Public Meetings - Spearfish, South Dakota

The Spearfish City Council held a study session on January 28, 2026 at 4:15 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by President Jacobs. Council members present: Mayor Senden, Hafner, Hourigan, Jacobs, Klarenbeek, Myers, and Rath. City staff present: City Attorney Knox, Finance Officer DeNeui, Public Works Director McMahon, Community Development Director Wysocki, Police Chief Smith, City Engineer Mathis, Assistant Public Works Director Caron, Assistant Planning Director Ecker, and Public Works Project Engineer Larson. A moment of silence was held in remembrance of Lawrence County Commissioner Richard Sleep. The council approved the agenda unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting agenda as presented. Review of City Council Agenda - The council reviewed the draft agenda for the February 2, 2026 regular meeting. At the request of Council Member Myers, an item regarding snow removal was added to that agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - During the discussion of the Safety Action Plan, public comments were received. Rosalie Aslesen (1810 St. Joe Street) praised the recommendations but requested additional attention to deer safety and speeding on Hillsview Road, urging a flashing speed sign. Stanley Triplett (also cited as "Stanford" in the transcript; 835 West Hill Street) questioned whether the study accounted for new apartment buildings on Hill Street and inquired about traffic monitoring during demonstration projects. Joe Jorgensen (1905 Stage Barn Circle) supported the proposed pedestrian path near Hillsview and Stage Barn Circle and questioned the need for medians on North Avenue. - During the general public comment period, Joe Jorgensen spoke again, supporting holding the liquor licenses, suggesting the city not hire ICE officers (a topic not on the agenda), and advocating for free branch disposal at the restricted use site. Discussion Items Draft Spearfish Safety Action Plan - Assistant Planning Director Ecker and consultant Scott Harmstead presented the draft plan, funded through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) federal grant program. The plan aims to achieve zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Goals include a 50% or more reduction in crashes of all modes from the 2020–2024 baseline, aiming for three or fewer annual fatalities/serious injuries by 2040, and a 50% reduction in non-motorized crashes to one or less per year by 2040. The presentation covered the high-injury network and specific engineering countermeasures. - North Avenue Medians: Proposed from Yankee Street to Kansas Street at a cost of $1.25 million, with a crash reduction factor up to 39%. - North Avenue Sidewalk: Sidewalk connection from Hillsview to Rushmore Street. - Main Street/Colorado Boulevard Stripping: Change from four lanes to three lanes with a center turn lane, proposed as a temporary demonstration project. The three-lane configuration has a capacity of about 20,000 vehicles per day, compared with current volumes of 10,000–12,000. - Hillsview Road Improvements: Pedestrian crossing improvements, refuge islands, and ADA upgrades near the high school. - King Street Area: Flashing signage and relocation of a crosswalk near the elementary school. - Paved Path to Creekside School: A 10-foot-wide paved path from Canyon Street to the school, on school district property. - Colorado Boulevard: Long-term improvements tied to a separate BUILD grant application for up to $25 million (total project estimated at $42 million). Council discussed the need for a prioritization matrix. Ecker noted the plan must be adopted soon to meet federal grant deadlines, but adoption does not obligate implementation; future implementation grants would require council approval. Revenue at Restricted Use Site from Branch Disposal - Public Works Director McMahon presented data on branch fee revenue. In 2025, site revenue totaled approximately $127,000; personnel costs were about $89,000. Branch revenue averaged 10% of total site revenue, or about $13,000 in 2025. Waiving branch fees would require offsetting revenue losses, with considerations including the county’s participation agreement and the labor-intensive nature of branch disposal. The council did not recommend any changes. Police Officer Positions - Police Chief Smith requested funding for three unfunded police officer positions. The department currently has 22 sworn officers, down from 25 in 2015; only about 10 officers are on patrol. The city population is approximately 14,000 (serviceable population 20,000). Only two officers are on duty per shift. Calls for service and violent crimes have risen. Overtime in 2025 was $142,000. Funding three positions would cost up to $309,000 in 2026, though actual costs would be lower due to hiring lead times. The cost per officer is approximately $103,000 including benefits. Chief Smith highlighted two strong candidates currently in background checks and stressed the need to avoid officer burnout. The council expressed support, and the item will appear on the February 2 agenda for action. Ordinance No. 1415 – Health and Sanitation; Nuisances - Chief Smith introduced two amendments to Chapter 92. First, adding height limitations for tree branches over vehicular rights-of-way (14–18 feet). Second, creating Section 92.24 requiring maintenance of vacant lands for weed and vegetation control to mitigate fire risk. The ordinance is on the February 2 agenda for adoption, and Code Enforcement Officer Jade Addison will be available for questions. Available Off-Sale and On-Sale Liquor Licenses - Finance Officer DeNeui reported that two liquor licenses (one off-sale at a $100,000 minimum bid, one on-sale at $300,000) were offered twice without receiving any bids. Council Member Claire advised holding the licenses rather than lowering prices. The council decided to shelve the sale for six months and track inquiries. DeNeui will monitor interest. Departmental Discussion - Community Development Director Wysocki announced that the Building Board of Appeals will hold its first meeting next week to adopt bylaws and elect officers. - Finance Officer DeNeui stated that the audit services contract from Ketel Thorstenson for the 2025 financial audit will be added to the February 2 agenda. - City Attorney Knox reported that ordinance revisions for the Building Board of Appeals are being prepared, and a draft ordinance for the Art in Public Places Committee has been circulated internally for review. Key Outcomes - Police Funding: The council will consider authorizing funding for three police officer positions at the February 2 regular meeting. - Liquor Licenses: The city will shelve the two available liquor licenses for six months; staff will track inquiries and report back. - Safety Action Plan: The plan is scheduled for adoption in the near future; council discussed developing a scoring matrix for project prioritization. - Ordinance 1415: Will be presented for adoption on February 2. - Branch Disposal Fee: No change to the current fee structure was recommended. - Executive Session: The council held an executive session (pursuant to SDCL § 1-25-2(3)) for legal consultation from 6:10 PM to 6:50 PM. The meeting adjourned at 6:51 PM.

