Commissioners tackle zoning changes, food drive update, and meeting rules

The Lincoln County Commissioners met Thursday, Nov. 13 in the Lincoln County Boardroom. Commissioners heard agenda items, including the first reading of zoning ordinances, an update on the food drive, and discussions on rules and procedures.

Chairwoman Tiffani Landeen started the meeting with the first reading for an ordinance of Lincoln County, SD, amending the code of ordinances of the county by changing the zone of the property described as lot 2 of tract 3 of Huizenga Farms 2nd addition in the Southwest quarter (SW1/4) of Section 2, Township 99 North, Range 50 West of the 5th P.M. Lincoln County, South Dakota from the A-1 Agricultural District to the PD Planned Development District and amending the official zoning map of Lincoln County. The second reading and public hearing are scheduled to occur on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Chairwoman Landeen read the first reading of an ordinance of Lincoln County, SD, amending the code of ordinances of the county by changing the zone of property described as the North 60 acres of the East half (1/2) of the Southeast quarter (SE1/4) of section 19, Township 99 North, Range 51 West of the 5th P.M., Lincoln County, South Dakota from the A-1 Agricultural District to the PD Planned Development District and amending the official zoning map of Lincoln County. The Second Reading & Public Hearing to occur Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Human Resources Technician, Ashley Anderson presented a Lincoln County Food Drive update. “I’m here to talk about the second food drive we had through the month of October. First, I want to thank everyone who participated in the food drive. In times of need, it’s great to be able to help others and have a positive impact. We donated to five food pantries within Lincoln County with 418 items donated this year,” Anderson said. The commission thanked all the members for their participation and efforts in the food drive program. 

Chief Civil Deputy State’s Attorney, Drew DeGroot, asked the commission to consider a motion to adopt the Board of Commissioners Rules of Procedure. 

“Commissioner Otten has had a chance to look through the rules of procedure, made some changes, and I’m hoping for feedback from the commissioners. For the sake of consistency, I think they’re important to have not only for the commission and staff, but also for the general public,” he said. 

The commission agreed to keep the evening meetings, and if there is a conflicting meeting schedule, to reschedule the evening meeting so the public hearings could be held. Chairwoman Landeen asked for public input, and Linda Montgomery stood to speak. 

“Speaking for myself and others regarding night meetings, I really want to talk about the regular agenda and the regular meetings. It to me makes no sense that if there’s always going to be a chance of a conflict on the fourth meeting or the first week of the month that the evening meeting be changed to either the first or second Monday. That’s a simple change and last month I hope you all agree was a fail that you had people go to Sioux Falls for Lincoln County Commissioner meeting and there was only one item on the agenda and it was a consent agenda item for claims, and then the next Tuesday you had 14 items on the consent agenda. To me, I see that as there’s going to be a chance of more evening joint meetings on the 4th,” she said. 

Motion by Betty Otten, seconded by Schmidt, motion carried 3-2 with Joel Arends and Doug Putnam being the nay votes.