Vermillion council advances rezoning, establishes TIF boundaries, approves pavement study, declares surplus vehicles and awards chip-seal contract

The Vermillion City Council on April 21 took a package of administrative and development actions: it advanced Ordinance 15-29 (rezoning) to a second reading, adopted a resolution creating the boundaries for Tax Increment Financing District No. 11, authorized a funding agreement with the state Department of Transportation for a pavement management study, declared impounded vehicles and assorted items surplus for disposal or sale, and awarded the 2025 chip-seal contract to Road Guy Construction of Yankton.

Ordinance 15-29 (rezoning). Planning staff explained that the property at 2532 East Main Street (Lot 3, Block 2 of the Aruba addition), approximately 3 acres annexed in February 2011, is the subject of a request by the owner, identified in the public presentation as Mr. Wilroth, to rezone from NRC (Natural Resource Conservation District) to R2 (Residential District). Planning and Zoning had recommended approval 7–0 at its April 14 meeting. The council voted to advance Ordinance 15-29 to a second reading on May 5, 2025. Council discussion clarified that the zoning line, per the city ordinance, would extend to the centerline of the adjacent right-of-way and would not prevent a driveway connection to East Main Street.

TIF District No. 11 boundaries. City staff described a proposed TIF whose revenue-generating area would be Block 3 of the Madison Park addition on the south side of Roosevelt Street. The TIF project plan — with detailed cost allocations and numbers — was not before the council on April 21 and is scheduled for Planning and Zoning consideration on April 28, with the full project plan to return to council on May 5. Staff said the TIF could fund private-site work (grading, water and sewer, storm sewer, parking-area work) and public improvements including water, sanitary sewer, street lights and paving Roosevelt Street from east of Norbeck Street to Crawford Road. The resolution before the council established the TIF boundaries and “started the clock” on a two-year window for the TIF work; the council adopted the resolution.

Pavement management study agreement. Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with the South Dakota Department of Transportation to receive DOT assistance for a pavement management study. City staff said the program works on a federal match formula requiring the city to reimburse the state 20% of the study cost, not to exceed $35,000; the city’s share will be paid to the state at project completion. Staff estimated the study will take about a year, include public meetings, and produce a multi-year maintenance and reconstruction plan. No firm estimate for the total study cost was provided at the April 21 meeting; staff said only that the city’s share will be 20% not to exceed $35,000.

Surplus declaration. The council declared a list of impounded vehicles, a park truck (park ranger picker), a former police Chrysler 200 and assorted confiscated items surplus for sale on Purple Wave or for proper disposal. Staff explained items left unclaimed after required notifications become city property; funds from unclaimed items are deposited to the general fund. The council approved the surplus declaration and sale process.

2025 chip-seal contract. The city opened bids on April 17 and received a single bid for the annual chip-seal program. Road Guy Construction of Yankton submitted $115,519.10; the staff estimate had been $107,000 and the street fund budget for chip sealing was $167,500. The council awarded the 2025 chip-seal contract to Road Guy Construction. Staff said residents on affected streets will receive notice before work begins, and the city will place notices on doors.

Consent items and next steps. The council approved the consent agenda setting a public hearing for May 5 for annual malt-beverage and farm-wine license renewals, approved invoices and adjourned. The TIF project plan and the second reading of Ordinance 15-29 are scheduled to return to council on May 5 following Planning and Zoning review.