By Kelli Bultena
Voters in the City of Lennox will not be heading to the polls in April — but will wait until June 9.
During Monday night’s Lennox City Council Meeting, council approved postponing the April 14 Municipal Election to June 9, 2020.
Lennox City Administrator Nathan Vander Plaats explained that the House and Senate passed HB 1298 — this bill mandates the postponement of elections to June, 2020 due to COVID-19 precautions.
In a memo to Council he wrote, “Logistically, there are still some challenges for City staff to work out, primarily we must publish an official notice of the postponement and work to notify as many voters as possible. Current absentee ballots will be counted on the new Election Day, and no further action is required of voters.”
Council addressed several other issues regarding COVID-19 matters, one was noting that the Park and Rec programming for Lennox would see some changes. Council members noted that it would be unlikely summer programming will go as planned. The council was in agreement that refunds would be provided sooner rather than later. The topic will be on the next Council agenda.
Mayor Tracy West summarized, saying, “If we get a respite, or can do it in August sometime, we can look at doing an abbreviated season.”
Council also approved the updated COVID-19 Community Plan, which included some highlighted changes, such as, “All park playgrounds, ball courts, tennis courts, ball fields will be closed to the public.”
Another highlighted change in the plan stated, “Ambulance personnel will be screened for illness (temperature recorded) prior to each shift. These records will be maintained by the Ambulance Director. Personnel with a temperature or any illness will not be allowed to work until they are symptom free for at least 72 hours.”
Following the meeting, Vander Plaats confirmed that park facilities would be closed as of Tuesday morning.
To view the entire City of Lennox COVID-19 Plan, see this story online at www.lennoxnews.com or visit the City website at cityoflennoxsd.com.
Also in COVID-19 related business, Council approved Resolution #2020-4-6-01, which extends the deadline to April 21, 2020 of Ordinance #608. The ordinance regulates businesses and other organizations to 10 or fewer patrons at a time.
Local business notices of hours and operational changes can be found online at www.lennoxnews.com/business-covid-19-news.
In other business on Monday night, Council approved the minutes of the March 30 Emergency City Meeting and reports as presented.
Under new business Council approved advertising bids for the Sewer Televising Project as part of the Lennox 2035 Plan.
A banking proposal was approved to move the City’s checking account to Great Western Bank. Finance Officer Denise Hanson stated it will allow more options for automation. The City will continue to bank at Valley Exchange Bank with investments.
Council approved the animal control agreement with the Humane Society in Sioux Falls and approved a proposal from Century Business Products for a new copier/printer. This replaces an agreement with Marco. Council also approved a proposal from VAST for phone service.
Council also approved the Contract for Private Development Tax Increment District Number Nine In Lincoln County.
The agreement then moves on to the Lincoln County Commission. This is to move the TIF District forward for the Countryside Estates Development in Lennox.
Council approved to hire part-time patrol officer Trey Andrews at $20.63/hour.
Council held executive session with no action taken following. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for April 20 at 7 p.m. All City Council meetings are live streamed on Youtube, find the link at www.lennoxnews.com.