[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6073679,"mediaKeyId","2990199-89e9f3e593ba5a05b5b6092e63d84603","parentId",2990199,"title","Mitchell Council hears competing seating proposals for Corn Palace; decision due in weeks","audioSeconds",4962,"startMs",858000,"endMs",5820000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2990199-89e9f3e593ba5a05b5b6092e63d84603&start=858&end=5820","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2990199-89e9f3e593ba5a05b5b6092e63d84603/thumbnail_858000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6073679/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/Mitchell-Council-hears-competing-seating-proposals-for-Corn-Palace-decision-due-in-weeks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073679-d82f6041f171a19aed65f2e730095d71/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178240&Signature=PLKktPnXBXjugUyDMGXy~Cgy90uMLSZhnmv2AmyHVQcYnmfzPefC3JbGcgGRvhDSCWA6smbircyf0AwJYWRg8xjAvcHeD8cleGHfIX0rXyrqNRCHOgJ0FXCHMO9o37XGeRiN931c69LEGNqOVLARuPUXfQ4lZ0hz5Y2HwuU-O5EweeqgCXhAK13Dhanphk9L29Teta33V7riZ4xkbKAWcx8l5s3LPi5rPM2Lt3WJAPUsJTpcHIyTQMSkMG06Yzs4PCZqMb9jo7BxojN9utdESUFo32~Ev9VEIDBNcBPmKM~0SqwFYuIxUVftpw4Hzq~0M19aeoLsUBuNkbIhRxPusg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mitchell, SD","date","2025-02-03T00:00:00Z","article","Mitchell — The Mitchell City Council heard two competing presentations and one alternate proposal on replacing fixed seating in the Corn Palace on Feb. 4, with council members asking staff to return with a recommendation and seeking additional side-by-side samples before a formal vendor selection.

Manufacturers and dealers from Hussey/Combined Building Specialties and Erwin (also styled “Irwin” during parts of the meeting) described product options, warranty terms, mounting choices and lead times, and responded to questions about ADA access, row spacing and potential impacts on seat counts. Prices presented publicly ranged from about $345,419 to $387,000 depending on model and upholstery choices; councilors said they intend to decide within roughly two to three weeks so an installation could take place this fall if possible.

The matter matters because current chairs are narrow and limit aisle clearances, council members and seating experts said. Brian Olinger of Combined Building Specialties, representing Hussey Seating for the local bid, emphasized durability and low-profile closed dimensions for his “Fusion” chair, saying the design “gives you the amount of space that you’re going to get when the chair’s in a seat is in a down position.” Mike Slater of Hussey stressed local support through the Sioux Falls dealership and local installer availability. Kevin Schultz of Erwin Seating Company said his firm manufactures in Grand Rapids and Altamont and highlighted domestic supply chains and a roughly 10-week manufacturing lead time for standard orders.

Council members and the mayor focused questions on three trade-offs: (1) seat width versus aisle clearance, (2) padded/upholstered seats that reduce clear walking space, and (3) where to locate upgraded seating (mixing premium and standard seats by section). Jeff Logan, Corn Palace maintenance supervisor, advised councilors on mounting and maintenance considerations; he recommended riser-mounted seats for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Key technical and budget details discussed publicly:
- Row spacing in the Corn Palace is 32 inches from back-of-seat to back-of-seat; presenters said modern stadium practice ranges from roughly 36 to 42 inches, and a 32-inch tread constrains options for larger seats.
- The Hussey/Combined Sourcewell quote for a padded Fusion configuration with cup holders, logo stanchions and 3% attic stock was presented as about $387,000 (includes taxes and installation). The presenter said the quote assumed approximately 1,612 seats (preliminary) with adjustments for ADA locations.
- The Erwin (Irwin) quote for a VIP-upholstered Patriot-style layout was shown at about $345,419; Erwin said the standard (non-upholstered) Patriot can reduce the closed seat envelope and gain walking space and that manufacturing lead times are about 10 weeks for domestically built models.
- Warranty offers varied: Hussey/Combined cited a limited lifetime structural warranty with multi-year warranties on other components plus 3% maintenance stock; Erwin offered a five-year warranty (excluding upholstery, per the upholstery supplier terms) and noted readily available replacement parts.

Council direction and next steps: councilors and staff agreed not to make a vendor decision that night. Instead they asked staff to:
- Arrange two-seat, front-to-back sample installations (one from each finalist) so councilors and staff may test legroom and circulation in the building as installed; several councilors requested these be installed and labeled so the public and staff can compare.
- Confirm final seat counts, ADA locations and any rail fabrication schedule in coordination with architect Kevin Genslinger (Civerella) and to include any required railing or code upgrades in the project timeline and total cost estimate.
- Include the purchase in a supplemental appropriation ordinance for 2025 (staff suggested funding from unspent 2024 funds), and provide a total project cost that includes removal, floor patching and any refinishing or epoxy work the council wants done after seat removal.

Council members discussed surplus options for the existing chairs — selling them as memorabilia, auctioning via Purple Wave or offering limited “in‑honor” purchases to help offset costs — and asked staff to evaluate whether removal and patching can be done by city maintenance or would require contractors.

