April 7, 2026
STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
April 7, 2026
The regular meeting of the Stanley County Commission was called to order at 5:00 P.M.(CT) by Chairman Dana Iversen with Commissioners Mike Kenzy, Craig Heller, Sonny Harrowa and Gary Grittner. Also present was Treasurer Bill Konst, Director of Equalization Jodi Bothwell, Highway Superintendent Lee Smith, Emergency Manager Dustin Baxter, Fort Pierre Chamber of Commerce Shane Kramme, Community Youth Involved Center Bob Jeffries, Raymond Tibbs, Darla Tibbs, Tanya Heller, Lori Jacobson, Dodie Garrity, Mindy Kirkpatrick, Lura Kirkpatrick, Justin Jones, Richard Brown, Jed Breuker, and Auditor Philena Burtch. The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve the Agenda. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
MINUTES: Motion by Sonny Heller, second by Craig Heller, to approve March 3, 2026 Minutes. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve March 24, 2026 Minutes. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Conflict of Interest Declaration: No Conflict of Interest was declared.
CLAIMS: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to withhold Claim for the monthly support to the Community Youth Involved Center until after Bob Jeffries speaks. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Craig Heller, to approve Claims as presented, except for the Community Youth Involved Center. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ACE STEEL & RECYCLING INC 173.22 FRGRNDS MAINT
AMERICAN STAMP & MARKETING 68.49 TREAS SUPPL
AMG AVERA 37.70 R&B TESTING
AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE INC 4156.93 MARCH SUBSIDY BILLING
ARAMARK 214.03 R&B MAINT
AT&T MOBILITY 384.30 CELL PHONES
MICHELLE BARRETT 329.24 4-H CONFERENCE TRAVEL
PHILENA BURTCH 11.95 EM SUPPL REIMB
BUTLER MACHINERY CO 284.83 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-J1
CAPITAL AREA COUNSELING INC 2425.16 FEB MCR/QMHP
CELERITY INTERNET 146.89 FRGRNDS WIFI
CENTURY BUSINESS PRODUCTS 317.84 COPIER LEASE & COPIES
CENTURYLINK 170.56 4 CORNERS REPEATER
CLEARFLY 359.92 OFFICE PHONES
COLUMN SOFTWARE PBC 455.83 COMM MINS/AMEND WES/W&P
CONSOLIDATED AUTOMATIVE SRVCS 272.92 MV OVERPAYMENT
CORPORATE WAREHOUSE SUPPLY 1586.45 COPIER SUPPL
COWBOY COUNTRY STORES 76.71 GOV BLDG FUEL
CROSSROADS TRAILER SALES-SF 1104.92 R&B SUPPL
CROSSWORX SOLUTIONS LLC 1102.40 R&B REPAIR/SUPPL-EX1/J1
DAKOTA DATA SHRED 77.83 AUD MAINT
JLF ENTERPRISES INC 36.97 FRGRNDS MAINT
DIV OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION 30.00 BACKGRND CHECK-DS
DIV OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION 30.00 BACKGRND CHECK-DJ
JOHN DUFFY 80.00 APRIL CH SHOP LOT RENT
EDDIE'S TRUCK CENTER INC 12.74 R&B SUPPL
EXPO CENTER 5000.00 UPGRADES
FIRST NATIONAL BANK 72122.59 2024 JOHN DEERE
FLEET SERVICES 1154.36 R&B/FRGRNDS FUEL
FORT PIERRE FIRE DEPT 21250.00 2ND QTR SUPPORT
FORT PIERRE CITY 57786.79 DUE TO CITY OF FORT PIERRE
FORT PIERRE CITY 72.84 EXT COPIER LEASE & COPIES
FORT PIERRE CITY 2962.98 UTILITIES
FOUR CORNERS FIRE DEPTMENT 5625.00 2ND QTR SUPPORT
FRIMAN OIL & GAS INC 340.03 FRGRNDS PROPANE
GOLDEN WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS 200.00 E-911
GRAHAM TIRE COMPANY 1063.95 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-M5
GUNDERSON PALMER NELSON & 183.00 MENTAL ILLNESS BOARD
TYREL HALL 35.88 W&P APPLICTR LICENSE
CODY L HONEYWELL 1293.20 D BOE/H LITTLE THUNDER
HUGHES COUNTY FINANCE OFFICE 12600.00 FEB JAIL BILLING
