Vermillion council adopts utility code updates, funds Shakespeare Festival shortfall, approves housing authority audit payment and other measures

The Vermillion City Council on May 19 approved multiple routine and substantive items: two ordinance amendments clarifying city rules on resale of utility services and electrical service language were adopted; the council agreed to cover a $4,849 shortfall for the 2025 Shakespeare Festival; it amended the budget to cover increased Vermillion Housing Authority audit costs; the Vermillion Police Department became an affiliate of the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force; council declared Lots 1–13 of the Jolly Addition surplus; and several street-closure permits and other routine items were approved.

Staff briefed the council that ordinance 15-30 (amending resale of utility services language and moving related provisions to general provisions) and ordinance 15-31 (corresponding electricity code language) had no substantive changes since first readings and would require only publication costs on adoption. Both ordinances passed on second reading with recorded tallies of 8 yeas, 0 nays.

On new business the council considered a funding request from the Vermillion Shakespeare Festival. Greg Huckabee, the festival president, said the company had exhausted a $10,000 carryover and lost an anticipated South Dakota Humanities (Arts) Council grant; the festival’s fiscal year begins July 1 and the organization provides free public performances plus daytime educational programs. Huckabee said the festival’s budget was short by $4,849 after other donations. Council moved to fund the full shortfall from the Bed, Board and Booze (BBB) fund; the motion passed.

The council also approved a budget amendment to cover the Vermillion Housing Authority’s audit costs. Staff said the housing authority is a component unit of the city audit because the city appoints its board members. Audit costs have risen; staff recommended increasing the budgeted contribution to $16,900 to cover payments already made and the forthcoming year-end audit. Council voted to amend the budget accordingly.

Chief Scott Brady described a proposed First Amendment to the South Dakota ICAC Task Force joint-powers agreement and recommended the Vermillion Police Department become an affiliate agency. Brady said affiliate membership brings case referrals, dedicated training, and a laptop for investigations at no cost to the department; the council approved the affiliation.

On property, the council declared Lots 1 through 13 of Block 1, Jolly Addition (the former Jolly School site) surplus so staff and the surplus property committee can set prices and a sales method. Staff noted demolition is underway and that utility stubs and curb alignment work remain before lots will be fully servable.

Routine approvals included event street closures for the downtown Trick-or-Treat (Oct. 31), the Standstill Parade of Lights (Dec. 4), and a Packer Group alley closure for an art opening (May 30). The council also advanced ordinance 15-34, giving the council flexibility to shift the formal budget adoption process later in the calendar year (staff recommended clarifying a stable annual schedule if adopted); the ordinance was moved to second reading.

City Manager John Prescott reported that the city received a $20,000 ICMA/Gates Foundation grant for an economic mobility program and that the city’s Historic Preservation Commission launched a website at vermillionhpc.org. Council approved payment of the bills; invoices showed reimbursements for the city’s Retrieve Vermillion tree-planting program.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 15-30 (amend resale of utility services): adopted, roll call 8 yeas, 0 nays. - Ordinance 15-31 (corresponding electricity provisions): adopted, roll call 8 yeas, 0 nays. - Shakespeare Festival shortfall ($4,849): council funded full amount; motion carried. - Vermillion Housing Authority audit funding (amend budget to $16,900): approved. - ICAC Task Force affiliation (Vermillion PD affiliate): approved. - Lots 1–13, Block 1, Jolly Addition: declared surplus; committee to set sale process. - Ordinance 15-34 (budget process flexibility): advanced to second reading.

Councilors, staff and community representatives said the measures aim to keep ongoing city programs, cultural events and utilities functioning while preparing for future development and fiscal needs.