Spearfish City Council Study Session - September 16, 2026

The Spearfish City Council held a study session on September 16, 2026, at 4:15 PM in the Council Chambers. Council President Myers called the meeting to order with all council members present (Mayor Senden, Hafner, Hourigan, Jacobs, Klarenbeek, Myers, Rath). Staff present included the city attorney, finance officer, public works director, community development director, library director, police chief, parks and recreation director, human resource director, and others. The agenda was approved unanimously on a motion by Hafner and second by Jacobs. The council reviewed the draft regular session agenda for September 21, 2026, and discussed several operational items and departmental updates.

Public Comments

• A public comment period was opened at 4:40 PM and closed with no comments received.

Discussion Items

• Library Carpet and Furniture Replacement: Library Director Amber Wilde presented plans to replace the library carpet (budgeted in 2027) and use the opportunity to update furniture. The project includes modular, wheeled furniture that can be repurposed in a future expansion, replacement of the aging circulation and reference desk, additional study rooms with acoustic surrounds, cafe-style tables, and larger chairs. The library board authorized using $200,000 from the library gift fund. Wilde estimated the fund has over $400,000 remaining. Council member Hourigan inquired about the remaining balance. Jacobs expressed support, noting heavy community use. The $200,000 will be included in a budget supplement ordinance for first reading on September 21.
• PSAP Consolidation with Lawrence County: Human Resource Director Jody Mathis presented several items related to the transition of dispatch services to Lawrence County. These included: (1) hiring Frances Beaglin through the county with the city reimbursing costs (approximately $7,447 per month, total ~$25,000 through December 26, 2026); (2) authorizing a policy exception for sick leave payout for Brian Glassburg (~$3,900) because he will be 40 days short of seven years of service at the transfer date; (3) authorizing insurance coverage for transferring officers until coverage begins at Lawrence County on February 1, 2027 (~$3,400, depending on coverage level); (4) allowing three officers to retain city recreation memberships; and (5) authorizing cash conversion of accrued leave for employees transferring to the county. These items require council approval on September 21. Police Chief Smith and City Attorney McDonald provided updates on the transition timeline, noting a soft launch on September 13 and full transfer by December 27, 2026. Council members expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the city and county.
• Safety Stand Down Day: Parks and Recreation Director Rex McDonald (also safety coordinator) announced the biennial Safety Stand Down Day on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 8 AM to 2 PM. The event includes a guest speaker, review of safety incidents, and introduction of new policies. City offices, the library, and the rec center will be closed during that period (rec center opens at 5:30 AM, closes 8 AM-2 PM, reopens 2-8 PM; library closed 8 AM-2 PM, reopens 2-7 PM; city hall closed 8 AM-2 PM). No changes to trash collection or the rubble site. Mayor Senden praised the event for staff engagement and camaraderie.
• Lookout Mountain Fire Update: Director McDonald reported that Lookout Mountain reopened for recreational use on September 16 except for the burn area, which remains closed due to hot spots monitored by drone. The fire is 100% contained and controlled. Staff are working with South Dakota Wildland Fire on rehabilitation. Council President Myers asked about a fire on Spearfish Mountain; McDonald responded it was caused by lightning, quickly contained, and is no longer active.
• Downtown Mill and Overlay Project: Public Works Director Adam McMahon noted a public service announcement was released September 15 regarding the tentative schedule to begin the downtown mill and overlay on September 28, closing three blocks for one week. The contractor has coordinated with the Downtown Business Association. Another PSA will be sent when the schedule is finalized. Council members expressed support for the expedited full-closure approach.
• Public Works Bid Items: McMahon presented a bid opening for snow removal and snow hauling services, a final change order for the Spearfish Creek Bank stabilization project (small amount), and a resolution to apply for a state transportation alternatives grant for a rec path connecting North Canyon Street to the elementary school. The grant application deadline is October 1. Council member Jacobs asked about the change order; McMahon explained it adjusts field-measured quantities. The snow hauling contract is being put out for bid due to increasing costs and to stay within bid limits.
• Budget and Ordinances: Finance Officer Michelle DeNeui (participating remotely) reminded the council that the second reading of Ordinance 1431 (2027 Appropriations) is on Monday, September 21. The packet includes a first reading of an ordinance to supplement the rec center and police department budgets for previously approved camera programs, funded by removing unneeded budget authority from the streets department (zero net increase), plus $200,000 for the library upgrades. Council members can email questions.
• New City Administrator: Council President Myers welcomed Peter Wysocki as the new city administrator. An employment contract is being finalized and will be presented on September 21. Council members congratulated Wysocki and expressed excitement about working with him.

Key Outcomes

• The draft agenda for the September 21 regular session was reviewed; no changes were recommended.
• The library gift fund supplement of $200,000 for furniture and carpet replacement will be included in a budget ordinance for first reading on September 21.
• The PSAP consolidation items (HR recommendations) will be voted on at the September 21 regular meeting.
• The resolution to apply for the state transportation alternatives grant for the rec path will be considered on September 21.
• The Safety Stand Down Day schedule was announced; closures will occur as described on September 23.
• Lookout Mountain is reopened except for the burn area; further rehabilitation plans are pending.
• The downtown mill and overlay project is scheduled for the week of September 28, weather permitting.
• No public comments were made.
• The meeting adjourned at 4:47 PM on a motion by Rath and second by Jacobs.