Yankton commission approves 2026–2030 strategic plan, awards public-works contracts and denies peddler license

YANKTON, S.D. — The Yankton City Commission on Aug. 11, 2025 approved its 2026–2030 strategic plan, awarded multiple public-works contracts and licenses, and denied a peddler's license after a formal complaint about sales practices.

The commission approved the strategic plan and a slate of contracts and permits during its regular meeting at Yankton City Hall. Key votes included awarding the 2025–26 bulk deicing salt contract, multiple street and utility construction bids, approval of a one-day on-sale liquor license for the Yankton Center, backup approval for the Riverboat Days fireworks display, and the denial of a peddler's license for Fox Pest Control.

The actions affect the city budget and near-term public works work packages and formalize the commission's policy priorities for 2026–2030.

Minutes and routine business The commission approved the minutes of the July 28, 2025 regular meeting by voice vote and authorized payment of bills by roll call, with members voting in favor during that roll call.

Strategic plan The commission voted to accept memorandum 25-144 and approve the 2026–2030 strategic plan, with discussion from City Manager Ross Leon that the plan may need reprioritization depending on future budget cycles but remains the guiding framework. The motion passed by roll call.

Contracts and bid awards - Bulk deicing salt (memorandum 25-141): The commission awarded the 2025–26 winter-season supply contract to Blackstrap Inc., Neeley, Neb., at $65.89 per ton. The motion passed by roll call. - Eighth Street railroad water-main crossing improvements (memorandum 25-148): The commission awarded the bid to Fiber Construction in the amount of $815,515. The public works explanation noted three water-main locations under railroad tracks that have failed and are currently isolated; the project proceeds after permitting and design steps. The motion passed by roll call. - Fifth and Cedar Street parking-lot construction (memorandum 25-149): The commission awarded the project to Feinberg Construction Inc. for $289,008.92. The project is a partnership with a nearby church to expand parking near City Hall, with the city responsible for ongoing maintenance; discussion noted additional accessible (ADA) spaces beyond the contract minimum. The motion passed by roll call. - Active transportation project (memorandum 25-150): The commission awarded the Nineteenth Street and Burley Street active-transportation/sidewalk project to Feinberg Construction Inc. for $270,370. The project will add sidewalks on both sides of Nineteenth Street and on the west side of Burley Street. The motion passed by roll call.

Special-event permits and riverboat days - Special one-day on-sale liquor license (memorandum 25-142): The commission approved a one-day on-sale liquor license for Oct. 25, 2025 at the Yankton Center, 900 Whiting Drive. Commissioner Birch announced a conflict and abstained; the motion carried. The commission recorded the abstention and otherwise approved the license by roll call. - Riverboat Days fireworks display (memorandum 25-143): The commission approved a backup plan for the Riverboat Days public fireworks display on Aug. 15, 2025 that would use the Meridian’s top deck if the riverbank is unusable due to weather. The motion passed by roll call.

Peddler license denial The commission voted to deny Fox Pest Control’s peddler license application (memorandum 25-145) based on a formal complaint alleging questionable sales practices and an unlicensed employee engaged in peddling activity; enforcement would be handled by dispatch/police if the company were to operate without a license. The motion to deny passed by roll call.

Rezoning introduction and other business The commission introduced Ordinance No. 10-98 (memorandum 25-147), a rezoning in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction from A-1 agricultural to B-2 highway business for property on the north side of the 1500 block of Whiting Drive; that introduction was recorded as introduced and will proceed through the ordinance process.

Votes at a glance (formal actions summarized) - Minutes, July 28, 2025: approved (voice vote) - Pay the bills: approved (roll call) - Strategic plan (memorandum 25-144): approved (roll call) - Bulk deicing salt contract to Blackstrap Inc. (memorandum 25-141): awarded at $65.89/ton (roll call) - Yankton Center one-day liquor license (memorandum 25-142): approved; Commissioner Birch abstained (roll call) - Riverboat Days fireworks backup plan (memorandum 25-143): approved (roll call) - Fox Pest Control peddler license (memorandum 25-145): denied following formal complaint (roll call) - Introduction of Ordinance No. 10-98 (rezoning, memorandum 25-147): introduced (first reading) - Eighth Street railroad water-main crossing bid to Fiber Construction (memorandum 25-148): awarded $815,515 (roll call) - Fifth & Cedar parking lot to Feinberg Construction (memorandum 25-149): awarded $289,008.92 (roll call) - Active transportation project to Feinberg Construction (memorandum 25-150): awarded $270,370 (roll call)

What the commission directed next Where an ordinance change is required (election-date discussion later in the meeting), staff will prepare ordinance language for introduction at a subsequent meeting. Several awarded construction contracts will proceed to contractor scheduling and site work as staff and contractors finalize timelines.

Ending The commission concluded new-business votes and moved into an executive session at the end of the meeting for personnel and contractual discussions under SDCL 1-25-2.