City hears concerns about construction work

The Tea City Council met Aug. 17 and heard from concerned citizens about construction crews.

Citizens wanted to know if there was an ordinance for start and end times for construction crews to work in residential areas. The issues stem from work being done on Eighth Street with crews starting at 5:30 a.m. Besides the early start to the day with noise, they also cited damage being done to the asphalt road. One citizen was worried about safety in the neighborhood with equipment moving and the debris being left on the street.

Jason Reaves from the South Dakota Concrete Paving Association spoke to the council during public comment about possibly using concrete on an upcoming street project instead of asphalt. 

City administrator Justin Weiland noted that with the announcement of the retirement of maintenance superintendent Thad Konrad in December they need to start advertising. The council gave permission to begin advertising for a street maintenance and utilities director position. The goal would be to advertise throughout September and have someone in place by mid-November.

The council approved the preauthorization for the 2027 budget for a plow truck for the amount of $261,175.

Community development director Albert Schmidt asked for guidance on emerald ash borer. He noted Lennox is taking a more proactive approach while Sioux Falls is taking a more reactive approach. Weiland said they do not have a confirmed case in the city. 

Weiland said a couple of council members walked through the old police department building downtown with a local contractor. They believe there’s enough square footage to fit the museum and create an interim community meeting space while also having some storage for park and rec equipment. At the next meeting, they hope to have something on the agenda.

He also said they are having continuous conversations with Lennox on EMS service. Weiland says they are looking at more of a contractor service agreement.

Weiland noted with the capital improvement plan, water source is high on the priority list. They had a meeting with South Lincoln Rural Water about the potential for the city to buy from them. They are in the early process of trying to figure out quantity and what that would cost.

The council went into executive session at 6:40 p.m.