Spearfish public meetings in 2025

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees will hear a report from the Library Director and other board items. It will then vote on several action items, including a circulation policy update, adding an ancestry database, adjusting the 2025 Christmas hours, adopting the 2026 holiday closures, and considering recommendations for board appointments. No other matters are on the agenda.

• Circulation policy update
• Ancestry database
• Adjust 2025 Christmas hours
• Adopt 2026 holiday closures
• Consider recommendations for Library Board appointments

The Library Board approved the minutes and financial reports for the previous meeting. It updated the circulation policy, approved a $1,048.41 subscription to Ancestry for 2026, and adopted the 2026 holiday closure dates. The board also recommended Julie Gardner for reappointment and Sara Freng for a new three‑year term.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (motion carried)
• Approved financial report and bills (motion carried)
• Updated circulation policy with new language (motion carried)
• Subscribed to Ancestry database at $1,048.41 starting Jan 2026 (motion carried)
• Adopted 2026 holiday closures schedule (motion carried)
• Recommended Julie Gardner for reappointment and Sara Freng for appointment to board (motion carried)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a preliminary plat for Lots 1 through 10 of the Blue Sky Estates development east of the intersection of Maitland and McDermott Road. The commission will also consider a variance request and preliminary plat for a subdivision at 1955 Maitland Road submitted by Brad Limbo. A public hearing and recommendation will be held for a preliminary plat of Lots 2 through 6 of Tract R, False Bottom Addition at 4025 E Colorado Boulevard.

• Hold public hearing on preliminary plat for Lots 1‑10 of Blue Sky Estates (East of Maitland & McDermott Rd)
• Consider variance request and preliminary plat for subdivision at 1955 Maitland Road (Brad Limbo)
• Hold public hearing and make recommendation on preliminary plat for Lots 2‑6 of Tract R, False Bottom Addition (4025 E Colorado Blvd)

City Council Study Session

The Spearfish City Council will hold a study session to review a new agenda management system and discuss the 2026 budget. The council will also hold an executive session to discuss the qualifications of public officers.

• Review and training on new Agenda Meetings Management System
• Discussion on the 2026 Budget
• Executive session for officer qualifications
• Approve minutes from September 10 and 15, 2025
• Approve wage adjustments for Emily Franklin and Daesha Erskin

The council approved the meeting agenda unanimously. They voted to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Entered executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Spearfish City Council will hold its regular session on September 22, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 625 5th Street, and via Zoom. The council’s only substantive action is to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1408‑2026, the city’s 2026 Appropriations Ordinance that appropriates $33,927,583 for various city funds. Other agenda items are standard procedural matters such as call to order, roll call, public comment, and conflict‑of‑interest declarations.

• Approve second reading of Ordinance 1408‑2026 Appropriations Ordinance (total appropriation $33,927,583)
• Public Comment – residents may address the council; no action on items not on the agenda

The council approved its agenda and held a public comment period with no remarks. The body voted to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1408 – the 2026 Appropriations Ordinance, with five members voting aye. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1408 – 2026 Appropriations Ordinance (5-0)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will approve the July meeting minutes and handle administrative items such as donated service forms and invoices. It will review the 2025 grant and consider a paint grant. Additional topics include a zoning stakeholder analysis meeting with Kevin Koelbel, Sanborn maps, the Spearfish 1876 anniversary, and ongoing projects like National Register brochures and history posters.

• Approve July minutes
• Review 2025 grant
• Consider Paint Grant
• Discuss Kevin Koelbel zoning stakeholder analysis meeting
• Plan Spearfish 1876 anniversary

Parks, Recreation & Forestry Advisory Board

The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Advisory Board meeting scheduled for September 18, 2025, has been cancelled. The cancellation was due to a lack of agenda items. The next meeting is set for October 16, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers.

• Meeting cancelled for September 18, 2025
• Next meeting scheduled for October 16, 2025
• Location: City Council Chambers

Planning Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing and act on a variance request and preliminary plat for a 76‑acre subdivision at 1955 Maitland Road. It will also recommend approval of a final plat for Lot AB in the Otis subdivision at 3105 Creekside Village Place. Additionally, the commission will receive updates on the Safety Action Plan and on a zoning code analysis.

• Variance request and preliminary plat for 1955 Maitland Road
• Final plat recommendation for Lot AB, 3105 Creekside Village Place
• Update on Safety Action Plan
• Update on Zoning Code Analysis

City Council

The Spearfish City Council will approve tax abatements, a $740,000 aviation grant, and ordinances regarding assemblies, personnel policies, and zoning. The meeting also includes the approval of construction contracts and the final reading of the 2026 appropriations ordinance.

