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City of Vermillion

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CHRISTMAS TREE DROP OFF

The Christmas tree collection site is now accepting real Christmas trees. The drop off site is located on the south side of Broadway Street just west of Dakota Street. Trees will be accepted from now through Januar 20, 2012.

Please remove any lights, decorations or plastic wrapping used in transporting the tree.


CLOSED

The City of Vermillion offices will be closed Monday, December 26, 2011 for the Christmas holiday and Monday, January 2, 2012 for the New Year holiday.


AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of Vermillion by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement has been awarded to the individual, department, or agency designated by the government as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR. This has been presented to:

Michael D. Carlson, Finance Officer.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and groups to read the CAFR.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C.

This year marks the sixteenth year Carlson has received this Certificate of Achievement.



Holiday Recycling Pickup

Just a reminder that if your pick up recycling day falls on Thursday, November 24, 2011, your recycling will be picked up on Monday, November 28, 2011, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.


LEAF DROP OFF SITE

The City of Vermillion has two leaf drop off locations for the collection of grass and leaves.

You may drop off your leaves in the bin located at the small parking lot on the south side of Barstow park off Dartmouth Street and at the Recycling Center at 840 N. Crawford Road. Branches may be taken to the Recycling Center only. Please do not drop off your branches at the Dartmouth Street drop off. Also, please do not drop off leaves in garbage or leaf bags, plastic bags, etc.

These bins will remain on location until October 31, 2011.

Please do not abuse this privilege.


HELP USD SIFE RAISE THE DUST

HELP USD SIFE RAISE THE DUST

by "CANNING" the Thunderbirds.

USD SIFE will be collecting canned goods in the Dakota Days Parade. Please bring a few items to help support the local Vermillion Food Pantry!

Monetary Donations are also accepted.


HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

Why can't I just throw Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) away?

Certain types of HHW have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers, contaminate septic tanks, or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets, and present hazards to children and pets if left around the house. Read product labels for disposal directions to reduce the risk of products exploding, igniting, leaking, mixing with other chemicals, or posing other hazards on the way to a disposal facility. Even empty containers of HHW can pose hazards because of the residual chemicals that might remain.

Examples of HHW
1. Latex and oil based paints
2. Household cleaning products
3. Fluorescent light bulbs
4. Batteries
5. Pesticides
6. Anti-freeze
7. Oil

When and where can I dispose of my HHW?

October 21, 2011
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Vermillion Recycling Center
840 N. Crawford Road
Vermillion, SD 57069
Ph: 605-677-7076


ELECTRONICS RECYCLABLES FOR THE PTA

ELECTRONICS RECYCLABLES FOR THE PTA

Cell Phones Video Games
GPS Devices Digital Cameras
IPOD's Laptops
DVD's PDP's
Inkjet Cartridges Laser Cartridge

Drop off at the Recycling Center or at the Landfill

NO CHARGE


Donor Makes Vermillion Library Expansion/Renovation Possible

Vermillion Mayor, Jack Powell, has announced a sizeable gift from a donor that will allow the Vermillion Public Library to double in size and renovate the existing library space. In June, the donor’s financial advisor inquired about the level of funding for the project. At that time, the City had obtained a $200,000 Community Development Block Grant award and had $1.4 million of Second Penny sales tax revenue available. The donor, Edith Siegrist, a longtime Vermillion resident, has provided the City of Vermillion with just over $800,000 to move the project forward. Edith was a member of the University of South Dakota I.D. Weeks library staff for many years. She was instrumental in the development of the Masters in Library Science program and taught many of the area librarians. “We regret that Edith will not see the completion of the fruits of her generous donation in the construction and renovation as she passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011”, Mayor Powell said. Mayor Powell noted that the impact of her gift will be enjoyed by Vermillion’s residents for decades to come. Mayor Powell stated “Neither the Vermillion City Council nor our residents can truly appreciate the magnitude of Edith’s gift. She has provided a legacy gift through the Library renovation and expansion project that will make Vermillion a better place for generations to come”.

