Yankton commission asks staff to redraw Chapter 2 of administrative code; precincts, agenda rules and auditor oversight on table

YANKTON, S.D. — City Manager Amy Leon told the Yankton City Commission on July 22 that staff will work this year to modernize Chapter 2 of the city—s administrative code, flagging changes ranging from precinct language to who formally prepares the city agenda.

Leon said the chapter "has not been updated at least since I've been here" and asked commissioners for direction on items staff recommends omitting or revising. "We're recommending that we omit those" precinct provisions, she said, noting the commission currently serves at-large rather than by precinct.

The discussion centered on several recurring themes. On spending approvals, staff pointed out the code requires commission approval for expenditures of $5,000 or more and asked whether that threshold should be raised. Leon told commissioners, "$5,000 is not a lot of money when it comes to a lot of the things we purchase," and suggested researching what other class-A cities use as a practical limit. City Attorney Ross Den Herder cautioned the commission that state law sets minimum obligations: while the commission approves warrants that ratify expenditures, statutory bidding thresholds and specific procurement rules will constrain any local ordinance.

On meeting logistics, staff presented comparative research showing many peer cities begin meetings earlier. Leon said an earlier start — commissioners and several members suggested 6:00 p.m. — might reduce late nights for members and improve public access; she also noted work sessions are not addressed in the code and are typically scheduled and videotaped as needed. Commissioners discussed tradeoffs, including how a change might affect liaisons to other boards and whether work sessions held at noon would burden staff.

Another focus was agenda control. Leon and others noted the current code names the finance officer (variously called auditor or treasurer in state statute) as keeper of the agenda. Den Herder advised copying statutory language where statute is clear; commissioners signaled they want the written ordinance to reflect actual practice and to preserve checks and balances. Leon said the commission should continue to exercise oversight of the finance officer and that the code will be amended so the finance officer—s role in agenda preparation and reporting lines are clear.

The staff also recommended removing or updating obsolete advisory bodies. Leon said the Solid Waste Advisory Committee—s role appears tied to now-changed landfill arrangements, while retaining language for a Sister City Advisory Commission would not harm future options. Staff clarified joint-powers relationships with Vermillion, Clay County and Yankton County for regional landfill matters.

Next steps: Leon asked commissioners to provide feedback within about a month so staff can draft ordinance language for first reading later this year, with a potential implementation date in January. "If we could get feedback in the next month for all these things," Leon said, "we'll probably send some emails out to you ... and if you all have feedback, altering the meeting time, I would just think we'd want to take action early enough so we could say ... the first meeting in January would be conducted at this time."