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Hartford, SD

Hartford public meetings in 2023

42 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 19, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council approves fund transfers, billboard rate hikes, and new hires

The Hartford City Council approved several resolutions transferring funds for infrastructure projects, including $87,350.88 for 6th St/Mundt Ave, $84,499.12 for 12th St/Oaks Ave, and $6,696.28 for Western Ave Sewer. They also approved new billboard lease rates, changes to fines and fees, and made personnel decisions in executive session, including hiring a part-time Chamber Director and designating Amy Farr as full-time Economic Development Director.

budgetinfrastructurezoningfeespersonneleconomic-development
Tue Dec 12, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Hartford P&Z approves CUP revocation process and fence height changes

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board approved two zoning amendments to move forward to public hearings: one establishing a revocation process for conditional use permits (CUP) and another clarifying fence height and setback rules, including allowing taller fences on corner lots. The board also decided to keep the December 26 meeting date unless no agenda items arise, and received updates on code enforcement and city projects.

Tue Dec 5, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Council approves $5.75M bond resolution for WWTF project

The Hartford City Council approved a bond resolution for a second SRF loan of $5.75 million to cover higher-than-projected costs for the wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) project. They also approved two county plats, a $1.54 million payment to the construction contractor, and several routine items including the 2024 sheriff's agreement and professional service contract extensions. The meeting included reports from city staff and a discussion about installing storybook kiosks along Turtle Creek Trail.

bondswastewaterconstructionplatspolicebudgetparks
Tue Nov 28, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Planning board approves two county plats in growth area

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board approved two county plats for parcels in the city's platting jurisdiction. The plat for Lots 8A & 8B in Block 1 of Brower's 2nd Addition was approved contingent on a signed pre-annexation agreement. The plat for Tract 1 of West Central School District 2nd Addition was approved, with the pre-annexation agreement already signed. Both approvals were unanimous.

Tue Nov 21, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Council grants 12-month liquor license extension to Blaine & Friese

The Hartford City Council approved a 12-month extension for an on-sale liquor license awarded to Anthony Blaine & Kristin Friese, who have not yet opened their event hall. The council also approved special event permits, billboard lease renewals, and a new job description for a full-time Economic Development Director. Reports covered fire, public works, and other city operations.

liquor-licensespecial-eventsbillboard-leaseseconomic-developmentpublic-works
Tue Nov 14, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Hartford P&Z approves continued CUP for 101 W Hwy 38 with stricter terms

The Planning and Zoning Board approved an agreement allowing the conditional use permit (CUP) for 101 W Hwy 38 to continue, despite prior violations, with the condition that any further violations will result in automatic termination. The board also directed staff to clarify fence regulations and decided to keep current building material standards unchanged.

Tue Nov 7, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council approves $1.2 million payment for WRRF construction progress

The Hartford City Council approved a $1,227,128 payment to Rice Lake Construction Group for work completed on the WRRF project. The Council also authorized a proposal from Geotek Engineering & Testing Services for inspections and testing not to exceed $136,250.

budgetinfrastructurepublic-workslicensingeconomic-development
Mon Oct 30, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Board discusses revoking CUP for 101 W Hwy 38 after violations

The Planning and Zoning Board discussed the possible revocation of Conditional Use Permit 2022-7-27 for 101 W Hwy 38 due to violations of conditions #2 and #3. The property owners, Byron and Mitze Rivas, attended and acknowledged receiving violation letters. The board entered executive session to discuss legal options but took no final action on revocation during the meeting.

Tue Oct 17, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Council declines to change cannabis dispensary license limit

The Hartford City Council held its regular meeting, approving the agenda, minutes, and bills. They discussed a proposal to reduce the number of medical cannabis dispensary licenses from three to one, but decided not to make any changes. The council also discussed reviewing the employee manual and adopting a consent agenda, deferring both to future meetings. Reports were given on fire, engineering, finance, and city administration activities.

cannabisordinancefire-departmentroadswaterpersonnelcity-council
Tue Oct 10, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Hartford P&Z Board changes October meeting date, hears updates

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board held a regular meeting on October 10, 2023, approving the agenda and the September 26 minutes. The board entered executive session for legal matters and voted to move the next meeting from October 31 to October 30. Updates were provided on building projects, code enforcement, and city infrastructure projects, including grants for 12th Street and N Oaks Avenue and a second SRF loan for the WWTF project.

