Vermillion meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Vermillion City Council Holds Training Session; Planning Commission Weighs Zoning Changes

The only formal decisions in the past two weeks came from the Vermillion City Council's Aug. 11 training session, which approved its agenda and adjourned without substantive action. Other meetings covered zoning, data centers, and a mausoleum nomination, but no final votes were taken on those items.

City Council Training Session

The City Council met in special session Aug. 11 for an orientation led by USD Professor Dr. Matt Fairholm, covering council roles, responsibilities, and the Council-Manager form of government. The council approved the meeting agenda (7-0) and adjourned at 8:25 p.m. (7-0). No other business was conducted.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission held two public hearings on Aug. 10, both agenda-only with minutes not yet published.

Joint zoning boundary – The commission heard public comment on two ordinances amending the 2012 Joint Zoning Ordinance with Clay County. Ordinance 1571 would adopt a new boundary map for the Joint Jurisdiction Zoning Area, reducing it by about 1,391 acres, mostly west of SD Highway 19 and south of Timber Road. Ordinance 1572 would require annual boundary review meetings after annexations. The city has annexed roughly 324 acres (plus a 232-acre airport) since 2021 without adjusting the boundary. A previous joint attempt failed July 20 due to disagreement on annexation verbiage.

Rezoning and data centers – The commission also heard seven ordinances, including a rezoning of about 15 acres in the Bluestem Trail Addition from R-2 and NRC to R-3 Residential for a proposed senior cohousing community with 52–54 bedrooms (Ordinance 1573). Six ordinances (1565–1570) would define and regulate data centers, adding terms like "Data Center" and "Large Data Center," and allowing them as conditional or permitted uses in GB, LI, GI, and HI districts. The commission also considered a final plat for the Barari Addition. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m., with a possible reconvene on Aug. 31 if needed.

Historic Preservation Commission

On Aug. 12, the commission was scheduled to vote on forwarding the Bluff View Mausoleum nomination, consider a sign permit for the Coyote Twin Theater (Shannon Cole), and discuss the razing permit process and commission terms. No minutes have been published.

City Council Special Meetings (Aug. 17)

The council held a special noon meeting and a regular 6 p.m. meeting on Aug. 17. The special meeting discussed temporary removal of parking on N. Dakota Street for six USD home football games and five playoff games (previously approved July 20), and reviewed the city's bond indebtedness and payment schedule. The regular meeting included public hearings on a USDA Rural Development Grant to reconstruct the Cotton Park parking lot and a rezoning request for Tract 1, Bluestem Trail Addition (Ordinance 1573). New business included a first reading of Ordinance 1564 to extend the Midco Cable Franchise Agreement for ten years, and a request to close E. Cedar Street from N. Pine to N. Plum on Sept. 17 for a Sorority and Fraternity Life Block Party. No decisions were recorded.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. The Planning & Zoning Commission may reconvene on Aug. 31 if needed, but that has not been confirmed.

Vermillion Council approves Munger Ridge zoning, water infrastructure contracts

The Vermillion City Council approved a zoning change for the Munger Ridge Planned Development District, adopted a traffic safety plan, and awarded contracts for water infrastructure work at its Aug. 3 regular meeting. The council also approved street closures for an upcoming event and a change order for the wastewater treatment project.

City Council decisions

• Approved the second reading of Ordinance 1563, adding the Munger Ridge Planned Development District.
• Adopted the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.
• Approved Change Order #2, adding $25,274 to the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvement Project.
• Approved a $11,500 agreement with Banner Associates for the E. Cherry Street water main replacement.
• Approved a $25,500 agreement with Banner Associates for a Well Field Study.
• Approved street closures for Ribs, Rods, & Rock 'N Roll on Sept. 11-12, 2026.
• Approved assignment of an Airport Hangar Lease.

Other recent meetings

• **Aug. 3 special meeting:** The council toured the Water Treatment Plant at 118 Church Street and received an update on the utility crossing project at South Dakota Highway 50 and Princeton Street. No decisions were made.
• **Aug. 7:** Council members attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Vermillion Light & Power facility at 112 Shriner Street. No action was taken.
• **Aug. 11:** A special meeting consisted of an orientation session led by USD Professor Dr. Matt Fairholm. No substantive decisions were made.
• **Aug. 14:** A special meeting was held for an Ice Cream Social at the Clay County Fairgrounds; no official action was taken.
• **Aug. 6:** The Human Relations Commission held a routine meeting with public comment and discussions on VCDC Lunch and Learn programming and proclamations.
• **Aug. 10:** The Planning & Zoning Commission held public hearings on ordinances to adjust the joint zoning boundary with Clay County and to regulate data centers. No decisions were recorded; recommendations are pending.

Coming up

• **Aug. 17 (special noon meeting):** Discussion on temporary parking removal on N. Dakota Street for six USD home football games and five playoff games, plus a briefing on the city's bond indebtedness and payment schedule.
• **Aug. 17 (regular 6 p.m. meeting):** Public hearings on a USDA Rural Development Grant to reconstruct the Cotton Park Parking Lot and a rezoning request for Tract 1, Bluestem Trail Addition. First readings are scheduled for Ordinance 1573 (rezoning) and Ordinance 1564 (ten-year extension of the Midco Cable Franchise Agreement). The council will also consider a street closure for a Sorority and Fraternity Life Block Party on Sept. 17.

Vermillion boards weigh zoning change, safety plan, and budgets

The Vermillion City Council and other boards met over the past two weeks with agendas that included a zoning amendment, a traffic safety plan, utility projects, and budget reviews. No minutes have been published for these meetings, so no decisions have been reported.

City Council

The council's Aug. 3 regular meeting agenda included a second reading of Ordinance 1563 to amend zoning for the Munger Ridge Planned Development District, and a resolution to adopt the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. The council also had agreements with Banner Associates for a Cherry Street water line replacement engineering report and a wellfield study; dollar amounts were not specified. The consent agenda included a change order for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvement Project and an assignment of an Airport Hangar Lease.

Earlier that day, the council held a special meeting at the Water Treatment Plant at 118 Church Street. The agenda included an update on the utility crossing project at South Dakota Highway 50 and Princeton Street, followed by a tour of the plant.

On Aug. 7, the council attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Vermillion Light & Power facility at 112 Shriner Street. No official action was scheduled.

A July 30 council meeting featured an orientation session led by University of South Dakota professor Dr. Matt Fairholm. The agenda included procedural items and public comments, with no formal decisions scheduled.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission met July 27 to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair for the July 2026-July 2027 term, review committee appointments (including the Joint Jurisdiction Area committee), and receive an informational presentation on city water and electric utilities covering capacity, rates, largest users, and system disruptions. The commission also discussed a possible meeting date of Aug. 31.

Business Improvement District No. 1 Board

The BID board met July 27 to review the 2027 budget proposal and hear a report on 2026 BID receipts. A previous meeting noted a $6,168 decrease from 2024. The board also introduced a new City Finance Officer, discussed a board vacancy, and conducted its annual review of South Dakota Open Meetings Laws.

All meetings listed are agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings were listed in the provided data.

Vermillion council approves TIF district for 56-unit apartment project; Munger Ridge zoning heads to second reading

The Vermillion City Council approved Tax Increment Financing District #13 for a 56-unit apartment project at the southwest corner of Elm Street and Alumni Street, according to a council briefing of its July 20 meeting. The council also authorized several equipment purchases and advanced a planned development ordinance to a second reading.

TIF District #13 and Munger Ridge Development

The council approved the resolution adopting TIF District #13 for Lot 21 at Elm and Alumni Streets, supporting the 56-unit apartment project. The council also heard the first reading of Ordinance 1563, which would add the Munger Ridge Planned Development District to city code. The ordinance was advanced to a second reading scheduled for August 3.

Equipment and Facility Purchases

The council authorized three purchases and service agreements:

• A Stryker Powerload and stretcher for a new ambulance, at $66,877.65 from Stryker Sales LLC.
• A Hustler Super Z mower at $16,461.45 from Vermillion Ace Hardware for Parks and Recreation.
• Geotechnical and staking service agreements totaling $71,705 for the new Light & Power Building at 112 Shriner Street.

Rezoning and Boundary Changes Proposed

The July 20 agenda included first readings of two zoning ordinances, though minutes have not yet been published to confirm council action:

• Ordinance 1562 would rezone Tract 2, Grunewaldt Addition (approximately 3 acres) from A-1 Agricultural to HI Heavy Industrial district. The rezoning application fee is $250, and the city would incur no additional costs beyond publishing the ordinance.
• Ordinance 1561 would amend Joint Jurisdiction boundaries, reducing the area by about 1,391 acres in areas west of SD Highway 19 and south of Timber Road.

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of both the rezoning and boundary changes. Staff also recommended advancing both ordinances to a second reading.

Other July 20 Agenda Items

The agenda also listed a Safe Streets and Roads for All presentation by Greg Youell of Felsburg Holt & Ullevig, a 2027 Budget Schedule presentation by City Manager John Prescott, an executive session on legal matters, a public hearing for a special daily malt beverage and wine license for the Clay County Fair Board (August 12-15, 2026), and a second reading of Ordinance 1559 amending zoning definitions for Fuel Dispensing Mixed-Use Building. Minutes for these items have not yet been published.

Planning & Zoning Commission (July 27)

The Planning and Zoning Commission was scheduled to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair for the July 2026-July 2027 term, review committee appointments, and receive an informational presentation on city water and electricity utilities covering capacity, rates, largest users, and system disruptions. No public hearings or old business were scheduled. Minutes are not yet published.

BID Board (July 27)

The Business Improvement District No. 1 Board was scheduled to review a 2027 budget proposal, hear a report on 2026 BID receipts, receive a tourism update from the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company, discuss a board vacancy, and conduct its annual review of South Dakota Open Meetings Laws. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming Up

• **August 3, City Council special meeting:** Tour of the Water Treatment Plant at 118 Church Street and an update on the utility crossing project at SD Highway 50 and Princeton Street.
• **August 3, City Council regular meeting:** Second reading of Ordinance 1563 (Munger Ridge Planned Development District), a resolution adopting the Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, agreements with Banner Associates for a Cherry Street water line replacement engineering report and a wellfield study, and consent agenda items including a Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvement Project change order and an airport hangar lease assignment.
• **August 7, City Council event:** Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Vermillion Light & Power facility at 112 Shriner Street. No council action is scheduled.

Vermillion roundup: Council reorganizes, rezoning and TIF votes set for July 20

Vermillion's City Council installed new leadership and advanced several land-use items in recent meetings, with a packed July 20 agenda ahead covering a Heavy Industrial rezoning, a Tax Increment Financing district, and the 2027 budget schedule.

City Council reorganizes and advances land-use items

At a July 6 briefing, the Council installed Kevin O'Kelley as Mayor, according to agenda materials. The body approved a final plat for the Bliss Pointe Addition, covering 11.04 acres, and advanced Ordinance 1558 to amend ward boundaries following recent annexations. Two ordinances concerning a "Fuel Dispensing Mixed-Use Building" definition — 1559 and 1560 — were advanced to a second reading. A Mutual Aid Agreement with the City of Beresford was also approved.

A separate July 6 special meeting was procedural only, consisting of a briefing and a tour of Harold Davidson Field Airport with City Engineer Jose Dominguez. No deliberation or decisions occurred.

Note: Minutes for the July 6 meetings have not yet been published. The actions described above are based on briefing and agenda materials, not confirmed minutes.

Historic Preservation Commission meets July 8

The Historic Preservation Commission held a private showing of the Jolley School column ahead of its public unveiling, weather permitting. The Commission recognized the Brookman House at 404 Cottage Avenue as Historic House of the Month, with a tour offered. Members discussed training options for historic preservation repairs, including video resources, and talked about future infill development on a lot cleared by fire in a historic district. The Commission also shared information about the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions biennial conference in Minneapolis, scheduled July 22–26.

Planning & Zoning Commission reviews Munger Ridge and TIF #13

On July 13, the Planning & Zoning Commission held public hearings on two items: Ordinance 1563, which would add a Munger Ridge Planned Development District to the city code, and a project plan recommendation for Tax Increment District #13 covering Lot 21 in Johnson's Addition. The agenda also included review of minutes from the June 22, 2026 regular and joint meetings.

Library Board reviews budgets

The Vermillion Public Library Board of Trustees met July 15 to review monthly statistics, expenditures, and reports from the VPL Foundation and Friends of the Library. Discussions covered revised FY2026 and proposed FY2027 budget requests, a Clay County funding request, an annual review of library fees, the 2026 Library Staff Appreciation Dinner, and the 2027 holiday and closing schedule.

Coming up — July 20 City Council

The Council has a full agenda scheduled for today, July 20:

• **Rezoning to Heavy Industrial:** First reading of Ordinance 1562 would rezone Tract 2, Grunewaldt Addition (approximately 3 acres) from A-1 Agricultural to HI Heavy Industrial. A companion first reading of Ordinance 1561 would amend Joint Jurisdiction boundaries, reducing the area by about 1,391 acres west of SD Highway 19 and south of Timber Road. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval. The rezoning application fee is $250; the city would incur no additional costs beyond publishing the ordinance.

• **TIF District #13:** A resolution would adopt the Tax Increment Financing District #13 project plan for Lot 21 at the southwest corner of Elm Street and Alumni Street.

• **Munger Ridge:** First reading of Ordinance 1563 would add the Munger Ridge Planned Development District to city code.

• **Other items:** Second reading of Ordinance 1559 on Fuel Dispensing Mixed-Use Building definitions; a public hearing on a special daily malt beverage and wine license for the Clay County Fair Board (Aug. 12–15, 2026); a resolution authorizing purchase of a Stryker stretcher and power loading system for Fire/EMS; a Safe Streets and Roads for All presentation by Greg Youell of Felsburg Holt & Ullevig; the 2027 Budget Schedule presentation by City Manager John Prescott; and an executive session regarding legal matters.

Vermillion Council Approves Beresford Mutual Aid Agreement, Bliss Pointe Plat; O'Kelley Installed as Mayor

The Vermillion City Council approved a mutual aid agreement with the City of Beresford and gave final plat approval for the Bliss Pointe Addition during its July 6 meetings, according to a council briefing summary. Kevin O'Kelley was installed as Mayor at the same meeting.

All recent meeting records reviewed for this roundup are agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published. The council briefing summary describes actions taken, but official minutes are not yet available to confirm vote tallies.

City Council: Decisions and Advances

The July 6 City Council briefing summary reports the following actions:

• **Kevin O'Kelley installed as Mayor.**
• **Final plat approved for Bliss Pointe Addition**, covering 11.04 acres.
• **Ordinance 1558 advanced** to amend ward boundaries following recent annexations. The companion council agenda lists this as a second reading item.
• **Ordinance 1559 advanced** to add a definition for "Fuel Dispensing Mixed-Use Building." The council agenda for the same date lists first readings of ordinances 1559 and 1560, referring to a definition and conditional use for a "Special Mixed-Use Building" in the General Business district.
• **Mutual Aid Agreement approved** with the City of Beresford.

The council also held a special meeting on July 6 consisting of procedural items only, including a briefing and a tour of Harold Davidson Field Airport with City Engineer Jose Dominguez. No decisions occurred at that special meeting.

A separate agenda item for the July 6 regular meeting listed a resolution designating Tax Increment District #13 for Lot 21, Johnson's Addition, at Elm and Alumni Streets. The briefing summary does not confirm action on that resolution.

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission met July 2 to discuss community programming and upcoming proclamations. Agenda items included VCDC Lunch and Learn programming and community proclamations. The agenda describes planning for future outreach efforts, including potential meet-and-greet events. Minutes are not yet published.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission met July 8. Agenda items included a private showing of the Jolley School column before its public unveiling, weather permitting, and recognition of the Brookman House at 404 Cottage Avenue as Historic House of the Month, with a tour offered.

Members also discussed training options for historic preservation repairs, including video resources, and the future use of a fire-damaged lot in a historic district for potential infill development. The commission shared information about the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions biennial conference in Minneapolis, scheduled July 22–26. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming Up

• **Planning & Zoning Commission — July 13:** Public hearings on Ordinance 1563, which would add the Munger Ridge Planned Development District to city code, and on the Tax Increment District #13 project plan for Lot 21 in Johnson's Addition. The commission will also review minutes from its June 22, 2026 regular and joint meetings.

• **Library Board — July 15:** The Vermillion Public Library Board of Trustees will review FY2026 revised and FY2027 proposed budget requests, a FY2027 Clay County funding request, an annual review of library fees, the 2026 Library Staff Appreciation Dinner, and the 2027 holiday and closing schedule.

Vermillion officials weigh landfill loan, electrical contracts, and new ward boundaries

Landfill Cell 7 project heads to advisory board with $2.132M loan

The Joint Powers Solid Waste Advisory Board was scheduled June 25 to discuss the Landfill Cell 7 project, which includes a $2.132 million loan at 3.5% for 10 years plus a $568,000 grant. The board was also set to review the landfill lifespan and receive financial reports showing a 2025 operating loss of $157,860 and a May 2026 cash balance of $3.59 million. A gate fee increase from $125 to $200 for special waste was approved in March 2026, and out-of-county haulers remain ineligible as licensed haulers. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

City Council to consider electrical supply contracts for Light & Power building

A special noon City Council meeting on June 23 was set to award two electrical supply contracts for the new Light & Power building. The administration recommended awarding the materials bid to Graybar Electric for $137,465.60 and the generator bid to 3E Electrical Engineering for $62,994.00. The construction contract for the new Light & Power building was previously awarded to Van Buskirk Const. for $4,630,000. Minutes have not yet been published.

Planning Commission weighs rezoning, mixed-use definitions, and TIF District #13

The Planning & Zoning Commission held two sessions June 22 covering several ordinances:

• **Ordinance 1562** would rezone about 3 acres on the north side of Timber Road, 1 mile west of Vermillion (Tract 2, Grunewaldt Addition), from A-1 Agricultural to HI Heavy Industrial to allow storage units. Staff recommends LI Light Industrial instead to limit nuisance uses. The rezoning petition fee is $250.
• **Ordinance 1561** would reduce the Joint Jurisdiction boundary by about 1,391 acres in areas west of SD Highway 19 and south of Timber Road, and south of East Main Street.
• **Ordinances 1559 and 1560** would define "Special Mixed-Use Building" and add it to GB General Business District standards.
• **Tax Increment District #13** would be created for Johnson's Addition.
• A **final plat** for Bliss Pointe Addition (lots 5B through 15B) was also on the agenda.

First readings of ordinances 1561 and 1562 are scheduled for July 20, 2026. Minutes have not yet been published.

Human Relations Commission plans outreach

The Human Relations Commission met July 2 to discuss VCDC Lunch and Learn programming and community proclamations as part of future outreach efforts. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

July 6 — City Council special meeting (noon) and regular meeting (6:00 PM): The council will hold a second reading of Ordinance 1558 to establish new ward boundaries based on recent annexations, first readings of ordinances 1559 and 1560 on "Special Mixed-Use Building" definition and conditional use, a resolution designating TIF District #13 for Lot 21, Johnson's Addition (Elm & Alumni Streets), final plat approval for Bliss Pointe Addition lots, and a mutual aid agreement with the City of Beresford.

July 6 — City Council special meeting with airport tour: A procedural-only special meeting includes a briefing and tour of Harold Davidson Field Airport with City Engineer Jose Dominguez. No decisions are scheduled.

July 20 — First readings of ordinances 1561 and 1562 on joint jurisdiction boundary and Timber Road rezoning.

Vermillion City Council to Weigh Ward Boundaries, TIF District Next Week

The Vermillion City Council is scheduled to vote on new ward boundaries and the creation of a tax increment financing district when it meets Monday, July 6, following a series of advisory board discussions that previewed major land-use and infrastructure projects.

Agenda materials show the council will also give first readings to ordinances that would define and permit "Special Mixed-Use Buildings" in the General Business district, and approve a final plat for the Bliss Pointe Addition.

Planning and Zoning

The Planning & Zoning Commission held public hearings June 22 on two ordinances that would reshape the city’s fringes. One, Ordinance 1562, would rezone about 3 acres on the north side of Timber Road, roughly one mile west of Vermillion, from agricultural to heavy industrial for storage units. Staff, however, recommends a lighter industrial designation to limit nuisance uses. A first reading of the rezoning is set for July 20.

The other, Ordinance 1561, would shrink the joint jurisdiction boundary by about 1,391 acres west of SD Highway 19 and south of Timber Road, as well as south of East Main Street.

The commission also reviewed a pair of ordinances to add a “Special Mixed-Use Building” definition and conditional use standards, along with a proposal to designate Tax Increment District #13 for Johnson’s Addition. A final plat for the Bliss Pointe Addition was also before the panel. No votes were taken; minutes have not yet been published.

City Council

On June 23, the City Council held a special meeting to award electrical supply contracts for the new Light & Power building. The administration recommended approving a $137,465.60 materials bid from Graybar Electric and a $62,994.00 generator contract to 3E Electrical Engineering. The underlying construction contract with Van Buskirk Const. is already awarded at $4.63 million. The council’s decisions on these bids have not been published.

Monday’s 6 p.m. regular council meeting will take up second reading of Ordinance 1558, which would codify new ward boundaries following recent annexations. The council will also conduct first readings of the mixed-use building ordinances (Nos. 1559 and 1560) and consider a resolution formally creating TIF District #13 on Lot 21 of Johnson’s Addition at the corner of Elm and Alumni Streets. A mutual aid agreement with the city of Beresford appears on the agenda as well. An earlier noon special meeting that day includes only a briefing and an airport tour.

Solid Waste Board

The Joint Powers Solid Waste Advisory Board on June 25 discussed the Landfill Cell 7 project, backed by a $2.132 million loan at 3.5% for 10 years plus a $568,000 grant. A gate fee increase for special waste—from $125 to $200—was approved in March, while out-of-county haulers remain ineligible for licenses. The board also reviewed a 2025 operating loss of $157,860 and a May 2026 cash balance of $3.59 million. No formal action on Cell 7 was reported.

Human Relations Commission

On July 2, the Human Relations Commission focused on community outreach, discussing future VCDC Lunch and Learn programming and plans to issue official proclamations. No votes were taken.

Coming up

The Vermillion City Council meets Monday, July 6, at noon for a procedural briefing and airport tour, and at 6 p.m. for its regular session at City Hall. Agenda packets are available online.