HUGHES COUNTY JAIL 39.83 MEDICAL CARE
INLAND TRUCK PARTS 299.86 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-T12
JENNER EQUIPMENT COMPANY 33.70 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-BCT595
JON A KEEFE 240.77 AFLAC OVERPAYMENT
LAWSON PRODUCTS INC 299.29 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
LINCOLN COUNTY 481.84 MENTAL ILLNESS
LOCATORS & SUPPLIES INC 271.48 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
THE LODGE AT DEADWOOD 420.00 HWY SUPER SHORT COURSE
THOMAS P MAHER 130.82 FEB & MARCH EXPENSES
MENARDS - PIERRE 361.07 GOV BLDG/FRGRNDS/R&B SUPPL
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 180.03 R&B PHONES & INTERNET
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 289.38 OFFICE INTERNET
MIDWEST OIL COMPANY 715.00 R&B SUPPL - DEF
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 397.22 R&B NATURAL GAS
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 714.55 CH BLDG/FRGRNDS NATURAL GAS
NAPA 35.04 GOV BLDG SUPPL
NEWMAN SIGNS INC 161.64 R&B SUPPL
NORTHWEST RANCH COWBOYS ASSOC 20.00 2026 4TH OF JULY RODEO
CITY OF PIERRE 7715.95 JAN/FEB MED DIRCT/E911 QTR 1
PIERRE SOLID WASTE FACILITY 9.90 GOV BLDG MAINT
PITNEY BOWES 322.74 POSTAGE
PITNEY BOWES INC 1272.03 POSTAGE PURCHASE
PRAIRIE ATV & CYCLE 657.33 W&P REPAIR & MAINT
QUILL CORPORATION 1315.82 OFFICE SUPPL
RIVER BOTTOM SANITATION INC 84.74 GOV BLDG TRASH BILLING
ROBINS WATER CONDITIONING INC 12.00 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 39.34 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 380.99 FRGRNDS MAINT
STANLEY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT 32694.90 4TH QTR SUPPRT-2025
STANLEY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT 1023.66 US MARSHAL REIMB
STANLEY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT 106685.75 2ND QTR SUPPORT
STANLEY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT 1582.51 EMERGENCY MANAGER
STANLEY COUNTY SCHOOL DIST 207642.17 DUE TO SC SCHOOL
JEFF SCHREIBER 706.68 CH BLDG MAINT
JOAN BOOS SCHUELLER 1091.95 A MAYSTER/JUV
SD DEPT OF REVENUE 112801.51 MV/VITALS/MENTAL ILLNESS
SD DEPTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 545.43 R&B BRIDGE INSPECTIONS
SD FEDERAL PROPERTY AGENCY 34.00 FRGRNDS MAINT
SD DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 1796.62 2ND QTR PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
SD PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY 400.00 BLOOD TEST
SD ASSOC OF COUNTY COMMISSION 40.00 SPRING WELFARE WRKSHP
SD ASSOC OF COUNTY OFFICIALS 96.00 ROD M/P FUND
SD ASSOC OF COUNTY OFFICIALS 600.00 SPRING WORKSHOP
SDRA 30.00 2026 4TH OF JULY RODEO
SERVALL UNIFORM/LINEN CO 177.15 GOV BLDG SUPPL
SIOUX NATION OF FORT PIERRE 2632.90 FRGRNDS MAINT
STERN OIL CO INC 2426.45 R&B SUPPL - OIL
K THOMPSON LAW PROF LLC 2118.92 T HEDMAN/M HEBB
TRAFCON INDUSTRIES INC 11856.00 EM TRAFFIC CONTRL TRAILER
TWO WAY SOLUTIONS INC 524.97 R&B MAINT
TWOTREES TECHNOLOGIES 1541.80 SERVR MAINT
VERENDRYE MUSEUM 875.00 2ND QTR SUPPORT
WINNER POLICE DEPARTMENT 152.00 FEB JAIL BILLING
WW TIRE SERVICE INC 60.00 R&B SUPPL-T2
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 1262.61 R&B SUPPL
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 788.79 FRGRNDS MAINT
Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bill Konst informed the Commission of interest earned for March 2026 is $10,068.66, Wheel Tax collection is $8,302.66, and delinquent taxes to collect is $86,000.00.
