Watertown City Council Approves Elmira Township Road Maintenance Changes After J&J Gravel Pit Annexation
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Tuesday approved an amendment to its road maintenance Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Elmira Township, updating jurisdictional responsibilities following recent annexations and a request from township officials. The vote came without discussion after a brief presentation from City Engineer Justin Petersen.
The MOU, originally adopted a little over a year ago, outlines how the City of Watertown and Elmira Township divide maintenance duties for roads that cross or border the city limits. According to the agenda document, the agreement covers
“the care and upkeep of the roadway, right of way, and associated bike paths including bridges, drainage structures, culverts, roadway and bike path surfacing to include overlays, chip seals, crack seals and total reconstruction as required.”
Annexation of J&J Gravel Pit Prompted Review
Petersen told the council that the amendment was necessary due to changes in jurisdiction brought on by the city’s annexation of the J&J gravel pit.
“Recently, with the annexation of J&J’s gravel pit, we’ve reviewed that,” Petersen said. “So this MOU has been modified to include the 31st Street to the end to be maintained by the city because that’s now in city limits.”
The attached MOU confirms that 31st Street NE north of 3rd Avenue NE to the end of the road will now fall under full city maintenance responsibility, including dust control, plowing, and right‑of‑way upkeep. Future paving, curb and gutter, and sidewalk installation will remain the responsibility of adjacent landowners.
Elmira Township Requested Additional Change
Petersen also noted that Elmira Township asked the city to assume maintenance of a half‑mile stretch of 26th Avenue NW between Highway 81 and 2nd Street NW, located northwest of River Ridge.
“Elmira Township also requested a half-mile section of 26th Avenue North between 2nd Street and Highway 81 that is kind of northwest of River Ridge in that area,” Petersen said. “And we bring that request forward for council consideration.”
The MOU amendment reflects that change, stating:
“26th Avenue NW between US Highway 81 and 2nd Street NW: the CITY will assume maintenance, dust control, and plowing.”
Broader Agreement Structure Remains in Place
The amendment does not alter the underlying structure of the Elmira Township MOU, which requires the city and township to update Exhibit A every two years to reflect annexations and maintenance changes. The agreement also reiterates that any road modifications required due to annexation—such as traffic signals at major intersections—are the financial responsibility of the city or the applicable developer.
The motion was made by Councilman Brent Mohrmann and seconded by Councilman Lynn Jurrens.
With no comments or questions from council members, Holien called for the vote. The motion passed unanimously.
The next biennial update to Exhibit A is scheduled for February 2027 unless additional annexations or roadway changes require earlier review.
