Steve Nolte | Writer

The October 5 Hartford City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Menning, with all council members in attendance. An amendment to include a fire pit was added to the Special Event Application for the DHI Wine Walk and approved. The Second Reading of Ordinance #717 – Surcharge on Sewer/Water accounts was approved with no changes. After discussion by the Council regarding the pool fees, the First Reading of Ordinance #718 – Fines & Fees was approved with a $3 daily pool fee for anyone 5 or older and $40 Individual Pass, with no Family Passes.
At 7:05 pm, there was a Hearing for Assessment Roll: Resolution 2020-14A – 9th Street Project – Street/Sidewalk Assessment. The assessments will be submitted to Minnehaha County to be added to property owners’ tax statements at 10% interest for 10 years. The resolution was passed.
The following reports were given with details included in the Council packet available online: Minnehaha Sheriff Deputy report, 235 calls (increase of 18); 7.83 calls for service per day (30 day); Chamber and Economic Development Director report, ISG Community Open House on October 20, 2021 at West Central High School, City Engineer report, Public Works Superintendent report, Finance Officer report, City Administrator report, Dog Park grant was not awarded so will be considered in March.
The single item under Old Business was a review of the Cannabis Establishment application form. Several changes were suggested, which will be made and will be on the next agenda.
The following three items under New Business were passed with minimal discussion: County Plat for Tract 1 of Melin’s Addition, Job Description for PT Snow Removal Help and advertising and FEMA Grant Award for Swenson Park Safe Room project.
With the new census numbers now official, Hartford has grown from 2,534 in 2010 to 3,396 for 2020, which is a 34% growth rate. The Voting wards should be redistricted to rebalance the number of voters in each ward. Three alternatives were presented to the Council for review and discussion. It was agreed to put this on the agenda for the second Council meeting in November and include information about the proposed Ward redistricting in the November email newsletter.
The final New Business item was to donate 11 picnic tables to the Chamber of Commerce, which was approved with no discussion.
The Detailed Council packet, including the Agenda and All reports, can be viewed on the City’s website, www.hartfordsd.us, Government > Agendas & Minutes page.