City Council Study Session

City of Spearfish City Council Study Session Minutes July 31, 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, July 31, 2024. The following c o u n c i l members were present: Clark, Hafner, Hourigan, Jacobs, Klarenbeek, and Rath. Absent: None. City staff present were: Finance Officer DeNeui, Public Safety Director Rotert, Public Works Director McMahon, Planning Director Koelbel, Human Resource Director Mathis, Library Director Wilde, Parks and Recreation Director Ehnes, and Building Official Jones. Jacobs moved, Rath seconded, and all voted to approve the agenda. Items for Discussion Business License Policy – Planning Director Koelbel requested guidance from the council and direction if a business license policy should be implemented in Spearfish. A business license would play a crucial role when new businesses arrive in or relocate within the City. It would help Planning & Building staff by assisting with whether the business’s intended use aligns with the zoning regulations of the property and if any modifications to the building are necessary for the business to operate, requiring a building permit. Staff goal is to eliminate public safety issues and minimize costs to businesses as they would be informed of standards for each establishment prior to entering into contracts or beginning construction. Discussion was held and comments received recommended having discussions on this topic with the Chamber of Commerce, Spearfish Economic Development Corporation, and holding public input sessions. A well-planned process should be used to gather input and create a policy that will serve the City to eliminate issues in the future while not eliminating the possibility of private business growth or expansion. 2025 Budget Presentations – Departments of Library, Parks and Recreation, and Public Safety presented general overviews of their 2025 departmental budget requests. Additionally, general fund revenues, external grants, debt service funds and the Downtown Business Improvement District funds were discussed. Draft Agenda The draft agenda for the August 5, 2024, City Council Regular Session was reviewed. Clark requested that the City consider allowing a buyback of the Elkhorn Ridge Sewer Lift Station allocation once all of the City’s available allocation is sold. Clark also volunteered for appointment to the Black Hills Airport Taskforce. Additionally, Clark and Hourigan noted they would be absent from the 8/5/2024 meeting. The time for public comment was opened at 6:02 p.m. and closed with no comments being received. Clark moved, Hafner seconded, and all voted to enter into Executive Session at 6:03 p.m. pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2(1) for the purpose of discussing the qualifications, competence, performance, character or fitness of any public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. Council members returned to regular session at 6:21 p.m. No additional discussions were held, and with a motion from Hafner and second from Klarenbeek, the meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.