The Spearfish City Council met at 5:30 p.m. on January 20, 2026, in the City Council Chambers, 625 5th Street, Spearfish. Mayor Senden participated via Zoom, and Council President Jacobs presided. Members present: Hourigan, Jacobs, Klarenbeek, Myers, and Rath; Hafner was absent. The council approved the consent agenda, waived a $1,000 pavilion rental fee for Black Hills Christian Academy, passed Ordinance 1414 on a 4–1 vote, approved two liquor licenses, approved the revised Top Shelf subdivision development agreement with a single-family housing restriction plus the associated preliminary plat, authorized the airport water main design, approved the $750,435.76 bill list, and appointed Greg Dias to the Historic Preservation Commission. The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m. (Note: the minutes state the meeting was held Monday, January 20, 2026, but that date falls on a Tuesday.) Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the January 12, 2026, City Council special session. - Approved the minutes of the January 5, 2026, City Council regular session. - Approved the December 2025 Treasurer's Report. (Minor discrepancy: the agenda item reads “Approve the December 2025 Treasurer's Report,” while the minutes read “Approve the minutes of the December 2025 Treasurer's Report.”) - Added Connor Weatherby, Jane Nichols, and Brad Noisat to the 2026 recreation center volunteer list. - All consent items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Toby Bordewyk, an adjacent property owner north of the Top Shelf subdivision, asked the council to include in the revised development agreement a limitation to single-family homes subdivided per the proposed preliminary plat, and to keep the existing berm as separation from his property or adjust it in a manner agreed to by the developer and adjacent property owners. He said his conversations with the developers (the Rossis) had been positive and that they were open to moving the berm partly onto his property to create buildable room on the north-end lots. - Doug Markworth praised city staff and department heads, expressed support for a strong council–weak mayor form of government, and argued the city is unnecessarily complicated, which he said drives up cost, complexity, positions, and hiring. - Nathan Hoogshagen, describing himself as a fellow elected official, distributed a document he helped author on the city's form of government and council responsibilities, and urged transparency measures such as opening each agenda item to public conversation and answering previously unanswered public comment questions. He also reported contractor concerns that building permits take a significant amount of time with repeated redline cycles, and stated that a couple building a new home was told new code requires garage doors to withstand 115 mph straight-line winds—25 mph faster than the 91 mph highest recorded non-tornado wind gust in Spearfish history (2020). He asked that new departmental regulations be brought to the council for a vote. - Stan Triplett asked questions about the city's 95-page Safety Action Plan prepared by Bolton & Menk, noting public comments are due January 31. He said the plan cost $200,000, of which the city paid $40,000 and the federal government $160,000, and asked how many similar projects Bolton & Menk has prepared, how long implementation would take, and noted the plan must be adopted in the first quarter of 2026 for the city to apply for implementation grants. Items from Visitors - Reed, representing Black Hills Christian Academy, requested a waiver of the $1,000 pavilion rental fee for a public Daddy Daughter Dance on February 28, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.). He said admission is $10 for fathers and free for daughters, the event is open to grandfathers, uncles, and male role models, and the fee waiver was requested because the event is being run under the academy's nonprofit status while he personally funds it. The request was approved unanimously. City Attorney - Ordinance 1414 (second reading) amends Title III: Administration; Chapter 32, Officers and Employees, specifically Section 32.09 on the powers and duties of the city administrator, restoring the hiring and promotion language that existed before Ordinance 1366 was adopted in 2022. City Attorney Knox said no edits or revisions were received since the first reading. Passed 4–1, with Hourigan voting nay and Jacobs, Klarenbeek, Myers, and Rath voting aye. Finance — Public Hearings - Retail (on-off sale) malt beverage & SD farm wine license for Tiffany Zubrod of The Remix Room, 3425 N. Fairgrounds Loop, Suite D: public hearing opened at 5:57 p.m. with no comments. DeNeui described the Remix Room as a new bookable event venue for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and corporate functions that wants to offer adult guests a social beverage. Approved unanimously. - Special on-sale liquor license for Josh Fritz with Spearfish Public House for the Chinook Days Beerfest, January 24, 2026, 2:00–6:00 p.m. at the Lookout Amphitheater: public hearing opened at 5:58 p.m. with no comments. DeNeui noted the applicant is a current license holder and the event is on private property, and that two other special event licenses have been issued for Chinook Days, with multiple vendors permitted by law. Approved unanimously. Planning and Zoning — Top Shelf Subdivision - The council considered the revised development agreement for the approximately 16-acre Top Shelf subdivision, which was rezoned from AG to R3 in 2018 with a development agreement anticipating a senior living facility. The proposed revisions would allow the developer and future landowners to modify the existing northern berm if building code is met, and require two trees to be planted on a lot if the berm is removed entirely. - Assistant Planning Director Ecker presented three options: (1) approve the agreement as presented, which would default to R3 zoning code allowing a variety of housing types including duplexes, triplexes, and multifamily; (2) add a maximum density of one unit per 400 square feet, comparable to the original town area; or (3) follow the Planning Commission's January 6 recommendation (passed 3–2) to limit the property to single-family residential uses only. Staff noted option 3 would effectively change the zoning through contract rather than a formal rezoning process. - Community Development Director Wysocki expressed concern that a contractual use restriction could be administratively difficult to track over time and would bypass the public hearing process of a zoning change. City Attorney Knox noted a late-proposed amendment would require future agreement modifications to be approved by both the Planning Commission and the City Council. - Attorney Eric Ness, representing the developers, said the single-family restriction was offered voluntarily as a good-faith response to neighbor concerns, that the property is designed for single-family lots like the rest of Top Shelf, and that the restriction would be recorded and enforced through covenants; he stated any of the three options would be acceptable to the developers. - Council discussion addressed the berm: Ecker confirmed the berm covers almost the entirety of some north-side lots and will be partially graded for public infrastructure and buildable area, with future