[{"_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",6466835,"mediaKeyId","5813297-92ecf2b8d46e587d6fbde95a3e4ab327","parentId",5813297,"title","Votes at a glance: Key actions from Yankton City Commission, Sept. 26, 2025","audioSeconds",7895,"startMs",115000,"endMs",8010000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813297-92ecf2b8d46e587d6fbde95a3e4ab327&start=115&end=8010","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813297-92ecf2b8d46e587d6fbde95a3e4ab327/thumbnail_115000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6466835/Yankton-City/Yankton-County/South-Dakota/Votes-at-a-glance-Key-actions-from-Yankton-City-Commission-Sept-26-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466835-62a3dcf3d0f2d0d6ae36f94e8cd13d70/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169663&Signature=nPew8BcLaQKj-YQtv3ZnlmDRnIhi16G4hsCi-NbWb4ryFyaoyIC-Rmikg0mjr4K0i9Es0wQynBuqHW0kREciWfQEIKwYwLSEyA8J5umAwNz99YPPSYX5c5mNWkiQhyIlhnRdZqXp4upbmZYabEx6Ki7ty2-thFfZMuucvmZfloWDFjAVbW4b0gfcQY50wxtndIXWSzxleEJzCWQERFPgD93F9tU75p1fRiGguOq9dQTgjn6dMSVO2xt4VPUYRVsQzDZ~ZEsL7p0bQ401oJ6jwXrzpySkeN~fxVTOJwN-PkX8i32XddNw9m-oB5vIXhatWh9~1yYOCa3UuKXaEIHXmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Yankton City","date","2025-09-23T01:25:31Z","article","At its Sept. 26 meeting the Yankton City Commission took the following formal actions (motions, resolutions and votes) on routine and new-business items. This roundup lists each item and the commission’s recorded outcome.

- Approve minutes of the regular meeting of Sept. 8, 2025 — approved (voice vote).
- Approve schedule of bills — approved (roll call; motion passed).
- Health insurance committee recommendations (renew Avera Health Plans; 5.5% increase; switch dental to Sun Life; city continues paying 100% of single employee coverage; $15,000 basic life insurance) — approved (roll call; Mosher abstained).
- Accept 2024 City of Yankton Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (Williams & Company, P.C.) — approved (roll call; unanimous).
- Authorize submission of Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application to replace pedestrian bridge between Walnut and Douglas; city commits $98,005.44 local match if awarded — approved (roll call; unanimous).
- Special Events handbook, applications and fee changes — motion to approve with exceptions failed; subsequent motion to approve all proposals except downtown road closures failed; final motion to table the handbook for one month and return Oct. 27, 2025 — tabled (roll call; motion to table passed).
- Summit Activity Center rate adjustments for 2026 — approved (resolution 25-38; roll call).
- Huether Family Aquatic Center 2026 rates — approved (resolution 25-39; roll call).
- Fireworks public display request for Dec. 4, 2025 (holiday tree lighting) — approved (roll call).
- Tree ordinance amendments (introduction/first reading) — introduced; second reading and public hearing set for Oct. 14, 2025.
- 2025 Yankton Road tax (resolution of necessity) — adopted (resolution 25-40; roll call).
- Water consumption rate increase (3% effective 11/01/2025) — adopted (resolution 25-41; roll call).
- Wastewater incremental rate increase (3% effective 11/01/2025) — adopted (resolution 25-42; roll call).
- Solid-waste collection rate increase (3% effective on November bills) — adopted (resolution 25-43; roll call).
- City credit card acquisition and user policy (SDCL compliance) — adopted (resolution 25-44; roll call).
- Declare surplus vehicles and equipment and authorize online auction/ disposal — adopted (resolution 25-45; roll call).
- Approve engineering proposal from Banner Associates, Inc. for Eighth & Burley intersection improvements (coordination with SD DOT and BNSF) — approved.
- Update fixed-asset capitalization policy to document group purchase thresholds (resolution 25-46) — adopted.

Why it matters: The packet contained a mix of operational, fiscal and policy actions that affect city finances, utilities customers, event organizers and capital projects. The highest-profile outcomes were the audit acceptance, the TAP grant authorization and the tabling of the special-events handbook revisions.

