City Council Meeting

MINUTES Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM Carnegie Town Hall, 235 West 10th St., Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104 CALL TO ORDER 1. MEETING ROLL CALL Present: Council Member Rich Merkouris, Council Member Curt Soehl, Council Member Ryan Speller berg, Council Member Richard Thomason, Council Member David Barranco, Council Member Miranda Basye, Council Member Sarah Cole, Mayor Paul TenHaken Absent: Council Member Jennifer Sigette 2. INVOCATION • Pastor Erica Varcoe, The Table Ministry 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS • SIOUXPERHERO Citizen Recognition Award: Karen Schwebach CONSENT AGENDA 5. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Council Member Merkouris and seconded by Council Member Spellerberg to approve the Consent Agenda. Roll call vote to approve. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Informational Meeting of Tuesday, July 15, 2025 • City Council Meeting of Tuesday, July 15, 2025  • Special City Council Meeting of Thursday, July 24, 2025 COMMUNICATIONS 7. Approval of contracts/agreements over $100K on the memorandum dated August 1, 2025. 8. Approval of surplus property disposition on the memorandum dated July 10, 2025. APPLICATIONS 9. Special One-Day Liquor Licenses for T Slat Inc., to be operated at the Levitt, 504 North Phillips Avenue, for concerts on August 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16, 2025. 10. Special One-Day Malt Beverage License for Covert Artisan Ales to be operated at 205 East 6th Street (parking lot), for 605 Made Market on August 23, 2025. The City Council concurs with the Minnehaha County Commission's recommendation for approval of the following abatements: 11. Parcel #69122, for 2021 property taxes in the amount of $2224.11. Reason: Applicant qualifies for exemption under SDCL 10-4-40 & 10-4-41 (Disabled Veteran). 12. Parcel #69122, for 2022 property taxes in the amount of $2163.96. Reason: Applicant qualifies for exemption under SDCL 10-4-40 & 10-4-41 (Disabled Veteran). 13. Parcel #69122, for 2023 property taxes in the amount of $2041.60. Reason: Applicant qualifies for exemption under SDCL 10-4-40 & 10-4-41 (Disabled Veteran). 14. Parcel #69122, for 2024 property taxes in the amount of $1965.62. Reason: Applicant qualifies for exemption under SDCL 10-4-40 & 10-4-41 (Disabled Veteran). 15. Parcel #98132, for 2024 property taxes in the amount of $566.97. Reason: Applicant qualifies for exemption under SDCL 10-4-40 & 10-4-41 (Disabled Veteran). 16. Parcel #69552, for 2024 property taxes in the amount of $166.49. Reason: Applicant qualifies for exemption under SDCL 10-4-40 & 10-4-41 (Disabled Veteran). NOTICE OF HEARINGS 17. Set a date of hearing for Tuesday, August 19, 2025. New 2025 Restaurant On-sale Liquor License for Duchess Investments LLC, Rivage Oak Kitchen, 300 North Cherapa Place, Suite 102. 18. Set a date of hearing for Tuesday, August 19, 2025. New 2025 Retail Wine License for ART Vision, 2101 West 69th Street, Suite 204. 19. Set a date of hearing for Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Transfer of 2025 Retail Liquor License from BT Investments LLC, 5231 West 26th Street, to Pho Thai LLC, 230 South Phillips Avenue, Suite 104. 20. Set a date of hearing for Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Transfer of 2025 Package Liquor License from Kum & Go, 501 North Minnesota Avenue, to MegaSaver, 501 North Minnesota Avenue. 21. Set a date of hearing for Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Transfer of 2025 Package Liquor License from Kum & Go, 7100 West 41st Street, to MegaSaver, 7100 West 41st Street. 22. Set a date of hearing for Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Transfer of 2025 Package Liquor License from Kum & Go, 6001 South Western Avenue, to MegaSaver, 6001 South Western Avenue. REGULAR AGENDA 23. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR AGENDA A motion was made by Council Member Soehl and seconded by Council Member Basye to approve the Regular Agenda. A motion was made by Council Member Soehl and seconded by Council Member Cole to amend the Regular Agenda by moving Item 47 behind Item 40. Roll call vote to amend. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. A motion was made by Council Member Merkouris and seconded by Council Member Cole to amend by adding Item 55 under New Busiiness, pursuant to Ordinance 30.014(d), for the purpose of allowing Council Member discussion and public input regarding the State of South Dakota's Operation Prairie Thunder. Roll call vote to amend. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. Roll call vote to approve, as amended. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 24. New 2025 Retail Wine License for Hair She Goes SF LLC, Drybar Sioux Falls, 4123 West 41st Street. 25. New 2025-26 Retail Malt Beverage License and New 2025 Retail Wine License for Voodoo Coffee Shop LLC, 1033 North Minnesota Avenue. 26. New 2025-26 Retail Malt Beverage License and New 2025 Retail Wine License for Café Breadico, 345 North Reid Place, Suite 100. 27. Transfer of 2025 Package Liquor License from The Gold Mine Inc., 3505 East 10th Street, Suite 1, to Maruti North Cliff RE LLC, 3424 North Cliff Avenue. 28. Transfer of 2025 Package Liquor License from Smokin Deals, 1604 East 10th Street, to Smokin Deals, 1600 East 10th Street. 29. Transfer of 2025 Package Liquor License from Kum & Go LLC, 1005 West 11th Street, to Casey’s Retail Company, 1005 West 11th Street. 30. Transfer of 2025 Package Liquor License from Kum & Go LLC, 1400 North Minnesota Avenue, to Casey’s Retail Company, 1400 North Minnesota Avenue. 31. Transfer of 2025 Package Liquor License from Kum & Go LLC, 1400 North Cliff Avenue, to Casey’s Retail Company, 1400 North Cliff Avenue. 32. Transfer of 2025 Package Liquor License from Kum & Go LLC, 412 North Sycamore Avenue, to Casey’s Retail Company, 412 North Sycamore Avenue. 33. Special One-Day Wine License for Augustana University to be operated at Center for Western Studies, 2121 South Summit Avenue, for an event on August 16, 2025. 34. Special One-Day Malt Beverage License for Sioux Falls Sports Authority to be operated at Howard Wood Field, 1200 North Western Avenue, for a marathon on September 21, 2025. 35. Special One-Day Malt Beverage and Special One-Day Wine Licenses for Sioux Falls Family YMCA to be operated at Camp Leif Ericson, 2301 East 26th Street, for a fundraiser on August 23, 2025. A motion was made by Council Member Soehl and seconded by Council Member Spellerberg to approve Items 24 through 35. Roll call vote to approve. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES ORDINANCE SECOND READINGS 36. 2nd Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD, REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 132 S. HOLLY AVE. FROM THE RS SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—SUBURBAN DISTRICT TO THE RT-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—TRADITIONAL DISTRICT, NO. 021270-2025, AND AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS. The Planning Commission recommends approval (5-0). Private Applicant(s): Brayden Peterson  A motion was made by Council Member Basye and seconded by Council Member Cole to adopt Ordinance No. 43-25. Roll call vote to adopt. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 37. 2nd Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD, REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 641 S. PRAIRIE AVE. FROM THE RT-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—TRADITIONAL DISTRICT TO THE RD-1 TWIN HOME/DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL—SUBURBAN DISTRICT, NO. 021348-2025, AND AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS. The Planning Commission recommends approval (5-0). Private Applicant(s): T&L Investments, LLC – Thomas Haugaard A motion was made by Council Member Spellerberg and seconded by Council Member Basye to adopt Ordinance No. 44-25. Roll call vote to adopt. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 38. 2nd Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD, REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3312 N. 8TH AVE. FROM THE RS SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—SUBURBAN DISTRICT TO THE RT-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—TRADITIONAL DISTRICT, NO. 021284-2025, AND AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS. The Planning Commission recommends approval (5-0). Private Applicant(s): South Eastern Development Foundation – Lynne Keller Forbes A motion was made by Council Member Spellerberg and seconded by Council Member Basye to adopt Item 38. Roll call vote to adopt. 3 Yes: Merkouris, Spellerberg, Barranco; 4 No: Soehl, Thomason, Basye, Cole. Motion Failed. 39. 2nd Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD, REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 531 N. NESMITH AVE. FROM THE RT-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—TRADITIONAL DISTRICT TO THE RT-2 TOWNHOME RESIDENTIAL—TRADITIONAL DISTRICT, NO. 021355-2025, AND AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS. The Planning Commission recommends approval (5-0) with the following condition(s): 1. Maximum of two dwelling units on the lot 2. Require 10' Level A buffer yard along the north, south, and east property lines. Private Applicant(s): Architecture Automated – Gene Murphy A motion was made by Council Member Basye and seconded by Council Member Cole to adopt Ordinance No. 45-25. Roll call vote to adopt. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 40. 2nd Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD, REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTH OF W. 69TH ST. AND WEST OF S. BEAL AVE. FROM THE AG AGRICULTURE DISTRICT TO THE RA-3 APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL— HIGH DENSITY DISTRICT, NO. 021361-2025, AND AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS. The Planning Commission recommends approval (5-0). Private Applicant(s): Empire Companies – Brady Hyde A motion was made by Council Member Barranco and seconded by Council Member Spellerberg to defer to the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Roll call vote to defer. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. Item 47 was heard at this time. See item for action taken. 41. 2nd Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A NAMING AGREEMENT FOR INTERIOR SPACES IN THE FIRST TEE BUILDING N/K/A DENNY SANFORD LEARNING CENTER. Sponsor: Mayor A motion was made by Council Member Soehl and seconded by Council Member Spellerberg to adopt Ordinance No. 46-25. Roll call vote to adopt. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 42. 2nd Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD, APPROVING A MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY GAS PIPELINE EASEMENT. Sponsor: Mayor A motion was made by Council Member Barranco and seconded by Council Member Soehl to adopt Ordinance No. 47-25. Roll call vote to adopt. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 43. 2nd Reading: AN ORDINANCE GRANTING THE SURFACE AMBULANCE SERVICE FRANCHISE TO PARAMEDICS LOGISTICS SOUTH DAKOTA, LLC, AND APPROVING THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT BETWEEN PARAMEDICS LOGISTICS SOUTH DAKOTA, LLC, AND THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA, ALONG WITH AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE SAME. Sponsor: Mayor A motion was made by Council Member Spellerberg and seconded by Council Member Cole to adopt Item 43. Roll call vote to adopt. 1 Yes: Soehl; 6 No: Merkouris, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole. Motion Failed.  A motion was made by Council Member Soehl and seconded by Council Member Cole to amend this Section 5.4A by adding the following sentence to follow the last paragraph: "Pursuant to this section, any funds collected from the assessment of liquidated damages will go directly into the 911 dispatch Fund." and deleting the following sentence in Section 3.3D: "Upon mutual agreement of the Parties, the Franchisee may participate in pilot or research programs that the EMS Medical Director and Contract Administrator may authorize from time to time".. Roll call vote to amend. 1 Yes: Soehl; 6 No: Merkouris, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole. Motion Failed. A motion was made by Council Member Merkouris and seconded by Council Member Soehl to defer this item to the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Roll call vote to defer. 6 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 1 No: Spellerberg. Motion Passed. ORDINANCE FIRST READINGS 44. 1st Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A “CONDITIONAL GIFTING AND NAMING AGREEMENT FOR A BALLFIELD LOCATED AT PRAIRIE MEADOWS PARK.” Sponsor: Mayor A motion was made by Council Member Basye and seconded by Council Member Cole to set a date of 2nd Reading for Tuesday, August 12, 2025 for Item 44. Roll call vote to set a date of 2nd Reading. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 45. 1st Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY BY ADDING A CHAPTER TO TITLE XIII: GENERAL OFFENSES. Sponsor: Mayor A motion was made by Council Member Spellerberg and seconded by Council Member Cole to set a date of 2nd Reading for Tuesday, August 12, 2025 for Item 45. Roll call vote to set a date of 2nd Reading. 6 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Cole; 1 No: Basye. Motion Passed. HEARINGS AND RESOLUTIONS 46. A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE DEVELOPMENT AREAS MAP FROM TIER 3 TO TIER 1 AND AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND MAP FROM FUTURE RESIDENTIAL TO FUTURE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AS A PART OF THE SHAPE SIOUX FALLS 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LOCATED EAST OF N. VETERANS PKWY. AND SOUTH OF E. RICE ST., NO. FLUA-021026-2025. The Planning Commission recommends approval (5-0). Private Applicant(s): Gemini Data Center SD, LLC – Michael Anvar  A motion was made by Council Member Soehl and seconded by Council Member Spellerberg to adopt Resolution No. 51-25. Roll call vote to adopt. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. RESOLUTION NO. 51-25 A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE DEVELOPMENT AREAS MAP FROM TIER 3 TO TIER 1 AND AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND MAP FROM FUTURE RESIDENTIAL TO FUTURE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AS A PART OF THE SHAPE SIOUX FALLS 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LOCATED EAST OF N. VETERANS PKWY. AND SOUTH OF E. RICE ST., NO. FLUA-021026-2025. WHEREAS, there has been presented to Planning Commission an application for a development area change to the Shape Sioux Falls 2040 Comprehensive Plan. WHEREAS, it has been determined that the following criteria have been met: 1. The proposed amendment is consistent with the goals, policies, and overall intent of the text within the comprehensive plan; 2. The proposed amendment is warranted by changed conditions within the neighborhood surrounding and including the subject property; 3. The proposed amendment achieves an arrangement of activities which promote harmonious interaction and minimizes land use conflicts surrounding the subject property; 4. The proposed amendment would not adversely affect the environment, historic resources, natural resources, urban services, public facilities, and transportation system; 5. The proposed amendment is warranted by engineering analysis; 6. The proposed amendment would result in a logical and orderly development pattern; 7. The proposed amendment does not adversely affect any other part of the city, or create any direct or indirect adverse effects; and 8. The proposed amendment does not create an undue impact on surrounding neighborhoods; whereas proposed developments should be consistent with the physical characteristics of the surrounding neighborhoods or improves their living environment and quality of life. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD: That the following described property is hereby amended from Tier 3 to Tier 1 regarding the Development Areas Map and is amended from Future Residential to Future Light Industrial regarding the Future Land Use Map of the Shape Sioux Falls 2040 Comprehensive Plan of Sioux Falls, SD. It shall be the responsibility of the current or any subsequent owner of the property to provide the additional monetary resources needed to extend city, utilities including water, sanitary sewer, and necessary road improvements. Tract 2, NSP 2nd Addition in Government Lots 1 and 2 in the SW1/4 and Government Lots 1 and 2 in the NW1/4, and the S1/2 of the NE1/4, and the N1/2 of the SE1/4, Section 31-T102N-R48W, Minnehaha County, SD Date adopted: 08/06/25 Paul TenHaken, Mayor ATTEST: Jermery J. Washington, City Clerk 47. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAN OF BRANDT'S 2ND ADDITION. The Planning Commission recommends approval (5-0). Private Applicant(s): Empire Companies - Brady Hyde A motion was made by Council Member Thomason and seconded by Council Member Barranco to defer the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Roll call vote to defer. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 48. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD, CORRECTING THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF ANNEXATION RESOLUTION NO. 39-25. Sponsor: Mayor A motion was made by Council Member Cole and seconded by Council Member Barranco to adopt Resolution No. 53-25. Roll call vote to adopt. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. RESOLUTION NO. 53-25 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD, CORRECTING THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF ANNEXATION RESOLUTION NO. 39-25. WHEREAS, on June 17, 2025, the City Council of the City of Sioux Falls adopted Resolution No. 39-25 to include certain contiguous territory within the corporate limits of the city of Sioux Falls, SD; and WHEREAS, the annexation map boundaries have been approved by the City Council; and WHEREAS, the legal description as set forth in Resolution 39-25 was not accurate. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD: That the legal description as set forth in Resolution 39-25 hereby is amended to read as follows: Tract 10 Benson’s Addition in the NE 1/4 of Section 13, Township 102 North, Range 50 West of the 5th P.M., Minnehaha County, South Dakota. And that the City Clerk shall cause to be filed with the Register of Deeds, Minnehaha County, SD, a duly certified transcript of this resolution. Date adopted: 08/06/25 . Paul TenHaken, Mayor ATTEST: Jermery J. Washington, City Clerk 49. A RESOLUTION ADVISING AND GIVING CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO CERTAIN CITIZEN BOARDS. Sponsor: Mayor Mayor A motion was made by Council Member Merkouris and seconded by Council Member Soehl to adopt Resolution No. 54-25. Roll call vote to adopt. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. RESOLUTION NO. 54-25 A RESOLUTION ADVISING AND GIVING CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO CERTAIN CITIZEN BOARDS. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD: That it gives its advice and consent to the following Mayoral appointments: Name Board Term Ryan Spellerberg Accessible Housing Advisory Appointed for a term from August Board 2025 to September 2026. Julia Disburg Civil Service Board Appointed for a term from September 2025 to September 2030 (replacing Robin Burnley). Rick Kiley Charter Revision Commission Appointed for a term from September 2025 to September 2029. Date adopted: 08/06/25 . Paul TenHaken, Mayor ATTEST: Jermery J. Washington, City Clerk 50. A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS PROVISIONAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION. Sponsors: Council Members Merkouris and Sigette A motion was made by Council Member Merkouris and seconded by Council Member Barranco to adopt Resolution No. 52-25.. Roll call vote to adopt. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. RESOLUTION NO. 52-25 A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS’ PROVISIONAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION. WHEREAS, the City Charter states that the Sioux Falls City Council is the policy making and legislative body of the City of Sioux Falls; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF SIOUX FALLS, SD: 1. The Sioux Falls City Council supports legislative efforts aimed at improving outcomes for individuals reentering society after incarceration. This initiative emphasizes a comprehensive approach to public safety, rehabilitation, and community reintegration through three key areas: Modernization of Parole Services: Updates to current parole systems to ensure they are more efficient and supportive of successful reentry. This includes increasing the number of parole officers, expanding the use of modern technology, case management improvements, and expanding support services. Financial Support for Felon-Friendly Housing and Job Training Statewide: Recognize that stable housing and employment are critical to reducing recidivism, the Council supports legislation that allocates statewide funding for 1) the development or expansion of initiatives that support individuals with felony records in finding stable and affordable housing; and 2) workforce development programs specifically tailored for formerly incarcerated individuals, including vocational training, certifications, and employment placement services. Funding a Multi-Agency Parole Absconder Task Force: Establish and fund a specialized task force composed of local and state agencies to locate and apprehend parole absconders. The goal is to improve community safety while maintaining a balanced approach to justice enforcement. Funding to support 24/7 access to triage assessments: Establish funding for healthcare professionals to provide immediate care and treatment of acute intoxication, substance withdrawal, mental health crisis, and post-sexual assault care. The goal is to address critical service gaps for individuals facing  mental health and substance use challenges through a triage facility. Our region offers this innovative approach through the Sioux Falls Link, which opened on June 1, 2021, and has served more than 3,500 individuals and conducted over 13,000 triage assessments. This triage facility is a collaboration between the City of Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, Avera Health, and Sanford Health. 2. The Sioux Falls City Council recognizes the growing need for meaningful property tax relief across South Dakota. In response to concerns from local homeowners, the City Council acted in 2022 to provide targeted relief by authorizing refunds of up to $500 for the City’s portion of property taxes to residents who qualify for the state’s assessment freeze program for elderly and disabled homeowners. Enabled by the City’s home rule authority, this initiative has provided nearly $800,000 in property tax refunds to eligible residents over the past three years. We urge the South Dakota Legislature to extend this opportunity to all municipalities by allowing local governments the option to refund their portion of property taxes to those who qualify for the state’s assessment freeze. 3. The City Council recognizes the critical role airports play in driving economic growth, supporting tourism, and strengthening regional access to national and global markets. In July 2025, the City Council reaffirmed its commitment to this vision by approving a $5 million loan to the Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority. This investment is contingent upon a matching contribution of at least $5 million from the State of South Dakota, whether in the form of a loan, grant, or subsidy. We urge the legislature to appropriate state funds to support the planned expansion of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. This project will add a minimum of four new gates and significantly increase terminal capacity—essential improvements to meet the region’s rising demand for air travel and to maintain South Dakota’s competitiveness in the airline, tourism, and business sectors. Investing in airport infrastructure today ensures long-term economic benefits for the entire state. 4. The City Council supports legislation that appropriates additional funds to increase our water capacity to sustain our state’s growing population and economic opportunities. The City Council urges your favorable consideration of the Dakota Mainstem funding request of $750,000 that will allow it to conduct needed engineering and assessment planning. The Dakota Mainstem project is a grassroots effort that started with 29 water systems and cities, and has grown to more than 50 members located in South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Date adopted: 08/06/25 Paul TenHaken, Mayor ATTEST: Jermery J. Washington, City Clerk NOTICE OF HEARINGS FOR STREET VACATIONS 51. A PROPOSED RESOLUTION VACATING A PART OF NORTH 8TH AVENUE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY, LOCATED BETWEEN EAST 48TH STREET NORTH AND EAST 49TH STREET NORTH, AND A PART OF EAST 49TH STREET NORTH PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY, LOCATED FROM NORTH 8TH AVENUE TO APPROXIMATELY 246' EAST, AS SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A. Recommendation: Set a date of hearing for Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Sponsor: Mayor A motion was made by Council Member Spellerberg and seconded by Council Member Basye to set a date of hearing for Tuesday, September 2, 2025 for Item 51. Roll call vote to set a date of hearing. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 52. A PROPOSED RESOLUTION VACATING A PORTION OF THE EAST 6TH STREET PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY, LOCATED BETWEEN SOUTH FOSS AVENUE AND VETERANS PARKWAY, AS SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A. Recommendation: Set a date of hearing for Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Sponsor: Mayor A motion was made by Council Member Barranco and seconded by Council Member Cole to set a date of hearing for Tuesday, September 2, 2025 for Item 52. Roll call vote to set a date of hearing. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 53. A PROPOSED RESOLUTION VACATING A PART OF THE 66 FOOT STATUTORY RIGHT-OF-WAY, LOCATED NORTH OF THE EAST/WEST SECTION LINE OF SECTIONS 2, 3, 10, AND 11, TOWNSHIP 101 NORTH, RANGE 49 WEST OF THE 5TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, MINNEHAHA COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA, AS SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A. Recommendation: Set a date of hearing for Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Sponsor: Mayor A motion was made by Council Member Barranco and seconded by Council Member Cole to set a date of hearing for Tuesday, September 2, 2025 for Item 53. Roll call vote to set a date of hearing. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 54. A PROPOSED RESOLUTION VACATING EAST 19TH STREET LYING BETWEEN SOUTH MINNESOTA AVENUE AND SOUTH DAKOTA AVENUE, AS SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A. Recommendation: Set a date of hearing for Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Sponsor: Mayor A motion was made by Council Member Spellerberg and seconded by Council Member Basye to set a date of hearing for Tuesday, September 2, 2025 for Item 54.  Roll call vote to set a date of hearing. 7 Yes: Merkouris, Soehl, Spellerberg, Thomason, Barranco, Basye, Cole; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. NEW BUSINESS 55. DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC INPUT REGARDING THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA'S OPERATION PRAIRIE THUNDER. Comments were received from 24 citizens regarding the States Operation Prairie Thunder program. GENERAL PUBLIC INPUT Comments were made regarding how communication is handled, trauma informed choices, and allowing people to clap during City Council Meetings. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Council Member Barranco and seconded by Council Member Basye to adjourn at 10:50 p.m. Tamara Jorgensen, MMC, Assistant City Clerk