Auditor Report: Auditor Philena Burtch presented the Commissioners with the Budget Expenditure Report showing each department’s expenses as of February 28, 2026 and Outstanding Disbursements as of April 7, 2026.
SALARIES BY OFFICE: Commissioners - $3,888.26; Auditor - $3,494.93; Treasurer - $5,935.75; States Attorney - $11,923.12; Custodial - $2,938.85; Director of Equalization - $3,110.13; Register of Deeds - $3,788.44; Road & Bridge - $26,482.84; Weed & Pest - $465.06; Fairgrounds - $6,765.20; Extension - $1,390.00; Coroner - $57.08; Employee Health Insurance - $19,916.36; SD Retirement System, withheld and match - $9,912.70; Electronic Transfer; FICA, Medicare and Withholding Tax - $20,784.07.
Register of Deeds:
Regular Fees March 2026 - $ 1,859.08
Transfer Fees February 2026 - $ 3,172.00
Community Youth Involved Center: Bob Jeffries was asked to appear before the Board in regards to the missing funds. In late 2024, an audit was completed. Bob explained that the CYI Board trusted the person that miss used the funds. They have learned the hard way to do their do diligence to verify people. They now have two part-time people taking care of things.
Bob explained to make up for the loss of the funds, they have planned more fundraisers. The Race for the Roses fundraiser will be held at the CYI on May 2, 2026, with hopes of a bigger crowd. People have volunteered to do fundraisers during the 4th of July celebration with food, snacks and drinks, this is still in the early planning of what will be offered. The building is getting used more which is generating more revenue.
Bob thanked Shane Kramme for getting the remodel complete at the Expo Center, it adds more to our community. Expo Center Board member Sonny Harrowa thanked Gary and Connie Grittner, Hughes County, City of Pierre, City of Fort Pierre and Stanley County for the contributions to help fund the remodel.
Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Claim for the monthly support to the Community Youth Involved Center. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
COMMUNITY YOUTH INVOLVED INC 2083.33 APRIL SUPPORT
Ordinance 2025-01 Wind Energy System Amendment – 1st Reading: Director of Equalization Jodi Bothwell read the First Reading of the Stanley County Wind Energy Systems Ordinance #2025-01 Amendments.
Page 4, Definitions 38: Suggested Amendment: SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION – A certification issued by the project owner or engineer indicating that project construction is sufficiently completed for the owner to begin use for the intended project purpose. Completion of punch list items and construction warranties may still be addressed by contractors following issuance of certification.
Page 4, Section 102 B: Original – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has siting authority for WES facilities with a capacity of 100 megawatts or more. Smaller wind projects are not regulated by the PUC.
Suggested Amendment: The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has permitting and regulatory authority for WES energy production facilities within South Dakota. Energy projects producing less than 100 megawatts are not subject to PUC siting.
Page 8, Section105 xii e: Suggested Amendment: The setback distance from the nearest point of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers take line along the Missouri River and its impoundments shall be twenty-six thousand and four hundred feet (26,400). In areas where a USACOE take line is not present, the setback is measured from the high-water level/mark location.
