March 3, 2026
STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
March 3, 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 State’s Attorney Tom P. Maher, Treasurer Bill Konst, Highway Superintendent Lee Smith, Emergency Manager Dustin Baxter, Government Building Manager Rick Striker, Fort Pierre Chamber of Commerce Shane Kramme, Rapid City Pierre & Eastern Railroad Mike Kellar and Tyler Van Asperen, A.G.E. Corporation Andy Johnson, and Auditor Philena Burtch. The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve the Agenda. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
MINUTES: Motion by Sonny Heller, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve February 3, 2026, Minutes. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Conflict of Interest Declaration: No Conflict of Interest was declared.
CLAIMS: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Claims as presented. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ACE STEEL & RECYCLING INC 176.46 FRGRNDS MAINT
AIRTECH HEATING & COOLING INC 1042.25 GOV BLDG REPAIR & MAINT
AMERICAN STAMP & MARKETING 131.90 AUD/DOE SUPPL
AMG AVERA 109.80 R&B TESTING
AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE INC 4156.93 FEBRUARY SUBSIDY BILLING
ARAMARK 140.42 R&B MAINT
AT&T MOBILITY 383.42 CELL PHONES
JASON AUGUSTINE 40.00 SUBPOENA
AVERA ST MARYS HOSPITAL 192.88 MEDICAL CARE
MICHELLE BARRETT 127.44 EXT SUPPL REIMB
BUILDERS FIRST SOURCE 398.00 FRGRNDS MAINT
BUTLER MACHINERY CO 1062.17 R&B SUPPL-865C SCRAPER
CAPITAL AREA COUNSELING INC 1070.00 JANUARY MCR SRVC
CAPITOL CITY FLORIST AND GIFTS 69.99 MEMORIAL
CELERITY INTERNET 146.89 FRGRNDS WIFI
CENTURY BUSINESS PRODUCTS 246.41 COPIER LEASE & COPIES
CENTURYLINK 85.28 4 CORNERS REPEATER
CLEARFLY 360.09 OFFICE PHONES
COLUMN SOFTWARE PBC 473.78 COMM MINS/TAX EXMPT/ANNUAL RPT
COMMTECH INC 861.45 GOV BLDG MAINT
COMMUNITY YOUTH INVOLVED INC 2083.33 MARCH SUPPORT
COWBOY COUNTRY STORES 106.01 GOV BLDG/FRGRNDS FUEL
DAKOTA DATA SHRED 104.34 AUD MAINT
DSG-PIERRE 1358.69 R&B SUPPL-CAT 950G LOADER
JLF ENTERPRISES INC 74.75 FRGRNDS/R&B SUPPL
DIESEL MACHINERY INC 932.11 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-107T
JOHN DUFFY 80.00 CH SHOP LOT RENT
FIRST NATIONAL BANK 33.00 ANNUAL SAFETY DEPOSIT FEE
FLEET SERVICES 1019.32 R&B/FRGRNDS FUEL
FLOYD'S TRUCK CENTER 796.24 R&B MNT/SPPL-T3/T11/T3/T12/T10
FORT PIERRE CITY 91703.37 DUE TO CITY OF FORT PIERRE
FORT PIERRE CITY 73.72 EXT COPIER LEASE & COPIES
FORT PIERRE CITY 3552.11 UTILITIES
FRIMAN OIL & GAS INC 368.72 FRGRNDS PROPANE
FRONTLINE PLUS FIRE & RESCUE 375.00 ANNUAL SIREN SRVC
GOLDEN WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS 200.00 E-911
GRAHAM TIRE COMPANY 238.06 R&B REPAIR & MAINT-M6
GROSSENBURG IMPLEMENT OF PIERR 3888.43 R&B REPAIR/SUPPL-G6/M6/G5/J1
HOGEN'S HARDWARE HANK 61.93 R&B SUPPL
CODY L HONEYWELL 451.40 CRT APPT ATTRNY
HUGHES COUNTY FINANCE OFFICE 17955.00 JANUARY JAIL BILL
HUGHES COUNTY JAIL 48.44 MEDICAL CARE
KIRBY D KROGMAN 992.00 CRT APPT ATTRNY
LAMB'S CHEVROLET & IMPLEMENT 29.92 R&B SUPPL
LAMB'S CHEVROLET & IMPLEMENT 455.34 GOV BLDG SUPPL-BOBCAT
LAWSON PRODUCTS INC 380.08 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
LINCOLN COUNTY 421.84 MENTAL ILLNESS
LINDE GAS & EQUIPMENT INC 240.76 GOV BLDG SUPPL
