City leaders keep tabs on COVID-19 developments

City administrator Bryan Read described the current COVID-19 situation as “fluid,” as he updated the Brandon City Council at their April 6 session. Per Governor Kristi Noem’s executive orders last week, individuals over the age of 65 or immunosuppressed individuals in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties have been directed to shelter in place for three weeks. Businesses and private citizens are also being asked to stay at home and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

“Mayor Ten Haken in Sioux Falls issued a proclamation to add a little more emphasis to the social distancing guidelines per the CDC, which are not enforceable … and as far as Brandon schools, they’re closed for the remainder of the year, the governor made that order today,” Read said.

Read went on to remind that city parks are open, but the play equipment and restrooms are closed, and no organized sports activities on city-owned facilities are allowed, but a father flying a kite with his daughter in the park is OK.

Brandon Police Officer Anthony Lingen, who was appointed the COVID-19 liaison late last month, had contacted about 75 percent of local businesses as of April 6. 

“A number of the large manufacturers are taking their employee temperatures when they come to work, they’re staggering shifts, and sanitizing their equipment at the end of shifts, so they’re doing their part,” Read said. All of the food service businesses in the city have either closed or are offering curbside or drive-thru service only, he added. The two bars-only (VFW and Double D) in the city have closed down but concern remains for the casinos, encouraging six-feet between customers and no more than 10 in the facility.

Read said the city has received reports of people gathering in parks in their cars, which is OK.

“We’re getting very, very good compliance, and so far, the business community has really stepped up to comply with the CDC, and I’m very impressed by that,” he said.

How many cases of coronavirus in Brandon?

Alderwoman Dana Clark asked if city officials are privy to the number of Brandon residents infected by the coronavirus.

“We are not given any of that information by the Department of Health. They are fairly restrictive following HIPAA restrictions,” Read said.

Grease, oil & sand traps

The council gave the OK to the first reading of Ordinance 605, commonly referred to as the “grease trap ordinance,” amending chapter 14-11-17.

The ordinance establishes criteria for producers to comply or restrict the amount of fats, oil and grease that goes into the sanitary sewer.

“Each contributor is somewhat unique, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all-ordinance,” Read explained.

City staff will work with contributors to determine the best practice for their facility.

Read reported that some contributors already have system in place, and would require more regular monitoring or inspection. Others may need a grease interceptor, which is a good-size structure in the ground.

The ordinance sets up the parameters of the program and requires some reporting by the contributors to the city. It also outlines the duties of the city engineer regarding sampling and working with con-tributors to make sure they are in compliance with the ordinance.

“This is going to take a while to get set up and get rolling. Maybe by the end of the year we will have a plan in place,” Read said.  “There may be some businesses that it will be extremely difficult to bring them into compliance. They may need to tear up their entire kitchen. We don’t know that yet.”

Read noted contributors may have the option of tapping into Brandon Revolving Loan Fund.

In other business

• Approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 607, which will allow property owner Ben Soles to construct a four-plex at 116 N. Pipestone St. on Lot A in Block 1 of the Brickwood Addition. The property was zoned R-3 high density residential, which does not allow multi-housing, to R-2, which is medium density residential. The Planning & Zoning Commission gave the project the “green light” in addition to a number of the neighbors gave support for the rezone.

• Were informed of how the rescheduled municipal election would play out. On approval of the council, the election is now scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, and the canvass of votes will be done in special session on Thursday, June 18. Deadline for voter registration is 5 p.m. June 1, and absentee voting will continue through 5 p.m. Monday, June 15. The elected Ward 3 candidate (TJ Cameron or Jack Parliament) will take office July 6.

As of April 6, Smith reported that 82 absentee ballots had been filed.

• Approve soil boring tests for the Rushmore area reconstruction at a cost of $12,100, and in the first phase of the core area reconstruction at a cost of $38,675. Geotek Engineering and Testing Services was awarded both bids.

• Approved a contract with AE2S as the consultant for the water treatment plant facility plan. Cost is estimated between $40,000 and $60,000, and city engineer Tami Jansma has submitted an applica-tion to East Dakota Water for up to $20,000 to help offset that cost.

• Approved the city’s application for funding from the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources. The city is seeking funding (loan and/or grant)  for the water tower project, tagged at $5,687,000, 

• Acknowledged receipt of MED-Star Paramedic’s ambulance license application for contract with the city. Owner Jay Masur is scheduled to attend the council’s April 20 meeting to present the quar-terly report.

• Approved the purchase of two, ¾ ton pick-up trucks from Lamb Motor through the state bid pro-cess. The cost of the trucks is approximately $58,820. The truck purchase will be paid out of the wa-ter department fund.

• Adjourned until their next meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, April 20.