Tue Oct 3, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Council approves liquor license for Main Ave Casino and infrastructure grants

The Hartford City Council approved a malt beverage/SD farm wine license for Main Ave Casino, LLC, and passed Resolution 2023-22 to accept a state infrastructure grant for N. Oaks Ave and 12th St improvements. They also approved a tax abatement for a fire-damaged property and a part-time snow removal job description. The meeting included reports from various departments and an executive session for personnel and economic development.

alcohol-licenseinfrastructuregrantstax-abatementpublic-workswater-sewercity-council
Tue Sep 26, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Hartford board approves conditional use permit for bar/casino at 109 N Main Ave

The Planning and Zoning Board approved a conditional use permit allowing a bar/casino with 10 lottery machines and malt beverage sales at 109 N Main Ave. The board also received updates on building projects, code enforcement, and several city infrastructure projects. No other applications or public comments were considered.

Tue Sep 19, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council approves 2024 budget, annexation, and new engineering contract

The Hartford City Council approved the 2024 budget ordinance, annexed a small parcel to correct a 2013 oversight, and approved a conditional engineering contract for the 12th St/Oaks Ave project. They also approved special event permits, billboard leases, and a $10,000 appropriation to Hartford's Hometown Christmas. The meeting included reports on pool season results, fire department activity, and infrastructure projects.

budgetannexationcontractsgrantsparadepoolinfrastructure
Tue Sep 12, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council gives first reading to 2024 budget ordinance

The Hartford City Council held a special meeting to approve the agenda and give first reading to Ordinance #747, which sets the 2024 budget as reviewed on September 5, 2023. The council then entered executive session for personnel and economic development matters, and adjourned. No public was in attendance.

budgetordinancecity-councilexecutive-session
Tue Sep 12, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Hartford board approves Turtle Creek Highlands annexation, denies metal shed CUP

The Planning and Zoning Board approved the annexation petition from Turtle Creek Highlands, Inc. to correct a 2013 annexation error, recommending it to the city council. They denied a conditional use permit for a 12'x20' metal shed at 608 N Main Ave due to roof material non-compliance. The Board of Adjustments approved a variance for a 6-foot fence at 103 W 6th St. No other substantive decisions were made.

Tue Sep 5, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Council approves $3M TIF amendment for Talon Development housing project

The Hartford City Council approved an amendment to Tax Increment District #1, increasing the project cost from $1.6M to $3M and extending the loan term from 10 to 15 years for Talon Development's affordable housing and commercial project in Maple Pass Addition. The council also approved several budget allocations for 2024, including funds for parks, fire services, and community events. Additionally, they approved a special event permit for Central States Mfg.'s employee appreciation event and a county plat for Brower Addition.

budgettifpublic-safetyparksspecial-eventsinfrastructure
Tue Aug 29, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Hartford board approves zero setback for shed, TIF amendment

The Planning and Zoning Board approved a zero setback for an accessory building at 512 S Main Ave, allowing placement despite the usual 5-foot requirement. They also approved a plat for Lots 7 & 8 in Brower Addition, contingent on a signed pre-annexation agreement, and approved Amendment #1 to Tax Increment District #1, increasing project costs from $1.6M to $3M and extending the loan from 10 to 15 years. A rezone application for 1180 Ruud Trail was withdrawn.

Tue Aug 15, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Council approves 2024 street fee, declines bike trail grant, alters storm shelter plan

The Hartford City Council approved a $1.50-per-front-foot street maintenance fee for 2024, expected to raise about $222,000. They also declined a $130,588 grant for a bike trail project due to rising costs, and voted to forgo FEMA storm shelter funding in favor of a more cost-effective building. The council approved a special event permit for a bean bag tournament and surplus of a 2003 transit bus.

street-maintenance-feegrantsstorm-shelterspecial-event-permitsurplus-property
Tue Aug 1, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council approves $990k water project bond, annexes 65 acres

The Hartford City Council approved a resolution authorizing revenue bonds for the Hwy 38 Water Loop Project, funded by a state SRF loan and water fund reserves. They also annexed a 65-acre parcel as a Rural Service District and approved several other resolutions and budget reallocations. The meeting included reports from city staff and a decision to table a bike trail project due to cost concerns.

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Tue Jul 25, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Planning board recommends annexing 65 acres as rural service district

The Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of an annexation petition from Jastram Hartford LLC for about 65 acres south of I-90 and west of 463rd Ave, to be annexed as a Rural Service District. The recommendation will go to the city council for final action. The board also heard updates on building projects, code enforcement, and infrastructure projects, but took no other formal votes.

Tue Jul 18, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Council approves revised $5.75M SRF loan application for wastewater treatment facility

The Hartford City Council approved a revised SRF loan application for the wastewater treatment facility (WWTF), increasing the requested amount from $4.5M to $5.75M due to higher project costs. The council also approved a rezone for a mixed-use development, several special event permits, and updates to the city's assessment policy. A resident raised a sidewalk safety concern along Vandemark Ave near the pool.

budgetzoningwastewaterpublic-hearingspecial-eventsassessment-policysidewalks
Tue Jul 11, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Conditional use permit approved for 48x30 maintenance building at Swenson Sports Complex

The Planning and Zoning Board approved Conditional Use Permit 2023-6-20, allowing the city to erect a 48'x30' accessory building at the Swenson Sports Complex, exceeding the standard size and height limits. The board also approved the agenda and the June 27, 2023 minutes. Updates were provided on building projects, code enforcement, and city infrastructure projects, but no other formal decisions were made.

Wed Jul 5, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council adopts updated comprehensive plan and advances mixed-use rezone

The Hartford City Council held its regular meeting on July 5, 2023, approving several items including a partial street closure for construction staging, adopting an updated comprehensive plan, and advancing a rezone for a mixed-use development. They also approved a special event permit, a construction manager at risk contract, and discussed policy changes to street assessments and billboard rates. The meeting included reports from city staff and an executive session for personnel and economic development.

comprehensive-planzoningmixed-usestreet-closurespecial-eventcontractassessment-policybillboard-rates
Tue Jun 27, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Hartford P&Z approves rezone, conditional use for 42-unit mixed-use building

The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of the updated 2017-2037 Comprehensive Plan, approved a 1.7-foot rear setback variance for 901 W Opal Lane, and approved a rezone and conditional use permit for a mixed-use building at 801 S Western Avenue. The board also discussed but took no action on changing the fine for parking on grass, keeping the current $200 per day fine.

Tue Jun 20, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Council approves $22.5M WWTF contract, additional funding applications

The Hartford City Council approved a guaranteed maximum price of $22.5 million and a contract with Rice Lake Construction Group for the WWTF project, despite a recent cost increase of roughly $2.3 million. The council also authorized applications for additional SRF and EDA funding to cover rising project costs and support economic development. Other actions included approving a special event permit for a block party, amending the towing ordinance, and approving a temporary bump out project for downtown safety.

budgetinfrastructurezoningpublic-safetyeconomic-developmenttransportation
Tue Jun 6, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council approves multiple special event permits and fund transfers

The Hartford City Council approved several special event permits for local businesses and organizations, including street closures and alcohol use. They also approved resolutions transferring surplus funds from completed road projects to the general fund, updated the sheriff's bond schedule, and advanced ordinances on rural service districts and parking regulations. The meeting included reports from city staff and departments.

special-eventspermitsbudgetfunds-transferordinancespolicepublic-works
Tue May 30, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Planning board approves 5-foot setback for accessory building at 306 Ramona St

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board approved a conditional use application allowing a 5-foot northside setback for a proposed 14x20 accessory building at 306 Ramona Street, despite the usual 10-foot requirement. The vote was 5-1, with Kutil opposed. The board also approved the agenda and the May 9, 2023 minutes, and received updates on building projects and code enforcement.

Tue May 16, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council approves 149-acre annexation, $25K Jamboree funds, and $217K engineering contract

The Hartford City Council approved the annexation of a 149-acre parcel as a Rural Service District, released $25,000 in budget funds for the Jamboree Days event, and approved a $217,000 engineering contract for the Western Ave Improvement Project. They also approved several licenses, change orders, and a tax abatement, and discussed funding options for the wastewater treatment facility.

annexationbudgetcontractseventsinfrastructuretax-abatementzoning
Tue May 9, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Hartford board approves 1,500 sq ft accessory building, annexation recommendation

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board approved a conditional use application for a 1,500 square foot accessory building at 205 E 6th Street and recommended approval of a 149-acre annexation petition to the city council. The board also discussed short-term rental regulations but decided not to regulate them at this time. Several project updates were provided, including the substantial completion of the 6th/Mundt St project and water tower painting.

Tue May 2, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council approves conditional use permit for temporary asphalt plant

The Hartford City Council held a regular meeting on May 2, 2023, covering a range of business. They approved a conditional use permit for a temporary asphalt plant on Parcel #16015, despite neighborhood opposition, and annexed a 12.61-acre parcel. The council also rescinded a prior contract for the wastewater treatment facility project and approved several routine expenditures and appointments.

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Tue Apr 25, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Planning board recommends 12.61-acre annexation to city council

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of an annexation petition from Picket Fence Investments LLC for approximately 12.61 acres east of Colton Road. The board also continued its review of the 2017-2027 Comprehensive Plan, with minor changes to be incorporated and a public hearing set for June 13, 2023. Updates were provided on building projects, code enforcement, and city infrastructure projects, but no other formal decisions were made.

Tue Apr 11, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Hartford P&Z denies temporary asphalt plant permit after resident opposition

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board denied conditional use permit 2023-3-13 for a temporary asphalt plant at 46543 SD Hwy 38, despite initially attaching conditions. The denial followed a public hearing and a meeting between the applicant and Hartford Heights residents, where 29 of 34 residents voted against the plant. The board also approved the agenda and minutes, and received updates on city projects.