In July, the Vermillion City Council authorized an architectural firm to proceed with the design and to prepare bid specifications. The City plans to break ground for the project before the end of the year.

For more information call City Hall at 677-7050.



Chief of Police Open House

We would like to invite you all to an open house to welcome Matt Betzen to the community. Matt will be the Chief of Police for the City of Vermillion.

The open house will be held:

Tuesday, July 19, 2011
City Hall Council Chambers
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

We hope to see you there!


Decade of Drinking Water Excellence Award

DENR Recognizes City of Vermillion Public Water System for Drinking Water Compliance

The South Dakota Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) announced that the City of Vermillion public water system and the system’s certified operators have been awarded a Decade of Drinking Water Excellence Award. The award is for outstanding water system operations and environmental compliance with the state drinking water standards for the past ten years.

The system’s certified operators are Randy Isaacson, Thomas Kruse, Wade Mount, Fred Balleweg, Allen Clark, Curt Haakinson, Joshua Balleweg, Dale Husby and Brook Hansen.

“It is awesome when you think about it,” said DENR Secretary Steve Pirner. “For the last ten years, people using the City of Vermillion drinking water system have been able to turn on a tap and have as much safe and healthful water as they want, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.”

To qualify for the Decade of Drinking Water excellence award, public water systems and their operators had to meet all of the following requirements for the past ten consecutive years:

• Compliance monitoring and reporting,
• Drinking water standards,
• Distribute annual Drinking Water Reports,
• Lead/copper action levels, and
• Operator certification requirements.

We are sending this News Release as a service to the news media and citizens of Vermillion.

cc: KVHT
Sioux City Journal
Sioux Falls Argus Leader
The Volante
Vermillion Plain Talk
Yankton Press & Dakotan



Missouri River Flooding Information

Information relating to the Missouri River Flood can be found online at: http://disasterrecovery.sd.gov/flood_info.aspx


Clay County Emergency Management

The Clay County Office of Emergency Management website provides detailed information related to the Missouri River Flood. http://www.claycountyoem.org/


Paperless Billing & Automatic Payment Plan

The City of Vermillion now has the capability to e-mail your monthly utility bill to you at no additional cost. You will receive your bill the instant that it is ready – no more waiting for the mail. This service is easy to start and you are able to cancel at any time. Sign up today by completing the form available at: http://vermillion.us/documents/Finance_Paperless_Billing.doc
While you are there, consider enrolling in an automatic payment plan by completing the form at: http://vermillion.us/documents/Finance_Automatic_Payment.doc
http://vermillion.us/departments_finance.aspx


OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXCELLENCE

DENR RECOGNIZES THE CITY OF VERMILLION FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXCELLENCE

PIERRE - The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announces that the City of Vermillion Wastewater Treatment System is the recipient of the 2010 Operation and Maintenance Wastewater Treatment Excellence Award. This award is for outstanding operation of the wastewater system and environmental compliance with its state surface water discharge permit during the past year.

The award was presented during the 2011 South Dakota Water and Wastewater Association. The Wastewater Operators Seminar was held May 4th and May 5th at the Ramkota Inn in Watertown.

"Most people take wastewater treatment and disposal for granted", said DENR Seecretary Steve Pirner, "but properly operated wastewater treatment systems are a critical component in protecting public health and the environment from sewage and various polutants in wastewater. Therefore, we all owe the owners and operators of these systems a huge thank you for a job well done".

Qualifications for the Operation and Maintenance Wastewater Treatment Excellence Award are based on a system's compliance with state environmental requirements, the quality of the treated and discharged wastewater, monitoring reports, state inspections, and proper operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facility.


Finance Officer Receives Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting
January 11, 2011

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Vermillion for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Receiving this Certificate represent a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement has been awarded to the individual, department, or agency designated by the government as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR. This has been presented to Michael D. Carlson, Finance Officer.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and groups to read the CAFR.
The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals.

