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Watertown City Council to Consider New Road Maintenance Agreement with Sheridan Township

Memorandum of Understanding document with Northeast Radio SD logo on a wooden desk, beside glasses, books and a fountain pen.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday will consider approval of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sheridan Township that formally outlines how the two jurisdictions will share responsibility for maintaining roads, rights‑of‑way, and bike paths along their shared boundary.


City Manager Alan Stager submitted the agreement, which replaces earlier versions signed in 1990 and 1994. The updated MOU is designed to clarify maintenance duties as Watertown continues to annex property and expand its transportation network.


According to the document, the MOU:

·        Establishes a biennial update of Exhibit A, the map identifying joint‑jurisdictional roads.

·        Assigns the City responsibility for all roads within or adjacent to newly annexed areas, including any future annexations.

·        Requires both parties to coordinate on permits for utilities, roadway approaches, and improvements.

·        Specifies that any roadway modifications required because of annexation—such as traffic signals at major intersections—will be paid for by the City or the applicable developer.

·        Defines shared responsibilities for certain roads, including 175th Street (Landfill Road) and 29th Street SE, where the City will provide gravel and blading during summer months while the Township continues mowing, plowing, and culvert maintenance.

·        Continues long‑standing landfill access privileges for Sheridan Township residents and farm units dating back to October 1, 1994, allowing disposal of customary household refuse at no charge.

·        Grants permission for the City and U.S. Geological Survey to maintain a stream gaging station within Township right‑of‑way.

·        Clarifies that all other roads remain under the maintenance responsibility of whichever jurisdiction they fall within.


The MOU also includes indemnification provisions and a “funding‑out” clause, allowing either governing body to terminate the agreement if future funding is not approved.

The item appears on the regular agenda, meaning council members may discuss or amend the agreement before voting.


The Watertown City Council meets Monday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

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