Tue Apr 4, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council Approves Trail Narrowing, New Fees, and Ward Updates

The Hartford City Council approved several items including a special event permit for a benefit at Buffalo Ridge Brewery, second readings of ordinances updating fines/fees and voting wards, a $20 fee for fence and shed permits, and an 8-foot-wide trail section. A first reading of an ordinance requiring pre-annexation agreements for water/sewer service outside city limits failed on a tie vote and will be revised. The council also approved an elderly tax freeze abatement and received updates on the WRRF project and other city operations.

zoningpermitsfeestrailswatersewerwardstax-abatement
Tue Mar 28, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Planning board tables temporary asphalt plant permit decision to April 11

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board tabled a decision on a conditional use permit for a temporary asphalt plant proposed by Bituminous Paving Inc. on the Zacharias property at 46543 HWY 38, after hearing concerns from nearby residents. The board also recommended a $20 fee for fence and small shed placement permits, and continued review of the city's comprehensive plan.

Tue Mar 14, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Planning board reviews comprehensive plan chapters 9 and 10

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board held a regular meeting with no public in attendance. They approved the agenda and the February 28, 2023 minutes. The board continued reviewing the city's 2017-2027 Comprehensive Plan, focusing on chapters 9 and 10, with updates to be reviewed at the next meeting. No formal decisions were made on the plan; the meeting was primarily informational and procedural.

Tue Mar 7, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Council approves $55,590 HADF and $32,000 HACC allocations, pool fees, and property assessments

The Hartford City Council approved several routine items, including special assessments for property abatements, a new mower purchase, pool admission rates, bench purchases, an elderly tax freeze, and annual funding allocations to the Hartford Area Development Foundation and Chamber of Commerce. The meeting also included reports from city staff and departments, covering ongoing projects like the WRRF, water main extension, and bike trail planning.

budgetparkspoolpublic-safetyzoninginfrastructure
Tue Feb 28, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Hartford P&Z board opts for zoning codification, full subdivision review

The Planning and Zoning Board decided to proceed with a codification of zoning regulations rather than a full review, and to conduct a full review of subdivision regulations in 2023. They also agreed to cancel meetings without action or discussion items, with staff reports sent via email. No formal votes were taken on these consensus items; the board approved the agenda and prior minutes unanimously.

Tue Feb 21, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council approves funding for Hwy 38 water loop and downtown crosswalk plan

The City Council approved using $500,000 from water reserves and applying for a $500,000 SRF loan to fund the Hwy 38 Water Loop project. The Council also authorized moving forward with a plan for temporary bump outs and crosswalks at 1st St & Main Ave. Other items regarding HAFR budget and pool rates were tabled for future meetings.

waterinfrastructuredowntownbudgetpublic workszoning
Tue Feb 7, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council approves pay raises, billboard leases, and landfill pass application

The Hartford City Council approved several routine items, including pay raises for employees, billboard lease renewals, and an application for Sioux Falls landfill passes. They also received updates on the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, the Highway 38 water main extension, and the wastewater treatment plant. The meeting included an executive session on personnel, after which the council approved cost-of-living and merit pay increases for city employees.

budgetpayrollcontractsutilitiesinfrastructureeconomic-developmentpublic-safety
Tue Jan 17, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Council approves $160 transfer, signage quotes, website upgrade, WRRF update

The Hartford City Council approved routine items including the agenda, minutes, and bills, plus a $160 transfer from contingency funds to cover a swimming pool budget shortfall. They also approved three signage quotes from Fast Signs totaling about $59,935, a website upgrade from Catalis increasing the annual subscription from $660 to $3,000, and received an update on the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) with a revised cost estimate of just under $21 million. Reports covered fire department activity, chamber events, and various infrastructure projects.

budgetsignagewebsitewater-treatmentappointmentsfire-departmentinfrastructure
Tue Jan 10, 2023

Planning Zoning Archives Year

✓ Decided: Planning board re-appointed, re-elects Randall as 2023 chair

The Hartford Planning and Zoning Board approved its agenda and December minutes, then continued its 5-year review of the 2017-2027 Comprehensive Plan with SECOG, incorporating board comments for future discussion. The mayor re-appointed four members to two-year terms, and the board unanimously re-elected Tony Randall as chairman and Brad Miles as vice-chairman for 2023. No other formal decisions were made; updates covered building projects, code enforcement, and city infrastructure.

Wed Jan 4, 2023

City Council Archives Year

Hartford Council approves Hwy 38 water main bidding and downtown historic assessment

The City Council approved a bid letting for the Hwy 38 Water Main Extension project and allocated $4,000 for a downtown historical assessment. The Council also approved several license renewals and an annexation petition for parcels at Western Ave and 258th St.

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