County panel to name new leader

Talk about it

The Davison County commissioners, still in mourning after the death of former chairman David Weitala Tuesday, will consider the orderly transfer of that job to vice chairman Jerry Fischer this week and the selection of a new vice chairman.

With four commissioners until a replacement is named, Auditor Susan Kiepke will be empowered to cast a deciding vote in case of ties, according to Commissioner John Claggett.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Commissioners’ Room at the courthouse, 200 E. Fourth Ave., Mitchell.

The most important agenda item will be a discussion of an updated comprehensive plan for the county. The current plan is more than a decade old.

Brian McGinnis, of Planning & Development District III, in Yankton, which helped with the development of the current plan, will be present, as will members of the county Planning Commission.

The agenda includes:

• 9 a.m. Call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, approval of past meeting minutes, citizen input.

• 9:30 a.m. Comprehensive Plan discussion.

• 11 a.m. The Board of Adjustment will meet.

• 11:15 a.m. Corrections Administrator Don Radel regarding two resignations and a request to advertise for replacement help.

• 11:30 a.m. Miscellaneous items, auditor’s account balance on file with the treasurer, property tax abatements; approval of bills and timesheets.

• The commissioners will also consider a letter of support for state Senate Bill 42, which specifies time limitations, among other provisions, for the filing a writ of habeas corpus. Such a filing could be made by defendants or prisoners who wish to challenge the legality of their imprisonment.

• In an unrelated item, the Davison County Drainage Board will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Commissioners’ Room.

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