Rapid City Council Meeting - October 6, 2026

The Rapid City Council met on October 6, 2026, with Mayor Jason absent. The meeting opened with an invocation and pledge, followed by awards, public comment, consent agenda, non-consent items including a debated AI policy resolution, and public hearings including a contentious triplex appeal. The council recognized a hometown hero and a sustainability partner, debated AI governance, and voted to allow a triplex development over neighborhood opposition.

Awards & Recognition

• Hometown Hero Award: Jameson Mallon Eccles, a South Dakota Mines football captain, was honored for rescuing three teenagers from a burning car in Houston on June 11, 2026. He ran toward the crash, helped extract the teens, and carried them to safety moments before the car was engulfed.
• Goodwill of the Great Plains Sustainability Award: Recognized for recycling services, including e-waste (2,000 pounds at Earth Day Expo), and annual recycling of 221,000 pounds of textiles and 6,000 pounds of paper at two Rapid City stores. The organization is also prototyping battery recycling.
• Personal Privilege: Councilor Strowman noted Rapid City was recognized for the best-tasting water in the state for the 24th out of the last 25 years, commending the water department.

Consent Calendar

• Items 3 through 46 were approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment: William Wagner opposed a proposed data center (Secretor/Janus AI) expansion, alleging a 50% infrastructure creep from 10 MW to 15 MW. He argued that high-density AI computing (20-40+ kW per rack) would spike water and electricity consumption, violating South Dakota water laws (SDCL 46-1-3 and 46-1-5). He also demanded unweighted sound measurements for low-frequency and infrasound vibrations. His time expired before council response.
• Non-Consent Public Comment (Item 49): Jordan Mason, former council member and now AI developer, opposed the proposed AI policy resolution. He argued the four-page document contains undefined terms (e.g., "AI tools," "sensitive data"), could penalize employees using common AI features, and fails to address autonomous AI systems already in use (e.g., grid balancing, 911 dispatch). He recommended voting no and using National League of Cities toolkits to create a clearer policy.
• Public Hearing Comment (Item 58): Multiple neighbors spoke against the proposed triplex at 401 Hanover Drive:
  • Clayton Severson: argued the three-unit building (six parking spaces, no garage) would create congestion, make the neighborhood unsightly, and lower property values. He called the housing shortage justification "lame."
  • Wes Habiger: cited parking issues on the 30-foot street, fire hydrant and postal pedestal across the street, and said a triplex does not fit the single-family neighborhood.
  • Paula Habiger: presented a map showing single-family homes on Hanover Street versus nearby apartments on Winfield Street; expressed concern about emergency vehicle access during softball tournaments.
• Steve Anderson (father of applicant Caleb Brooks): countered that the lot is zoned MDR (duplex), and a triplex would actually have fewer bedrooms (6 vs. 8) than a duplex. He noted the proposed drive aisle improves traffic safety by preventing backing into the street, and that soil conditions require deep foundations. He asked the council to uphold the planning commission's approval.

Discussion Items

• Item 49 – AI Policy Resolution (LF093026-02):

  • Councilor Meyer expressed concerns about ambiguous language ("human oversight," "appropriate disclosure") and warned against outsourcing decision-making to AI, noting AI does not think and can create confirmation bias.
  • Councilor Armstrong questioned Director Gilbert and City Attorney Carla Cushman. Gilbert explained the resolution is a high-level guide; a detailed toolkit for employees is near completion. He noted the policy aims to protect data and is focused on generative AI, with agentic AI to be addressed later. Cushman suggested an alternative motion to direct staff to draft a more thorough policy.
  • Councilor Roberts made a substitute motion to direct staff to bring a more robust AI usage document, stating the current resolution lacks defined terms. Councilor Strowman and Evans supported, with Evans criticizing putting "the cart before the horse."
  • The substitute motion passed unanimously.

• Item 58 – Triplex Appeal (26 PD 016):

  • The appeal challenged the planning commission's approval of a major amendment to a planned development overlay to allow a triplex on a lot with a 75-foot frontage (requiring 100 feet). Staff found the triplex consistent with medium-density residential zoning, promotes infill development, and is not injurious to the area.
  • Councilor Evans opposed, arguing the triplex would stick out among single-family homes and prioritizing maximum rent over neighborhood character. He said "just because you can do something doesn't mean you should."
  • Councilor Armstrong asked community development, fire, and police about parking and safety. Director Fisher confirmed the site provides six off-street parking spots (five required), vehicles must enter forward, and the street meets local road standards (26-foot pavement). Fire and police chiefs stated no safety concerns and that on-street parking during events is manageable.
  • Councilor Strowman cited staff findings that the triplex is harmonious with the area and supported the development.
  • Councilor Roberts opposed due to lack of garages and the amount of concrete, noting the neighborhood's 20-year PUD history to limit density.
  • The council voted on a motion to deny the appeal (allowing the triplex). After confusion, the clerk clarified the roll call: 7 votes in favor, 3 opposed. The motion passed, upholding the planning commission's decision and permitting the triplex.

Executive Session

• The council entered executive session under SDCL 1-25-2 (consultation with legal counsel on pending litigation). They later exited and adjourned.

Key Outcomes

• AI Policy: The council voted to direct staff to draft a more comprehensive AI usage document instead of passing the current resolution. The motion passed without opposition.
• Triplex Appeal: The appeal was denied 7-3, allowing construction of a triplex at 401 Hanover Drive with six parking spaces and forward-entry access.
• Other Non-Consent Items: All were approved, including rezoning (item 47), supplemental appropriations totaling $7,202,497.23 (item 48), a preliminary subdivision plan (item 50), and a special event liquor license (item 51).
• Consent Items/Public Hearings: Items 52-55 approved on consent; items 56 and 57 (right-of-way vacation and rezoning) approved individually.