[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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],{"_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",6551870,"mediaKeyId","5323151-cf2e231c3324eb9c546ffea6ec267629","parentId",5323151,"title","Council awards $203,485.50 contract for South University Street and Linden Avenue improvements tied to Jolley School redevelopment","audioSeconds",147,"startMs",4288000,"endMs",4435000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5323151-cf2e231c3324eb9c546ffea6ec267629&start=4288&end=4435","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5323151-cf2e231c3324eb9c546ffea6ec267629/thumbnail_4288000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6551870/Vermillion/Clay-County/South-Dakota/Council-awards-20348550-contract-for-South-University-Street-and-Linden-Avenue-improvements-tied-to-Jolley-School-redevelopment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551870-e8d23f592bdd6412d1ee88e411892ed5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148600&Signature=JyQrSWdB8dehylE4yTT~uTsxwwLePBHe47xGQ2owhyU15zbO9RPqImHmadSnLo5cQMxS8uMGq0ClaMJmMQpQVJQodcgop-J1xi1IUyBtGZbIabnp0Qwnrt2jGiiahI8fLBoqKGxNdui3DUG6gShE9TxR2CMIynEEK2OCGZvxJeRxWNtC5woA3JoqP~I~yHI3WyPiCl1xCkbUhYTKtdSHTy5bEfVrBFkoYRtJv~1qKWWYixs1wmDkB6qZtpjAk~7LeFLnMDJ3wGAeP0B7~F-uRigmmEgCwD3rS5w9OWEBrxgc8tgBssTsQCt~f3jrqxOaSGaIJzhJIjkebFXsVygR2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Vermillion City Council","date","2025-07-08T00:24:14Z","article","The Vermillion City Council on July 7 awarded the base bid for South University Street and Linden Avenue improvements to Walker Construction of Vermillion for $203,485.50, accepting a low bid below the city’s engineer estimate.

The work covers removal of existing parking lanes, installation of curb and gutter where parking lanes previously existed, removal and installation of storm-sewer inlets along South University Street and installation of several water and sanitary sewer services on Linden Avenue. Staff said the work must be coordinated so demolition at the former Jolley School site is completed before improvements begin, and the improvements are to be completed before Nov. 30 to meet project scheduling needs.

Funding and procurement

City staff solicited bids broadly (plans to 12 plan holders, 45 contractors and 4 suppliers) and received four bids on July 2. The low bid from Walker Construction — $203,485.50 — was under the city’s estimated construction cost of approximately $220,000. The council approved the award and staff said the project will be paid through the TIF district established for development in that area.

Implementation notes

Staff will coordinate project start with the Jolley demolition contractor to avoid overlap; any time-sensitive sequencing will be monitored so park construction and trunk-line utility work proceed as planned. The contract includes typical municipal construction deadlines; the city will require the contractor to complete improvements before the stated November 30 deadline. No change orders or construction schedules were approved at the meeting beyond the base award.

Vote

Motion to award the base bid to Walker Construction passed by voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-07-07 City Council","oneSentenceSummary","The city awarded a $2,003,485.50? (low bid reported as $203,485.50) contract to Walker Construction to remove former parking lanes, install curb and gutter, adjust storm inlets and construct water and sewer services as part of the Jolley School site redevelopment; work to be paid from the TIF district.","taxTitle","Vermillion , Clay County, South Dakota","taxId",55677,"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},6551875,"Council advances ordinance consolidating taxi and TNC rules to second reading after questions on background checks and fare reporting",0,4779000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5323151-cf2e231c3324eb9c546ffea6ec267629&start=4779&end=4779","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5323151-cf2e231c3324eb9c546ffea6ec267629/thumbnail_4779000.jpg","/articles/6551875/Vermillion/Clay-County/South-Dakota/Council-advances-ordinance-consolidating-taxi-and-TNC-rules-to-second-reading-after-questions-on-background-checks-and-fare-reporting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551875-014570bff599c141a4f8e6c27b1413d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148600&Signature=hGOKl2bn2tvFU9rSwJkb-t00zXDB6RFy3UFZJTNs6XYRiGubZrgXryLcSQtL472pXm4LYsDbrEwDF4meLtmpeEemWHJr2Xz~dt2fdXjysmxvnEgxMP9hmJH~ND-nVh9XtW~t-~RGugm8PW6oFL0EIYxSuWBOhoXV6fdXt-U3Xso8CwoS-tqzNCs7lA8Wt81~epLFedA0saJFhxtkLb-lMx0gzegX3GyQtArxsXalf-Lfm8w0qEWUnZuKIe~PD54PRz8g8Qdo6dl1BG8gMiWNkJ~9Ncwc3o2JGwriC7C3qHFO-V9a7vIRKLPJBI3F00B4bRfBPrQpYx3tYUMNNxwGJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vermillion City Council on July 7 advanced ordinance 15-36 to a second reading (scheduled for July 21). The ordinance consolidates redundant provisions that previously applied separately to taxi companies and transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft by introducing a single umbrella term, “vehicle for hire,” while preserving vehicle-specific provisions where needed.

