HURON ­— The Huron City Commission on Monday heard the results of last Tuesday’s mayoral election balloting from finance director Paullyn Carey. The mayoral election drew 1,719 votes, with winner Mark Robish garnering 752 of those votes. Current commissioners Drew Weinreis and Bryan Smith received 494 and 473 votes, respectively.

Robish will be sworn in at the May 6 meeting.

Three of the four commissioners had something for public forum. Commissioner Weinreis acknowledged the presence of outgoing Police Chief Kevin Van Diepen at his final commission meeting before retiring on Friday. Weinreis also prompted residents that Thursday is the annual State of the City dinner with tickets available through the Huron Chamber.

Commissioner Smith thanked Weinreis and Robish for a well-run campaign and thanked the voters of the city for turning out to elect their new leader.

Finally, Commissioner Bragg reminded residents that this week is the last week of weekly citywide green bin pickup. Beginning next Monday, April 22, yard waste bins will be collected on the same day as trash and recycle from residences.

Assistant engineer Dennis Bennett presented a change order from North Star Logistics for the Huron Transfer Station in the amount of $14,939.78. This was approved.

Bennett also presented a request to bid for the water main replacement 2024-2026 project. This project is estimated at $5.4 million and is being bid now due to the presence of American Rescue Plan Act funds that can be accessed for water improvements within the city. Bid opening was set for May 7, and this was approved.

Incoming Huron Police Chief Derek Layher had two items for the commission, both of wich were approved. First, he requested authorization to apply for grant funding through the South Dakota Safety Fund for speed and seatbelt enforcement as well as purchase of two new mobile RADAR units.

Layher’s second item was the report from an appraisal committee to surplus the firearm of a retiring officer for potential sale to the officer. The firearm was valued at $227.35.

Commissioners also:
- Approved a special event on-sale alcoholic beverage license filed by the James Valley Shrine Club for Casino Night at the Campus Center on May 4.
- Approved a raffle for Leadership Huron on Casino Night.

- Approved 17 summer hires for the Parks and Recreation Department.
- Set April 29 as the public hearing date to consider a retail on-off sale malt beverage and South Dakota farm wine license application for Toasted Coconuts & Co., 33 4th St. SE.

Commissioners met for a work session regarding legislation approved this year in the South Dakota legislature that could allow for a city liquor license on recreational property. A resolution on the issue will be drawn up for next week’s meeting.

The public meeting concluded and commissioners adjourned into executive session to discuss personnel.