City Council Study Session

City of Spearfish City Council Study Session Minutes May 31, 2023, 4:15 p.m. The City Council Study Session was called to order by Mayor Senden at 4:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. The following c o u n c i l members were present: Clark, Hodgs, Hourigan, Jacobs, Klarenbeek, and Rath. Absent: none. City staff present were: City Administrator McFarland, City Attorney McDonald, Finance Officer DeNeui, Public Works Director Broyles, City Planner Kapsa, Parks and Recreation Director Ehnes, Assistant City Engineer Spindler, and Assistant Public Works Director McMahon. Hodgs moved, Jacobs seconded, and all voted to approve the agenda as presented. Items for Council Discussion: Airport Annual Report – A report from Rod Senn and Tom Schauer, Mead & Hunt, was presented. The report covered key stakeholders and roles, capital improvement plan, economic impact of Black Hills-Clyde Ice Field, funding sources for airports, and the role of airport authorities. Presenters noted that they will collaborate with City staff on prioritizing projects, develop a funding plan, and coordinate with state officials and the Federal Aviation Administration in implementing the plan. The foremost need seen by the presenters for Black Hills Airport is the new terminal facility and then planning for the construction of the crosswind runway. The primary runway will need to be reconstructed and the crosswind will need to be utilized to avoid closure of the airport during the construction. Bee City USA certification – Parks and Recreation Director Ehnes presented information on obtaining Bee City USA certification. The Xerces Society began the initiative for invertebrate conservation in 1971 to bring communities together to sustain native pollinators. The principals of pollinator conservation are to increase the availability of native flowering species, providing appropriate nesting substrate, finding alternatives to harmful pesticides, and education and spreading of awareness of pollinators. The process to become an affiliate of Bee City USA includes commitments of establishing a Bee City USA Committee, creating and enhancing pollinator habitat on public and private lands, creating an integrated pest management plan, creating a recommended native plant list, creating policies and plans that are pollinator-conscious, and hosting pollinator awareness events. The fee to apply and to renew annually is $200. Council members voiced their support for the certification and encouraged staff to move forward. City Council Agenda: Draft Agenda – The draft agenda for the June 5, 2023, City Council Regular Session was previewed. The public comment period was opened at 5:03 p.m. Comments were received from Amy Davison, Perry Jewett, Cherlyn Valades, and Jeremy Smith regarding the open comment period for the Golden Crest exploratory drilling for gold at 25 locations on the west side of Spearfish Canyon. Mayor Senden noted the council will consider Resolution 2023-18 on Monday, June 5, 2023 regarding the exploratory drilling. The full language of the resolution is found in the agenda packet for the council meeting that will be posted by Friday, June 2, 2023 on the City’s website. No additional discussions were held and with a motion from Hodgs, seconded from Rath, the meeting was adjourned at 5:19 p.m.