LODGE AT DEADWOOD 840.00 W&P CONF
T & T LLC 501.54 R&B REPAIR/SUPPL
MAY ADAM GERDES & THOMPSON LLP 6436.00 CRT APPT ATTRNY
MCLEOD'S PRINTING & OFFICE SUP 1356.90 TREAS SUPPL
MENARDS - PIERRE 179.24 GOV BLDG/FRGRNDS/R&B SUPPL
MICROFILM IMAGING SYSTEMS INC 790.00 ROD EQUIP RENTAL
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 180.29 R&B PHONE & INTERNET
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 332.07 OFFICE PHONES & INTERNET
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 548.41 R&B NATURAL GAS
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 873.05 CH BLDG/FRGRNDS NATURAL GAS
NAPA 39.63 GOV BLDG SUPPL
PITNEY BOWES 1539.80 POSTAGE
PITNEY BOWES GLOBAL FINANCIAL 178.98 POSTAGE METER LEASE
PITNEY BOWES INC 30.00 POSTAGE PURCHASE POWER
PURPLE WAVE INC 1925.00 R&B EQUIP
QUILL CORPORATION 2237.75 OFFICE SUPPLIES
THE RIGHT TURN 1000.00 ANNUAL SUPPORT
RIVER BOTTOM SANITATION INC 84.74 GOV BLDG TRASH BILL
ROBINS WATER CONDITIONING INC 12.00 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 637.25 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 469.46 FRGRNDS MAINT
STANLEY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 287530.83 DUE TO SC SCHOOL
JOAN BOOS SCHUELLER 1776.00 CRT APPT ATTRNY
SD FEDERAL PROPERTY AGENCY 1500.00 FRGRNDS POST HOLE DIGGER
SD PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY 435.00 BLOOD TESTS
SD STATE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 411.00 GOV BLDG SUPPL
SDAAO 75.00 DOE MEMBERSHIP DUES
SD ASSN OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER 1681.00 1ST QTR CLERP
SD ASSC OF COUNTY HWY SUPT 200.00 HWY SUPERINDENT SHORT COURSE
SD ASSN OF COUNTY OFFICIALS 88.00 ROD M/P FUND
SD DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 1796.62 1ST QTR HEALTH NURSE
SD DEPT OF LABOR & REGULATION 474.82 DISTRESS WARRANT
SD DEPT OF REVENUE 139349.27 MV/VITALS/MENTAL ILLNESS
SD PUBLIC ASSURANCE ALLIANCE 107719.28 2026 LIABILITY PROPERTY INS
SDSU EXTENSION 23050.00 4-H EDUCATOR
SDSU EXTENSION 4-H PROGRAMS 250.00 4-H VOLUNTEERS
SERVALL UNIFORM/LINEN CO 141.72 GOV BLDG SUPPL
SIEBRASSE LAW OFFICE PC 4308.79 CRT APPT ATTRNY
DON LEE SMITH 108.00 W&P CONF TRAVEL REIMB
TRANSOURCE 1103.45 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-EX1
TWO WAY SOLUTIONS INC 3432.83 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
TWOTREES TECHNOLOGIES 1541.80 SERVR MAINT
US POSTAL SERVICE 166.00 FRGRNDS ANNUAL PO BOX SRVC
WESTERN SPECIALTY INSURORS LLC 918.00 SDSHSR INSURANCE
WHEELHOUSE PLUMBING INC 3000.00 FRGRNDS MAINT
WINNER POLICE DEPARTMENT 380.00 JANUARY JAIL BILL
WW TIRE SERVICE INC 60.00 R&B REPAIR-TR15
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 456.15 R&B SUPPL
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 201.99 FRGRNDS MAINT
Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bill Konst informed the Commission of interest earned for February 2026 is $9,467.19, Wheel Tax collection is $11,063.63, and delinquent taxes to collect is $99,499.06.
Auditor Report: Auditor Philena Burtch presented the Commissioners with the Budget Expenditure Report showing each department’s expenses as of January 31, 2026, Outstanding Disbursements as of March 3, 2026, and Monitoring Compliance Secondary Road Report for 2025.
