Residents propose community farm; ask about unused city railroad property

Two members of the public used the meeting’s public-appearance period to raise neighborhood and property issues before the commission.

Michael Strom, introduced himself as a Yankton resident and proposed creating a community farm on state or city land near the South Dakota Human Services Center and other sites. "My idea is that anyone in the county can buy an animal, tag it, and now we'll have a place to raise it," Strom said, adding the project would require zoning, signage, security cameras, a log book and fencing. He said the project would provide fresh food, hands-on education for children and stewardship opportunities.

Another resident, Deanna Huether, asked for an update on her prior inquiry about purchasing a parcel of city-owned railroad property adjacent to her mother's property in Vineland. City staff told Huether the parcel is city-owned and currently not presented for sale; staff said they are working to clean up vehicles and other materials on the lot. City Attorney Ross Denherter and city staff offered to meet with Huether the following day to discuss the parcel and advised that any personal property still on city-owned land should be removed promptly.

Nut graf: Both appearances asked the commission to consider uses for underused land — one asking the city to explore a community agriculture project, the other seeking clarity about ownership and sale processes for a parcel of city-owned railroad property.

Ending: Staff committed to follow up directly with Huether and to return any additional procedural questions about property disposition to the commission as needed.