landowners required to plant two trees if they remove it entirely. Several council members noted the inconsistency between the R3 zoning and the proposed single-family restriction; Wysocki said the city could initiate a future rezone to R1 to clean up that inconsistency. - The council voted unanimously (Klarenbeek motion, Hourigan second) to approve the revised development agreement with the single-family-only restriction (option 3), following the Planning Commission's recommendation. - The preliminary plat for Bowmore at Top Shelf subdivision was approved unanimously (Klarenbeek motion, Hourigan second). Public Works — Airport Water Main Design - Public Works Director McMahon and Airport Manager Channing Wagner requested authorization for Mead & Hunt to proceed with design of the airport water main project. Wagner said the airport has no fire hydrants, the existing well tap will be lost with the new apron expansion, and the airport has 26 flight school students plus ongoing hangar and taxi lane development. The approximately $800,000 project will satisfy most of the city's roughly $900,000 local match requirement for the airport terminal grants. Design is scheduled for completion by spring, with construction advertised for summer/fall 2026. Motion passed unanimously by roll call (Hourigan, Jacobs, Klarenbeek, Myers, Rath all aye). Approve the Bills - The bill list dated January 20, 2026, totaling $750,435.76, was approved unanimously by roll call vote. Notable items include RCS Construction Inc. East Low Zone Water PE 18 ($404,210.70), Ainsworth-Benning Inc. Sky Ridge Irrigation PE 5 ($57,196.57), HDR Engineering Inc. ($40,713.85), CBH Cooperative December 2025 fuel ($32,534.49), and Belle Fourche Landfill December 2025 ($32,196.00). Mayor and Council Discussion - Greg Dias was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission for a 3-year term ending December 31, 2028. Approved unanimously. Departmental Discussion - McMahon reported that work continues at Exit 14 with the contractor completing the bore under 27th Avenue and working on the bore under Colorado Boulevard; PSAs will be distributed soon advertising traffic impact schedules. The Rainbow box culvert project has started, with a detour route planned for early February for about a month, weather permitting. - Wysocki said the Safety Action Plan will be presented at the January 28, 2026, study session. Clarion is finishing the zoning and subdivision code review; the final draft was presented to the Planning Commission that evening, with another Planning Commission review in two weeks and a final report and path forward expected in 30–60 days. - Police Chief Smith reported the department has 22 sworn officers, with less than half on street duty and roughly two officers per shift; full strength would be 25 sworn officers, and three positions remain on the books but unfunded. He said he will ask to reinstate those positions given a strong influx of quality applicants. - DeNeui said the council chamber microphones have been adjusted and listening devices are available for the public. - Mayor Senden said the TIF discussion will be held at the February 11, 2026, study session, and Mike Carlson from the South Dakota Department of Transportation will present on safety items and traffic calming measures planned at Exit 10 at the February 2, 2026, regular session. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Black Hills Christian Academy pavilion rental fee waiver ($1,000) approved unanimously. - Ordinance 1414 passed 4–1 (Hourigan dissenting). - The Remix Room retail malt beverage & SD farm wine license approved unanimously. - Spearfish Public House special on-sale liquor license for Chinook Days Beerfest approved unanimously. - Revised Top Shelf development agreement approved unanimously with a single-family residential use restriction (option 3). - Preliminary plat for Bowmore at Top Shelf subdivision approved unanimously. - Mead & Hunt authorized to proceed with airport water main design (unanimous roll call). - Bill list totaling $750,435.76 approved unanimously. - Greg Dias appointed to Historic Preservation Commission unanimously. - Meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.

The Spearfish Planning Commission met in regular session at 4:00 PM on January 20, 2026, at City Hall and via Zoom. Commissioners unanimously approved routine items, re-elected 2026 officers, and focused their main discussion on the first draft of the Development Regulations Assessment prepared by Clarion. Staff also previewed upcoming planning items and introduced the new community development director. Consent Calendar & Routine Approvals - The commission approved the agenda as amended to add a preview of upcoming planning commission items and remarks from the new community development director under Items for Discussion. - The minutes of the January 3, 2026 Regular Session were approved. - No conflicts of interest were declared. Public Comments & Testimony - Joe Jorgensen, 1905 Stage Barnes Circle, provided historical background on the C3 office commercial district: it originated when the first lot in the Lookout subdivision on North Avenue was sold to Dr. Brady, who wanted a medical office despite the single-family requirement; the designation then expanded along North Avenue, and the Jorgensen subdivision later designated four lots as office commercial. - A subsequent commenter praised Jorgensen's earlier advice to 'keep it simple' and said she liked the planning and zoning director's statement that 'the most important thing is flexibility.' Discussion Items - Jamia presented the draft Development Regulations Assessment from Clarion, stressing that it is a diagnostic report and not a code rewrite, with no adoption pending. It reviews Chapters 52 (mobile and manufactured homes, adopted 2014), 54 (subdivisions), 55 (trees and landscaping, originally adopted in 1983), and 56 (zoning and supplementary regulations). - The assessment was developed with input from staff, the development review team, stakeholder meetings with developers and frequent code users, local engineering firms, and a survey of home builders. It is aligned with the Comprehensive Plan adopted last spring, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and the 2013 Master Transportation Plan. - The draft has three focus areas: maintaining community character, establishing clear development review procedures, and creating a more user-friendly code. Recommendations include more by-right approvals and administrative adjustments, adding accessory dwelling units, cottage courts, and tiny homes, resolving manufactured/modular/mobile home inconsistencies, updating telecommunication facility standards, defining kiosks, moving technical subdivision standards into engineering design standards, and adding pedestrian and bicycle facility requirements. - Table 3 presents possible zoning district changes, including consolidating or retiring some districts and adding new ones. Examples discussed included making one- and two-family districts a medium-density district, multifamily a high-density district, changing C1 to mixed-use, and possibly retiring or redefining C3 office commercial, which currently serves primarily medical uses. New districts could include parks/recreation/open space and public/institutional, plus historic and recreation corridor