Harrisburg Council approves crosswalk lights, study and multiple payments; tables Agriland purchase and sets second reading of appropriations ordinance

Harrisburg City Council approved a slate of routine purchases, study funding, a sidewalk payment and a small land purchase, tabled one land purchase pending contract revisions and scheduled the second reading of an appropriations ordinance.

Council approved the purchase of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (push-button crosswalks) from Traffic Solutions for $23,950, to be installed at Perry and Willow; staff said the plan includes relocating existing units once a new school opens. The council approved the motion by roll call.

The council also approved a $3,000 preliminary study for a Dakota-related maintenance/expansion project and nominated Andrew (transcription variants in the record) and Nolan Meyer as board members associated with that initiative.

An item to purchase "Agriland" for $44,000 to create new baseball fields, requested by the school district and a local foundation, was discussed but tabled because the contract language was not included in the packet and councilors asked staff to rework the contract wording before the item returns.

Council approved a $18,507.45 payment to Midland Estates LLC for walkway/path work that includes wheelchair ramp widening and sidewalk construction. The council also approved acquiring two DOT-surplus parcels described in the record (Lot A and Lot B as transcribed) for $15,200; staff said the purchase is intended to improve project site visibility and support a hotel development partnership.

On budget matters, staff presented Ordinance 2024-07 (appropriations) and noted a more detailed working spreadsheet in the packet that lists major items such as Willow Street paving work, sewer upsizing, Central Park access and parking phases. The council set the second reading of Ordinance 2024-07 for 2024-09-17.

Council discussed an agreement to extend electric and/or gas facilities and install street lighting with the utility (transcribed variably as 'Dixel' or 'Excel' Energy). The meeting record includes inconsistent figures for that work order: the packet lists $25,190.86 in one place while a reading of the motion in the record contained a different figure transcribed as $25,001.90.86; councilors discussed one-time infrastructure fees and ongoing monthly usage and maintenance charges before approving the item by roll call.

The council voted to enter executive session under SDCL 1-25-2 for contract negotiations and personnel at 6:33 PM and returned from executive session at 7:31 PM. The meeting adjourned at 7:31 PM.

Votes at a glance (as recorded in the meeting): - Consent agenda (including adding an executive session item): approved by roll call (ayes recorded). - Crosswalk lights (Traffic Solutions), $23,950: motion moved and approved by roll call; ayes recorded from members on the record. - Dakota study and nominations, $3,000: approved by roll call. - Agriland purchase, $44,000: tabled pending contract rework. - Midland Estates payment, $18,507.45: approved by roll call. - DOT-surplus Lot A & Lot B purchase, $15,200: approved by roll call. - Ordinance 2024-07 (appropriations): second reading set for 2024-09-17. - Utility/lighting agreement (packet figure $25,190.86; alternate figure also appears in record): approved by roll call.

The record includes several transcription inconsistencies for developer and vendor names and for a utility agreement amount; staff or the city finance office should be consulted to confirm contract names, exact dollar amounts and spelling before publishing or executing payment.