Rapid City Council Meeting Summary – September 21, 2026

The Rapid City Council met on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM (as implied by the transcript's opening). The meeting included an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, adoption of the agenda, two proclamations, public comments, approval of multiple consent items and non-consent resolutions, and an executive session. Notable actions included the approval of the Impact Endowment Fund's inaugural board members and authorization to hire outside counsel for utility collections, both over vocal opposition.

Proclamations

• Fall Prevention Awareness Week (September 21-25, 2026): Mayor Jason Solomon read the proclamation, citing South Dakota Department of Health data for 2024: 180 deaths, 1,649 hospitalizations, and 8,012 emergency department visits among older adults due to unintentional falls. The proclamation highlighted prevention strategies and recognized partners including the Rapid City Fire Department, Monument Health, and others.
• Suicide Prevention Month (September 2026): The mayor noted provisional national data showing 48,789 U.S. suicide deaths in 2025, making it the 11th leading cause of death. Pennington County experienced 45 suicide deaths in 2025 vs. 38 in 2024 (an 18% increase). A representative from Journey On and the Lost Team shared personal testimony, urging the community to "notice, ask, listen, and choose compassion."

Public Comments & Testimony

• William Wagner (resident): Opposed a proposed ordinance (likely related to data centers or water usage), arguing the city is breaching fiduciary trust by prioritizing industrial uses over domestic water. He cited South Dakota Codified Law 46-1-3 and 46-1-5, claiming water belongs to the people and domestic use has highest priority. He also criticized the city's water infrastructure losing 33% of treated water and objected to noise ordinances allowing 60 decibels for commercial operations near Black Gap.
• Unnamed resident (first-time speaker): Requested to be opted out of the Main Street Square tax, which they have paid for 14–15 years, citing perceived corruption and perks for the manager.
• Nevada Ellison (representing Black Hills Cannabis Care): Requested the council to honor the original 2021 medical cannabis dispensary lottery order. Noting that six of the 15 selected dispensaries never became operational, Ellison asked the city to award forfeited licenses to waiting-list applicants per state law and the Puffius case. They emphasized they are not asking for a new lottery or favoritism.
• James Piolato (resident): Made numerous allegations against council members and city staff, accusing councilor John Roberts of texting him, councilor Callie Meyer of telling police to suppress issues, councilor Greg Stroman of legal conflicts, and alleging forged documents filed by Stroman's firm. He demanded a bar complaint be filed or he would add names himself. He also called for dissolving Main Street Square and Visit Rapid City, and criticized the use of authority against citizens.
• James Bailata (public comment on item 14): Criticized the Impact Endowment Fund board as an "elite slush fund," questioning the purpose, selection process, and funding ($3 million), and whether board members are paid or will carry private insurance.

Discussion Items

• Item 14 – Impact Endowment Fund Inaugural Board Members: Motion to approve the initial board (Don Warren, Hanny Shaffee, Jim Skull, Kyle Wees, Marnie Herman, Paulette Davidson, Daniel Ainsley, Brianna Vandepole, Kristen Consett).
  • Councilor Evans opposed, stating the appointments are inappropriate and remove control from citizens who pay the tax; he urged tabling for more discussion.
  • Councilor Criss (Seacrist) defended the board, explaining the $3 million city allocation matched by a $500,000 John T. Vukhovich Foundation award (total $3.5 million) held by Black Hills Area Community Foundation. The board aims to raise the endowment to at least $6 million, ideally $10 million, to fund nonprofit capital projects.
  • Councilor Armstrong raised concerns about lack of transparency in selection (mayor's office reached out to individuals), lack of diversity (no middle-class or people of color), and that the funds ceased being taxpayer money per a prior council contract.
  • Mayor's office staff (Leah Braun) explained the RFP process, application window, and that some request after deadline was not considered for fairness.
  • Vote: Approved with two no's (Armstrong and Evans).
• Item 15 – Outside Counsel for Utility Collections: Motion to authorize staff to hire outside counsel for collection actions on certain unpaid utility accounts (related to Zadiq Rapid City Portfolio 1 LLC properties, including Star Village).
  • Councilor Armstrong moved to table, but the tabling motion failed (2-8). She then expressed concerns about escalating costs and the need for a working session to understand the situation.
  • Councilor Roberts argued that legal action is necessary because landlords ignore bills until forced; he supported the collection effort.
  • City Attorney Carla Cushman confirmed the agreement is hourly (not contingency) with a $50,000 cap, and that most debts are post-bankruptcy and collectible.
  • Councilor Evans expressed skepticism about the city's ability to match wealthy opponents' legal resources, predicting displacement of Star Village residents.
  • Vote: Approved with two no's (Evans and Armstrong).
• Item 24 – Historic Preservation Committee Reappointments: Reappointed Jen Johnson, Emily Calhoun, and Pat Roseland.
  • Councilor Evans opposed, arguing the committee has failed to protect historic structures (e.g., Rushmore Mutual Building, Christian Science Church, St. John's Church), not fulfilling state statutory duties.
  • Councilor Armstrong suggested the committee provide an update to council; Director Fisher noted a presentation is scheduled for December.
  • Vote: Approved with two no's (Strowman and Evans).
• Consent and Non-Consent Items:
  • Items 4–21 (consent calendar) approved with exceptions of 14 and 15.
  • Item 22 (rezoning request by Black Hills Area Community Foundation) approved unanimously.
  • Item 23 (FY2027 appropriation ordinance) approved with two no's (Strowman and Armstrong).
  • Item 25 (special event alcohol license for Firehouse Brewing at O'Hara Stadium on September 26, 2026) approved unanimously.
  • Items 26–27 (public hearings) approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Impact Endowment Fund Board Approved (9-2): The inaugural board members were confirmed, with opposition citing transparency and representation concerns.
• Collection Action Authorized (9-2): The city will hire outside counsel to pursue unpaid utility debts from Zadiq entities, with a $50,000 legal fee cap.
• Historic Preservation Reappointments Approved (7-2): Reappointments confirmed despite criticism of committee inaction.
• Executive Session Conducted: Council entered and exited executive session with no action reported.
• Bill List Approved: Bills for Main Street Square and Visit Rapid City totaling $173,63 and 24 cents (likely $173,063.24) were approved, with one abstention from Meyer.
• Next Steps: Historic Preservation Committee to present an update in December; future discussion on utility collection process may occur at a working session (as proposed by Armstrong, though not scheduled).