No formal motion to award a contract was made. Several councilors signaled a preference for keeping as much of the work local as feasible and for maximizing 21–22 inch seats where physically possible; others emphasized the practical constraint imposed by the building’s 32‑inch row spacing.

The council set an internal timeline to decide in the coming weeks to meet installation windows this fall. Staff will return with sample installations, a final seat/layout count tied to the architect’s ADA plan, a recommended vendor and a supplemental-appropriation funding recommendation.

Quotes used in this article come from presentations in the Feb. 4 Mitchell City Council meeting: “we are a family owned, family focused company” (Kevin Schultz, Erwin Seating Company), and “we have a Fusion chair…that gives you the amount of space” (Brian Olinger, Combined/Hussey).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","February 3, 2025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Mitchell — The Mitchell City Council heard two competing presentations and one alternate proposal on replacing fixed seating in the Corn Palace on Feb. 4, with council members asking staff to return with a recommendation and seeking additional side-by-side samples before a formal vendor selection.","taxTitle","Mitchell, Davison County, South Dakota","taxId",68826,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6073669,"Council approves licensing, easement releases and FEMA BRIC grant agreements; executive session scheduled",584,5871000,6455000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2990199-89e9f3e593ba5a05b5b6092e63d84603&start=5871&end=6455","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2990199-89e9f3e593ba5a05b5b6092e63d84603/thumbnail_5871000.jpg","/articles/6073669/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/Council-approves-licensing-easement-releases-and-FEMA-BRIC-grant-agreements-executive-session-scheduled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073669-c0f13e471895130ad8839aa72a930cfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178240&Signature=FG7RHjLd4NF64TqJ6epbtHe1tYuCMh-XYrgWWQrDfKdXY9OwtEgilw5YC26iOmU0Po2QQY8xjuaMYmIMvOARTbXYe53hzbQsM9ZxjxSkB-tvfaugAMgnSOfefXiWAcdIva3u-TvdHAEmkAQkQ4MFUgiYN-up0ZDcpHV1KaoQsAlekmfL-T2Wt3nrBwU2RxA~sVSEtfL1qk9ivJLyuByf7ggNx69TY5~GxBcd7rrxgMqWRpLrDeXC4XFfG3qdan488aJC~2246i0Pmupvq7M0jKOsTqp3GVcUaLN0nolEedSlgXhMx~WkBV2BpGC1JKJjQNDVz7PB6s4PjgKW9FnZWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mitchell — The Mitchell City Council on Feb. 4 approved a series of routine and grant‑related items, including a retail liquor‑license transfer, an easement release, permission for a private hauler to use the regional landfill, and multiple FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (BRIC) agreements to acquire flood‑plain properties on West Ash Avenue. The council also approved a lot plot for an MTC underground power building and voted to enter executive session under the statutory citation recorded in the meeting.

Votes at a glance (items and outcome):

1) Transfer of RL 5353 retail on‑sale liquor license (Back 40 LLC d/b/a Back 40 to LAB LLC d/b/a LAB LLC): approved (voice vote). Motion moved by Chief Knopfelene; second by Mr. Goldhammer. No recorded nay votes were announced.

2) Release of a 5‑foot utility/drainage easement (Woods First Addition, Lot 5, Block 6): approved (unanimous voice vote). Staff presentation by Mr. Schrader explained the release would allow the property owner to build an addition; applicant plans to purchase adjoining lot. Motion moved by Mrs. Sherks; second by Mr. McCurtain.

3) Authorize United Sanitation Services to haul sanitary waste to Mitchell Regional Landfill: approved (voice vote). Staff said the company will use roll‑off containers and dumpsters and will not collect residential trash; landfill fee was described as $45 per ton plus $3 per ton in fees. Motion moved by Mrs. Jerks; second by Mr. Barrington.

4) Agreement A2025‑14 (State/FEMA/City BRIC agreement) — property acquisition at 504 West Ash Avenue (BRIC Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities): approved. Staff reported the estimated total project cost of $124,600 with a local match portion of $18,690 (in‑kind demo and landfill fees). FEMA would fund 75%, the State 10% and city 15% in the proposal; the city will accept ownership of the property after acquisition and a deed restriction will limit future use to parkland. Motion moved by Mr. McArdle; second by Mr. Savers.

5) Agreement A2025‑15 (State/FEMA/City BRIC agreement) — property acquisition at 512 and 514 West Ash Avenue: approved. Staff reported estimated total project cost of $168,350 and a local match of $25,252.50 (in‑kind). Motion moved by Mrs. Terce; second by Mr. Goldhammer.

6) Resolution R2025‑9 — appointing an application agent for the BRIC project (504 West Ash): approved. Motion moved by Mr. Goldhammer; second by Mr. Barrington.

7) Resolution R2025‑10 — appointing an application agent for the BRIC project (512/514 West Ash): approved. Motion moved by Mr. McHurtle; second by Mr. Goldhamer. Councilors thanked staff member (transcribed as Mark Genigis) for grant work.

