Hartford, SD

City Council September 1

City Council Information Year

Park Recreation Board July 27

The Hartford Park and Recreation Board will review the 2026 budget and project status, finalize a 2027 budget request for City Council, and update the 1-5 year capital improvement plan. They will also discuss a rejected trail grant application and consider re-applying next year. The meeting is a regular business session with no public hearings scheduled.

• Review 2026 budget: $300,000 total, with $199,309.28 spent year-to-date
• Finalize 2027 budget request for City Council review (budget meeting Aug 17)
• Discuss possible re-application for Game, Fish & Parks trail grant to Swenson Park (not awarded this year)
• Update 1-5 year Capital Improvement Plan, including future projects like basketball court ($46,000) and pool upgrade ($600,000)
• Review status of pickleball courts, scoreboards, netting, and playground equipment installations

Planning Zoning August 25

The Planning and Zoning Commission has cancelled its regularly scheduled meeting for August 25, 2026. No items were decided or discussed. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for September 8, 2026.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting scheduled for September 8, 2026

Park Recreation Board Year

Park Recreation Board August 24

The Hartford Park and Recreation Board will review the 2026 budget and outstanding park projects, discuss the approved 2027 budget and the 1-5 year Capital Improvement Plan, and consider possible grant applications for a trail to Swenson Park. The meeting also includes routine items like agenda approval, minutes, and public comments.

• Review of 2026 budget and updates on projects at Lyons, Swenson, and Turtle Creek Parks
• Discussion of 2027 budget ($300,000 approved by council) and 1-5 year Capital Improvement Plan
• Possible grant application for trail to Swenson Park (TAP, RTP, LWCF options)
• Unallocated 2026 funds ($35,500) for possible additions like sand diggers, basketball court, team benches, pool shade structures
• Public comments on Swenson Park field use (flag football, softball, baseball)

City Council Year

The Hartford City Council approved several ordinances, a road construction bid, and other routine items. They also discussed a resident's concern about an asphalt plant, received bridge inspection results, and approved a landscaping plan for the wastewater plant.

• Approved 2nd reading of Ordinance #773, increasing accessory building size threshold from 150 to 200 sq ft
• Approved 2nd reading of Ordinance #774, removing campground references from Manufactured Housing District
• Approved 2nd reading of Ordinance #776 with amendment to include 'or streets' in scooter restrictions on Main Ave
• Approved $322,635.95 bid from Black Top Paving for Ruud Ln/Diamond Trl intersection reconstruction
• Approved $25,000 landscaping plan for wastewater plant

City Council Information Year

The Hartford City Council will hold its regular meeting on August 18, 2026, with second readings of three zoning ordinances, a bridge inspection report from Brosz Engineering, and a bid award for the Ruud & Diamond intersection reconstruction. The council will also review the Capital Improvement Plan and consider a request to attend a water/wastewater conference.

• 2nd reading of Ordinance #773: accessory building size limit raised from 150 to 200 sq ft
• 2nd reading of Ordinance #774: removes campground references from Manufactured Housing District
• 2nd reading of Ordinance #776: regulations for motorized foot scooters and personal assistance devices
• Review/approve bid for Ruud & Diamond intersection reconstruction
• Request to attend SD Water & Wastewater Assoc 2026 Annual Conference

City Council Information Year

The Hartford City Council is holding a special meeting to review the proposed 2027 budget, including revenues, expenses, and fund balances. The council will consider staff and Park & Recreation Board requests, as well as requests from other entities, and discuss the General, 3rd Penny, Water, and Sewer funds. The meeting is a working session to finalize budget decisions.

• Proposed 2027 real estate tax levy of $2,080,144 to keep mill levy at 5.30%
• Sales tax revenue for 1st and 2nd penny budgeted at $850,000 each, down from 2026
• New fund 514 for Kelley Ave project, with revenue source to be identified
• CIP projects include Sagehorn lift station rehab, main and Mickelson lift station demolition
• Debt limit usage at 33.67% of state-allowed maximum

City Council Year

The Hartford City Council held a special budget meeting to review the proposed 2027 budget and set the property tax levy. After discussion, the council agreed to keep the levy rate at 5.3%, generating $2,080,144 in tax dollars. The council then voted on a series of allocations from various funds for capital items, park improvements, and community organization requests. All funds are projected to have a surplus for 2027 except the Sewer Fund.

• 2027 levy rate set at 5.3% (tax dollars $2,080,144)
• Allocated $290,000 for a new street sweeper
• Allocated $300,000 for park improvements (pickleball courts, basketball court, shade structures, etc.)
• Allocated $100,000 to Hartford Area Fire & Rescue and $100,000 to Gateway Hartford, Inc.
• Allocated $100,000 for sidewalk rebate program and $50,000 for sidewalk improvements

Planning Zoning August 11

The Planning and Zoning meeting scheduled for August 11, 2026 has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is August 25, 2026.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting: August 25, 2026

City Council Year

The Hartford City Council held a regular meeting on August 4, 2026, approving several ordinances, special event permits, and funding requests. Key actions included first readings of zoning amendments for accessory buildings and manufactured housing, approval of three special event permits, adoption of a safety action plan, and funding for a senior meal program position. The council also approved various infrastructure and park-related expenditures.

• Approved 1st reading of Ordinance #773 to increase accessory building size limit from 150 to 200 sq ft
• Approved 1st reading of Ordinance #774 to remove campground references from Manufactured Housing District
• Approved special event permits for Eastern Ave Block Party (Aug 8), South Bar 10th Anniversary (Sept 26-27), and WC Booster Club 5k (Aug 22)
• Approved Resolution 2026-11 adopting Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
• Approved $20,000 for contracted senior meal program position and $3,400 for park improvements

City Council Information Year

Planning Zoning Information Year

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on two proposed zoning amendments: Ordinance #773, which would raise the size threshold for accessory buildings requiring like-kind materials from 150 to 200 square feet, and Ordinance #774, which would remove travel trailer campground references from the Manufactured Housing Residential District. The board will also take public comments and receive updates from the building inspector and city administrator.

• Public hearing on Ordinance #773 to amend Section 12.03 (Accessory Building Regulations), increasing like-kind material requirement from 150 to 200 sq ft
• Public hearing on Ordinance #774 to amend Section 5.04 (Manufactured Housing Residential District), removing travel trailer campground definition and licensing language
• Approval of June 30, 2026 meeting minutes
• Public comments limited to 5 minutes per speaker on non-agenda items
• Updates from Building Inspector Paul Clarke and City Administrator Teresa Sidel

Planning Zoning Year

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board met and recommended approval of two zoning ordinance amendments to the city council. The board also received updates on city projects, including the completion of the Western Ave expansion and substantial completion of the wastewater treatment plant. No public comments were made, and no old or new business was discussed.

• Ordinance #773: raises like-kind material requirement for accessory buildings from 150 to 200 sq ft
• Ordinance #774: removes travel trailer campground definition and licensing from manufactured housing district
• Western Ave Expansion project closed out
• WRRF substantial completion achieved, new plant treating wastewater
• Kelley Ave one-way street test run mid-July to mid-August

Park Recreation Board Year

The Hartford Park and Recreation Board will meet to review the 2026 budget and project status, and to finalize a 2027 budget request for City Council review. They will also update the 1-5 year Capital Improvement Plan and discuss a possible grant application for a trail to Swenson Park, though the city was not allocated grant funds this year.

• Review 2026 budget: $300,000 total, with $199,309.28 spent year-to-date
• Finalize 2027 budget request for City Council (budget meeting Aug 17)
• Discuss possible grant application for Swenson Park trail (no funds allocated this year)
• Update 1-5 year Capital Improvement Plan, including 2027 projects like new basketball court ($46,000)
• Review unallocated funds ($35,500) for possible additions

Park Recreation Board July 27

The Hartford Park and Recreation Board is meeting to review the 2026 budget and update on projects at Lyons, Swenson, and Turtle Creek Parks. They will also review and update the 1-5 year Parks Improvement Plan, discuss a possible grant for a trail to Swenson Park, and consider 2027 budget projects. The meeting includes public comments limited to 5 minutes per speaker.

• Review of 2026 budget and project updates
• Lyons Park: pickleball court and practice board
• Swenson Park: entrance sign, shade structures, bleachers, 2 scoreboards, netting, playground equipment
• Turtle Creek Park: concrete tee boxes for disc golf
• Discuss possible grant application for trail to Swenson Park

City Council Year

The Hartford City Council approved a package liquor license for Kwik Trip's new store at 1205 Oakley St., a special wine license for Converse Wine Co., and a block party permit for South Main Ave. They also discussed a possible motorized scooter ordinance and approved a cybersecurity plan. Several routine items, including bills and minutes, were approved.

• Approved package liquor license for Kwik Trip, Inc. (new store at 1205 Oakley St.)
• Approved special wine license for Converse Wine Co. for July 30 Downtown Farmer's Market
• Approved special event permit for South Main Ave Block Party (Aug 1, Main Ave closure from 403 to 508 S Main Ave)
• Approved change order #6 (deduct $211,270.60) and pay request #9 ($29,984.77 to D&D Concrete) for Western Ave project
• Approved $24,690.75 estimate for permanent Coffee Cup approach; approved project plans for Ruud Ln/Diamond Trl intersection

City Council Information Year

The Hartford City Council will hold public hearings on a package liquor license for Kwik Trip and a special wine license for Converse Wine Company, review change orders and pay applications for construction projects, discuss a possible motorized scooter ordinance, and review cybersecurity reports and a proposed plan. The agenda also includes special event applications for a block party and a bar anniversary celebration.

• Public hearing: Package liquor license for Kwik Trip, Inc.
• Public hearing: Special wine license for Converse Wine Company
• Review/approve Change Order #6 to D&G Concrete Construction Inc. - deduct of $211,270.60
• Review/approve Pay Application #9 to D&G Concrete Construction Inc. for $29,984.77
• Review/discuss possible motorized scooter ordinance

City Council Information Year

The Hartford City Council will hold the second and final reading of Ordinance #772 to rezone 28 lots in the Western Meadows Addition from Residential to Residential High Density, enabling a smaller-lot, more affordable housing development. The council will also review landscaping options for a lift station, discuss stormwater detention ownership, consider a letter to Kelley Avenue residents about a one-way street trial, and review notable law changes for cities.

• 2nd reading of Ordinance #772 to rezone Lots 21-24 & 40-43 of Block 3, Lots 18-20 & 33-34 of Block 5, and Outlot 3 in Western Meadows Addition to Residential High Density
• Review/discuss landscaping options by lift station along Highway 38
• Review/discuss stormwater detention ownership
• Review/approve letter to Kelley Avenue residents regarding one-way test
• Review/approve SMGA/HADF contract and MOU with City of Hartford

City Council Year

The Hartford City Council approved a rezone to enable a new affordable housing development, approved up to $12,000 for landscaping to screen a lift station, and approved a contract and MOU for economic development funding. They also discussed stormwater detention ownership, billboard lease expirations, and a one-way traffic test on Kelley Ave. The meeting included routine approvals and reports, and ended with an executive session on personnel.

• Approved 2nd reading of Ordinance #772 to rezone Western Meadows Addition lots to Residential High Density for affordable housing
• Approved up to $12,000 for landscaping at the lift station along Hwy 38
• Approved SMGA/HADF contract and MOU for economic development director funding
• Discussed stormwater detention ownership and potential future fee
• Set 2027 Budget Meeting for Aug 17, 2026

City Council Year

The Hartford City Council held a special meeting to hear 2027 budget requests from eight local organizations, including fire and ambulance services, community events, and development groups. No decisions were made; the requests will be considered at the city's budget meeting in August.

• Hartford Area Fire & Rescue requested $100,000 for operating and equipment expenses
• Humboldt Fire & Ambulance Service requested $32,500 for personnel expenses
• Gateway Hartford, Inc. requested $100,000 for lagoon land remediation and redevelopment
• Hartford Area Development Foundation requested $35,000, including $25,000 for SMGA contract services
• Hartford Hometown Christmas requested $13,000; Hartford Jamboree Days requested $17,500

City Council Information Year

The Hartford City Council is holding a special meeting to hear 2027 budget funding requests from eight local entities, including Humboldt Ambulance, Hartford Area Fire & Rescue, and Gateway Hartford Inc. The council will discuss each request and may decide whether to include them in the 2027 budget proposal. No final budget decisions are expected at this meeting.

• Humboldt Ambulance requests $32,500 (2026: $25,000)
• Hartford Area Fire & Rescue requests $100,000 (2026: $95,000)
• Gateway Hartford Inc. requests $100,000 (new entity, no prior funding)
• HADF requests $35,000 (received $0 in 2024-2026)
• Downtown Hartford requests $6,000 (received $0 in 2024-2026; has $18,184.82 balance)

Planning Zoning Information Year

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board will hold a conditional use hearing for a shouse on Tract 3 of Lufco Addition, review three draft ordinances amending zoning regulations (accessory buildings, manufactured housing, travel trailer campgrounds), and receive updates from staff. The board will also approve the agenda and minutes from the June 16 meeting.

• Conditional use hearing for a shouse on Tract 3 of Lufco Addition (7:05 PM)
• Draft Ordinance #773 – amend Section 12.03 accessory building regulations (like-kind material threshold from 150 to 200 sq ft)
• Draft Ordinance #774 – amend Section 5.04 Manufactured Housing Residential District
• Draft Ordinance #775 – amend Sections 3.02, 7.02, 8.02, 12.20, 20.02 – Travel Trailer Campgrounds
• Public comments limited to 5 minutes per speaker

Planning Zoning Year

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board approved a conditional use permit for a shouse on Tract 3 of Lufco Addition, allowing a deviation from the city's roofing material standard. The board also approved two ordinance amendments: one raising the square-footage threshold for accessory building materials from 150 to 200 square feet, and another removing campground licensing language from the manufactured housing district. A third ordinance to allow campgrounds in certain districts was discussed but not adopted.

• Approved conditional use permit 2026-6-12 for a shouse on Tract 3 of Lufco Addition, with a deviation from Section 12.10D (exposed fasteners on metal roof).
• Approved draft Ordinance #773: accessory building like-kind material threshold raised from 150 to 200 square feet.
• Approved draft Ordinance #774: removed travel trailer campground definition and licensing requirement from manufactured housing district.
• Discussed but took no action on draft Ordinance #775 to allow campgrounds as conditional use in NRC and Commercial districts.
• City awarded $25,000 in ED funding to SMGA for a part-time economic development director for HADF.

City Council Year

The Hartford City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance #772 to rezone land in Western Meadows Addition to a new Residential High Density district, enabling smaller, more affordable single-family homes. They also approved a special wine license for the Downtown Farmer's Market and the second reading of Ordinance #771 to rezone Tract 3 of Lufco Addition for a residential 'shouse.' The council heard a presentation on a Safety Action Plan and approved $29,790 for five new security cameras in parks.

• Approved 1st reading of Ordinance #772 rezoning Western Meadows Addition lots to Residential High Density
• Approved special wine license for Converse Wine Co at June 25 Farmer's Market
• Approved 2nd reading of Ordinance #771 rezoning Lufco Addition Tract 3 to Residential
• Approved $29,790 purchase of 5 security cameras for parks and yard waste site
• Discussed trial one-way street on Kelley Ave from mid-July to mid-August

Planning Zoning Year

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of a rezoning request for multiple lots in the Western Meadows Addition, changing them from Residential to Residential High Density to allow smaller lots and more affordable housing. The board also reviewed updates on city projects, including the Western Ave expansion, the new wastewater treatment plant, and a trail grant application.

• Rezoning of Lots 21-24 & 40-43 of Block 3, Lots 18-20 & 33-34 of Block 5, and Outlot 3 of Western Meadows Addition to Residential High Density
• Western Ave Expansion: contractor working on punch list items
• WRRF: substantial completion achieved, sludge pressing begun, plant operator being advertised
• TA Grant: design ongoing, construction planned for 2027
• City awarded $25,000 in ED funding to SMGA for part-time economic development director

City Council Information Year

The Hartford City Council will hold public hearings on a rezoning of Western Meadows Addition and a special wine license for Converse Wine Company, and will consider the second reading of a rezoning for Lufco Addition. They will also review the Safe Streets for All Local Plan and discuss options for the Kelley Avenue Project. The agenda includes routine items such as approving minutes, bills, and reports.

• Public hearing: 1st reading of Ordinance #772 to rezone multiple lots in Western Meadows Addition
• Public hearing: review/approve special wine license for Converse Wine Company
• 2nd reading of Ordinance #771: rezone Tract 3 of Lufco Addition
• Review of Safe Streets for All Local Plan with Sam Trebilcok of Houston Engineering
• Discuss Kelley Avenue Project options

Planning Zoning Information Year

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on a request to rezone 28 lots in the Western Meadows Addition from Residential to Residential High Density to allow smaller lots and setbacks for more affordable housing. The board will also receive updates from the building inspector, code enforcement, and city administrator. The meeting includes routine items like roll call, agenda approval, and minutes approval.

• Rezoning hearing for Lots 21-24 & 40-43 of Block 3, Lots 18-20 & 33-34 of Block 5, and Outlot 3 of Western Meadows Addition from Residential to Residential High Density
• Building Inspector update on open permits and commercial projects
• Code Enforcement update on tall grass/weeds and parking violations
• City Administrator update on Western Ave Expansion, WRRF, TA Grant, and other projects

City Council Year

The Hartford City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance #771 to rezone Tract 3 of Lufco Addition from County Agricultural to Municipal Residential, and approved the second reading of Ordinance #770 with fee schedule changes. A variance request for floodplain construction in Turtle Creek Highlands was denied, and a temporary gravel road for emergency access failed. The council also approved several economic development funding requests and a property tax abatement.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance #771 to rezone Tract 3 of Lufco Addition to Municipal Residential
• Approved second reading of Ordinance #770 updating fines and fees, including liquor license fee of $3,354 and $1,500 annually
• Denied variance to construct Chelona Ave in floodplain and allow 18-inch overtopping; temporary gravel road motion failed
• Approved $25,000 to SMGA for Economic Development Director, $50,000 to West Central School District for lot purchase, $15,000 to West Central Music Association, $5,000 to Christ Lutheran Church Daycare
• Approved property tax abatement for Parcel #63680 for a qualifying disabled veteran

City Council Information Year

The Hartford City Council will hold a public hearing on the first reading of Ordinance #771 to rezone Tract 3 of Lufco Addition, and will also consider the second reading of Ordinance #770 on fines and fees, a special event permit for Buffalo Ridge Brewery's Corvette Cruise-In, and a development variance request for Turtle Creek Highlands. The council will also review economic development proposals, a tax abatement for Parcel #68839, and the 2026 Park & Recreation program.

• Public hearing and 1st reading of Ordinance #771 to rezone Tract 3 of Lufco Addition
• 2nd reading of Ordinance #770: Fines and Fees
• Special event permit: Buffalo Ridge Brewery Corvette Cruise-In
• Development variance request for Turtle Creek Highlands (floodway and roadway design)
• Review/approve tax abatement for Parcel #68839

Park Recreation Board Year

The Hartford Park and Recreation Board will review the 2026 budget and update on park projects, including pickleball courts, Swenson Park improvements, and disc golf tee pads. They will also discuss the 1-5 year Capital Improvement Plan and begin forming the 2027 budget request for City Council. New business includes a booth at Jamboree Days and planning for America's 250th anniversary celebration.

• Review 2026 budget: $300,000 total, with $35,500 unallocated; possible use for park cameras
• Swenson Park: new entrance sign installed, shade structures, bleachers, 2 scoreboards, netting, playground equipment
• Lyons Park: pickleball court construction with A&B Concrete, practice board
• Turtle Creek Park: concrete tee pads for disc golf (6'x10' pads)
• Advertising agreements generated over $50,000 in revenue

Planning Zoning Year

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board held a regular meeting on May 26, 2026. The board approved a conditional use permit for a metal roof on an accessory building and recommended a rezoning to the city council. A variance request for the Turtle Creek Highlands development failed to get a majority recommendation and will go to the city council without a board recommendation. The board also discussed potential changes to accessory building and campground regulations.

• Approved conditional use permit for metal roof on accessory building at 204 N Kingsbury Ave
• Recommended rezoning Tract 3 of LUFCO Addition (Parcel 95273) from County A1 to Municipal R
• Variance request for Chelona Ave road connection in Turtle Creek Highlands sent to council without recommendation
• Discussed increasing accessory building material rule threshold from 150 to 200 square feet
• Discussed drafting ordinance to allow campgrounds as conditional use in commercial or NRC zones