City Council Study Session

City of Spearfish City Council Study Session Minutes October 16, 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, October 16, 2024. The following c o u n c i l members were present: Clark, Hafner, Hourigan, Jacobs, Klarenbeek, and Rath. City staff present were: City Administrator Falcon, City Attorney Knox, Finance Director De Neui, Parks and Recreation Director Ehnes, Planning Director Koelbel, Assistant Planning Director Ecker, and Public Works Director McMahon. Clark moved, Hourigan seconded, and all voted to approve the agenda. Items for Discussion The Spearfish Trails Coalition (STC) – STC President, Emily Brown, presented an update to review the work that has been done over the past year regarding the Long-Term Concept Plan for trail improvements to city-owned and city-managed property in Spearfish. The STC is looking to improve and create sustainable trails for all users: bikers, hikers, and trail runners. Ehnes added that the city drafted an agreement with STC to formalize the relationship and to better understand expectations and responsibilities. Because of the involvement of various organizations at both the state and federal level, Ehnes is starting with zones the city owns to get some things moving. Ehnes will have more to come based on approvals and timelines. Review the short-term rental survey results – Assistant Planning Director Ecker presented the results of the short-term rental survey. Following an open house, in August, regarding short term rentals, the survey was opened for about 3 weeks. The city received 646 responses to the survey. Based on the results, majority of citizens support some regulation. There is a clear support from the community for owners to obtain a license. Top concerns included the impact to available housing and affordability, concerns regarding neighborhood character, social cohesion, and safety. Concerns for the fair competition with hotels and proper taxes, balancing property rights with the community needs were also noted in the survey results. The city currently has 200–350 short term rentals, congruent with the last census, and building permits: 250 short term rental properties is approximately 5-6% of Spearfish housing units. The next steps are to take the survey results and council feedback to the short-term rental taskforce to create policy and ordinance(s) for future council review and consideration. Mayor Senden opened the floor to public input on the survey results at 5:12p.m. and no comments were received. Draft Agenda The draft agenda for the October 21, 2024, City Council Regular Session was reviewed. A time for public comment was opened at 5:16 p.m. and closed with no comments being received. Mayor Senden recommends that council send comments to Koelbel and Falcon regarding the Comprehensive Plan and bring back discussion at the next study session. Public Works Director McMahon mentioned Sandstone entrance on Colorado Blvd. is closed and is set to be reopened next week. McMahon added an agenda item to City Council Regular Session meeting, October 21, 2024, to award the bid for BHSU Waterline Project. Planning Director Koelbel followed up on the Comprehensive Plan budget, okay for final edits but added public input sessions will require a change order. City Attorney Knox welcomed by Mayor Senden. No additional discussions were held, Hafner moved, Hourigan seconded, and the meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m.