Why it matters: the change does not create new regulatory requirements, according to staff; instead it streamlines the code. Council discussion focused on how the city will verify background checks for app-based drivers and how fare information — which can vary with surge pricing — can be reconciled with the ordinance’s fare-reporting or rate-card provisions.

What councilors asked

Councilor Genowind and others asked whether app-based companies that assert they conduct their own background checks are nonetheless required by city code to provide local documentation, including an NCIC or court records. Staff replied that taxi drivers still undergo local background checks, while the national TNC firms had previously represented that they perform their own checks; the ordinance retains registration and local-notification elements intended to provide a local point of contact and records of who is operating in the city.

On rate reporting, councilors noted that apps use dynamic pricing and surge multipliers, and staff reported that compliance has been difficult in past attempts to obtain precise fare data; the city typically receives ranges at best. Several councilors said the ordinance's intent is largely to ensure local notification and basic oversight rather than to police national platform pricing algorithms.

Next steps and context

Motion to advance the ordinance to second reading passed (motion by Councillor Murr, second by Councillor Lieber). Staff said the revisions are intended to simplify the code text while preserving public-safety checks where the city retains authority. Councilors indicated they will review the consolidated language before the July 21 second reading.

No final regulatory changes or new background-check procedures were implemented at this meeting; the ordinance advances to the next step for further deliberation and a potential final vote.","On first reading the council approved moving ordinance 15-36 — which consolidates taxi and transportation network company (TNC) regulation under a single 'vehicle for hire' definition — to second reading after members questioned background checks, rate disclosure and potential enforcement limits for app-based services.",{"_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},6551879,"Council approves $25,000 second‑penny allocation for East Side water and sanitary sewer basin study",132,1373000,1505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5323151-cf2e231c3324eb9c546ffea6ec267629&start=1373&end=1505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5323151-cf2e231c3324eb9c546ffea6ec267629/thumbnail_1373000.jpg","/articles/6551879/Vermillion/Clay-County/South-Dakota/Council-approves-25000-secondpenny-allocation-for-East-Side-water-and-sanitary-sewer-basin-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551879-1c56dc1c6c1f1f8811aebb44b5db1a6a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148600&Signature=TkeMhLGPHickWhtfROWMy~1DrxQUYYoFAp1A0q9Yfq4x4UeQ2qzycdCjm5UXpw6uPBxU0EsLfC07CXQfK1hMODgqE5c9RhmNSFnHg~MiKVcqm8EAzAYTt~pNdFsPLRUoOj2qge73StBVmyZUR59AjnCIX7F0uDBOrHXm2tSt1QQYmRUFAHcKAMeLW8Cru-4znk5bgXhihR~7L7TD9vd-MT4vDDFJMDv~Qoa5PbaGb~irEfyyGeHAP77nKWOpns9YrplumUi3t6lazEnJ9uNM2rqFFGzy3dB274zbGPhWQHNXkLa~4MPfrA~ZRmbQqZ82c9oP5xwrFmUf1k~axb0M0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vermillion City Council voted July 7 to authorize $25,000 of the city’s previously budgeted Grover Million pledge — the city’s second‑penny portion — to support an East Side water and sanitary sewer basin study and facility plan.

The study, estimated at $69,800 and to be completed by Banner & Associates, will analyze projected wastewater and water flows, the impact of potential development on trunk lines and how the area ties into the city’s existing utility systems. The council approved a resolution to release the second‑penny portion and to reimburse the VCDC when receipts are provided for eligible expenses.

Why it matters: city staff and the VCDC said a facility plan is typically required to qualify for state funding such as Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources grants or Community Development Block Grants; having the study on file could shorten future project timelines and support trunk-line funding requests.

Discussion and clarifications

John (city staff) reminded council members that the city’s 2025 budget included a $100,000 pledge to the Grover Million campaign, of which $75,000 was from the bed-and-board (BBB) fund and $25,000 from the second‑penny fund. He said the council in prior campaigns had required the VCDC to return receipts for second‑penny expenditures so the city could verify allowable uses under the fund’s economic-development restrictions.

Jim Peterson of the BCDC described the proposal as an “East Side facility plan” and said the study’s findings would be usable for many years and would strengthen future grant applications. Peterson said the VCDC would fund part of the study and submit receipts to the city for reimbursement of the second‑penny portion after the work is paid.

Councilors asked how detailed the environmental review and timeline would be. Staff explained the study will assess environmental constraints (wetlands and similar features) and identify need for trunk construction, but it is not itself a project-construction schedule; contractors would provide timelines and costs for specific construction once the plan validates needs and funding is available. City staff noted a previous 2023 Northeast Lift Station basin study is being used as a model: a base study lasts many years and may need only periodic updates.

Vote and implementation

Motion to approve the resolution authorizing use of Grover Million second‑penny funds for the East Side study passed by voice vote. Staff and the VCDC said the study will be coordinated with demolition and park construction work at the former Jolley School site, and the project is to be paid through the TIF district for that development. The council directed staff to accept vendor receipts and reimburse the VCDC for the eligible $25,000 portion.