This year marks the fifteenth year Carlson has received this Certificate of Achievement.

We are sending this News Release as a service to the news media and citizens of Vermillion.

CITY OF VERMILLION PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Issued Date: January 10, 2011

Point of Contact: John C. Prescott, City Manager, 605-677-7050



Unofficial Municipal June 8, 2010 Election Results

City of Vermillion Unofficial Municipal Election Results June 8, 2010 Mayor John E. (Jack) Powell 1093 Nick (Tick) Severson 333 Alderman Central Ward Mary B. Edelen 96 John Grayson 101 Alderman Northeast Ward James D. Hoefelmeyer 43 Kent Osborne 72 Alderman Northwest Ward Jim Wilson 90 Tom Davies 237 Alderman Southeast Ward Dennis Zimmerman 261 John Erikson 232 Kenneth (Andy) Anderson 233 The City Council will meet on Monday, June 14th at noon at city hall second floor conference room to canvass the election results.


Vermillion Police Join "Click It or Ticket" National Campaign

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts saved more than 13,000 lives nationwide in 2008. From 2004 to 2008, seat belts saved over 75,000 lives — enough people to fill a large sports arena. During a crash, being buckled up helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, whereas being completely thrown out of a vehicle is almost always deadly. Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. In response to this statistic, the Vermillion Police Department will be joining other law enforcement agencies across the nation participating in the Click It or Ticket campaign beginning May 24th through June 6th. Vermillion Police Chief Art Mabry stated, “Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.” Mabry further stated, “Local motorists should be prepared for stepped up Click It or Ticket activities that will take place around the clock. If law enforcement finds you on the road unbuckled anytime or anywhere, you can expect a ticket – not a warning. No excuses and no exceptions.” Because seat belt usage saves lives the Vermillion Police Department will continue strictly enforcing seat belt and child passenger restraint violations after the Click It or Ticket campaign is completed.


Emerald Ash Borer

EMERALD ASH BORER May 24th from 7 - 8 p.m. Community informative meeting Clay County Extension Building Dr. John Ball, SDSU Forestry Specialist: Emerald Ash Borer in South Dakota Any questions, please contact: Jessica Kennedy or Aaron Baedke City of Vermillion Parks Ph: 605-677-7082 or jessicak@cityofvermillion.com Will Kennedy Clay County Extension Office South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service Ph: 605-677-7111 or todd.kennedy@sdstate.edu


DENR Recognizes the City of Vermillion Public Water System for Drinking Water Compliance

The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced that the City of Vermillion public water system and the system’s certified operators have been awarded a Drinking Water Certificate of Achievement Award. The award is for outstanding water system operations and environmental compliance with state drinking water standards for the past year. The system’s certified operators are Randy Isaacson, Tom Kruse, Wade Mount, Fred Balleweg, Allen Clark, Curt Haakinson, Joshua Balleweg and Dale Husby. To qualify for the Drinking Water Certificate of Achievement Award, public water systems, and their operators, had to meet all of the following requirements for 2009: • Compliance monitoring. • Drinking water standards. • Distribute a Drinking Water Report. • Lead/copper action levels. • Comply with operator certification requirements


Sump Pump Notice

ATTENTION: Vermillion Wastewater Utility Users The Vermillion Wastewater Department would like to remind you to check your sump pump connection, please check that it is working properly and discharging outside away from your home or business. Any such water must be discharged outside so that the storm water system can receive it. When discharged into the sanitary sewer system, these waters cause an unnecessary hydraulic load to both the sanitary sewer system and the wastewater treatment facility and are a financial burden to the community. If you have any questions, please call the Wastewater Facility at 677-7077 and we would be happy to assist you. Remember, City Ordinance 756 (e) 1 reads: No person(s) shall discharge or cause to be discharged any unpolluted waters such as storm water, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, or cooling water to any sanitary sewer. Failure to do so may bring a penalty of up to $100 a day for non-compliance.


