City Council Study Session

City of Spearfish City Council Study Session Minutes February 14, 2024, 4:15 p.m. The City Council Study Session was called to order by Mayor Senden at 4:16 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. The following c o u n c i l members were present: Clark, Hodgs, Jacobs, Klarenbeek, and Rath. Absent: Hourigan. City staff present were: City Attorney McDonald, Finance Officer DeNeui, Public Safety Director Rotert, Public Works Director McMahon, City Planner Kapsa, and Interim Parks and Recreation Director Rauterkus. Hodgs moved, Rath seconded, and all voted to amend the agenda to insert an executive session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2-(3) for the purpose of consulting with legal counsel about proposed or pending litigation or contractual matters. Hodgs moved, Rath seconded, and all approved the agenda as amended. Updates Legislative Issues – Finance Officer DeNeui provided an update on South Dakota Municipal League’s bills for the current legislative session. HB 1055 increases the surplus property bid advertisement value to $2,500 and has been signed by the Governor. SB 187 would establish a local government cybersecurity program at the South Dakota Department of Public Safety to assist local governments to address current and future cybersecurity efforts. This bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Appropriations. HB 1132 is the Title IX update and has been referred to Senate Local Government Committee. HB 1092 would increase the 911 surcharge for phone users from $1.25 per month to $2.00 per month and failed to pass the Senate floor today but may be reconsidered. Projects and Plans – Public Works Director McMahon reported that the Airport Terminal Grant was awarded. The amount was just under $2 million. They will apply for additional grant funding from the State’s discretionary funds. Sky Ridge Sports Complex electricity is scheduled to be installed next week. The Colorado Boulevard sewer upsize project is on path for completion in the spring. Hillcrest repairs from damage caused by last June’s flooding will begin this week. Planning Director Kapsa reported on efficiencies with the OpenGov software program which has already saved weeks of work and eventually will save months of work. They are working to get all applications moved online. The Building and Development window will close at 2:00 p.m. daily until the software transition is complete. A demonstration explaining what the application process will look like for the public will be demonstrated at a future Study Session meeting. Mayor Senden stated that Planning Director Kapsa will depart at the end of February and will help finish the Comprehensive Plan. Adam McMahon has been promoted to the Public Works Director. Questionnaires for additional information were sent to applicants for the City Administrator position. The returned questionnaires are now being reviewed. City Council Agenda Draft Agenda – The draft agenda for February 20, 2024, City Council Regular Session was reviewed. Jacobs moved, Rath seconded, and all voted to add an Executive Session under SDCL 1-25-2(1) with GPNA as legal representation to the February 20, 2024 agenda. Public Safety Director Rotert and Fire Chief Deaver provided information on the request to purchase a new fire truck. This request is on the Council Agenda for reconsideration. The public comment period was opened at 4:44 p.m. Resident Joe Jorgensen inquired about the final plat for the East Low Zone Water Well Parcel. Kapsa noted this would be on the March 5, 2024 City Council agenda. Clark moved, Rath seconded, and all voted to enter into Executive Session pursuant to SDCL 1-25- 2(3) for the purpose of consulting with legal counsel about proposed or pending litigation or contractual matters at 4:46 p.m. At 5:19 p.m. the Council returned to the regular session. No additional discussions were held and with a motion from Jacobs, and second from Hodgs, the meeting was adjourned at 5:19 p.m.