overlays. - Staff noted that about 18% of the city is zoned DRD (Development Review District), and developers often seek DRD because base zoning districts lack needed flexibility for varied housing types. - Commissioner Megan asked whether data centers, listed under light industrial, need more regulation, especially given emerging AI-related demand. - Commissioners raised several additional points: the need for clearer flood zone and FEMA standards, concerns that park-space requirements can seem out of proportion in subdivisions and favoring larger parks or creek corridors over small pocket parks, support for bike and pedestrian connectivity including a connected loop path, and support for reduced setbacks and parking requirements to allow accessory dwelling units. - The new community development director introduced himself, said he has nearly 32 years in local government, and explained that a future code rewrite would likely be a 12-to-24-month process with public engagement and a steering committee. He invited commissioners to one-on-one meetings. Upcoming Items - Staff previewed a possible TIF preliminary project plan at the next commission meeting, a Parks and Recreation Master Plan presentation by Tyler, and a City Council study session on the Safety Action Plan on January 28. - The draft assessment will be discussed again at the February 3, 2026 planning commission meeting, with a formal presentation of the final report expected later, likely as a joint planning commission/city council presentation. Key Outcomes - The agenda and minutes were approved unanimously. - The 2026 chair and vice-chair positions were approved unanimously. Rick was nominated to continue as chair. - No formal action was taken on the Clarion development regulations assessment; it remains a discussion item pending further review and feedback. - Staff will consider commissioner and public feedback, including flood zone clarity and data center regulation, as the assessment is finalized.

The Spearfish City Council convened for a Study Session on January 14, 2026, at 4:15 PM in the City Council Chambers, presided over by Mayor John Senden. Councilmembers Hourigan, Klarenbeek, Myers, and Rath were present; Hafner and Jacobs were absent. The session focused on previewing the January 20 regular council agenda and receiving a detailed staff presentation on snow removal options studied by the Snow Removal Committee. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved unanimously with a motion from Councilmember Myers and a second from Councilmember Klarenbeek. Upcoming Regular Session Agenda (January 20, 2026) - Balmore at Top Shelf Subdivision: Staff presented a preliminary plat for a 44-lot, 16-acre final phase. A key disagreement emerged between the Planning Commission's recommendation to restrict development to single-family homes and staff's recommendation to limit density (e.g., "one unit per 3,000 square feet") to align with the R3 zoning code. The council took no action, requesting further clarification from staff. - Airport Water Main Design Project: Council reviewed an $800,000 water main extension to the airport terminal. The project fulfills the city's match for terminal grants and provides critical water access for the South Dakota Wildland Fire slurry operations. Council directed staff to request airport management attend the January 20 meeting for further discussion. - Other Agenda Items: The council reviewed items including the second reading of Ordinance 1414 (city administrator hiring/firing), a termination agreement for the Sawmill property acquisition, three alcohol licenses, and a review of open meeting requirements. A rental fee waiver request from Black Hills Christian Academy was also discussed. Discussion Items: Snow Removal Options Public Works Director Adam McMahon and Assistant Public Works Director Sarah Caron presented the findings from the Snow Removal Committee, noting the committee failed to reach a consensus after three meetings. The presentation evaluated seven options for managing snow berms in front of driveways: - Option 1 (Plow to Center & Haul): High cost ($271,000 over normal operations for a 12-inch event, taking 15 days). - Option 2 (Plow to Center & Leave): Rejected due to safety concerns for emergency services. - Option 3 (Snow Gates): High equipment costs ($1.4 million) and a 12-18 month lead time. Caron shared negative experiences from Watertown, where snow gates were discontinued due to high maintenance and public dissatisfaction, noting expectations are typically "unreasonable." - Option 4 (Remove Berm After Event): Estimated at $40,000 per event or $200,000 annually. Staff noted it does not meet the intent of the 2010 initiated measure. - Option 5 (Call-In Service - Current Practice): Works with current volumes but is administratively intensive and inconsistent. - Option 6 (Subscription Service): A potential pay-to-play or needs-based model, with recent contractor bids in Fargo averaging $55 per driveway. - Option 7 (Homeowner Responsibility): Least expensive for the city, consistent with surrounding communities, but places a direct burden on residents. Council and staff discussed the impact on other departments, with Parks Director Tyler Ehnes outlining the existing heavy workload for his team (22 miles of rec path, 4 miles of sidewalk, 9.1 acres of parking lots) and warning against staff reassignment. Public Comments & Testimony The public comment period was opened at 5:28 PM and closed at 5:47 PM. Four residents spoke: - Bill Klapperich: Suggested council members conduct ride-alongs with snow plow operators to better understand operational challenges and questioned cost assumptions. - Steve Morford: A citizen member of the Snow Removal Committee, expressed strong disappointment in the process, arguing the committee had no realistic chance to change current practices and that the city has not followed the 2010 initiated measure. He questioned why Spearfish cannot exceed the standards of surrounding communities. - Rose Jarvis: A citizen member of the Snow Removal Committee, echoed disappointment and proposed specific solutions including parking enforcement, seasonal staffing, exploring snow gates with local manufacturers, and standardizing operator training. - Janice Huffman: Stated her husband authored the 2010 initiated measure. Emphasized the core problem is the berm blocking driveways and urged the council to prioritize funding for its removal. Key Outcomes - No Action on Snow Removal: The council took no formal action on any of the seven snow removal options. The discussion suggested that significant changes, particularly those requiring additional budget allocation or equipment purchases, would likely be addressed during the 2027 budget cycle. - Ordinance 1409 Status: Staff noted that the proposed ordinance revising snow removal contradictions remains pending and is a necessary step to align city practices with any future policy decisions. - Directive for Airport Project: Council directed staff to ensure the airport manager is present at the January 20 regular meeting to discuss the water main project. - Community Development Updates: Assistant Community Development Director Ecker announced the Spearfish Safety Action Plan draft is available for public comment and announced a vacancy on the Strategic Housing Trust Fund advisory board.

