City Council Study Session

City of Spearfish City Council Study Session Minutes December 11, 2024, 4:45 p.m. The City Council Study Session was called to order by Mayor Senden at 4:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The following c o u n c i l members were present: Clark, Hafner, Jacobs, Klarenbeek, and Rath. Absent: Hourigan. City staff present were: City Administrator Falcon, City Attorney Knox, Assistant Finance Officer Tyler, Parks and Recreation Director Ehnes, Planning Director Koelbel, Public Safety Director Rotert, and Public Works Director McMahon. Rath moved, Jacobs seconded, and all voted to approve the agenda. Draft Agenda - Staff reviewed each item on the draft December 16, 2024, City Council Regular Session agenda and responded to questions from council. Koelbel spoke regarding updating both Joints Powers and Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Ordinance (3- mile) Boundary. City staff and Lawrence County staff have worked together to update the Joint Powers and Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Ordinance Boundaries and map. The purpose is to consolidate to have one boundary for both entities. The draft agreement and ordinance will be presented at a future council meeting for approval. A time for public comment was opened at 4:59 p.m. and was closed with no comments being received. Departmental Discussion Mayor Senden mentioned the need for a cell tower near Exit 17 and asked Koelbel to speak to the submitted conditional use permit that went before the Planning Commission. Koelbel stated that this cell tower does not meet the criteria for the current ordinance written in 2006. The applicant has filed an appeal and will go before the City Council in January. Staff would like to revise the ordinance for cell towers. Public Works Director McMahon noted that Rainbow Road is now open, ahead of schedule, but there will be some single lane closures next week through the end of December. Public Safety Director Rotert added that the 2006 cell tower ordinance came about because of a previously submitted permit for a cell tower located on Christianson Drive and Colorado, he suggests going back to previous minutes, as both the council and residents had concerns about the size and look of cell towers. Rotert said they have been interviewing internal candidates for the Police Chief position and should have a decision by the end of the week. City Administrator Falcon stated he will be adding an item to the City Council meeting agenda for approving a land dedication at the old Sawmill for Fire Department training. No additional discussions were held and with a motion from Hafner and a second from Rath, the meeting adjourned at 5:06 p.m.