Rapid City Council Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Rapid City Council met on the evening of April 20, 2026, continuing into the early hours of April 21, 2026. The meeting included a proclamation for National Volunteer Week, public comment on various issues, approval of a backyard hens ordinance (second reading), creation of a tax increment financing district, and several rezoning items. Notable votes included a 6-4 approval of the hens ordinance and a 9-1 approval of the TIF district.

Proclamation

• National Volunteer Week: Mayor Jason Solomon proclaimed April 19–25, 2026, as National Volunteer Week. Brad from Helpline 211 accepted the proclamation, noting that South Dakota ranks among the top six states for formal volunteering, with over 37% of South Dakotans volunteering through organizations and over 57% providing assistance to neighbors.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2 through 23 were approved as a consent agenda, with the exception of Item 14. Item 14 (Resolution 2026-024, levying assessment for nuisance abatement) was pulled by Councillor Lehman because the property owner (Gamma Epsilon Corporation, Tax ID 74797) had paid the assessment earlier that day. The council then voted to remove that item and approve the rest.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chet Ellsworth expressed support for Kathy Howard (referred to as "Taffy") in her role, criticizing efforts to censure her and citing concerns about accountability and missing money. He argued that opposing her job performance could constitute treasonous activity.
• Andrea Lee raised concerns about the closure of the men's mission (May 5–24) and the women's and children's shelter (entire month of May) for cleaning and renovations. She noted that the church response may still be available but questioned where homeless individuals would go, as Care Campus was unaware of being volunteered to fill the gap.
• Angelo Sherald criticized city ordinances regarding fire pits, stating that state law allows a 10-foot setback from structures, but Rapid City recently passed a 25-foot requirement. He alleged targeting and threatened legal challenges.
• Public Comment on Backyard Hens (Item 24): Multiple speakers urged the council to pass the ordinance allowing hens on residential properties:
  • David Holland (spokesperson for Rapid City Hens) reported that more than two dozen South Dakota communities already allow hens and that they have had few issues. He offered to answer questions about ordinances in a three-state area.
  • Hendrix Isaiah Jones (age 16) spoke as a student advocate, citing benefits such as eggs, educational value, and breaking stigma. He noted that cities like Aberdeen, Sturgis, and Lead allow hens, and argued that chickens are not inherently dirty or loud.
  • Kemberley Wallace (former volunteer coordinator) emphasized the community effort behind the proposal and urged council to consider the dedication of proponents.
  • Nick Schmidt (veterinarian) stated that his clinic and others are prepared to treat chickens, and that with proper ordinances (no roosters, predator-proof coops) complaints are minimal, as seen in Elk Point.
  • April Malik (culinary arts teacher) supported the ordinance for food sovereignty and security, and noted that urban farming and egg production can benefit lower-income families.
  • Laura Peening (briefly reiterated support).
  • Julie Smorgowitz highlighted food security concerns, referencing egg shortages due to bird flu and the lack of large-scale egg producers in western South Dakota. She urged the council to be "good eggs" and pass the ordinance.
  • Kathy Thrash (Sustainability Committee member) called the timing perfect (National Volunteer Week, Cleanup Week, Earth Day) and asked the council to imagine the best-case scenario.
  • Jillian Gosmala (first-time attendee) dispelled myths about chickens (noise, disease), noting that they eat ticks and mosquitoes, and that dogs are far more disruptive. She emphasized the "can-do spirit" of Rapid City.
• Public Comment on TIF District (Item 25): Dana Foreman (DGR Engineering) spoke in support of the Pennington County TIF District #8, noting the development includes arterial roads, turning lanes, signal improvements, and a roundabout. He stated the TIF support is needed to make the multi-use development viable.

Discussion Items

• Item 24: Second Reading of Ordinance 6713 (Backyard Hens): The council discussed and voted on the ordinance. Councillor Lehman voted no; others expressed support. The motion passed 6-4. (Roll call: Cris, Bieberdorf, Teming, Evans, Meyer, Maher voted yes; Pettigrew, Lehman, Roberts, Stroman voted no.)
• Item 25: Resolution 2026-031 (Pennington County TIF District #8): Councillor Maher moved approval, noting the developer from Omaha has strong plans for the area, including widening Fifth Street and Black Hills Boulevard, and that the development will provide retail space and open up future development. The motion passed 9-1, with only Councillor Pettigrew opposed.
• Item 26: Malt Beverage and Farm Wine Renewals: Approved unanimously.
• Public Hearing Items 27–30: All rezoning requests were approved unanimously without discussion:
  • Item 27: Rezone 3050 Jolly Lane from No Use to Low Density Residential District 1.
  • Item 28: Same property to General Commercial District.
  • Item 29: South of Cadillac Drive and Diamond Ridge Boulevard from General Agricultural to Low Density Residential District 2.
  • Item 30: 2526 Marlin Drive from General Commercial to Light Industrial District.

Executive Session

• The council moved into executive session to discuss the qualifications, competence, performance, character, or fitness of a public officer or employee, pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2.1. The motion passed unanimously. After returning, the meeting moved to the bill list.

Key Outcomes

• Backyard Hens Ordinance (Ordinance 6713) passed 6-4, authorizing the keeping of hens on certain residential properties in Rapid City.
• Pennington County TIF District #8 (Resolution 2026-031) approved 9-1, supporting a large multi-use development with infrastructure improvements.
• Liquor license renewals for 2026 and 2027 approved subject to police and fire department approval.
• Four rezoning requests approved (Items 27-30) as second readings.
• Item 14 (nuisance assessment) removed from consent agenda after payment was made.
• Executive session held regarding personnel matters; no action reported after returning.