The Spearfish Planning Commission met on January 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers and via Zoom. The meeting was called to order at 3:59 PM and adjourned at 4:49 PM. Key items included a recommendation on a preliminary plat for the Top Shelf Subdivision and preparation for the upcoming annual meeting. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved unanimously (6-0). - Minutes from the December 16, 2025 regular session were approved unanimously (6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Toby Bordewyk (adjacent property owner at 2525 West Highway 14, neighbor to the north of Top Shelf) spoke during the public hearing on the preliminary plat. He expressed appreciation for the revised plan but voiced concerns about maintaining a density transition buffer (the berm) that was part of the original 2018 development agreement. He requested that the development agreement preserve some form of buffer. - Joe Jorgenson (1905 Stage Barnes Circle) commented at the end of the meeting, criticizing the increasing complexity of development agreements and urging simplification of ordinances. Discussion Items - Preliminary Plat – Top Shelf Subdivision (Item F.1) The applicant, Spencer Rossi (ETR LLC), requested approval of a preliminary plat for a 15-acre parcel west of Green Spot Lane and Suntory Avenue. The property is zoned R3 (multifamily) but the developer intends single-family residential, consistent with adjacent Top Shelf lots. Staff noted that the 2018 development agreement limited uses to senior living, duplexes, and single-family; the proposed amended agreement would remove use restrictions. The neighbor Toby Bordewyk asked about preserving the earthen berm buffer. Commission discussion centered on whether to approve the plat with a condition restricting land use to single-family or to require a rezone. A motion was made to approve contingent on amending the development agreement to limit use to single-family residences. - January 20th Planning Commission Meeting Staff reminded the commission that the next meeting on January 20, 2026, will be the annual meeting under the bylaws, including elections for Chair and Vice-Chair. Commissioners discussed potential schedule adjustments given a city council meeting at 5:30 PM that same day. Key Outcomes - Motion on Preliminary Plat: Commissioner Wilde moved to approve the preliminary plat of the Top Shelf Subdivision with the condition that the development agreement is amended to limit land use to single-family residences. Commissioner Moths seconded. Roll call vote: 3-2 in favor (Wilde, Moths, Duncan voted aye; Davison, Byrum voted nay). The motion passed, and the recommendation will go to city council for final action. - Development Agreement Note: During discussion, the city attorney noted that if the commission wished to enforce single-family use, a rezone (rather than a development agreement) might be more administratively sound. However, the motion retained the condition via the development agreement amendment. - Upcoming Election: The January 20 meeting will include elections for Chair and Vice-Chair. Commissioners were reminded that no person may serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.

The Spearfish City Council convened at 5:30 PM on January 5, 2026, for a regular session. The meeting was dominated by extensive public comment regarding city transparency, the job performance and background of City Administrator Bobby Falcon, and a call for the council to take a more active role. The Finance Officer presented a revised 2025 Budget outlook showing a significantly reduced cash deficit. The council took action on several items, including denying a contingency fund transfer, dissolving Tax Increment District (TIF) Number Four, and tabling an airport water main design contract. A significant governance discussion arose when Council President Jacobs declared City Administrator Falcon unfit for duty and requested a legal opinion on the council's authority to terminate him. Public Comments & Testimony - A large public comment period focused on city transparency, communication, and the position of City Administrator Bobby Falcon. Ten citizens spoke. - Doug Markworth strongly criticized the council for lacking open dialogue with the public, and questioned the process and justification for a recent raise given to City Administrator Falcon. - Toby Bordewyk disagreed with personal attacks made against Falcon on social media and urged the council to base any decisions on merit and job performance. - Alesha Limbo expressed frustration over a significant disconnect between the city and its residents, stating Falcon is not involved in the community. She thanked the council for speaking up. - Stan Triplett questioned why the city's job application only asks about arrests in the last seven years. - Dennis Wilson urged the mayor to listen to the council and the public. - Councilmember Larry Klarenbeek (speaking during this portion) apologized for the disconnect, offered solutions such as expanding public comment time, and called for better follow-up on citizen concerns. - Dorcie Dardis and Calvin Dardis advocated for opening closed executive sessions to the public and increased transparency. - Dan Hods defended the staff and council, expressing trust in their integrity to manage personnel matters like the city administrator's raise. - Pam Mattson encouraged the council to lead by self-advocating and to address issues like snow plow damage to street lines proactively. - Joe Jorgensen recalled allowing open dialogue during his time as mayor in the 1980s. City Administrator Background Investigation - In response to recent social media attacks and an anonymous email, City Administrator Bobby Falcon, Mayor Senden, and City Attorney David Knox presented findings from an investigation into Falcon's background. - Falcon stated that while he had a conviction from 1995, he received a full pardon with removal of guilt from Governor Doug Burgum in 2022, and his court records were sealed. - City Attorney David Knox reported that his investigation found Falcon did not lie on his application (which asked about convictions in the last seven years) or in his interviews. Knox recommended that Falcon was not disqualified for the position. Presentation & Discussion Items - 2025 Budget Presentation: Finance Officer Michelle DeNeui presented a revised 2025 budget outlook. The original budget projected an $8.26 million use of cash balance but improved projections show a significantly lower cash deficit of $608,244. A current projection shows a positive cash balance, mostly attributed to the sewer fund. The city uses cash rather than debt for capital projects. - Mayor and Council Discussion on City Administrator: Council President Pam Jacobs stated that she believes City Administrator Falcon is no longer fit to fulfill his duties and requested the city attorney seek an opinion from the state attorney general on the council's authority to terminate Falcon. Councilmembers Hafner, Rath, Klarenbeek, and Myers supported Jacobs’ request. Mayor Senden stated he has received favorable reports from staff on Falcon's performance and is surprised by the council's conclusion. - Airport Water Main Project: Discussion ensued on authorizing Mead & Hunt to proceed with design. Councilmembers had concerns about the need for an 8-inch line, fire suppression at the airport, why an outside firm was needed, and the total project cost. The item was tabled. - Other Departmental Updates: Public Works Director McMahon provided an update on the Main Street chip seal project (pending spring repairs). Assistant Planning Director Ecker updated the council on the Safety Action Plan. Parks and Rec Director Ehnes will send the snow removal plan to council via email. City Attorney Knox noted the city closed on the sale of Lot 5 of the old Sawmill property to Jayhawk Holdings for approximately $438,000 for the future Camp Canine business. Key Outcomes - Denied: The council voted 5-1 to deny a $79,246 transfer from the contingency fund to cover wage overages in the City Administration and Planning & Zoning departments. Councilmember Hourigan was the dissenting vote. - Approved: - Proclamation designating March 15, 2026, as "Scooby Day" in Spearfish. - Consent Agenda (Meeting minutes, library volunteers, and an informational wage list). - First reading of Ordinance 1414 (amending hiring/promotion policies). - Special event malt beverage license for the "Tunes for Tails" Benefit Concert. - Special on-sale liquor license for the "Chinook Fest Bonfire". - Restaurant retail (on-sale) liquor license for Antunez at 117 E. Illinois Street. - Resolution 2026-01 dissolving Tax Increment District Number Four (Creekside Development). - First Amendment to the Land Use Agreement with Black Hills Bike Share. - Variance and preliminary plat for the Soncy Subdivision. - Second reading of Ordinance 1412 (zoning certain property as R-3). - Final plat for Lot H Revised in the ETJ area. - Resolution 2026-02 approving the incorporation of the Caballo Road District. - Assumption of Ground Leases for hangars at 508 and 420 Aviation Place. - Bill list and December 2025 Salary and Fee report. - Tabled: Authorization for Mead & Hunt to design the airport water main project was tabled to a future regular council session pending further information. - Requested: Council requested a legal opinion from the State Attorney General regarding the council's authority to terminate the City Administrator.

The Spearfish City Council held a special session on December 30, 2025, beginning at 4:19 p.m. (agenda listed 4:15 p.m.) in City Council Chambers. Mayor Senden presided and presented the invocation; all recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmembers present were Hafner, Jacobs, Klarenbeek, Myers, and Rath; Hourigan was absent. Staff present included City Administrator Falcon, City Attorney Knox, Finance Officer DeNeui, Parks and Recreation Director Ehnes, and Public Works Director McMahon. The council approved the agenda, reviewed the January 5, 2026 council agenda, took public comment, and voted unanimously on consent, finance, bill, and appointment items. No conflicts of interest were declared. Note: The minutes list the day as Wednesday, December 30, 2025, although the meeting date supplied is December 30, 2025. Agenda Approval and Review of the January 5, 2026 Agenda - Council approved the special session agenda as presented. - Staff reviewed the draft January 5, 2026 regular council agenda, including upcoming finance, planning and zoning, public works, liquor license, and other items. - Council agreed to add an item under City Attorney to review Ordinance 1366, after the council president requested that the ordinance be rewritten to its pre-amendment version. Public Comments & Testimony - Ryan Wordeman (258 Evans Lane) commented on liquor license prices. He stated that a non-restrictive on-sale liquor license transferred from Spearfish to Elkorn within the last year for $215,000, and questioned whether it is justified to increase the price of a restrictive restaurant on-sale liquor license that requires at least 60% food sales. No action was taken on the comment. - No further public comments were received. The public comment period was open from 4:33 p.m. to 4:35 p.m.; Councilmember Jacobs joined the meeting at 4:35 p.m. Consent Calendar - Rath moved, Jacobs seconded, and all present voted to approve the consent agenda item: a $2,000 Visit Spearfish sponsorship for the Dakota 600 Dirt Bike Race, a new event in Spearfish, for 2026. Finance Actions - Write-off: Council approved writing off a utility account balance of $564.11 because the account holder is deceased and no estate exists to collect from. DeNeui noted state statute requires council action for utility account disposal. - Contingency transfer: Council approved transferring $106,000 from Contingency to Finance-Professional Fees ($5,000 for audit costs), IT-Software Maintenance Fees ($31,000 for annual Office 365 licenses, with the full yearly subscription totaling about $38,000), Cemetery-Salaries/Wages ($10,000 for summer cemetery staff time-clock coding correction), and Planning & Zoning-Professional Fees ($60,000 for Safe Streets for All grant safety action plan costs that will be reimbursed). - Ordinance 1413: Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 1413, amending Title III, Chapter 33 (Elections) to move the municipal election from the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June, complying with House Bill 1130 passed during the 2025 legislative session. No changes were made since the first reading. - TIF8 transfer: Council approved transferring $12,500 from the TIF8 Fund to the Water Fund to reimburse the water line cap at the Sawmill property, an eligible TIF8 