Spearfish City Council Regular Session - March 16, 2026

The Spearfish City Council convened for its regular session on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 5:37 PM. Mayor Senden led the meeting, which featured significant public testimony regarding city transparency, approval of the fire training tower bid, and a detailed debate over solid waste fees leading to the denial of a proposed fee elimination. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.

Consent Calendar

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the February 25 study session and the March 2 regular session, temporary and permanent construction easements for the Mason Street Project (#2414), and the February 28 Treasurer's Report.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mark Watson (Editor, Black Hills Pioneer) criticized the timeliness and effectiveness of the city's new communication protocols. He stated that questions sent on a Friday would not receive answers until after the Monday council meeting, and that the study session and regular council agendas were significantly different, containing major items the public had interest in. He provided the Green Acres road project as an example where his calls to council representatives were met with extremely limited responses, calling for a more direct two-way street in communication.
• Jeremy Smith (287 Evans Lane) expressed that public engagement on large-scale plans, specifically the Comprehensive Plan and public works projects, often felt like a one-way street. He noted that public comments submitted during formal comment periods rarely seemed to be incorporated or discussed in a public setting and requested a better feedback mechanism for the public to see how their input was addressed.
• Carolyn Ferrell (Executive Director, D.C. Booth Society) expressed gratitude to the city attorney and staff for the collaborative process in finalizing the 10-year agreement between the City and the Booth Society.
• Doug Markworth (Cowboy Lane) gave two public comments. On the fire training tower, he argued the lower-than-estimated bid contradicted previous statements that city projects must be done immediately to avoid higher future costs. On the branch fee item, he questioned the accuracy of the $15,000 annual revenue estimate, warned against establishing an "if I don't use it, I shouldn't pay" precedent for municipal services (citing city support for the Opera House), and flagged the risk of increased illegal dumping if disposal costs increased.
• Stan Triplett (835 West Hill Street) asked for clarification on the full cost of the fire training tower project, noting the combination of the previously purchased building package and the construction bid, and confirmed with staff that materials testing would occur throughout the duration of construction.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Communication Update: Mayor Senden outlined a new process for public engagement, allowing citizens to submit questions by noon on the meeting day via email to the executive assistant or mayor. The stated goal is to ensure transparency on financial matters and allow department heads to prepare public responses, addressing concerns about the accessibility of information.
• Added & Adjusted Wages (Item 9): The council approved wage additions and adjustments for a new Community Service Officer position and a Wastewater Treatment Operator II who obtained Class II certification, both as budgeted for 2026. (Motion passed 6-0).
• City Agreement with D.C. Booth Society (Item 10): The council approved a new 10-year agreement with the D.C. Booth Society governing the use of the Volunteer Village at the campground and other cooperative activities. The agreement includes an auto-renewal provision. (Motion passed unanimously).
• Infrastructure Dedication & Plat Approvals (Items 11A, 11B): The council approved the dedication of storm sewer improvements at 1705 North Avenue to the city and a preliminary plat for Block 2 of Elkhorn Ridge Golf Estates, which will allow for future development including potential multifamily construction.
• Fire Training Tower Project (Items 11C, 11D): The council awarded the construction bid for the fire training tower to American Contracting & Consulting LLC at a total cost of $427,600, significantly below the engineer's estimate of $642,000. Staff attributed the low pricing to a highly competitive bidding climate and provided positive reference checks. A separate contract for construction materials testing was awarded to American Engineering Testing for $9,665. (Both motions passed 6-0).
• Special Exception for Peaceful Pines (Item 11E): Council approved a special exception to the subdivision ordinance, allowing the developer of a 94-unit multifamily complex to construct public improvements concurrently with building structures. The improvements are backed by a 120% performance bond, and certificates of occupancy will not be issued until infrastructure is completed and accepted by the city. (Motion passed unanimously).
• Administrative Fee Transfers (Item 12A): The council authorized quarterly administrative fee transfers for personnel and IT costs across enterprise funds. Finance Officer DeNeui noted a waiver of fees from the Downtown Parking Fund for the first two quarters of 2026 while the parking enforcement position was vacant. (Motion passed 6-0).
• Branch Fees at Restricted Use Site (Item 13E): Public Works Director McMahon proposed eliminating fees for branches at the Restricted Use Site, estimating a $15,000 annual revenue loss. Finance Officer DeNeui strongly recommended against the elimination, citing state standards requiring enterprise funds to be self-sufficient. Councilmember Jacobs moved to deny the fee change, seconded by Councilmember Hafner. The motion to deny the fee change to $0 passed 5-1, keeping the existing fees in place. Councilmember Rath expressed support for a separate cost analysis of the rubble site during the 2027 budget process.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
• Added & Adjusted Wages (Item 9): Approved (6-0).
• D.C. Booth Society Agreement (Item 10): Approved unanimously.
• Fire Training Tower Construction (Item 11C): Awarded to American Contracting & Consulting LLC ($427,600). Approved (6-0).
• Fire Training Tower Testing (Item 11D): Awarded to American Engineering Testing ($9,665). Approved (6-0).
• Special Exception Peaceful Pines (Item 11E): Approved unanimously.
• Administrative Fee Transfers (Item 12A): Approved (6-0).
• Joy of Broadway Wine License (Item 12B): Approved unanimously.
• Public Works Easements & Letters (Items 13A-13D): All approved unanimously.
• Branch Fee Elimination (Item 13E): Denied (5-1). Existing fees for branches at the Restricted Use Site remain in effect. A separate cost analysis for the rubble site will be pursued during the 2027 budget process.
• Bill List (Item 14): Approved (6-0) for $770,240.12.