Watertown City Council Approves Haul Road Agreement for J&J Mining Operation
- Steve Jurrens
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday unanimously approved a haul road agreement between the City of Watertown and J&J Land Sales LLC, formalizing traffic routes, maintenance responsibilities, and enforcement procedures tied to the company’s newly approved mining operation on the city’s southeast side.
The agreement is required as part of the conditional use permit granted by the Board of Adjustment on June 18, following the property’s annexation and zoning into city limits on June 15.
Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten explained that the haul road agreement had been drafted in advance and was presented to both the property owner and the Board as part of the conditional use review.
“It outlines the agreements for the haul road… what maintenance activities they are partaking in as far as 3rd Avenue and 31st Street, trying to reduce any nuisances that those gravel roads may produce for residential properties,” Hanten told the council.
Primary Haul Route Set on 31st Street SE
Under the agreement, J&J Land Sales must direct all mining‑related truck traffic to 31st Street SE, traveling south toward Highway 212. Use of 3rd Avenue NE is restricted to detours, emergency conditions, or temporary written authorization from the City Engineer.
Councilman Brent Mohrmann emphasized the importance of clarifying the route for the public:
“The primary route that J&J will be hauling out of their gravel pit will be on 31st going south to Highway 212.”
Hanten confirmed: “Yep, as the primary route.”
Dust Control, Weight Limits, and Road Maintenance
The agreement requires J&J to implement dust‑control measures, including monthly calcium chloride applications during active hauling, and additional water or suppressant treatments as needed. Trucks must comply with all weight restrictions and traffic regulations.
Councilman Doug Allen raised concerns about truck traffic on 3rd Avenue, noting that Duininck Construction frequently uses the road.
Hanten clarified:
“It’s not between the city and Duininck… maintenance will be performed by J&J.”
City Manager Alan Stager added that while Duininck is not bound by the agreement, dust‑control measures required of J&J should help mitigate impacts from all truck traffic in the area.
It was also noted by Hanten that Duininck is still in the county and has not been annexed into city limits.
Allen also asked and confirmed whether weight limits were being changed.
“Correct. Through this agreement, no,” Hanten said.
Paving Requirements and Neighborhood Concerns
Allen questioned whether J&J was still required to pave the short section of 3rd Avenue adjacent to its property.
Hanten confirmed paving is required, and City Engineer Justin Petersen said it is expected to be completed this construction season:
“We expect it’ll be this fall sometime.”
Councilman Michael Heuer asked whether nearby homes with driveway issues had been addressed. Hanten said she was unsure. However, Allen responded that some asphalt work has been done, but he was uncertain what the extent of the work completed was.
Heuer also raised concerns about trucks without license plates using 3rd Avenue.
Hanten responded:
“That would be a direct call to the police department… they need to have license plates.”
She noted the agreement requires signage to ensure drivers understand the designated route.
Violation Process and Enforcement
City Attorney Lisa Carrico explained that violations of the haul road agreement directly affect the conditional use permit.
“Three or more documented violations within any twelve‑month period may constitute grounds for review, modification, suspension, or revocation,” Carrico said.
Violations would typically be reported by citizens and investigated by code enforcement or police.
Council Debate Ends After Procedural Intervention
As discussion expanded into unrelated topics, City Manager Stager asked whether he could “call the question,” noting the debate had drifted.
Mayor Ried Holien reminded the chamber that only elected officials may call the question, but Councilman Allen supported the motion after explaining his inquiries were an attempt to educate the public. The council voted unanimously to end debate and proceed to the final vote that was also passed unanimously.
As noted at the beginning of the meeting, Council members Dan Schutte and Lynn Jurrens were absent.
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