SALARIES BY OFFICE: Commissioners - $3,888.17; Auditor - $3,494.94; Treasurer - $5,881.73; States Attorney - $11,923.13; Custodial - $2,938.86; Director of Equalization - $3,054.73; Register of Deeds - $3,788.45; Road & Bridge - $24,649.15; Weed & Pest - $465.06; Fairgrounds - $7,077.43; Extension - $1,390.02; Planning & Zoning - $95.12; Employee Health Insurance - $19,570.75; SD Retirement System, withheld and match - $12,364.40; Electronic Transfer; FICA, Medicare and Withholding Tax - $20,413.60.
Register of Deeds:
Regular Fees February 2026 - $ 1,760.76
Transfer Fees February 2026 - $ 455.00
2025 Annual Report: Auditor Burtch presented the Commission with the 2025 Annual Report. Total Ending Fund Balance $1,975,270.63, Government Long Term Debt Balance $875,004.62.
RCP&E Railroad: Mike Kellar and Tyler Van Asperen voiced their concerns regarding the closure of Bad River Road to large vehicle traffic and their concerns about the closure putting the railroads large federal project at risk. The weight limit on Bad River Road is making maintenance of the railroad difficult. The railroad would like to work together so they can continue to move forward with the large federal project, and to continue to maintain the tracks.
Lee Smith stated that the main issue is when the road is muddy and the big trucks drive down the roads, the trucks tear up the roads. RCP&E railroad has bridge upgrades from Van Meter west and normal maintenance that must be done, that they prefer to do when the roads are dry, however, there are times of emergencies that must be addressed at that time, muddy or dry roads. RCP&E would like to come up with an agreement, or an overweight permit to be allowed to get to the areas as they need to keep the track maintained to keep things moving.
The Commission agreed to amend the weight limit resolution to 80,000 pounds gross, and remove the 6 ton per axle except during excessive moisture situations, and to improve the communication lines between the County and the Railroad.
Highway Department - Lee Smith presented the Commission with a report of work performed by the Highway Department for the month of February 2026, which consists of screen gravel at the Buffalo Pit, hauling and laying gravel on Bob Stoeser Road, Ray McQuistion Road, Casey Hannum Road, blading, mowing, service and maintain equipment.
Lee Smith informed the Commission that the box culvert replacement project on Bad River Road has been let to a company out of Sioux Falls. This is a State of South Dakota project to be complete in 2026.
Walk n’ Roll Pneumatic Roller: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to approve the purchase of a Walk n’ Roll Pneumatic Roller from Purple Wave in the amount of $1,925.00. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Surplus 2005 Chevy 1500 Pickup, 2010 Ford F250 Pickup, scrap metal, 1992 Tiger Side Rotary Mower: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Craig Heller, to approve to surplus the 2005 Chevy 1500 Pickup, 2010 Ford F250 Pickup, scrap metal and the 1992 Tiger Side Rotary Mower. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Resolution 2026-08 Weight Limit Enforcement: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to approve the amended Resolution 2026-08 Weight Limit Enforcement. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2026-08
WEIGHT LIMIT ENFORCEMENT
WHEREAS, SDCL 32-14-6 says; “Local authorities, including road districts, may by ordinance or resolution prohibit the operation of vehicles upon any highway or impose restrictions as to the weight of vehicles allowed. Such prohibitions or restrictions apply only to vehicles to be operated upon any highway under the jurisdiction of and for the maintenance of which such local authorities are responsible and only if the highway by reason of physical condition, rain, snow, or other climatic conditions will be seriously damaged or destroyed unless the use of vehicles on the highway is prohibited or the permissible weights of the vehicles are reduced. Any local authority enacting any such ordinance or resolution shall erect and maintain or cause to be erected and maintained signs designating the provisions of the ordinance or resolution at each end of that portion of any highway affected by the ordinance or resolution. The ordinance or resolution is not valid unless such signs are erected and maintained.”
