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Milbank City Council votes to keep Antelope Valley water-permit application active
Summary
At a March 30 special meeting, the Milbank City Council voted unanimously to reverse an earlier plan to withdraw its Antelope Valley water-permit application, citing the desire to preserve a future option and after hearing technical questions about the water-rights analysis.
Milbank City Council members voted on March 30, 2026, to rescind a prior decision to withdraw the city’s Antelope Valley water-permit application and to keep the application active. The special session began at 12:00 p.m. at the Milbank Visitor Center and ended at 1:20 p.m.
Craig Weinberg moved to reverse the earlier action and proceed with the application; Mindy Rogers seconded the motion. "All was in favor. Motion carried," the transcript records. Council members said they wanted one final meeting before pulling the application, noting the city is pursuing multiple planning directions and that keeping the permit preserves an option for a potential future need.
The council heard technical commentary from Jay Gilbertson, who submitted a letter questioning aspects of the water-rights report. Council members summarized that filing would be a precautionary step for a problem they expect could arise "in 7 to 20 years." They said securing the permit would require a lawyer to represent the city in Pierre and, if the permit is granted, a small renewal fee paid every seven years.
Mayor Pat Raffety called the special meeting to order and the council recorded attendance; Josh Karels was noted absent. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn passed at 1:20 p.m.