expense. - All finance motions passed unanimously with Hafner, Jacobs, Klarenbeek, Myers, and Rath voting aye. Bill List - Council approved the December 30, 2025 bill list totaling $783,885.67. The largest item was a $333,910.12 pay estimate for the Black Hills Airport project; the list also included utilities, engineering services, equipment, and year-end purchases. Mayor and Council Discussion - Council reappointed Nicky Winterstein and appointed Eric Skavang and Dalton Wademan to three-year terms on the Parks, Rec and Forestry Advisory Board, with terms ending December 31, 2028. Parks and Recreation Director Ehnes explained the appointments fill vacancies left by departing board members, including a longtime board chair and one member with 30-plus years of service. Departmental Discussion: 2025 Budgets and Snow Removal - Finance Officer DeNeui presented the 2025 budget status. The budget posted online anticipated spending about $8 million above revenues in aggregate across all city funds, but the projected year-end use of cash on hand is about $608,000 — approximately $7.4 million less than budgeted. DeNeui said the difference reflects projects not completed, grant/loan funding, and timing; none of the budgeted or actual spending uses city reserves, which require council action to access. - Snow removal: Councilmember Myers asked when snow removal would be brought back to council. Public Works Director McMahon said the January 14, 2026 study session will include options and associated cost estimates developed by the snow committee. Discussion covered snow-gate equipment with a 12–18 month lead time, using toolcats for driveway clearing, historical contractor use, state bidding requirements, FEMA reimbursement concerns, and the need for contractors to have guaranteed work. Ehnes noted that moving toolcats from sidewalk/rec-path clearing to driveways would shift complaints, not eliminate them, and asked council for clear direction. Staff illustrated the tradeoff using a “good, fast, or cheap — pick two” framework. A council member observed that, given equipment lead times, this may be a 2027 budget decision. - Annual reports: Myers requested that the January 5, 2026 council meeting include a discussion on bringing back city annual reports; DeNeui said copies from 2011–2016 are available to share with council. - Staff announced that new Community Development Director Peter Wasaki starts January 7, 2026, with a public meet-and-greet and one-on-one council meetings to be scheduled in January. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda, consent agenda item, all four finance items, and the bill list unanimously. - Directed that review of Ordinance 1366 be added to the January 5, 2026 agenda. - Reappointed or appointed three Parks, Rec and Forestry Advisory Board members. - Set snow removal discussion for the January 14, 2026 study session and annual reports discussion for the January 5, 2026 meeting. - Adjourned at 5:14 p.m. on a motion by Myers, seconded by Rath.

The Spearfish Planning Commission met on December 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM in City Hall and via Zoom. The commission considered a variance and preliminary plat for the Soncy Subdivision, a final plat within the ETJ area, and received a staffing update. All three commissioners present (Rick Tysdal, Toby Bordewyk, Amy Davison, Bill Moths) voted unanimously on actions; members Scott Duncan, Dylan Wilde, and Meghan Byrum were absent. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was made. Discussion Items - Agenda Amendment and Minutes Approval: Staff requested adding a staffing update under Items for Discussion. The agenda was approved as amended 3-0. The minutes from the December 2, 2025 regular session were approved 3-0. - Soncy Subdivision - Variance and Preliminary Plat: Applicant Schipporeit Farms LLC requested a variance to the maximum block length of 1,200 feet per ordinance 154.075 and approval of the associated preliminary plat (southeast of 641 Maitland Road). The public hearing was held on December 2, 2025, and the item was tabled for additional information. At this meeting, staff and the applicant discussed the subdivision layout, utility locations, and a pedestrian easement in Block 6. The commission inquired about moving the pedestrian easement from between Lots 14 & 15 to between Lots 9 & 10 or 10 & 11 to improve connectivity to future commercial development. The applicant's engineer indicated flexibility. After discussion, the commission voted to approve the variance and preliminary plat subject to moving the pedestrian easement to between Lots 9 & 10 or 10 & 11 in Block 6. The motion passed 3-0. - Final Plat - Lot H Revised (ETJ): Applicant James Metzger, Bob and Sherry Ewing requested approval of a final plat for Lot H Revised at 10563 Homestake Road (outside city limits, within the ETJ). The plat increases the lot from approximately 7 acres to 14 acres, doubling the size but still below the 40-acre minimum for Lawrence County's A1 zoning. County planning staff recommended approval as the increase brings it closer to conformance. Staff noted an unrecorded easement for overhead power. The commission discussed the need for an easement and amended the motion to strongly recommend the applicant pursue recording an easement with the utility provider. The motion to recommend approval to City Council passed 3-0. - Staffing Update: Assistant Planning Director Jaymia Ecker announced the hire of Peter Wysocki as Community Development Director. Wysocki, present via Zoom, stated his start date is January 7, 2026, and expressed enthusiasm for working with the commission and community. - Commissioner Items: Commissioner Bordewyk requested printed copies of plats for better analysis at meetings. Several commissioners discussed preferences: some favor printed packets, others prefer laptops for zooming and note-taking. Staff noted printed copies are available at City Hall before meetings and encouraged use of the online board portal. Key Outcomes - Approved agenda as amended (3-0). - Approved December 2, 2025 minutes (3-0). - Approved variance and preliminary plat for Soncy Subdivision with condition to move the pedestrian easement in Block 6 (3-0). - Recommended approval to City Council of the final plat for Lot H Revised in the ETJ, with a strong recommendation to record a utility easement (3-0). - Meeting adjourned at 4:42 PM.

