City Council Study Session

City of Spearfish City Council Study Session Minutes June 12, 2024, 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, June 12, 2024. The following c o u n c i l members were present: Clark, Hafner, Hourigan, Klarenbeek, Jacobs, and Rath. Absent: None. City staff present were: Assistant Finance Officer Tyler, Public Works Director McMahon, Planning Director Koelbel, Assistant Planning Director Ecker, City Engineer Mathis, Staff Engineer Larson, Project Inspector Jones, Public Safety Director Rotert, Assistant Police Chief Dean, and Park Maintenance and Forestry Superintendent McDonald. Clark moved, Hourigan seconded, and all voted to approve the agenda. City Engineer Mathis introduced new staff members Abbey Larson, staff engineer, and Sunee Jones, project inspector. Items for Discussion Community Access AED Project Update – Kari Engen and Sue Konstant presented information on the Community Access AED (automated external defibrillator) Project. The project is coordinated through the Spearfish Community Foundation and the Banner Health endowment and has raised over $130,000 of community funds to cover the $235,000 in costs to provide 22 outdoor towers (soon to be 23 towers) in the community. All community towers also have stop-the-bleed kits. Many thanks were given to City Staff and community partners for the success of the project. Ms. Konstant noted that Spearfish Community Foundation’s next project involves the new bandshell in the City Park. Aspen Drive Extension – City Engineer Mathis noted the Colorado Boulevard Study indicated need for an east-west collector road and prior council members approved support for acquisition of road right-of-way. The preliminary road alignment would go through Nedifi Court (west of Legacy Homes office location) and the owner has agreed to dedicate right-of-way. The City will cost share with the owner for dirt work when their project construction begins. The 2024 budget has $300,000 identified for this project and discussions are ongoing with the property owner on the City’s portion of the costs. More information on the costs and future acquisition of right-of-way for the proposed roadway will be presented at a future meeting. Draft Agenda The draft agenda for the June 17, 2024, City Council Regular Session was reviewed. The time for public comment was opened at 4:52 p.m. Resident Joe Jorgensen commented on the Rec Center and waterpark activity and noted it is the best investment the city has made for the community. No other comments were received and the time for public comment closed at 4:54 p.m. Mayor Senden noted that the Visit Spearfish board of directors has a seat for a Council member position. Any interested official should reach out to him for details and subsequent consideration of appointment. Public Safety Director Rotert noted that open patrol staff positions will be reallocated to more civilian roles within the police department. Some tasks that don’t require officer certification to be performed will be moved to civilian positions. The positions are a criminal analyst and an evidence/crime scene management position. These are not added positions, just a movement of tasks to manage staffing responsibilities within the police department. The positions may come with a lower salary cost than a certified officer. No additional discussions were held, and with a motion from Hourigan and second from Hafner, the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.