10 Minutes. 10 Questions. 2010 Census
March 16th- April 20th

“Take 10” and Help Vermillion Get What it Needs for the Next 10 Years In March 2010, more than 130 million addresses will receive a 2010 Census form by mail or hand delivery. The 2010 Census will document the changes in our nation since the last decennial census in 2000, and tell us how we’ve evolved as a country. Because census data affect how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments, the census also will frame the future of our country and our community for the next 10 years. During Census 2000, the mail participation rate was 72 percent as of the April 2000 cut-off. About $85 million is saved for every one percent increase in mail participation. For these and many other reasons, we must work to encourage everyone’s participation in the census. Here’s what you should know about the 2010 Census: It’s easy. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. The individual in whose name the housing unit is rented or owned should complete the form on behalf of every person living there, both relatives and nonrelatives. It’s important. Census data are used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper district representation in state and local governments. Information from the census helps determine locations for child-care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers. It’s safe. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both. Finally, the most efficient way to respond to the 2010 Census is to complete the form as soon as it arrives and return it in the postage-paid return envelope. Do your part to help make Vermillion a better place! For more information about the Census, visit Vermillion 2010 Census on Facebook, email eviej@cityofvermillion.com, or call 607-677-7159. http://2010.census.gov


SNOW REMOVAL Regarding Public Sidewalks

NOTICE TO ALL RESIDENTS IN THE CITY OF VERMILLION: SNOW REMOVAL Regarding Public Sidewalks The City of Vermillion will again be checking/tagging sidewalks effective Tuesday, January 12, 2010. Please make sure your sidewalks are not in violation of City Ordinance §96.12 Snow and Ice. The ordinance reads as follows: • Vermillion City Ordinance § 96.12 SNOW AND ICE. states that every person in control of any building or lot of land within the city fronting, or abutting on a paved sidewalk, whether as the owner, tenant, occupant, lessee, or otherwise, shall remove and clear away, or cause to be removed and cleared away, snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of or abutting on the building or lot of land within 24 hours after any fall of snow or freezing rain. When freezing rain has resulted in frozen ice upon the sidewalk, making it impossible to remove, the person in charge shall sprinkle or spread some suitable material upon the sidewalk to prevent the sidewalk from being slippery and dangerous to pedestrian travel. • 24 hours after accumulations of 2 inches or more of snow, blowing snow or freezing rain, city staff will check all sidewalks for compliance. Complaints can also be made to the Code Enforcement Department at (605) 677-7050. • Please clear the entire constructed width of the public sidewalk, also clear ramps at corners that abuts your property. • If possible, wait until the snow plows have cleared the streets before shoveling. Plows may need to push snow onto curbs and sidewalks, to keep streets clear. • The fine for failing to comply with the city's sidewalk snow removal ordinance is Ten dollars ($10.00) per Violation. • Even if you are on vacation, or have equipment breakdowns, it is still your responsibility, as the property owner, to ensure that your sidewalks are cleared. • A provision of this ordinance also permits that if the owner or occupant fails to clear the sidewalk of snow within the time allowed, the city may remove the snow and clear the sidewalk. The city may then seek reimbursement of the expense incurred plus a twenty five dollar ($25.00) service fee from the owner or occupant. Farrel Christensen Building Official City of Vermillion 25 Center Street Vermillion SD 57069 Work 605-677-7050 Web http://vermillion.us


Cherry Street Traffic Lights

The reconstruction project along Cherry Street is not quite complete. The DOT’s Contractor is finished with the paving, grading, and striping. However, work still remains on the lighting and traffic signals. Once completed, all of the traffic signals along Cherry Street will communicate with each other and calculate the most efficient way for traffic to flow. In the mean time, if you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Ron Peterson with the SDDOT at (605) 668-2929.


