Madison commission approves Dollar General alcohol licenses, first readings on peddler and cable franchise ordinances, and utility rate hikes

Madison — The Madison City Commission voted unanimously by voice to approve a package of routine and policy items at its December meeting, including retail alcohol licenses for a new Dollar General, first readings of three ordinances, and two rate increases that affect utility and garbage bills.

Staff member Jamieson explained two alcohol-license applications for the Dollar General under construction on the city’s west side: a retail malt-beverage license covering beer and in-state wines/ciders and a separate retail wine-and-cider license for wines and ciders produced outside South Dakota. No members of the public spoke at the hearings, and the commission approved both licenses for Dollar General store 30327 by voice vote.

Jamieson also presented the first reading of Ordinance 16‑75 to amend the city’s peddler and hawker regulations. "There have been recent court case rulings that state that this is something that could infringe on free speech and then also on restrictions of interstate commerce," Jamieson said, describing why staff removed a blanket local peddler-permit requirement while retaining designated-area restrictions and enforcement under disorderly-conduct and trespass ordinances. Commissioners asked staff how many peddler permits had been issued historically; staff said the number has been in the single digits in recent years (roughly five to six per year). The commission approved the ordinance on its first reading.

The commission advanced two cable-franchise ordinances on first reading: Ordinance 16‑76 to renew and amend the franchise with Midcontinent Communications and Ordinance 16‑77 to extend the franchise with Clarity Telecom (doing business as Bluepeak). Jamieson said the Midcontinent draft includes recodification updates, a requirement that a distribution line be relocated within 30 days of a city request and separate language for free service to the city (the draft removes the separate school free-service clause). Regarding wireless coverage near Dakota State University, Jamieson clarified that "any kind of 5G would be coming through the cell phone provider, AT&T, Verizon; Midcontinent’s Bluepeak is for cable TV," not cellular 5G.

On utilities, Jamieson presented Resolution 2024‑40 to raise electric rates by a flat 9% across all customer classes, saying the increase reflects direction provided at a prior meeting and aligns with an ongoing rate study. "This is the resolution that increases the rates and charges for electric service in Madison," Jamieson said. The commission approved the 9% increase by voice vote; staff noted the adjustment applies to base, demand and usage components of electric rates and that comparative data with nearby providers were included in the agenda packet.

The commission also adopted Resolution 2024‑41 to increase residential garbage and trash-service fees by $2 per cart citywide, citing no increases since 2018 and rising costs of service.

Other business approved by the commission included a sign-lease with Stein Sign Display for two signs on city-owned land near the wastewater treatment plant. Staff said the lease contains staged terms (through 2028, a subsequent 10‑year term to 2038 and a 5‑year renewal option) and stepped annual payments ($600, then $1,000, then $1,500). The commission approved the lease by voice vote.

Jamieson closed with city updates: several construction projects are wrapping for winter, work on creek-wall and water-main-loop projects is underway, roof repairs are mobilizing, and the City Administration Building move is imminent. "This is our final meeting in these chambers," Jamieson said, noting staff and services will move to 503 South Highland with limited office closures for the transition; the new location will be open to the public beginning Dec. 11.

No public comments were offered during the meeting. The commission announced the next regular meeting will be Dec. 16 in the new City Administration Building and adjourned the session.