The Spearfish City Council met in regular session on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 625 5th Street. Mayor John Senden presided. Councilmembers Hafner, Hourigan, Klarenbeek, Myers, and Rath were present; Councilmember Jacobs was absent. City Administrator Falcon, City Attorney Knox, Finance Officer DeNeui, and department directors also attended. The council amended the agenda to move the relocation agreement ratification from the consent calendar to the City Attorney section. No conflicts of interest were declared. Public comment was held from 5:35 p.m. to 5:42 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the December 1, 2025 regular session. - Authorized the Mayor to sign documents to initiate electric service to the city's well and well house under construction in the Sky Ridge neighborhood. - Approved the Treasurer's Report dated November 30, 2025. The relocation agreement for Piotr Wysocki was moved to Item 10H and approved separately. Public Comments & Testimony - Doug Markworth expressed concern that the council does not allow question-and-answer dialogue and criticized repeated spending increases. He said the city budget went from about $58 million to $66 million, calculated the overage as $1,385 per household, and called the trend unsustainable. - Greg Moselle said the city went from a $3 million budget surplus in 2021 to an $8 million deficit, questioned claims of fiscal conservatism, and urged the council to explain its budget decisions to younger residents. - Councilmember Klarenbeek later disputed the characterisation of an $8 million deficit and said the matter could be discussed further. - Public hearings for the SEDC lease amendment and the retail wine/cider license drew no public testimony and were closed. Discussion Items - Spearfish Community Foundation: Kari Engen and Dave Donat presented the Foundation's 2026 projects, including an accessible inclusive picnic area at Spearfish Creek Falls, a water bottle refill station, continued AED and CPR training, and a dementia-friendly community project. They noted the Foundation has contributed approximately $1.3 million since 1998 and that the picnic area project would be fully funded by the Foundation, likely exceeding $20,000. - SEDC Lease Amendment: City Attorney Knox explained the amendment reinstates the city's lease of the Atlas building to SEDC retroactively to October 21, 2025, extends it through August 31, 2033, with an option for an additional 10 years, maintains the $1 per year base rent, and adds a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes provision for private tenants. - Economic development property items: The council approved the First Amendment to the Real Estate Purchase Agreement with Schipporeit Investments, Resolution 2025-50, the Crow Peak Lodge sign removal agreement, the Real Estate Purchase Agreement and TIF District Development Agreement with Jayhawk Holdings Corporation for Lot 5 in TIF District 8, and Resolution 2025-51. The Jayhawk Holdings transaction covers 4.7 acres at a purchase price of $438,867. - Piotr Wysocki relocation agreement: The council approved a $7,500 relocation stipend for the Community Development Director position, with repayment required if employment ends within the first 12 months. The salary was described as approximately $178,000. The vote was 4-1, with Councilmember Myers dissenting. - Finance: The council approved the second reading of Ordinance 1411, supplementing the 2025 appropriations ordinance, including $6,000 in donations for CrossFit equipment and approximately $587,000 for TIF District 1 increment payments. Finance Officer DeNeui reported TIF District 1 will close December 31, 2025, was 100% developer-funded, and its expiration will contribute to a projected 7.5% increase in property tax growth for 2026. - Wine and cider license: The council approved the application from Seli Mind and Sole Sanctuary and Boutique, LLC for a retail on/off sale wine and cider license at 226 W. Illinois Street. - Elections: The council approved the first reading of Ordinance 1413, moving municipal elections from April to June to comply with House Bill 1130, effective in 2027. It also approved the Combined Election Agreement with Lawrence County. - Parks and Recreation: The council approved the certificate of completion for the rec center rooftop unit project. The contract price was $348,620 with no change orders, and the one-year warranty start date was set as September 24, 2025. Rec center membership was reported at just under 3,300. - Planning and Zoning: The council approved the first reading of Ordinance 1412, rezoning the Christianson Campground and associated manufactured home park parcels from PUD and agriculture to R3, enabling development of the remaining seven acres. It also approved a minor plat in the Extraterritorial Jurisdictional Area for Lots 1 through 3 of Gov't Lot 2, Less Tract A. - Public Works: The council approved Resolution 2025-60, authorizing application for the 2026 Bridge Improvement Grant Program for improvements to the Grant Street Bridge. It also approved a $12,000 Interstate Engineering proposal for the Campground Water Main project. Discussion included an estimated loss of about 100,000 gallons of water per month, campground revenue of roughly $650,000 to $700,000 per year, and the project being funded through the enterprise fund. - Snow Committee: Public Works Director McMahon reported that the committee developed seven options but reached no consensus, mainly over funding. Discussion covered two plow trucks out of service, replacement lead times, snow gate experiences in other communities, and possible public outreach. It was agreed to present refined cost estimates at a study session. - Downtown BID Board appointments: The council appointed Corey Brost, Tiara Heckenlaible, Leland Ruzicka, Terri Dunwoody, Dylan Mattson, Mark Kazmer, Dorcie Dardis, and John Williams to the Downtown Business Improvement District Board for three-year terms expiring December 31, 2028. - Mayor's statement: Mayor Senden publicly apologized for an earlier response during public comment, addressed transparency efforts, expressed support for City Administrator Bobby Falcon, and noted that the city's bond rating improved one notch in late 2024. Key Outcomes - Approved the amended consent calendar unanimously. - Approved the SEDC lease amendment, Schipporeit Investments agreement amendment, Resolutions 2025-50 and 2025-51, Crow Peak Lodge sign removal agreement, and Jayhawk Holdings purchase and development agreements unanimously. - Approved the Piotr Wysocki relocation agreement 4-1. - Approved Ordinance 1411 on second reading unanimously. - Approved the Seli Mind and Sole Sanctuary and Boutique, LLC wine and cider license unanimously. - Approved Ordinance 1413 on first reading and the Combined Election Agreement with Lawrence County unanimously. - Approved the rec center certificate of completion, Ordinance 1412 on first reading, the ETJ minor plat, Resolution 2025-60, and the $12,000 Interstate Engineering proposal unanimously. - Approved the December 15, 2025 bill list totaling $821,206.90 unanimously. - Appointed eight members to the Downtown Business Improvement District Board. - Agreed to combine the year-end meeting and study session into one meeting on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 4:15 p.m. - Held an executive session from 7:10 p.m. to 7:47 p.m. under SDCL 1-25-2(3) for legal consultation on proposed or pending litigation or contractual matters, then adjourned at 7:47 p.m.