Citizens Academy
Feb 16th- March 29th

The City of Vermillion is starting a Citizens Academy for all Vermillion residents over the age of 18. The Citizens Academy is a free, hands-on, interactive public information program that allows citizens an insight into City services and the functions of City departments. The purpose of the Citizens Academy is to familiarize citizens in the community with the City of Vermillion’s government. The program will include the function of City departments, explain the relationship between the City Council, Planning Commission and City Administration, allow an overview of the budgetary process and it will provide an outlet for citizen input. All participants interested in the Citizens Academy are encouraged to attend all of the sessions in order to get the most from the program. All sessions, unless otherwise noted, start at 5:00 PM and will meet at City Hall on Feb 16, Feb 23, March 2nd, March 16, March 23, and March 29. During the course, several sessions will meet away from City Hall at different department sites. The Citizens Academy is a hands-on experience that will allow Vermillion residents to get a behind the scenes look of how your city government operates. The class will graduate with a certificate in “Governmentology” and a key to the City at the end of the last session. For more information, please contact Evie Johnson at 605-677-7159 or eviej@cityofvermillion.com Sessions The Foundation of Your City Government Introduction to the class, city government, and the finances of the City. Come meet the City Council members and take a tour of City Hall. The Business of Water There are more than 4000 residential, commercial, and industrial connections to the City’s water and sewer system. All water from the faucets, drains, and flushes come from somewhere and go somewhere. Learn about where that somewhere is and how we get clean water to the places you need it most! The Landfill: The You’ll Never Call it a “Dump” Again Tour and the Recycling Loop The sanitary landfill of today is not the dump of previous generations. Come learn how the landfill operates and see what stuff we are keeping out of the landfill because of recycling. Emergency Services—In the Line of Duty Overview of VPD, Fire Department, and EMS Potholes, Pavement, and Streetlights Building and maintaining streets, drainage issues, traffic flow and the street lights that light your path.


Curbside Recycling Winter Weather Changes

Starting November 2nd, 2009 alley pickup for curbside recycling will be moved to due to winter weather. If you currently recycle in an alley, please place your recycling curbside until further notice. To avoid recycling bins being damaged by snow plows, please put recycling bins next to the sidewalk near the driveway in a visible and accessible location free from ice and snow. Curbside Recycling Holiday Schedule If your curbside recycling collection falls on a holiday, please place your recycling out the Monday prior to the holiday. November 11th, Veterans Day Recycling will be collected November 9th November 26th, Thanksgiving Recycling will be collected November 23rd December 25th, Christmas Recycling will be collected December 21st January 1, New Years Day Recycling will be collected on December 28th Recycling Reminder! These items can be put in your large green bin: Plastics #1 and #2, Aluminum Cans, and Tin Cans These items can be put in your small blue bin: Newspapers, Magazines, and Catalogs, Office Paper and Junk Mail Please place corrugated cardboard between you recycling bins. Recycling collection will begin at 7:00 AM on your recycling day. Please place your bins on the curb or alley prior to pick up. If you are physically unable to take your bin to the curb or have questions, please call 605-677-7159 for assistance.


Curbside Recycling to Start in September

Curbside Recycling began September 8, 2009. Residents in Vermillion who live in single-family housing, or multi-unit housing up to five units qualify for curbside recycling. The City of Vermillion has provided qualifying residents with one large green bin and one small blue bin. Please contact the City with any questions about this program. What can I put in my large green bin? Plastics #1 and #2, Aluminum and Tin Cans What can I put in my small blue bin? Newspapers, Magazines, Office Paper and Junk Mail Please flatten cardboard and put it between your bins. For more information, please call 605-677-7159


Stimulus funding received for Sanitary Sewer Slip Lining Project

The City of Vermillion received a $498,000 loan for the sanitary sewer slip lining project of which only $249,000 must be repaid due to the stimulus bill. This project lines approximately 11,600 linear feet of existing sanitary sewer pipe with cured-in-place pipe to reduce inflow and infiltration. The proposed lines are in areas where conventional, open-cut replacement methods would not be cost effective due to depths of the pipe and the existing street surfacing over the pipe. The City of Vermillion is currently seeking a grant for $500,000 to pay the remainder of the project cost. This project is part of Gov. Mike Rounds announcement on Friday June 26, that the state Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved nearly $31 million in grants and low-interest loans for drinking water, wastewater, rural water, and landfill projects. The approvals included 11 grants and 28 low-interest loans, along with principal forgiveness on 25 of those loans under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.


Wastewater Award

The City of Vermillion Wastewater Treatment Facility has received the 2008 Municipal Wastewater Excellent Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award from the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources for having outstanding wastewater system operations and compliance with its Surface Water Discharge permit.


Fall Newsletter
November 10, 2008

The Fall City Newsletter has been mailed to all residents. A copy is available by clicking on the link located on the left side of the homepage. Please contact City Hall if you have any questions.


Police Department receives national recognition
March 17, 2008

The Vermillion Police Department received the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Recognition award at the commission's recent conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Vermillion is the second South Dakota law enforcement agency to meet CALEA standards. The Rapid City Police Department is a CALEA Accredited agency. To qualify for CALEA recognition, a law enforcement agency must meet 110 standards from the Standards for Law Enforcement Agencies accreditation manual. The standards address life, health and safety issues, critical legal issues and conditions that reduce risk and high liability exposure. In November 2007, a CALEA assessor spent four days with the Vermillion Police Department inspecting policies and procedures, interviewing staff and reviewing the operations of the Police Department to ensure compliance with all of the standards. The Police Chief then attended a hearing before CALEA commissioners who determined that the Vermillion Police Department qualified for the Recognition award.


DENR Recognizes the City of Vermillion Wastewater Treatment System for Operation and Maintenance Excellence
March 12, 2008

The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced that the City of Vermillion's wastewater treatment system is the recipient of the 2007 Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award. This award is for outstanding wastewater system operation and environmental compliance with its state surface water discharge permit for the past year. Qualifications for the Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award are based on a system's compliance with the state's environmental requirements, discharged water quality, monitoring reports, state inspections, and proper operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facility.


City receives infrastructure grant
September 25, 2007

The City of Vermillion has received notice of a $309,000 Community Development Block Grant award. The grant funding is to assist with the local cost of utility infrastructure work related to the reconstruction of Cherry Street. The SD DOT will be reconstructing Cherry Street from approximately Dakota Street east to the City limits in 2008. The remaining portion of Dakota Street will be reconstucted in 2009.


Swimming Pool Ordinance

The City of Vermillion's Code Compliance department would like to remind everyone that City Building Code requires a barrier around any swimming pool that contains over 24 inches of water. If the swimming pool wall is over 48 inches the ladder needs to be removed and the pool must be inaccessible if no one is around.


DENR Recognizes the City of Vermillion Public Water System For Drinking Water Compliance

The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced today that the City of Vermillion public water system and the system’s certified operators have been awarded a Drinking Water Certificate of Achievement Award. The award is for outstanding water system operations and environmental compliance with state drinking water standards for the past year. The system’s certified operators are Roger Hauger, Randy Isaacson, Thomas Kruse, Wade Mount, Terry Bernard, Gred Ballewaeg, Allen Clark, Curt Haakinson, and Joshua Balleweg. “Everyone in South Dakota who uses water from public drinking water systems expects that water to be safe and to meet all standards,” said DENR Secretary Steve Pirner. “DENR is proud to recognize those systems and operators who have achieved 100 percent compliance during the past year. To qualify for the Drinking Water Certificate of Achievement Award, systems and their operators had to meet all of the following requirements for 2006. · Compliance monitoring, · Drinking water standards, · Annual Drinking Water Report distribution, · Lead/copper action levels, and · Operator certification requirements.


