Spearfish Planning Commission Regular Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Spearfish Planning Commission met in regular session at 4:00 p.m. on February 17, 2026, in the Council Chambers of City Hall and via Zoom. Present were Tysdal, Moths, Bordewyk, Davison, and Byrum. Absent were Duncan and Wilde. Staff present included Community Development Director Peter Wysocki and Planning Technician Vasiliki Pistoftzian. The meeting was adjourned at 5:02 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved as presented (motion by Davison, second by Moths; passed 4-0).
• February 3, 2026 regular meeting minutes approved as presented (motion by Moths, second by Bordewyk; passed 4-0).
• No conflicts of interest were declared.

Action Item: Elkhorn Ridge Golf Estates Block 2 Preliminary Plat

• Applicant: Elkhorn Ridge @ Frawley Ranches LLC. Staff presented the request for a preliminary plat for an 11.5-acre single block near Duke Parkway and St. Onge Road. The block was previously shown as a remainder, no new lots are created, utilities are already stubbed out, and staff recommended approval.
• The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comment.
• Commissioners discussed the Development Review District (DRD) process, whether the plat should be labeled preliminary or final, and sewer lift station capacity in the Elkhorn Ridge area. Staff noted the concept plan had been approved but a final plan may be required before buildout.
• Outcome: Motion to continue the application to the next Planning Commission meeting on March 3, 2026, passed 4-0 (motion by Davison, second by Bordewyk).

Action Item: Peaceful Pines Phase 2 Development Review District Concept and Final Plan

• Applicant: HME Companies. Lane from HME participated online. The proposal covers about 25 acres at St. Onge Road and Highway 85, east of existing Peaceful Pines Senior Living, with 10 single-family lots, 54 townhome lots, and one 7-acre lot for a 98-unit multifamily building.
• Public water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, and dry utilities would be constructed throughout the development. Sewer capacity calculations would require updating. A 1.83-acre park, including an off-leash dog area, is proposed to be maintained by the HOA or developer with a public access easement. Three local streets and the extension of Bellarose Drive are proposed.
• Staff recommended approval with a development agreement covering phasing, public infrastructure improvements, and ownership and maintenance of park areas.
• The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comment. The applicant answered commissioner questions: the 98 units would be built as one construction project with a 12-to-15-month timeline, beginning in spring 2026; unit types would include studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units; townhome lots would be sold to local builders or built by the developer.
• Outcome: Motion to recommend approval of the Peaceful Pines Phase 2 Concept and Final Plan to City Council passed 4-0 (motion by Davison, second by Bordewyk).

Action Item: Peaceful Pines Phase 2 Preliminary Plat

• The preliminary plat was presented as a separate accompanying item. It was revised from prior feedback, including lot numbering and more accurate acreage totals. Staff noted the public access easement between lots was not dimensioned or included, and the applicant explained that paving access there would cover existing gas and sanitary sewer utilities and create long-term maintenance concerns.
• The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comment.
• Commissioners raised a concern about whether the register of deeds would accept the lot numbering/legal description, and the applicant agreed to verify with the surveyor.
• Outcome: Motion to recommend approval of the preliminary plat to City Council passed 4-0 (motion by Moths, second by Bordewyk).

Discussion Items

• The Parks and Recreation Master Plan presentation was rescheduled to the next Planning Commission meeting on March 3, 2026. The Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Tyler Enus had resigned, and commissioners requested that future presentation be given by parks department staff involved in the plan.

Public Comments & Testimony

• During the general public comment period, Joe Jorgenson (1905 Stage Barn Circle) suggested that former assistant Rex McDonald could present the Parks Master Plan. He also commented on the Elkhorn Ridge sewer lift station, stating that engineers calculated 425 gallons of capacity for his Exit 17 project and that the city reached a similar figure in its own study; he said capacity should be sufficient "for a long time."

Key Outcomes

• Elkhorn Ridge Golf Estates Block 2 preliminary plat continued to the March 3, 2026 Planning Commission meeting.
• Peaceful Pines Phase 2 DRD Concept and Final Plan recommended for approval to City Council (4-0).
• Peaceful Pines Phase 2 Preliminary Plat recommended for approval to City Council (4-0).
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan discussion postponed to March 3, 2026.
• Commissioners requested a future update from public works/engineering on water and wastewater capacity; staff offered to schedule it for a light-agenda meeting.