City Council Study Session

City of Spearfish City Council Study Session Minutes March 15, 2023, 4:15 p.m. The City Council Study Session was called to order by Mayor Senden at 4:28 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. The following c o u n c i l members were present: Clark, Hourigan, Hodgs, and Rath. Absent: Jacobs and Klarenbeek. City staff present were: City Administrator McFarland, City Attorney McDonald, Finance Officer DeNeui, Public Safety Director Rotert, City Planner Kapsa, Assistant Public Works Director MaMahon, Recreation Facility Superintendent Rauterkus, Human Resource Director Mathis, and Assistant Police Chief Dean. Clark moved, Hodgs seconded, and all voted to amend the agenda to add item 2A of public safety organizational structure updates. Clark moved, Hodgs seconded and all voted to approve the agenda as amended. Items for Council Discussion: Public Safety Organizational Structure Update – Public Safety Director Rotert reviewed the upcoming changes to the public safety organization. On Monday, March 20, 2023, Riley Jones will join the City as the building official which will then move the entire building inspection department under City Planner Kapsa for supervision. Additionally, the chief of police position will not be filled, and Director Rotert will take on the daily duties of the police chief and supervision of the police department. This will allow for the police lieutenant position to be added to the staff of the police department and stay within 2023 budget. Rotert also noted the department is addressing the recruitment and retention of positions within the department and have identified the following six areas of focus: 1) competitive salaries and benefits; 2) departmental programming options; 3) incentives for hiring and recruitment; 4) shift work stipends; 5) scheduling options for ten-hour shifts; and 6) mental health professional position. Work is progressing on the six areas and items will be coming to council for action at future meetings. City Council Agenda: Draft Agenda – The draft agenda for the March 20, 2023 City Council Regular Session was previewed and no questions were asked on the proposed items. A time for public comment was opened at 5:14 p.m. Comments were received from Amy Davison regarding the Golden Crest gold mining exploration application currently going through the U.S. Forest Service process. Ms. Davison also provided written comments, maps, and additional information on the gold exploration project to the elected officials. Additional comments regarding the gold mining exploration application were received from Jeremy Smith. No further comments were received and the time for public comment was closed. No additional discussions were held. Motion from Clark, seconded by Hodgs, all voted to adjourn at 5:23 p.m.