Sump Pump Connection Notice

The Vermillion Wastewater Department would like to remind property owners to check their sump pump connection. Please check that it is working properly and discharging the water outside so the flow is away from the home or business. Any such water must be discharged outside so that the storm water system can receive it. When discharged into the sanitary sewer system, these waters cause an unnecessary hydraulic load to both the sanitary sewer system and the wastewater treatment facility and are a financial burden to the community. If you have any questions, please contact the Wastewater Facility at 677-7077. City Ordinance 756 (e) 1 reads: No person(s) shall discharge or cause to be discharged any unpolluted waters such as storm water, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, or cooling water to any sanitary sewer. Failure to do so may bring a penalty of up to $100 a day for non-compliance.


Vermillion Police Warn of Internet Scam

VERMILLION POLICE WARN OF INTERNET SCAM Vermillion – The Vermillion Police Department is warning people of recent internet scams. The department has seen an increase in the number of reports involving victims receiving emails, typically from suspects in Nigeria and England. The suspect sends a money order to the victim. The victim is told to cash the money order, keep a portion for themselves and send the remaining cash to the suspect. The money orders are counterfeit. If the money order is cashed the victim may be held responsible for the entire amount. The most recent case involved a Vermillion resident who received an email from a suspect describing himself as an artist residing in London. He claimed he was having difficulty cashing money orders in the United Kingdom from Americans sent to him for his products. He asked the victim to act as an agent for him by cashing money orders he would send to them. They were instructed to keep ten percent for themselves and send the remaining money to the suspect. In a subsequent email, the suspect provided two mailing addresses to the victim. Both addresses were in Nigeria. The victim received two money orders which they attempted to cash. The bank recognized the money orders were not authentic and referred the victim to the police. Police Chief Art Mabry states, “In these cases there are red flags we immediately see. The first is the origin of the email being either Nigeria or England. The second is the use of a money order. Third is the suspect gives the victim an excuse for contacting them and finally, its easy money for the victim.” Police state that all four indicators were apparent in the recent case but warn the two that have been present in all cases are the origin of the email being England or Nigeria and the use of a money order. In some cases, the victim is selling an item on the internet. The suspect states they want to purchase it with a money order. The suspect sends a counterfeit money order for more than the purchase price with instructions for the victim to send the extra funds to a shipper or other scam. Contacts: Art Mabry Detective Crystal Brady Chief of Police Vermillion Police Department City of Vermillion (677-7070) City of Vermillion (677-7070)


DENR Recognizes the City of Vermillion Wastewater Treatment System for Operation & Maintenance Excellence

The South Dakota Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced today that the City of Vermillion wastewater treatment system is the recipient of the 2006 Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award. This award is for outstanding wastewater system operations and environment compliance with its state surface water discharge permit for the past year. DENR is also recognizing the following certified wastewater operators for the excellent operation and maintenance of the City of Vermillion's wastewater system. Fred Balleweg, Paul Brunick, Robert Gilkyson, Roger Hauger, Bradley Swee and John Walker. The award was presented during the 2007 South Dakota Water and Wastewater Association Wastewater Operators Seminar held March 14-15, 2007 at the Crossroads in Huron. "This award recognizes the City of Vermillion's outstanding ability and continued dedication to provide South Dakota with the highest water quality possible," said DENR Secretary Steve Pirner. "The individuals associated with this award are an integral part in protecting our water for future generations. They should take great pride in receiving this award and let all of South Dakota applaud their efforts." Qualifications for the Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award are based on a system's compliance with the state's environmental requirements, discharged water quality, monitoring reports, state inspections and proper operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facility.


Recycling Trailers

Recycling trailers are now located at Pump and Pak and along East Main Street in the West parking lot of Vermillion High School. A recycling trailer is also availabe next to the Vermillion Liquor Store at 826 Cottage Avenue.