For full text of motions, resolutions and recorded votes, see the City Commission minutes and staff memoranda.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","September 22, 2025 Regular Yankton City Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved the 2024 audit, authorized a TAP grant application, renewed employee health insurance plans, adopted multiple fee and rate adjustments, and approved several administrative resolutions; one major policy (special events handbook) was tabled for one month.","taxTitle","Yankton City, Yankton County, South Dakota","taxId",64144,"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},6466840,"Yankton accepts clean 2024 financial audit; single-audit testing finds no federal compliance issues",611,859000,1470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813297-92ecf2b8d46e587d6fbde95a3e4ab327&start=859&end=1470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813297-92ecf2b8d46e587d6fbde95a3e4ab327/thumbnail_859000.jpg","/articles/6466840/Yankton-City/Yankton-County/South-Dakota/Yankton-accepts-clean-2024-financial-audit-single-audit-testing-finds-no-federal-compliance-issues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466840-87e23e4256d270983cd544f70c4f7bad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169663&Signature=ehTHmCtEhKV3qFHcIzCHS-9c6Z2apTVcEY~UrGjqHsEtMLohUOXsnDMyg338L0d37YeKTxT27bRwyv4eAHNtsPuonLFwYqX4P8nfBKuznD4lQorBwbpEqsmB1AUmJrX3roMBmeZJz2gHasqYW0U0Ki3KUNvNE2N-7BidCAgTqnqnmvGW~iBzrchAePbZgREEQ7hBBDgKjdZYCn1n4IfKssxw0ndJKW-B-XgN8u~Msrj~QpTp7XVv2D-hBquuGz9dSa6uAn-oBYPBrvk9aapBPX~fFZad0oO9bHKqummnbu4RoO~v-x1pQnMQ8qrTaEZiBauIObXP-MaziuA85W~z5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on Monday accepted the City of Yankton’s 2024 annual comprehensive financial report after Williams & Company, P.C. issued an unmodified (clean) opinion.

Lead auditor Graham Forbes told the commission the financial statements were “fairly presented in all material respects” and highlighted the management’s discussion and analysis and the schedule of federal expenditures, which exceeded $6 million in 2024. Because federal expenditures passed the single-audit threshold, the city underwent single-audit testing; Forbes reported that the testing produced “no items to report, no noncompliance or internal control findings related to those federal expenditures.”

The audit report also noted the implementation of a new GASB accounting standard requiring recognition of estimated liabilities for compensated absences; that change produced a change-in-accounting-principle disclosure but not an audit qualification.

The commission voted to accept the report as presented; roll call was unanimous.

Why it matters: A clean audit and a clean single-audit opinion allow the city to show fiscal stewardship to residents and federal grantors. The single-audit result is important for the city’s ongoing eligibility for federal grants.

What’s next: Staff will continue to manage fund-level activity and present budget-to-actual schedules and the capital and debt note details included in the report to the commission and public.","Auditors presented an unmodified opinion on the City of Yankton’s 2024 annual comprehensive financial report; the city underwent single-audit testing on federal awards exceeding the $750,000 threshold and auditors reported no findings.",{"_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},6466845,"Yankton to renew Avera health plans; city to continue paying single premiums in full",362,498000,860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813297-92ecf2b8d46e587d6fbde95a3e4ab327&start=498&end=860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813297-92ecf2b8d46e587d6fbde95a3e4ab327/thumbnail_498000.jpg","/articles/6466845/Yankton-City/Yankton-County/South-Dakota/Yankton-to-renew-Avera-health-plans-city-to-continue-paying-single-premiums-in-full","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466845-8e07baa45e592857273bcf33a5b957b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169663&Signature=aHUuggA-ct5QtDDIINkHP9tq9NcALp5C7uSDw88sSJR0sYaUAW06gTZQKyuE7l1OFEr6HXnoIc-2hiUyBH9JVX4HYu6p9Fg-oBJEYxw6Son4H~hzEF0Nwazkx-TmWAskwxaRosJ4KX~9r2dLgk5xX5WST8HRXgstgVJPnPxsQZREsyGjJh4BPp61dO-C2Ccl4~d1ZUEyA7SXGQBmzx9f6IiH~HGaQbzRv3bypti50sEn6--cMRJDWE-BVvw6Ubd31evD9jIwCTaHiyg~OjySKaot6eEXzz0qb3F3SnaaiWjir70fKk4YTymoT8vVMBgpeIUm5TSW85xAz3kep0DJ~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Yankton City Commission on Monday approved the city health insurance committee’s recommendations for 2026 coverage, including renewing with Avera Health Plans at a 5.5% premium increase and switching dental coverage to Sun Life.

