ROAD WORK, FIRE DEPT FUNDING, AND MORE FOR LANGFORD TRUSTEES

    The Langford Board of Trustees held multiple meetings in January and February, addressing infrastructure projects, fire department matters, and handling reorganizational tasks. 
    At their January regular meeting, the Board approved several maintenance purchases, including a truck box shaker for the yellow dump truck and front pins for the skid steer. Utility Manager Sean Kramer announced that an electric-grid grant had recently opened, and he would explore its potential benefits for Langford.
    Discussions also covered advertising opportunities in South Dakota Magazine, though the Board opted against pursuing advertisements at this time. Concerns about inconsistent cell phone reception in Langford were revisited, but it was noted that previous investigations had not found viable solutions.
    In reorganizational business, Trustees’ compensation was set at $125 per session, with the Board President receiving $150 per session. Additionally, the Board scheduled the municipal election for April 8. 
    The discussion on township rates for the Fire Department remained unresolved, prompting the scheduling of a special meeting in February to address funding and contributions.
    At the February meeting, two bids were received for the 2025 chip seal project, with the Board awarding the contract to Jensen Rock & Sand for $293,900, as required by the bid regulations.
    A change to the monthly meter read date, moving it from the 20th to the 1st of each month, was also approved to align with vendor read dates for accurate financial tracking.
    The Board discussed increasing insurance deductibles for Town-owned properties and authorized the purchase of materials for community room improvements. Additionally, security camera system upgrades were considered, with updated quotes to be obtained from vendors in Aberdeen and Mitchell for review at the next meeting.
    In a special meeting on Feb. 13, the Board and attendees reviewed the chip seal project bids, including a discrepancy on the Proposal Specification Sheet. They considered rejecting all bids and rebidding the project, but ultimately decided to stay with Jensen Rock & Sand. 
    In a special session on Feb. 19, a detailed discussion was held regarding the fire department’s financial status and the proposed increase in annual assessments billed to townships and the Town of Langford. Given rising costs, the fire department requested higher contributions. Each township planned to review these changes in their annual meetings in early March. A follow-up meeting will be held later March 25 to make final decisions. 
    The city recently  announced that the Langford Public Library is closed until further notice. Board of Trustees President Orrie Jesz noted that the library is undergoing some construction, but they hope to be back open for the summer reading program. 
    The next regular Langford Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for March 11 at 5 p.m. in the Langford Community Center.