Spearfish City Council Regular Session - February 17, 2026

The Spearfish City Council held its regular session on February 17, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. Mayor John Senden presided. Council members Hafner, Klarenbeek, Myers, and Rath were present; Hourigan and Jacobs were absent. The meeting included an invocation by Pastor Randy Fett and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the January 28 study session and February 2 regular session.
• Added eight volunteers to the 2026 Recreation Center Volunteer list.
• Authorized the hiring of one police officer and two street technicians.
• Ratified the appointment of Melissa Currier to the Visit Spearfish Board of Directors.
• Approved the appointment of Ashton Allen and Alyssa Horseman to the Hotel Business Improvement District Board.
• Approved the January 31 Treasurer's Report.
• Approved Visit Spearfish event sponsorships: SD Cue Sports ($250) and the Queen City Classic Youth Basketball Tournament ($2,000).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mark Weber (229 St. Joe Street): Expressed significant frustration regarding the Stencil Group construction site on Hill Street, citing uncontrolled dust, debris runoff, and a lack of oversight. He also criticized the city's snow removal services, stating he must plow his own street for access while the new development receives priority plowing.
• Stan Tripplett (835 West Hill Street): Supported Weber's comments on construction site issues. He requested the Council allow for more direct dialogue and questions from the public during meetings.
• Doug Markworth (1912 Cowboy Lane): Sharply criticized Mayor Senden's actions regarding the former city administrator. He stated the Mayor gave the administrator a merit raise in January while knowing the administrator had retained an attorney in December and was seeking payment from the city, calling the actions "inexcusable" and asserting they cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars. He questioned the Mayor's judgment in hiring a new administrator.

Discussion Items

• City Attorney:
  • Ordinance 1416 (2nd Reading): Approved an ordinance amending Title III, Chapter 32 to comply with state statute on the hiring and appointment of a city administrator. Passed 4-0.
  • Letter of Support for Booth Society: Approved a letter supporting the installation of a well at the fish hatchery as an alternative water source to protect against invasive species. Passed 4-0.
• Finance:
  • Approved a special event malt beverage license for Crow Peak Brewing Company for the "Blues, Brews, & BBQ" fundraiser (March 19, 2026). Passed 4-0.
  • Held a public hearing and approved retail (on-off sale) licenses for Six Goats Tavern at 701 N. 5th Street. No public comments were received. Passed 4-0.
• Planning and Zoning:
  • Safety Action Plan (Resolution 2026-05): Community Development Director Peter Wysocki presented the plan. It is a non-binding, data-driven document to improve safety for all roadway users, funded by a $160,000 grant ($40,000 city match). Adoption qualifies the city for implementation grants. Public comments questioned the empirical data for specific interventions and the relationship between the plan and previous road designs. The Council adopted Resolution 2026-05, committing to a vision of zero traffic fatalities. Passed 4-0.
  • Ordinance 1417 (1st Reading): Approved the transfer of Lot 1 of the Wyatt Subdivision (36.83 acres) from the Rural Service District to the Urban Service District for taxation purposes. Estimated tax increase is approximately $411 per year. Passed 4-0.
• Public Works:
  • Private Hangar Ground Lease: Approved the assignment and assumption of lease for 436 Aviation Place. Passed 4-0.
  • Snow Removal Ordinance 1409 (1st Reading): Public Works Director Adam McMahon presented the ordinance to resolve contradictions with the 2010 initiated measure and provide funding flexibility. Public comment included opposition to the subscription model and criticism of the permissive language. Council member Klarenbeek warned of significant budget implications. The ordinance passed 3-1, with Council member Myers dissenting.
  • BUILD Grant: Authorized staff to apply for a BUILD Grant for the Colorado Boulevard corridor project (Exit 14 to 17), estimated at $46 million. City match will utilize TIF funds. Passed 4-0.
  • Vehicle and Equipment Purchase: Approved $87,463.09 for an SEV and a forklift, as budgeted. Passed 4-0.
  • HDR Engineering Proposal: Approved $7,040 for grant assistance with the BUILD Grant application. Passed 4-0.
• Bill List: Approved the bill list dated February 17, 2026, totaling $792,847.06. A budget supplement will be required for a 2025 bucket truck delivered in 2026.

Departmental Discussion & Key Outcomes

• The Safety Action Plan and BUILD Grant application were major policy advances, ensuring eligibility for future state and federal funding.
• The Snow Removal ordinance advanced on a divided vote, with a subscription service rollout planned for the spring.
• Staff directed to advertise the snow removal subscription service in the coming weeks.
• Joint meeting with the City Planning Commission scheduled for March 17, 2026.
• Mayor Senden committed to providing a written response to the public's questions and to focusing on community unity.