City staff described the committee process: a nine-member committee representing AFSCME, FOP and nonrepresented employees met with benefits consultant Midwest Benefits (MNBEST) and reviewed carrier quotes, self-funding and other coverage options over the summer. ‘‘We meet back with Midwest Benefits and see the quotes typically early August, and that’s when the committee really kind of dives in and decides what changes we want to make,’’ the presenter said.

The committee recommended renewing Avera’s same low-deductible traditional plan and two high-deductible HSA plans for 2026; renew the standard vision plan; switch to Sun Life for dental at a decreased cost; continue the Avera EAP with no cost change; and continue city-paid 100 percent single coverage for employee health and dental. The city will continue to pay a $15,000 basic life policy at 100 percent for each employee. The wellness program will continue with additional time-off prizes.

A motion to approve passed on roll call with one abstention: Commissioner Mosher abstained because his spouse is a city employee. The remainder of the commissioners voted aye.

Why it matters: The decisions shape employee benefits, influence the city’s 2026 personnel budget and determine employee out-of-pocket costs where family or spouse coverage is elected. The committee said it solicited employee input during its review and asked MNBEST to seek alternative carrier options.

What’s next: Human resources and finance will implement the plan renewals and communicate enrollment changes and options to employees ahead of the 2026 plan year.","The City Commission approved the health insurance committee’s recommendation to renew Avera Health Plans with a 5.5% premium increase for 2026, keep employee single coverage city-paid, switch dental carriers to Sun Life and continue the employee assistance program (EAP) with no cost change.",{"_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},6466850,"Yankton commission authorizes application for state TAP grant to replace Walnut–Douglas pedestrian bridge",232,1526000,1758000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813297-92ecf2b8d46e587d6fbde95a3e4ab327&start=1526&end=1758","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813297-92ecf2b8d46e587d6fbde95a3e4ab327/thumbnail_1526000.jpg","/articles/6466850/Yankton-City/Yankton-County/South-Dakota/Yankton-commission-authorizes-application-for-state-TAP-grant-to-replace-WalnutDouglas-pedestrian-bridge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466850-62def7b8ad5a809117bd146c474b4d54/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169663&Signature=L-RqyTrCGEUD64JVNA~FTtFgE70vP3xRIzkZz4s37aAd6bce~~9H2VMqUhLzJOImjkLOpNIHtf1ZoCSFsjD4T0WD9w0oucE5l4F5DSC55h5wJT3I2sNT5fH69Ed6Rb09UP330YcHWH0WagQCXeYaVrHCFP~u6-1C8qZSWF6ZPz0ZOO75eNd9jw0OuMh~oaUQRmG4Q1eHaNnEb4oxC3hXCH2x0ehNl0PFH8pz6ul~WnsZ8JcPPobsTZR5oTFL8VqnTybAtfZ5syJiOJ9iXRZfOaJZUjg8vx28FOjEIslUI05Viuqn~JBL8hex5fbDzTAFytkUbpyrDaBkl9EWaJtyUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Yankton City Commission voted Monday to authorize the city manager to sign and submit a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application to replace a pedestrian bridge between Walnut and Douglas and its east and west approaches.

Todd (city staff) told the commission the bridge is narrow, has concrete spalling and visible rot in the timber support structure under the deck. He described the deck width as effectively closer to five feet because of posts and chain-link fencing and said the substructure deterioration is now apparent on visual inspection. The city would not undertake the project without grant funding, he said.

The application commits the city to a local expenditure of $98,005.44 and an estimated total project cost presented in the packet. Todd said the city’s share would be about 18.05 percent of the total project if the application is funded and noted that 11 letters of community support accompanied the application.

Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign and submit the application; the roll call vote was all ayes.

Why it matters: The bridge provides a pedestrian connection across a creek between Walnut and Douglas. City staff told commissioners the wood substructure is showing rot and that the bridge’s narrow usable width presents potential safety and accessibility concerns; the TAP grant would cover most of the replacement cost if awarded.

