Mobridge council approves pay increases, airport maintenance agreement and routine resolutions; sidewalk waiver fails

MOBRIDGE — The Mobridge Common Council on Oct. 9 approved a package of personnel and finance items aimed at shoring up recruitment and maintaining local infrastructure, and rejected a request to waive a sidewalk requirement for a private garage project.

The council approved a $2-per-hour raise for police officers effective Oct. 22, 2024, and a step increase for Officer Madeline Reentz, whose hourly pay was reported to rise from $21.20 to $22.00 effective Sept. 23, 2024. Council also approved a pay-level increase for water department employee Nathan Schillingstedt after he passed his Class 2 water treatment certification, moving his wage from $20.26 to $21.35 effective October 2024. A separate pay adjustment for salaried employees described in the packet as "41.6" was approved; the packet language and discussion did not make the unit or calculation explicit.

In finance matters, the council approved an airport pavement maintenance agreement with the state for the Mobridge Airport. The city, as sponsor, will reimburse the state 5% of the actual final project cost; the estimated sponsor share in the packet was $9,235.47. The agreement becomes effective upon the last date of signature and is set to end on Dec. 31, 2028, unless earlier terminated per its terms.

The council also renewed the annual front-foot assessment (resolution 24-08), which continues the special assessment of $0.60 per front foot to fund street maintenance, and approved the assessment roll (resolution 24-10) to send listed abatement and cleanup charges to the county treasurer for collection.

Separately, the council considered resolution 24-09 relating to economic development revenue bonds for the Mobridge Regional Hospital. The measure, described by the mayor as allowing the mayor or finance officer to execute modifications to the bonds because construction timelines have extended, was approved. The council discussed that the city is acting as a pass-through sponsor rather than borrowing funds directly; an extension through May 1, 2026, was noted during discussion as the requested timeframe.

A homeowner's request to waive the sidewalk requirement for property on Eleventh Street near First Avenue (resolution 24-11) was debated at length. Staff and council members cited conflicts with utilities (MDU and Midco), mature trees whose roots could damage new sidewalk, and existing sprinkler systems. The motion to waive the sidewalk failed on the vote (two yes, two no, one abstain); the mayor noted four affirmative votes are required to pass a resolution.

Council also approved hiring Mackenzie White Bull as a part-time building maintenance worker at $18 per hour, with duties noted for multiple city facilities; the mayor said the city expects partial reimbursement for the first six months but cautioned that the reimbursement details were not fully confirmed during the meeting.

During the meeting the council reviewed routine reports: the financial report (the packet showed balanced sheets), building permits (nine permits listed with a combined construction value of $101,500), and the September code enforcement update. MJ, who presented the library and community events report, described recent adult craft classes, a color run and a family movie night, and appealed for volunteer support for future events.

The council approved payment of the bills as presented and adjourned.

Votes at a glance - Adopt agenda: motion carried (roll call affirmative). - Approve minutes (08/21/2024, 09/11/2024, 09/25/2024): motions carried. - Police: step increase for Officer Madeline Reentz (effective 09/23/24): approved. - Water: level increase for Nathan Schillingstedt (Class 2 certification): approved. - Airport maintenance agreement (city sponsor share 5%, est. $9,235.47): approved. - Front-foot assessment resolution 24-08 ($0.60/foot): approved. - Hospital bond resolution 24-09 (authorizing bond modifications/extension): approved. - Assessment roll resolution 24-10: approved. - Police $2/hour wage boost (effective 10/22/24): approved. - Salaried employees pay adjustment (packet: "41.6"): approved (packet/meeting discussion did not specify calculation). - Hire: Mackenzie White Bull, part-time building maintenance at $18/hr: approved. - Sidewalk waiver resolution 24-11: failed (2 yes, 2 no, 1 abstain). - Payment of bills: approved.

What happens next The airport agreement takes effect upon final signature; the hospital bond modifications authorize city officers to execute documents as needed. Members seeking further details on building permits or code enforcement were asked to contact Finance Officer Heather or Code Official Mike. The council adjourned at the close of the meeting.