WHEREAS, the current climatic conditions are such that temperatures are near or above freezing, ample moisture is present and road damage is occurring; and
WHEREAS, SDCL32-22-24 establishes that February fifteenth to April thirtieth is the normal period spring load limits; and
WHEREAS, the county finds it to be in the best interest of public safety to reduce load limits earlier than those found in SDCL 32-22-24; and
WHEREAS, the commissioners of Stanley County, desires to protect existing Stanley County roads, ultimately saving tax dollars, and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the commissioners of Stanley County hereby impose that the County’s highways and roads shall have a conspicuously posted 80,000-pounds gross load limit in the spring during thawing conditions and 6 ton per axle load limit during times when excessive moisture, or other factors are present that will deteriorate the County’s roads, as determined by the Stanley County Highway Superintendent.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this action does not include any federal, state, or municipal roadways.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Stanley County Highway Superintendent is directed to promptly erect appropriate signage so that motorists will be so notified.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Dakota Highway Patrol be and hereby is authorized and requested to enforce weight limitations on Stanley County highways and roads.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the penalty for the violation of the load restrictions shall be set forth in SDCL 32-22-55.
Dated this 3rd Day of March, 2026.
ATTEST: STANLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman
Emergency Management Services – Monthly Report: Dustin Baxter informed the Commission that the City of Fort Pierre approved the Temporary Emergency Response Plan. The paperwork for the Pre-Mitigation Plan Grant has been submitted to the State. Dustin also explained that we had the first LEPC meeting and things went well. A lot of discussion regarding the safety needs during the 4th of July celebration, along with ideas and suggestions. Another event has been added to the busy week, the unveiling of the statues at the plaza next to the Missouri River Bridge. We had discussions about the traffic issues coming into town on US Highway 83 when events are ending at the fairgrounds and the Expo, with good ideas to keep everyone safer.
Incident Management Trailer: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve the purchase of an Incident Management Trailer from TRAFCON Industries, not to exceed $11,856.00. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Abatements: Record #9059 - Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve Abatement request for Record #9059, 2023 Taxes Due and Payable 2024, in the amount of $599.40, plus interest, as this mobile home was removed from Stanley County in March 2023. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Record #7268 – Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Craig Heller, to approve Abatement request for Record #7268 in the amount of $151.10, 2025 Taxes Due and Payable 2026, as this was replated into other parcels. This parcel no long exists. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Record #9697 – Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Abatement request for Record #9697 in the amount of $1,106.20, 2025 Taxes Due and Payable 2026, as this mobile home was removed from Stanley County in September 2024. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Record #9969 – Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Abatement request for Record #9969 in the amount of $86.16, 2025 Taxes Due and Payable 2026, as this mobile home was removed from Stanley County in 2025. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Record #9921 – Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Craig Heller, to approve Abatement request for Record #9921 in the amount of $65.88, 2025 Taxes Due and Payable 2026, as this mobile home was removed from Stanley County in 2024. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Combine City/County Primary Election: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to enter into a Combined Election Agreement with City of Fort Pierre for the 2026 Primary Election being held on June 2, 2026, and authorize Chairman Iversen to sign. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
South Dakota Public Assurance Alliance Intergovernmental Contract: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to accept and approve Chairman Iversen to sign the South Dakota Public Assurance Alliance Intergovernmental Contract. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
State of South Dakota Community Health Public Health Nursing Services Contract: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Mike Kenzy, to accept and approve Chairman Iversen to sign the State of South Dakota Community Health Public Health Nursing Services Contract for 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Automatic Budget Supplement – 4-H Program: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Craig Heller, to approve Automatic Budget Supplement in the amount of $27,000.00 to 4H/Ext-SDSU Educator (101-611-429.15) to reflect payment from Hughes County for annual 4-H support. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Frontline Annual Service Proposal and Contract for Outdoor Warning Sirens: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to accept and approve Chairman Iversen to sign the Frontline Annual Service Proposal and Contract for Outdoor Warning Sirens. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
East Courthouse Parking Lot – Engineering Service: After discussion, Mike Kenzy suggested a design build. Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to publish a request for proposals professional design services Stanley County is seeking professional design services for the replacement of the east parking lot at the Stanley County Courthouse. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
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 6:55 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Chairman Iversen declared to reconvene at 7:35 P.M.
Upcoming Workshops: Highway Superintendent Short Course, Oahe District Meeting
Easter Holiday: The Commissioners have granted leave for Good Friday, April 3rd. Stanley County Offices will be closed.
Adjournment: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to adjourn at 7:43 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ATTEST: BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman