Yankton City Commission approves leases, licenses, change order and surplus-camera disposal

The Yankton City Commission on Nov. 10 approved a set of routine and project items, including a lease renewal for The Center, multiple alcoholic-beverage license renewals, a construction change order for a water-main project, and a resolution authorizing disposal of surplus police camera equipment.

Lease renewal: The commission considered Memorandum No. 25-197 recommending approval of a 2026 lease agreement with the Yankton Area Center Board for the Center at 900 Whiting Drive. Mayor Michael Villanueva called for the motion; the item passed by roll call. Commissioner Birch abstained, stating she serves on the Center board and would be a signatory on the lease.

Liquor and wine license renewals: The commission approved renewals for the 2026 licensing period under Memorandum No. 25-198. The motion passed by roll call with recorded "aye" votes.

Special-event liquor license: The commission approved a one-day on-sale liquor license for May 2, 2026, for The Center (Memorandum No. 25-199). Commissioner Birch again abstained from the vote; the motion passed.

Change order for water-main work: Public Works project manager Adam explained a subcontractor delay and the need for three BNSF railroad permits required rescheduling. Change Order No. 1 (Memorandum No. 25-201) extends the contractor's completion window to June 2026 to avoid winter street work. The commission approved the change order by roll call.

Surplus police equipment: The commission adopted Resolution No. 25-52 (Memorandum No. 25-202) authorizing sale or disposal of surplus police camera equipment. Police Chief told the commission the current camera system is not NDAA-compliant and poses network-security concerns; the department will replace the system.

Votes at a glance:
- Minutes of Oct. 27, 2025: Motion approved (voice vote).
- Pay bills: Motion approved (roll call; unanimous aye recorded).
- Lease with Yankton Area Center Board (Mem. 25-197): Approved; Commissioner Birch abstained.
- 2026 liquor and wine license renewals (Mem. 25-198): Approved (roll call).
- Special-event on-sale license 05/02/2026 for The Center (Mem. 25-199): Approved; Commissioner Birch abstained.
- Change Order No. 1 — 8th Street railroad water main crossing improvements (Mem. 25-201): Approved (roll call).
- Resolution No. 25-52 — Police surplus property (Mem. 25-202): Adopted (roll call).

What’s next: No formal action was taken on future business; the commission adjourned. The items approved will proceed under the terms and timelines in their respective memoranda and contract documents.