Next steps

Banner & Associates (or a selected consultant) will produce the facility plan; staff and VCDC will coordinate timing with ongoing demolition and park construction so utility work and study timeline align with site readiness. The study’s completion will support later grant applications and detailed project scoping.","The council authorized use of previously pledged Grover Million funds — $25,000 from the city's second-penny allocation — to help pay for a $69,800 East Side utility infrastructure/facility plan intended to support future development.",{"_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},6551885,"Vermillion council approves licenses, contracts and ordinances in unanimous votes",3259,1129000,4388000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5323151-cf2e231c3324eb9c546ffea6ec267629&start=1129&end=4388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5323151-cf2e231c3324eb9c546ffea6ec267629/thumbnail_1129000.jpg","/articles/6551885/Vermillion/Clay-County/South-Dakota/Vermillion-council-approves-licenses-contracts-and-ordinances-in-unanimous-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551885-1d8653f660e65dd334f3149fa711a22d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148600&Signature=EX-TSpIJXSrifo4yM3-Wmi~BGZ3G1Ps-hT-KWgYXL6TxfrQGo04LQJY1guNxPuu1O0M2n0AgRdtVz3FPR-J7SDCfeJ3Uy-r0OUEK6p684EFVrsdICFhY89h8OB9AdtFMmm6ykaknFKLd9ciGK4wmbt5Ze7Ah60tWaqYEiRPrHTuY2fqRCYGIu~eLxXhp7ZFynu-R9jMMxlvUBRSH8fktVtYanEs49YlQic92bj4jsObojm0Wi3FhHbfwrcVXQ5ITPok1BUcRlnNB43XZ~CxOG6WK9iCn2iGUtYij8JIGZ-LYZbysErVYGgxLIYtYHnuxMIEui6D1pzvWbL8p1Huubg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vermillion City Council on July 7 approved a suite of special-event permits, contract awards and ordinances, including temporary malt beverage and wine licenses for summer downtown events and a second reading and adoption of ordinance 15-35, which updates tattooing and body-piercing background-check procedures.

Council members voted on multiple event permits for the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company (VCDC) — special daily malt beverage and wine licenses for the Thursday “Thursdays on the Platt” series (July–August), a related special-noise permit, an Oktoberfest license and noise permit for Sept. 26, and street-closure approvals tied to those events — and approved a special daily malt beverage license for the Clay County Fair Board (Aug. 7–9). The council also approved a street-closure list for the Ribs, Rods, Rock & Roll event in September and awarded several municipal contracts, including street and utility work and solid-waste service.

Why it matters: the permits enable recurring downtown events that include alcohol service, amplified sound and temporary street closures; the contract awards fund near-term public-works and solid-waste services and will affect construction schedules and municipal service costs.

Key outcomes and formal actions

- Ordinance 15-35 (second reading and adoption): amends Chapter 115 regarding tattooing and body piercing to change how background checks are provided and reviewed; council adopted the ordinance by roll call (8 yes, 0 no).

- VCDC special daily malt beverage and wine licenses (Thursdays on the Platt, July–August): council approved the license, with staff reporting age-verification wristbands, signage and insurance naming the city as additional insured.

- Special-noise permits for Thursday events and downtown concert series: approved; staff recommended approval provided no problems were raised in the hearing.

- Oktoberfest (Sept. 26) special daily malt beverage and wine license and noise permit: approved; organizers provided insurance, release and indicated carding/wristbands at egress points.

- Clay County Fair Board special daily malt beverage license (Aug. 7–9): approved; police memo recommended event parameters and carding/wristbands.

- Street-closure approvals: council approved closures requested for Oktoberfest and for the Ribs, Rods, Rock & Roll event (dates in September) following notifications to police, fire, EMS and streets staff and commitments for cleanup.

- Solid-waste service quote: award to Vermillion Garbage Service at $6.72 per cubic yard (scheduled and unscheduled) for three years; staff reported prior rate was lower and recommended the low all-inclusive quote.

- Fuel bids: low bids accepted as tabulated by staff (award details in city memorandum).

- Other contract awards and approvals: pictometry/MOU participation (three-year option) with Clay County, and an MOU with Dakota State University to participate in SecureSD cybersecurity initiatives funded by 2024 state appropriation; both approved by the council.

What the council did not decide tonight: several items were advanced to future consideration (for example ordinance 15-36 on transportation network drivers was advanced to second reading), and the meeting concluded with an executive-session entry announced without public detail.

Votes and procedural notes: most non-ordinance items passed by voice vote of “aye” with no roll-call breakdown recorded in the minutes. For items requiring roll call (ordinance 15-35), the clerk recorded an 8–0 vote in favor.","At its July 7 meeting the Vermillion City Council approved a package of special-event liquor and noise permits, several contracts and ordinances, and routine bids; most motions passed unanimously or by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council awards $203,485.50 contract for South University Street and Linden Avenue improvements tied to Jolley School redevelopment

Council advances ordinance consolidating taxi and TNC rules to second reading after questions on background checks and fare reporting

Council approves $25,000 second‑penny allocation for East Side water and sanitary sewer basin study

Vermillion council approves licenses, contracts and ordinances in unanimous votes