What’s next: If the state awards TAP funding, the commission previously indicated it would pass a resolution (25-36) committing the local match and proceed with design and construction steps in coordination with state and federal grant requirements.","The commission authorized submission of a Transportation Alternatives Program application committing a $98,005.44 local match if the grant is awarded to replace a visibly deteriorating pedestrian bridge between Walnut and Douglas.",{"_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},6466854,"Yankton commissioners table special-events handbook after downtown road-closure dispute",4426,1813000,6239000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5813297-92ecf2b8d46e587d6fbde95a3e4ab327&start=1813&end=6239","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5813297-92ecf2b8d46e587d6fbde95a3e4ab327/thumbnail_1813000.jpg","/articles/6466854/Yankton-City/Yankton-County/South-Dakota/Yankton-commissioners-table-special-events-handbook-after-downtown-road-closure-dispute","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466854-d8d86cc5687fb23b3f95f6e8e1c82d11/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169663&Signature=WGWmIZ-1X6-Tc6J1P1d7qLfFz-7ubpsIvEkIyfeQYfb4wWO5jJvZWVJhOcnyysm1mAIBlr2a~kynGqe1oYdXLT3BEeqZ89lBIs7kiElpecaWDC3kJPlvFNgkQGcZX~TXlFccuyf46M0KSavQ4wFqJh7XDpVz-2DFKl78VjPCHxAM6vo-f9PXI0SC5ptaPPMwzOrR19VbBPzkzkW00FWKYAvPvaBQtA8bgLEahCLRWq~i0Z0CCKsoDbqgcE2B8KSTU2NzLQmeYcDlF10xjzuzTr3UkLx2JuJjiYX0Kmk6wGwiLZT048k1PutZHc6H2PrJDtZpVlBf~fR6VBfs0-wX4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Yankton City Commission on Monday delayed action on a proposed update to the city’s special-events handbook after extended public comment and debate over whether Third Street closures for events should be restricted.

The proposed changes — drafted by a special-events task force and city staff — would standardize applications and fees for 2026 events and recommend directing many events away from Third Street downtown toward parks and the Levee or Riverside Park. Task-force members cited event safety, growing downtown residences and businesses, and the staff time required to set up and tear down equipment as reasons for the shift.

The proposal’s backers said Riverside Park and Memorial Park offer infrastructure, electricity and open space that can host larger family-oriented events with fewer street closures. ‘‘When the size and growth of that event expanded, the blocking of a through street to facilitate that event was not viable,’’ Parks staff member Luke told the commission, describing the reasoning for moving some City-run music events to Riverside Park.

But several downtown business owners and event organizers told the commission the change would harm foot traffic, visitor tourism and charity fundraising. Jeff Daheff, who organizes several downtown charity events, said the street closures draw out-of-town visitors who “walk past your business” and provide a boost to unique local shops and restaurants. “The extra traffic that it creates brings many people to the downtown Yankton area,” he said.

Motorcycle and poker-run organizers also urged retaining some road-closure authority. Grant Kramer, vice president of Lewis and Clark ABATE, said a small closed stretch of road makes participants comfortable and helps charity-run attendance.

Faced with split views, commissioners voted first on a motion to approve the handbook with an exception for downtown closures; that motion failed. After further debate, the commission instead voted to table the entire handbook update for one month so staff can gather additional input — including a planned Meridian District business survey — and refine the draft with clearer logistics on notifications, barricade procedures and which downtown blocks could be closed in limited circumstances. The tabling motion passed with eight votes in favor and Mayor Villanueva abstaining.

City staff will circulate a survey to Meridian District businesses and bring a revised proposal back to the commission on Oct. 27.

Why it matters: Third Street closures are a practical crossroads of public safety, downtown commerce and volunteer-driven events. The commission’s decision to delay reflects both the need to address safety and operational burdens on city staff and the local businesses’ concern about visitor traffic and charitable fundraising that often accompanies downtown street events.

What’s next: Staff will solicit business input, refine notification protocols (currently A-frame sign notices), and return to the commission at the Oct. 27 meeting with recommended edits and outreach results.

","The City Commission reviewed proposed changes to the special-events handbook that would limit street closures downtown in favor of parks and the Levee; extensive public comment followed and the commission voted to table action for one month to gather more input and an outreach survey.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Key actions from Yankton City Commission, Sept. 26, 2025

Yankton accepts clean 2024 financial audit; single-audit testing finds no federal compliance issues

Yankton to renew Avera health plans; city to continue paying single premiums in full

Yankton commission authorizes application for state TAP grant to replace Walnut–Douglas pedestrian bridge

Yankton commissioners table special-events handbook after downtown road-closure dispute