8) Resolution R2025‑8 — plot of Lot 2 in Utility Addition (MTC underground power building): approved. Planning Commission recommended approval; Mr. Genovese presented. Motion moved by Mr. Goldhammer; second by Mr. Barrington.

9) Motion to enter executive session “according to SDCL 125.23 legal” was approved by voice vote; the council stated there would be no action after executive session.

What the council record shows: most items were approved by voice vote with no recorded roll‑call tallies published in the minutes for those agenda items. Staff presenters supplied technical details (e.g., landfill rate, BRIC cost shares, deed restrictions), and councilors asked clarifying questions about timelines and homeowner participation in the BRIC buyout program.

Notable clarifications from staff during the meeting:
- BRIC acquisitions: the city advised homeowners who volunteered for the BRIC acquisition process that they could withdraw at any time but that, in these cases, the homeowners wished to proceed; at completion the city will own the parcels and a deed restriction will limit future use.
- United Sanitation Services: fees were stated as $45 per ton plus $3 per ton in statutory/local fees ($2 county, $1 state); the company intends roll‑off and dumpster service rather than residential curb collection.

No contested votes were recorded in open session in the meeting transcript provided; all items listed above were announced as carried by voice vote.","Mitchell — The Mitchell City Council on Feb. 4 approved a series of routine and grant‑related items, including a retail liquor‑license transfer, an easement release, permission for a private hauler to use the regional landfill, and multiple FEMA BRIC agreements to acquire flood‑plain properties on West Ash Avenue.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6073674,"Library director shows 29% jump in physical checkouts from 2023 to 2024",121,403000,524000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2990199-89e9f3e593ba5a05b5b6092e63d84603&start=403&end=524","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2990199-89e9f3e593ba5a05b5b6092e63d84603/thumbnail_403000.jpg","/articles/6073674/Mitchell/Davison-County/South-Dakota/Library-director-shows-29-jump-in-physical-checkouts-from-2023-to-2024","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073674-0e72c6a6ed9b4f6a051fb79195563fc4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178240&Signature=eo3S2Qp9aDHa2jt4cW~tRffwlXi-MydWu8MD1qL9STma4LfAPHRN8~60iotpT92O~jTRVJlO4LfDZGbZqz4SUawSDbZAkygtlwQtzG4MmgsdpiqFXimYrL8EPbS4RCbctmGxeCXqUQwW6dR13IYYmV9dVqI7VTQ3GD2LSp6DQybshW4xmnNpUe6elevFTfA1bDcYunJVJtsC-OXCV~i4ikFchDYRCGdXgEJJLjkL0OG5Imx2GV-MwQ47LT-BDXL5XqFeqpzwkgWFDXhr2X6EOZ30NEeOSuCwYX4Ls6Prflgmuz6gBrigZh7IlBikNUimdLyLQK-47kfXKoz71K-0PA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mitchell — Library Director Kevin Cancal told the Mitchell City Council on Feb. 4 that total circulation of physical items rose 29% from 2023 to 2024, reversing a multi-year decline and lifting total checkouts above 150,000.

Cancal presented the library’s 2024 annual report during the citizen comment portion of the meeting and displayed circulation and program participation charts. He said physical checkouts (books, movies, board games and similar items) rose from about 116,769 in 2023 to more than 150,000 in 2024, and that ebooks and downloadable audiobooks totaled nearly 48,000 checkouts in 2024.

“We’ve been trying to…have innovative programs and encourage people to read,” Cancal told the council, citing a return to in-person programs after pandemic years and new programs such as Bookopoly and an expanded summer-reading schedule. He said the library’s annual programming participation has averaged just under 14,000 over the last three years, compared with roughly 6,500–7,500 pre-pandemic in the prior nine-year trend.

Other details Cancal provided to the council:
- Summer reading participants recorded more than 500,000 minutes read in the 2024 program.
- The library has 81 non-county cardholders who pay an annual fee for service; Cancal said library cards are free to city and county residents.
- Wi‑Fi usage data (sessions and hours) appeared on a chart that had an incorrect title in the staff printout; Cancal told the council he would correct the title and resubmit the report for posting.

Councilmember John (first name used in the meeting) asked why circulation increased; Cancal attributed the rise to programming, outreach and a return to in-person offerings that drew users from outside the county during pandemic-era online events. A council member who spoke from the audience also recounted a patron who traveled from nearby Spencer to bring grandchildren to library programs, illustrating the library’s regional draw.

Cancal closed by noting that library accounts remain active for patrons who renew each year and that the library verifies contact information annually to ensure records are current.

The presentation drew brief applause and no formal council action; council members thanked Cancal for the report.","Mitchell Public Library reported a 29% year-over-year increase in physical item circulation in 2024 and growth in program participation, summer reading minutes and Wi‑Fi usage; director Kevin Cancal attributed growth to expanded programming and outreach.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mitchell Council hears competing seating proposals for Corn Palace; decision due in weeks

Council approves licensing, easement releases and FEMA BRIC grant agreements; executive session scheduled

Library director shows 29% jump in physical checkouts from 2023 to 2024