Notes from Commissioner Ted Seaman

Commissioner Ted Seaman

The Meade County Commission met in regular session on May 10th.  A group of citizens north of Sturgis who use Sly Hill Road and Bear Butte Road were in attendance. They voiced their concerns about the roads and the possibility of another slide/closure on Sly Hill.  Sturgis Mayor, Mark Carstenson was also present to give an update on the City portion of Sly Hill Road.  The County Highway Superintendent, Lincoln Shuck, informed the Commission there was a water leak under Bear Butte Road which could be the cause of a slide on that portion of the road.  Fort Meade VA is making arrangements to fix the leak (their waterline) and hopefully eliminate any further slides. 

The new District Ranger for the Northern Hills Black Hills National Forest, Mr. Steve Kozel stopped by to introduce himself and express his desire to work together on any issues that may arise. 

Next was a lively discussion on the merits of our discretionary formula and the positive results we’ve seen with industrial, commercial and residential commercial development.  The Sturgis Mayor, City Manager and the Sturgis Economic Development Executive Director, Pat Kurtenback were on hand to tout the millions of dollars of real estate that have been added to the tax rolls. This can be attributed to the discretionary formula. 

For those of you following the highway department news, a box culvert will be replaced on Elk Vale Road, possibly in October.  The County received a Bridge Replacement Grant from the State for Ball Park Road near Union Center. 

Finally, the Commission voted to abate the 2016 taxes on the new Scott Peterson Motors Holdings in Sturgis; to honor the agreements that were made regarding the use of the discretionary formula.

Seasonal Employment Opportunity - Equalization and Planning Assistant

 

Employment Opportunity:    Job # 17-06 Seasonal Equalization & Planning Assistant 

Posting Type:    Open Announcement    

Closing Date:    Until Filled

Starting Wage:    $12.75 - $ 12.75 

Application Procedures:    Please submit a Meade County application to:                                                                      ★Human Resources/ 1300 Sherman Street Suite ▫ 212 ▫ Sturgis, SD 57785

General Statement of Duties

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Equalization and Planning, is responsible for assisting with the Department’s major functions.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist with performing routine clerical duties, to include sorting, filing, data entry, proofreading, directing phone calls, mail contact, and customers at the counter to the appropriate parties
2. Assist with the appraisal of improved and unimproved parcels in the field.
3. Assist with the technology work of the office, creating, maintaining, and updating digital/GIS records.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position.  Incumbents shall follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience and Education:

1. Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software and Geographical Positioning Systems (GPS) hardware and software helpful.
2. Familiarity with math and statistics.
3. Ability to demonstrate good communication and organizational skills.
4. Ability to work independently.
5. Ability to maintain a professional relationship with the general public and other employees.

Physical Demands:

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  
2. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  
3. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  
4. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:  

1. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. 
2. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions.

Seasonal Employment Opportunity - Technology Assistant

Employment Opportunity:    Job # 17-05 Seasonal Technology Assistant 

Posting Type:    Open Announcement    

Closing Date:    Open until Filled

Starting Wage:    $12.75 - $12.75

Application Procedures:    Please submit a Meade County application to:                                                                  

    ★Human Resources/ 1300 Sherman Street Suite ▫ 212 ▫ Sturgis, SD 57785

Department:     Highway

Reports To:     Highway Superintendent

FLSA Status:     Non-Exempt

General Statement of Duties

Under the direct supervision of the Highway Superintendent and the general supervision of the Assistant Highway Superintendent, is responsible for assisting with the Highway Department’s technological efforts.  Specifically, is responsible for technical work in the maintenance of the Department’s GIS system, as well as assisting with financial, inventory, and spatial data maintenance and reporting.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist with maintenance, updating, and reporting on various records of the highway system.
2. Create relevant reports and spreadsheets for the Highway Department
3. Coordinate historical, current, and new GIS projects under the purview of the Department, to include the County Road Master Plan, bridges and culverts, and any other required projects as they arise.
4. Create, update, review, and maintain all GIS database layers for the Department; collect data from a variety of sources.
5. Produce presentation-grade maps and exhibits for public and private meetings of the Department, balancing informational an aesthetic requirements for the product.
6. Coordinate with public and private agencies on dissemination of accurate information.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position.  Incumbents shall follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience and Education:

1. High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certification. 
2. Considerable knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software and Geographical Positioning Systems (GPS) hardware and software preferred.
3. Ability to read and interpret legal descriptions.
4. Proficiency in math, statistics, and information technology.
5. Ability to demonstrate good communication and organizational skills.
6. Ability to work independently.
7. Ability to maintain a professional relationship with the general public and other employees.