Page 11, Section 106 A)p: Original: The owner and/or operator of the WES facility shall maintain a current general liability policy covering bodily injury and property damage, with limits of at least two million dollars ($2,000,000.00) per occurrence and five million dollars ($5,000,000.00) in aggregate with a deductible of no more than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). Any loss of coverage must be reported within three (3) working days of loss. Failure to maintain coverage shall be considered a cessation of operations.
Suggested Amendment p: The owner and/or operator of the WES facility shall maintain a current general liability policy covering bodily injury and property damage, with limits of at least five million dollars ($5,000,000.00) per occurrence and fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000.00) in aggregate with a deductible of no more than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). Any loss of coverage must be reported within three (3) working days of loss. Failure to maintain coverage shall be considered a cessation of operations.
Page 13, Section 107 G)b: Original: The financial assurance is funded by the WES facility owner, prior to construction, in the amount of the full and complete cost of the project plus additional funds added annually matching the amount of inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Suggested Amendment: The financial assurance is funded by the WES facility owner, prior to construction, in the form of a required bond, in the amount of the full and complete cost of the project plus additional funds added to the bond annually matching the amount of inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Typo correction on page 7 Section 105 xii d): Correct property line setback to 7,920 feet. It was 7,290 feet. Original agreed upon setback was a mile and a half.
Comments: Page 4, Definitions 38: Planning & Zoning Board member Raymond Tibbs asked the Commission if the SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION definition is acceptable? The Commission feels that the Substantial Completion is acceptable.
Page 8 Section 105 xii e) Mike Kenzy feels that the setback should be three (3) miles everywhere in the county instead of five (5) miles along the Missouri River and three (3) miles everywhere else.
Also need to strike out ‘high-water mark’, because that would include property along the Bad River and the Cheyenne River.
Written Submissions: There were no written submissions received.
Suggestions: Page 8 Section 105 xii e) Mike Kenzy feels that the setback should be three (3) miles everywhere in the county instead of five (5) miles along the Missouri River and three (3) miles everywhere else in the County.
Need to strike out ‘high-water mark’, this statement will include property along the Bad River and the Cheyenne River.
Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to accept the Ordinance 2025-01 Wind Energy System Amendments. Grittner voted Aye. Heller voted Aye. Harrowa voted Aye. Kenzy voted Nay. Motion Carried.
Discussion: Richard Brown and Jed Breuker questioned the reasoning behind closing the Schomer Barn for the month of April. The kids are getting ready for rodeo season and need some place to condition and ride their horses. Craig Heller explained that he was informed that people were getting bumped from the schedule and the rules where changing. Craig feels that the County should set the rules and Stanley County residents should get first priority. Jed asked if the Commissioners would consider an open riding for kids? Open the barn for the kids getting ready for rodeo season. A question was asked if just for Stanley County kids? Or all kids? The Commission agreed to open the Schomer Barn for the month of April for all kids, not just Stanley County kids.
Highway Department - Lee Smith presented the Commission with a report of work performed by the Highway Department for the month of March 2026, which consists of screen gravel at the Buffalo Pit, hauling and laying gravel on Ray McQuistion Road, Triple U Ranch Road, Sheehan Ranch Road, Minneconjou Road, blading, snow removal, service and maintain equipment.
Lee Smith informed the Commission that South Dakota will no longer exempt intrastate CDL holders from the requirements of 49 SFR 391.11, physical qualifications, effective July 1, 2026. Any CDL with a ‘K’ Restriction printed on it will need to get a medical card from a certified medical examiner and update their CDL drivers license by July 1, 2026, or the CDL will automatically downgrade to a non-commercial license. Lee is requesting that the highway department employees that have CDL get their medical card and get their license re-issued.
Lee Smith informed the Commission that the highway department received State grant funds in 2019. Since a project was not started the funds had to be returned to the SD Department of Transportation by January 31, 2026. Since then, Lee has been contacted by SDDOT stating they will extend the funds if Lee will submit a proposal for a project to be completed. Lee plans to submit a proposal to add rip-rap to a few of the bridges in the County. Once the State receives the proposal, the State will return the $66,428.88 to the County to complete this project.
New Hire – Highway Department – Brandon Potter: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to approve new hire of Highway Department Brandon Potter, starting wage of $25.00 per hour, with two (2) 50¢ raises, one at 6 months, one at 12 months, with Supervisor approval, plus any cost-of-living raise approved by Commission for all County employees, including benefits. Effective March 30, 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Raise – Tyrel Hall Applicator Certification: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve Highway Department Tyrel Hall, $1.00 per hour raise for applicator license certification effective March 30, 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Emergency Management Services – Monthly Report: Dustin Baxter informed the Commission that the Expo Center has been acquired as the community storm shelter. Dustin is putting a proposal together for signage to alert the public as to where the storm shelter is located in town. Dustin informed the Commission that the State DANR is considering approval for Stanley County LEPC to qualify for State funding. The BRIC Grant program is available through the State, Dustin is in the process of completing the Grant application. Dustin submitted an application for Homeland Security Grant for a generator switch for the courthouse. Dustin is also working on a 5-year goals plan, and the Emergency Manager Facebook page is getting a lot of positive feedback.
Revisit Resolution 2026-09 Burn Ban: The week of March 30th, the Burn Ban was put on hold due to the moisture received in the area. Our area is still in the high fire danger, so the Burn Ban Resolution needs to be kept in place. Dustin will contact the Commissioners when he feels the Resolution needs to be lifted or reinstated.
New Hire – Director of Equalization Assistant – Danielle Daak-Sherwood: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve new hire of Director of Equalization Assistant Danielle Daak-Sherwood, starting wage of $20.00 per hour, with two (2) 50¢ raises, one at 6 months, one at 12 months, with Supervisor approval, $1.00 per hour raise when assessor certified, plus any cost-of-living raise approve by Commission for all County Employees, including benefits. Effective April 13, 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Deputy Auditor – Danielle Johnson: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Craig Heller, to approve new hire of Deputy Auditor Danielle Johnson, starting wage of $20.00 per hour, with two (2) 50¢ raises, one at 6 months, one at 12 months, with Supervisor approval, plus any cost-of-living raise approved by Commission for all County employees, including benefits. Effective April 6, 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Raise – Director of Equalization Jodi Bothwell 6-month $1,000.00 salary increase: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Director of Equalization Jodi Bothwell 6-month $1,000.00 salary increase, effective May 4, 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
4-H/Extension Secretary Wendi Roberts: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve 4-H Extension Secretary Wendi Roberts $1.00 per hour raise, effective with next payroll. Wendi started with Stanley County 4-H March 3, 2025. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Catholic Community Foundation of Eastern South Dakota Annual Raffle: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Craig Heller, to approve Catholic Community Foundation of Eastern South Dakota Annual Raffle. Drawing is set for June 8, 2026, at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Hayes Hall Annual Raffle: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second Gary Grittner, to approve Hayes Hall Annual Raffle. Drawing is set for April 10th, 11th and 12th, 2026, during the annual Hayes community play. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
South Dakota State Skeet Association Annual Raffle – Two Raffles Simultaneously: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve South Dakota State Skeet Association Annual Raffles. Drawing is set for September 20, 2026, at Willow Creek Wildlife. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Set County Boards – Tuesday April 21, 2026, at 5:00 P.M.
Executive Session – Personnel – SDCL 1-25-2(1): Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to go into Executive Session-Personnel-SDCL 1-25-2(1) at 6:47 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Chairman Iversen declared to reconvene at 7:12 P.M.
Upcoming Workshops: Spring Welfare Workshop
Adjournment: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to adjourn at 7:13 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ATTEST: BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman