July 29, 2015 – The city is transferring about $15,000 from second penny sales tax reserves so a Minnesota company can move forward with a project to remedy recurring problems at two fairways at Broadland Creek Golf Course.
No bids were received for what had been an estimated $50,000 project.
It paved the way for negotiations, and Duininck Golf of Prinsburg, Minn., submitted a quote of $76,895 and said it could get the work done so the course would be ready to go next spring.
It meant that the Capital Asset Committee proposed the use of $50,000 that had been budgeted, another $7,000 from the golf budget and $5,105 left over from the purchase of a new greens mower.
At issue then for the balance of the project cost was the committee’s recommendation that $14,790 be transferred from second penny sales tax reserves.–
Commissioner Doug Kludt said he had some concerns because the project is now costing more than 50 percent more than originally estimated.
A golfer himself, he said he is proud of the Broadland Creek course but said the price tag is high for a couple of fairways.
“How much money should you pour into a golf course?” he asked.
Golf Superintendent Rick Button said delaying the work and re-bidding it in hopes of a lower cost isn’t likely because the large golf course companies are not interested in such a small project.
Commissioner Bryan Smith, who asked board members for their support, said the city does have an investment in fuel and labor because it hauled and stockpiled topsoil from the South Town Addition to the course on the other end of town.
He said the city probably didn’t have a good handle on what the fairway project would cost.
The problem is that in some areas of the course the soil is too alkaline and won’t allow bluegrass to grow.
Button said it means an annual expense of $2,000 to re-seed those areas.
After discussion, commissioners agreed to transfer the funds so the work can proceed.
Meanwhile, Central Park Manager Kileey Griebel updated commissioners on daily attendance, pass and concessions numbers for this season.
She said the water fitness classes are very popular. The busiest use days at Splash Central are Fridays and Sundays.
Griebel said the biggest concern is a shortage of lifeguards, and the fact that many will be leaving soon when sports and other activities get under way.
The city is trying to stretch the Splash Central season out as long as possible, said Commissioner Gary Harrington. Facilities in other communities close earlier.
Huron received positive feedback from out of town people participating in and attending the weekend’s South Dakota Long Course State Championship Meet. The top 400 swimmers from 18 teams were in Huron to compete.
Commissioners also:
• Approved the regular, full-time status of fire Lt. Kevin Eckmann after completion of his probationary period.
• Accepted the resignation of Nikki Wedge, library clerk.
• Approved the hiring of Nancy Weir as part time, year-round library clerk.
• Hired Howard Pearl for park maintenance.
• Appointed Diana Hofhenke to the Community Improvement Committee.
• Set Aug. 10 as the public hearing date for a special event on-sale malt beverage license filed by the Farmer’s Daughter store for a wedding reception/dance Sept. 26-27 at the Campus Center.
• Set Aug. 10 as the bid-opening date for a Ravine Lake Park shoreline reinforcement project.
• Approved a $218,374 progress payment to Municipal Pipe Tool LLC of Hudson, Iowa, for sewer main lining.
• Approved a temporary beer garden permit filed by Huron Elks 444 Bar & Grill for Aug. 15.
• Reappointed Jim Borszich to the South Dakota Public Assurance board.
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