Physical Demands:

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  
2. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  
3. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  
4. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:  

1. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 
2. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to outside weather conditions.

Seasonal Employment Opportunity - HIGHWAY LABORER

SEASONAL HIGHWAY LABORER

Employment Opportunity:    Job # 17-04 Seasonal Highway Laborer 

Posting Type:    Open Announcement    

Closing Date:    Open until Filled

Starting Wage:    $12.75 - $12.75

Application Procedures:   Online or submit a Meade County application to:

Human Resources/ 1300 Sherman Street Suite 212, Sturgis, SD 57785

Department:     Highway

Reports To:     Highway Superintendent

FLSA Status:     Non-Exempt

General Statement of Duties

Under the direct supervision of the Highway Superintendent and general supervision of the Assistant Highway Superintendent, is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the maintenance and repair of the Meade County Highway System, to include roads, ditches, bridges and culverts.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Participate with work crews in all aspects of highway maintenance to include asphalt repair, patching, sealing, overlay, crack filling, roller and oiler.
2. Repair County roads and bridges to include loading and unloading materials, fencing, crack filling and picking up litter as needed.
3. Mow grass in County roadway ditches as needed.
4. Clean and/or assist in draining ditches.
5. Maintain records of work performed.
6. Perform duties in a manner consistent with safe practices.
7. Wear Personal Protective Equipment when required.
8. Attend meetings and seminars as assigned.
9. Perform other such duties and functions as deemed necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Education:

1. Ability to work unsupervised.
2. Ability to work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
3. Ability to work well with others and get along with the general public.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms.
2. The employee is frequently required to stand.
3. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and talk or hear.
4. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
5. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
2. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.
3. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Notes from Commissioner Linda Rausch

The second meeting in April for the Meade County Commissioners was held on April 26.  This was in addition to the two days that the Commission met as the County Board of Equalization to act on tax appeals.

Public Safety

The Commission discussed plans to protect public safety if demonstrations arise due to any potential Keystone Pipeline activity within the county.  Better to make a plan that you may not have to use, than to not have a plan if you need one.  The current state law requires the County to spend $4,500,000 before we are eligible to receive state or federal assistance.  This would be a large burden on the County as it represents about 25% of our annual budget.  We agreed to work with our state legislators and the Association of County Commissioners to see if we can change the law to preclude us from expendingthat total amount.  No pipeline construction is expected until late 2018, maybe later; so we have time to make the plan and look for help.

Revenue 

We approved the sale of the only surplus liquor license in the County.  Meade County will receive $225,000 for this license which was issued to the new owners of the Elk View Campground at exit 37.

We received $170,000 for a perpetual cell phone tower easement on the County highway shop property.  These one time sources of revenue will be helpful as we plan for capital improvements and potential spending on public safety.

The County received a $21,000 rebate on our Workers’ Compensation Insurance due to the excellent safety record and lack of claims from our employees.  This money was applied to the self-insurance fund to keep health insurance costs for employees as low as possible.

Veteran of the Month 

Mr. Brad Johnson was honored as our Veteran of the Month. Retired in 2016, Chief Master Sergeant Bradley J. Johnson was the Superintendent of the Office of Inspector General, 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB.  He has deployed in support of Operations Southern / Northern Watch and Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.  

Community 

A group of non-profit organizations asked permission to develop a plan for the potential use of the old elementary school building for their needs.  The Commission grated them access to the facility and welcomed any plans that they may develop that are a win for them and the citizens of Meade County.

Roads 

A discussion was held on making Chaffee Place into a private road.  Action was deferred until additional information on the legal ramifications could be obtained.

We continue to have issues with the gravel roads which become soft and slippery when we get moisture.  The Highway Superintendent will request additional Highway Patrol enforcement on trucks that may be exceeding weight limits.  They make our road situation worse.  We also reviewed the mag water plan for this year, which we will do after the spring rains stop.

Finally, we approved some plats and adjourned for the day.

April Veteran of The Month: Mr. Brad Johnson

Raised in Freeman, SD / Joined Air Force in 1990.

 Stationed at: 

Lackland AFB, TX, Chanute AFB, IL, Aberdeen Proven Grounds, MD, Tyndall AFB, FL, Offutt AFB, NE, Eielson AFB, AK, and Ellsworth AFB, SD

Mr. Johnson has been awarded:

• Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
• Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
• Air Force Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters
• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with "V" device, one silver and four bronze oak leaf cluster
• Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one silver cluster and two oak leaf cluster
• National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• Southwest Asia Service Medal with one star
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
• Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal