Dirk Rogers

Key discussions centered on the implementation of Annual Seasonal Load Restrictions for Brown County Roads, with the Highway Superintendent recommending an effective date of March 2nd, 2026. Resolution #2026-14 detailed the specific weight and speed limits, including exceptions for several county roads. The Commission also approved and authorized the Chairman to sign the Annual Compliance Certification Report for the Brown County Landfill and the Operational Report for the Air Emission Inventory. Furthermore, the Commission approved several Abatements for Tax Year 2026, approved a Rental Agreement for the Richmond Lake House, and set a hearing date for the first reading of a proposed Zoning Ordinance to rezone property near Richmond Lake. A plat for the "Keatts Tenth Subdivision to Richmond Lake" was also approved via Resolution #2026-15. Human Resources matters included the employment termination of a Highway Truck Driver and a transfer for a 911 Supervisor. The meeting concluded with an executive session pertaining to Personnel.

The general meeting included the approval of the agenda and subsequent deferred review of bids for the Brown County Highway Hot 'In-Place' Recycling Project. The Highway Superintendent provided updates on road maintenance activities and requested to defer discussion on Load Limits until the following week. Following a review, the bid from Dustrol, Inc. for the recycling project was awarded. The Commission proceeded with the first reading of Proposed Ordinance #321 regarding a zoning change request by the Dinger family, which passed with one abstention. Ordinance #302, amending Zoning Ordinances related to the Agriculture Preservation District and introducing a new Wind Energy System chapter, was approved and adopted. Agreements were approved for NECOG Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan Assistance and the FY2025 LEMPG. Several Fair Contracts were approved for performances and services. A contract with the Department of Health for Community Health Services was approved. Lease agreements for the Holum Expo Building, Clubhouse, and Richmond Lake Youth Camp were authorized. A hearing date was set for opening bids for Cell #5 Construction at the Landfill. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss Personnel and Contracts, followed by adjournment.

The General Meeting involved public comment regarding the second reading of a wind farm ordinance, where concerns about property value impact were raised; the updated ordinance details were noted to be available online before the next reading. The Commission proceeded with the second reading and adoption of three separate ordinances (#318, #319, and #320) to rezone parcels from Agriculture Preservation District (AG-P) to Mini-Agriculture District (M-AG) for future use compliance. A resolution (#2026-12) was established, outlining the policy for considering petitions to recalculate and abate prior year property taxes for disabled and senior citizens under SDCL 10-6A-4. The Commission approved various claims across multiple categories, acknowledged the Sheriff Report for December 2025, and adjourned.

The meeting agenda was amended to remove the authorization for advertising a budget supplement hearing. Key actions included approving the Intergovernmental Agreement reaffirming membership in the SD Public Assurance Alliance. The Commission also approved a Professional Services Agreement with Houston Engineering for landfill monitoring and consulting services, and approved an application for occupancy by Web Water Development Association, Inc. for installing a potable water line. A resolution regarding the Bridge Inspection Program was adopted, utilizing IMEG Consultant Corporation for inspection work, with the county responsible for 20% matching funds. Load limits were tabled for discussion at the following week's meeting. The Highway Superintendent provided updates on hauling gravel, crack sealing, and the status of the Elm Lake and Sand Lake Bridges. The Commission approved various claims/payroll, a Human Resource Report including hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator and adding Museum Volunteers, approved several lease agreements for county facilities, and approved several tax abatements for Tax Year 2026. An executive session was held for a personnel matter with no action taken.

The general meeting included several first readings of proposed ordinances for rezoning properties from Agriculture Preservation District (AG-P) to Mini-Agriculture District (M-AG), specifically Ordinance #318, #319, and a repeat first reading of #318. Amendments were approved for Resolution #2026-07, establishing a policy for the timely remittance of collected fees to the County Treasurer. Resolution #2026-09 was also amended to adopt a new Permit Fee Schedule for Building, Zoning, or Construction Permits, effective January 20, 2026, which includes new minimum fees and penalties for commencing construction without prior approval. Contracts for the Brown County Fair were approved, covering trash pick-up services and entertainment acts (Magic Shows and XMC Entertainment, LLC/Minor Mischief A Cappella Group). The body also approved the amended Employee Handbook and set a bid date of February 17, 2026, for Hot "In-Place" Recycling on County Road 14. Lease agreements for the Richmond Lake Youth Camp and the Holum Expo Building were authorized. Travel requests for the Annual Weed & Pest Conference and Legislative Session testimony were approved. Sheriff Reports from January through November 2025 were acknowledged. The session concluded with an Executive Session for Legal matters.