Board approves minutes, financials and three event items; cemetery weekend-fee change adopted

The Mitchell Golf Course Advisory Board approved the January minutes and accepted financial reports, and voted to host two state golf events and to raise a weekend funeral fee at Graceland Cemetery, members said.

The votes closed routine business and cleared permission for several golf events to take place at Lakeview and a fee change for cemetery weekend services. Board members also discussed moving earmarked funds to settle a $75,000 past balance tied to the golf course, but formal reallocation was not recorded as a separate, final action at the meeting.

Board members first approved the minutes of the January meeting by voice vote. Later in the meeting the board heard the financial reports for the cemetery and golf course and approved the financials by motion. Members discussed several bills and routine equipment and supply purchases during the financial review.

The board also voted to host the South Dakota Golf (SCJ) Mid-Amateur (practice round Friday, event weekend June 5–7, practice round June 5; main event June 6–7, 2026) and to host the Class A boys state tournament in October 2026. The clubhouse staff reported that those events are part of the regular tournament rotation; the city receives a hosting payment from the High School Activities Association for state events and the SCJ provides standard event payments and gift certificates.

Separately, by motion the board approved a weekend fee increase for Graceland Cemetery funerals held after 1 p.m. The fee change was presented to encourage funerals to conclude by 1 p.m. on weekends; the board adopted the change by voice vote.

Discussion at the meeting included an item raised by the mayor about an outstanding $75,000 balance related to the golf course that had been mentioned at a prior city council meeting; the mayor apologized to board members and staff for public remarks and described follow-up discussions with finance staff. Board members described the $75,000 as an historical receivable dating to around 2013 and discussed using previously earmarked funds (listed in prior council allocations as $250,000 toward a “phase 3” project and $50,000 toward golf carts) to clear the balance if the transfer is still possible. The transcript shows board members agreed to pursue resolving the charge, and staff said an internal transfer had not yet been completed.

The meeting record shows the board closed routine business and set its next meeting for April 14 at 5:45 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Approve January minutes — Outcome: approved (voice vote). Notes: mover/second not recorded in transcript excerpt. - Motion: Approve financial reports (cemetery and golf course) — Outcome: approved (voice vote). Notes: discussion included recognition of routine parts/equipment purchases and a plan to bring previously budgeted projects forward; no detailed roll-call tally in transcript. - Motion: Approve hosting SCJ Mid-Amateur (June 5–7, 2026, practice round June 5) — Outcome: approved (voice vote). Notes: SCJ payment structure and expected participant range (about 70–90) discussed. - Motion: Approve hosting State AA/ Class A boys tournament (October 2026) — Outcome: approved (voice vote). Notes: SDHSAA hosting payment referenced (~$4,500) and green/card fees for practice rounds paid to course. - Motion: Approve Graceland Cemetery weekend fee (after 1 p.m.) — Outcome: approved (voice vote). Notes: presented to encourage funerals to end by 1 p.m.; adopted as presented.

No formal roll-call tallies with named yes/no votes were recorded in the excerpt provided; approvals were taken by voice.

Ending

The board completed its business in under an hour and adjourned; the next meeting is scheduled April 14 at 5:45 p.m.