Spearfish City Council Study Session - October 28, 2026

The Spearfish City Council held a study session on October 28, 2026, primarily to review the upcoming City Council and Board of Adjustment agendas for November 2, 2026. No formal votes were taken, as this was a preparatory meeting. Staff presented several items planned for final action at the next regular council meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided comments, either in person or online.

Discussion Items

• Board of Adjustment Agenda (Nov. 2, 2026): Planning Technician Vaughn reviewed a variance request resulting from a right-of-way vacation. The Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions related to a ditch company easement. Council members discussed homeowner responsibility for potential damage.
• City Council Agenda (Nov. 2, 2026):
  • Consent Calendar: Included meeting minutes, the September Treasurer's Report, and an access agreement with the owner of 420 North Meyer to remove a hazardous cottonwood tree on city property using the owner's land. Rex explained the tree is dead and leaning.
  • Proclamation: VFW Buddy Poppy Day.
  • Added/Adjusted Wages: List of new wages for staff changes.
  • Community Development: Two final plats: 1) a combination of two lots in the ETJ (public hearing required, positive staff and planning commission recommendation); 2) Spring Creek Ranch LLC subdivision of ~120 acres into three large lots off Highway 85 North. A development agreement will formalize no city road maintenance obligation and require future improvements for further subdivision or commercial development.
  • Finance:
    • Renewal of 41 liquor and wine licenses (annual).
    • Transfer of $1,228,285.28 from the general fund to the second penny sales tax fund to pay off the 2015 sales tax refunding bond, as budgeted.
    • First reading of an ordinance to supplement the 2026 budget by $293,205.48 for a front-end loader with VPO attachment (originally budgeted for 2027).
    • Approval of a four-year managed print services contract with AB Business Solutions at $3,268.41/month (down from $4,015.16/month). The new contract pools all prints for flexibility; excess print fees still apply.
  • Fire Department:
    • Correcting an oversight to allow all eligible department members to receive negotiated wildland fire pay rates.
    • Approval of a $56,218.95 contract with Structural Dynamics to independently evaluate the fire training tower under construction at the old sawmill property. Staff identified installation issues and missing materials; the engineer will inspect the structure, recommend fixes, and provide inspection during restart.
    • Upfitting (lights, sirens, radios) for a Type 6 vehicle; one more phase (pumper) remains, and the total project is expected to come in under budget.
  • Parks: A short-term lease extension for the Northern Hills Chinook Hockey Club to continue operating a temporary ice rink at Hillsview property. The extension maintains current terms while a long-term lease is being developed (expected in one to two months). The club needs the long-term lease for fundraising.
  • Public Works:
    • Agreement with But Electric for electrical service at the sawmill property (~$130,000).
    • Acceptance of the downtown mill and overlay project to award an early completion bonus.
    • Final change order for the mainline pavement marking project: a decrease of $3,800.
    • Award of the 2027 biosolids hauling contract to Forton Trucking and Excavation for a little over $60,000 (two bidders, $8,000 difference).
    • Final change order for the Colorado Boulevard improvement project (dollar amount to be provided Monday).
  • Publication of Wages: No action required; for minutes compliance.
• Departmental Discussion: City Administrator Scott announced the State of the Community on November 5th and a meet-and-greet for the new city administrator at Hudson Hall from 4:30–6:00 PM. First round interviews for the Community Development Director position will occur the next day. An ETJ working group meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 30, at 10:00 AM at Hudson Hall.

Key Outcomes

• The council took no formal action; all items will be considered for final approval at the November 2, 2026 City Council meeting.
• Staff will finalize dollar amounts for certain public works change orders before the Monday agenda.
• The council was reminded of upcoming events (State of the Community, ETJ working group).