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City of Vermillion: summary of council actions Feb. 18, 2025
Summary
The City Council approved a series of routine and project-specific actions on Feb. 18, including a rezoning second reading in a joint meeting, a special wine license, developer and construction contracts, a janitorial contract renewal, surplus vehicle declaration, and selection of a TIF bond interest reset option.
The City of Vermillion City Council took multiple formal actions at its Feb. 18 meeting. The council approved a mix of land-use, procurement and finance items and addressed routine housekeeping matters. Below is a concise list of each formal action recorded during the meeting, with basic details and next steps.
Votes at a glance
- Rezoning (JJCA area) — Approved (second reading, joint meeting): A rezoning request within the Joint Jurisdictional Cooperation Area (JJCA) previously discussed at a joint Clay County–City Council meeting on Oct. 29, 2024, was advanced on second reading after a pre-annexation agreement was executed with a developer. The council completed a roll-call in the joint session and approved the rezoning. (Presentation by Jose; joint meeting roll call recorded in transcript.)
- Special daily wine license (South Dakota Shakespeare Festival, “Wine with Will,” Main Street Inn, Feb. 28, 2025) — Approved: Motion by Councilor Murrah, second by Councilor Gendaway/Genoitt; Councilor Holland abstained. Staff noted servers will check ID and the Police Department had no prior issues with the event.
- Development agreement (Mark Brothers Construction — Lot at Janklo Court & Mickelson) — Approved: Motion by Councilor Holland, second by Councilor Cheeseman. The agreement allows construction of a single-family detached home under R1 zoning and authorizes the mayor to sign the developer agreement; required sidewalk and utility improvements were discussed.
- Tax increment financing (TIF) District No. 9 revenue bonds (interest-option direction) — Approved: Council selected Option 1 (3-year treasury reference) for $750,000 of tax increment revenue bonds to help fund infrastructure in the Jack Paul addition. The bank proposals carried a 2.25% margin over the treasury index; the council was told the rate-reset cap is 1% at each reset. Motion to approve the 3-year option was moved by Councilor Toller and seconded by Councilor Holland; motion carried.
- Declare vehicle surplus (2007 Ford F350 dual rear-wheel with utility box) — Approved: Staff will list the vehicle for sale on the online auction site Purple Wave and proceeds will return to the equipment replacement fund. Motion by Councilor John White; second by Councilor Leber.
- Janitorial contract renewal (ServiceMaster of Southeast South Dakota) — Approved: Administration recommended renewing for $48,857.76. Council discussion indicated services have generally been satisfactory and the contract approaches the threshold for formal bidding next year. Motion by Councilor Holland; second by Councilor Price.
- Comprehensive fee schedule amendment (towing fees) — Approved, as amended: The council standardized city-initiated tow charges and storage fees; it amended the draft to raise the additional-day impound fee to $20. (See separate article for expanded coverage of towing debate and outcome.)
- Carr Street (North Carr Street between West Duke and Bowers) — Bid awarded: Staff recommended and council approved awarding the combined base bid and bid alternate to Steve Harris Construction of Homer, Nebraska, for $447,552.93 (base bid less the alternate deduct). The project will be assessed to adjacent property owners with a 10-year repayment option at 10% interest; the city will pay the contractor and assess owners later. Motion by Councilor Murrah; second by Councilor Price.
Routine housekeeping and fiscal items
- Minutes and agenda — Approved.
- Bills and invoices payable — Approved; one councilor abstained on a single mileage reimbursement line-item as noted in the minutes.
Next steps: Administration will finalize contracts and agreements, publish the updated fee schedule, proceed with bidding/contracting steps for demolition and street construction as outlined in staff reports, and bring demolition bids for the former Jolly Elementary School to the council at the March 17 meeting.
