skirting or other permanent or temporary weather protection to prevent water intrusion and visible, documented progress on repairs. A council member said a blue tarp would be acceptable only as a temporary measure if accompanied by a plan and timeline to replace it.

Council members and staff discussed enforcement options and legal timelines if eviction proceedings were pursued, noting eviction can take at least 30 days plus legal steps. Staff said the city has not requested eviction in this case; that remains an option for park owners and property owners under state law, not a direct action of the council. The council asked staff to return on August 25 with evidence of progress and a clear, quantifiable plan for work completed and planned.

The council also urged staff and the park owners to pursue relocation assistance channels cited during the meeting, including East River Legal Services for tenants needing legal help and local organizations such as the Lennox Area Development Corporation and the local church fund for small relief grants. Joanie Sheppard, who spoke as a park co-owner, said the owners have worked with the city and intend to continue repairs and management improvements.

The council motion to approve the three licenses carried; a separate motion to delay Standing Stones’ license decision for 60 days also carried.

The council asked staff to coordinate inspections and to document the repairs submitted over the 60-day period and return with a written status update on Aug. 25.","The Lennox City Council approved annual licenses for three mobile home parks and gave Standing Stones Park a 60-day extension to show progress after code inspections found health-and-safety concerns at several units.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hires RVM Consulting to facilitate fall retreat

Council approves second pay application for museum and bandshell; completion timeline discussed

Council approves subdivision construction agreement and bond for Windsong Place

Council considers using prison-related reserve funds to finance Lewis and Clark water expansion

Council leans to use second-penny funds for Oriole Avenue reconstruction

Lennox delays closure of Standing Stones mobile home park, approves three annual licenses