Spearfish City Council Study Session

The Spearfish City Council held a study session on January 28, 2026 at 4:15 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by President Jacobs. Council members present: Mayor Senden, Hafner, Hourigan, Jacobs, Klarenbeek, Myers, and Rath. City staff present: City Attorney Knox, Finance Officer DeNeui, Public Works Director McMahon, Community Development Director Wysocki, Police Chief Smith, City Engineer Mathis, Assistant Public Works Director Caron, Assistant Planning Director Ecker, and Public Works Project Engineer Larson. A moment of silence was held in remembrance of Lawrence County Commissioner Richard Sleep. The council approved the agenda unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the meeting agenda as presented.

Review of City Council Agenda

• The council reviewed the draft agenda for the February 2, 2026 regular meeting. At the request of Council Member Myers, an item regarding snow removal was added to that agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• During the discussion of the Safety Action Plan, public comments were received. Rosalie Aslesen (1810 St. Joe Street) praised the recommendations but requested additional attention to deer safety and speeding on Hillsview Road, urging a flashing speed sign. Stanley Triplett (also cited as "Stanford" in the transcript; 835 West Hill Street) questioned whether the study accounted for new apartment buildings on Hill Street and inquired about traffic monitoring during demonstration projects. Joe Jorgensen (1905 Stage Barn Circle) supported the proposed pedestrian path near Hillsview and Stage Barn Circle and questioned the need for medians on North Avenue.
• During the general public comment period, Joe Jorgensen spoke again, supporting holding the liquor licenses, suggesting the city not hire ICE officers (a topic not on the agenda), and advocating for free branch disposal at the restricted use site.

Discussion Items

Draft Spearfish Safety Action Plan

• Assistant Planning Director Ecker and consultant Scott Harmstead presented the draft plan, funded through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) federal grant program. The plan aims to achieve zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Goals include a 50% or more reduction in crashes of all modes from the 2020–2024 baseline, aiming for three or fewer annual fatalities/serious injuries by 2040, and a 50% reduction in non-motorized crashes to one or less per year by 2040. The presentation covered the high-injury network and specific engineering countermeasures.
  • North Avenue Medians: Proposed from Yankee Street to Kansas Street at a cost of $1.25 million, with a crash reduction factor up to 39%.
  • North Avenue Sidewalk: Sidewalk connection from Hillsview to Rushmore Street.
  • Main Street/Colorado Boulevard Stripping: Change from four lanes to three lanes with a center turn lane, proposed as a temporary demonstration project. The three-lane configuration has a capacity of about 20,000 vehicles per day, compared with current volumes of 10,000–12,000.
  • Hillsview Road Improvements: Pedestrian crossing improvements, refuge islands, and ADA upgrades near the high school.
  • King Street Area: Flashing signage and relocation of a crosswalk near the elementary school.
  • Paved Path to Creekside School: A 10-foot-wide paved path from Canyon Street to the school, on school district property.
  • Colorado Boulevard: Long-term improvements tied to a separate BUILD grant application for up to $25 million (total project estimated at $42 million). Council discussed the need for a prioritization matrix. Ecker noted the plan must be adopted soon to meet federal grant deadlines, but adoption does not obligate implementation; future implementation grants would require council approval.

Revenue at Restricted Use Site from Branch Disposal

• Public Works Director McMahon presented data on branch fee revenue. In 2025, site revenue totaled approximately $127,000; personnel costs were about $89,000. Branch revenue averaged 10% of total site revenue, or about $13,000 in 2025. Waiving branch fees would require offsetting revenue losses, with considerations including the county’s participation agreement and the labor-intensive nature of branch disposal. The council did not recommend any changes.

Police Officer Positions

• Police Chief Smith requested funding for three unfunded police officer positions. The department currently has 22 sworn officers, down from 25 in 2015; only about 10 officers are on patrol. The city population is approximately 14,000 (serviceable population ~20,000). Only two officers are on duty per shift. Calls for service and violent crimes have risen. Overtime in 2025 was $142,000. Funding three positions would cost up to $309,000 in 2026, though actual costs would be lower due to hiring lead times. The cost per officer is approximately $103,000 including benefits. Chief Smith highlighted two strong candidates currently in background checks and stressed the need to avoid officer burnout. The council expressed support, and the item will appear on the February 2 agenda for action.

Ordinance No. 1415 – Health and Sanitation; Nuisances

• Chief Smith introduced two amendments to Chapter 92. First, adding height limitations for tree branches over vehicular rights-of-way (14–18 feet). Second, creating Section 92.24 requiring maintenance of vacant lands for weed and vegetation control to mitigate fire risk. The ordinance is on the February 2 agenda for adoption, and Code Enforcement Officer Jade Addison will be available for questions.

Available Off-Sale and On-Sale Liquor Licenses

• Finance Officer DeNeui reported that two liquor licenses (one off-sale at a $100,000 minimum bid, one on-sale at $300,000) were offered twice without receiving any bids. Council Member Claire advised holding the licenses rather than lowering prices. The council decided to shelve the sale for six months and track inquiries. DeNeui will monitor interest.

Departmental Discussion

• Community Development Director Wysocki announced that the Building Board of Appeals will hold its first meeting next week to adopt bylaws and elect officers.
• Finance Officer DeNeui stated that the audit services contract from Ketel Thorstenson for the 2025 financial audit will be added to the February 2 agenda.
• City Attorney Knox reported that ordinance revisions for the Building Board of Appeals are being prepared, and a draft ordinance for the Art in Public Places Committee has been circulated internally for review.

Key Outcomes

• Police Funding: The council will consider authorizing funding for three police officer positions at the February 2 regular meeting.
• Liquor Licenses: The city will shelve the two available liquor licenses for six months; staff will track inquiries and report back.
• Safety Action Plan: The plan is scheduled for adoption in the near future; council discussed developing a scoring matrix for project prioritization.
• Ordinance 1415: Will be presented for adoption on February 2.
• Branch Disposal Fee: No change to the current fee structure was recommended.
• Executive Session: The council held an executive session (pursuant to SDCL § 1-25-2(3)) for legal consultation from 6:10 PM to 6:50 PM. The meeting adjourned at 6:51 PM.