Council approves licensing, easement releases and FEMA BRIC grant agreements; executive session scheduled

Mitchell — The Mitchell City Council on Feb. 4 approved a series of routine and grant‑related items, including a retail liquor‑license transfer, an easement release, permission for a private hauler to use the regional landfill, and multiple FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (BRIC) agreements to acquire flood‑plain properties on West Ash Avenue. The council also approved a lot plot for an MTC underground power building and voted to enter executive session under the statutory citation recorded in the meeting.

Votes at a glance (items and outcome):

1) Transfer of RL 5353 retail on‑sale liquor license (Back 40 LLC d/b/a Back 40 to LAB LLC d/b/a LAB LLC): approved (voice vote). Motion moved by Chief Knopfelene; second by Mr. Goldhammer. No recorded nay votes were announced.

2) Release of a 5‑foot utility/drainage easement (Woods First Addition, Lot 5, Block 6): approved (unanimous voice vote). Staff presentation by Mr. Schrader explained the release would allow the property owner to build an addition; applicant plans to purchase adjoining lot. Motion moved by Mrs. Sherks; second by Mr. McCurtain.

3) Authorize United Sanitation Services to haul sanitary waste to Mitchell Regional Landfill: approved (voice vote). Staff said the company will use roll‑off containers and dumpsters and will not collect residential trash; landfill fee was described as $45 per ton plus $3 per ton in fees. Motion moved by Mrs. Jerks; second by Mr. Barrington.

4) Agreement A2025‑14 (State/FEMA/City BRIC agreement) — property acquisition at 504 West Ash Avenue (BRIC Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities): approved. Staff reported the estimated total project cost of $124,600 with a local match portion of $18,690 (in‑kind demo and landfill fees). FEMA would fund 75%, the State 10% and city 15% in the proposal; the city will accept ownership of the property after acquisition and a deed restriction will limit future use to parkland. Motion moved by Mr. McArdle; second by Mr. Savers.

5) Agreement A2025‑15 (State/FEMA/City BRIC agreement) — property acquisition at 512 and 514 West Ash Avenue: approved. Staff reported estimated total project cost of $168,350 and a local match of $25,252.50 (in‑kind). Motion moved by Mrs. Terce; second by Mr. Goldhammer.

6) Resolution R2025‑9 — appointing an application agent for the BRIC project (504 West Ash): approved. Motion moved by Mr. Goldhammer; second by Mr. Barrington.

7) Resolution R2025‑10 — appointing an application agent for the BRIC project (512/514 West Ash): approved. Motion moved by Mr. McHurtle; second by Mr. Goldhamer. Councilors thanked staff member (transcribed as Mark Genigis) for grant work.

8) Resolution R2025‑8 — plot of Lot 2 in Utility Addition (MTC underground power building): approved. Planning Commission recommended approval; Mr. Genovese presented. Motion moved by Mr. Goldhammer; second by Mr. Barrington.

9) Motion to enter executive session “according to SDCL 125.23 legal” was approved by voice vote; the council stated there would be no action after executive session.

What the council record shows: most items were approved by voice vote with no recorded roll‑call tallies published in the minutes for those agenda items. Staff presenters supplied technical details (e.g., landfill rate, BRIC cost shares, deed restrictions), and councilors asked clarifying questions about timelines and homeowner participation in the BRIC buyout program.

Notable clarifications from staff during the meeting: - BRIC acquisitions: the city advised homeowners who volunteered for the BRIC acquisition process that they could withdraw at any time but that, in these cases, the homeowners wished to proceed; at completion the city will own the parcels and a deed restriction will limit future use. - United Sanitation Services: fees were stated as $45 per ton plus $3 per ton in statutory/local fees ($2 county, $1 state); the company intends roll‑off and dumpster service rather than residential curb collection.

No contested votes were recorded in open session in the meeting transcript provided; all items listed above were announced as carried by voice vote.