• Abate property taxes for 1830 St Joe Street ($74,315)
• Approve $740,000 grant for General Aviation Apron
• Approve TIF District Development Agreements with Schipporeit and Platinum Investments
• Approve 2026 Appropriations Ordinance (first reading)
• Approve zoning change for 125 N 7th Street (R-2 to C-1)

The council unanimously approved a $740,000 grant agreement with the State of South Dakota for the General Aviation Apron and terminal engineering services. It also approved the award of the $475,385.56 Chip Seal contract on Colorado Blvd and two TIF District Development Agreements in District #8. Additional approvals included a fire‑station remodel, a snow‑removal contract, and a $16,228.74 change order for the BHSU water‑main upsizing project.

• Approved agenda amendment adding Chip Seal award and tabling Ordinance 1405 (unanimous)
• Awarded lowest responsive bid for 2025 Chip Seal Colorado Blvd to Dakota Asphalt LLC, $475,385.56 (unanimous)
• Approved TIF District Development Agreement with Schipporeit Investments, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved TIF District Development Agreement with Platinum Investments, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved $740,000 grant agreement with State of South Dakota for General Aviation Apron (unanimous)
• Approved fire station 1 office remodel and alarm replacement, $32,977.90 (unanimous)
• Approved contract with AusCarX LLC for snow‑removal services (Sept 2025‑June 2026) zone B (unanimous)
• Approved final change order for BHSU Water Main Upsize, net increase $16,228.74 (unanimous)

City Council Study Session

The council will hold a public hearing and approve the second reading of Ordinance 1406 on assemblies, and will approve the first reading of Ordinance 1408 for the 2026 appropriations. It will also approve several contracts and resolutions, including a $740,000 state grant for the General Aviation Apron, a fire station remodel budgeted at $32,977.90, and a snow‑removal contract with AusCarX LLC. Additional items include a zoning amendment for 125 N 7th Street, a reconsideration of a $475,385.56 chip‑seal bid, and the approval of the Bandshell construction certificate.

• Approve $740,000 grant agreement with the State of South Dakota for the General Aviation Apron project
• Authorize fire station 1 office remodel and fire alarm system replacement budgeted at $32,977.90
• Approve contract with AusCarX LLC for snow removal services (Sept 2025‑June 2026) for Zone B
• Amend zoning for 125 N 7th Street from R‑2 to C‑1
• Reconsider awarding the $475,385.56 bid for the 2025 Chip Seal Colorado Blvd project

All council members voted to approve the meeting agenda. Staff presented items on a safety action plan, a chip‑seal road project, and the 2026 budget, but no votes were taken. A public comment addressed the Art in Public Places fund, noting $139,000 is available. The council adjourned following a motion and second.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion passed)

Library Board of Trustees

The Spearfish Library Board will review its fee schedule and consider adding the digital service Hoopla. The board will also schedule its next meeting date.

• Review Fee Schedule
• Consideration of Hoopla
• Schedule November meeting date
• Approval of Consent Agenda
• Financial report and bills

The board approved the prior meeting minutes and the financial report with August and September bills. It adopted a higher out‑of‑county fee of $35. It also voted to terminate the Hoopla digital subscription when the current contract ends in January. Finally, the November meeting was rescheduled to November 18.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved financial report and August/September bills (motion carried)
• Approved fee‑schedule increase, raising out‑of‑county fee to $35 (motion carried)
• Approved ending Hoopla subscription at the end of the current contract in January (motion carried)
• Approved changing November board meeting date to November 18 (motion carried)

City Council

The Spearfish City Council will discuss amendments to ordinances regarding assemblies, parades, and alcoholic beverages. The body is also reviewing several special malt beverage licenses and a bid for the Colorado Blvd chip seal project.

• First reading of Ordinance No. 1406 regarding Assemblies, Parades and Processions
• Second reading of Ordinance 1404 regarding Alcoholic Beverages
• Special malt beverage licenses for Autumn Fest (Main Street) and Black Hills Fly In (Black Hills Airport)
• Awarding of the lowest bid for the 2025 Chip Seal Colorado Blvd project
• MOU with Black Hills State University for the Ronnie Thiesz soccer field

The council moved forward with the Campground Wood Shop mural and approved the first reading of Ordinance 1406 and the second reading of Ordinance 1404. It also granted four special malt‑beverage licenses, approved a memorandum of understanding with Black Hills State University, and approved an amendment to the professional services agreement with the Trails Coalition. The motion to award the 2025 Chip Seal Colorado Blvd project failed, and Resolution 2025‑48 for property surplus was adopted.

• Approved Campground Wood Shop mural (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1406 (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1404 (unanimous)
• Approved special malt‑beverage license for John Williams (Spearfish Brewing Co.) (unanimous)
• Approved special malt‑beverage license for Jeff Drumm (Crow Peak Brewing Co.) (unanimous)
• Approved special malt‑beverage and wine license for Luke Donovan (False Bottom Bar) (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with Black Hills State University (unanimous)
• Motion to award 2025 Chip Seal Colorado Blvd project failed (3‑1)

Planning Commission

The Spearfish Planning Commission approved a rezoning of 125 N 7th Street from R‑2 to C‑1, and approved conditional use permits for two museum sites on Meier Avenue and for a second residence on Christensen Drive. Each motion passed unanimously with a 3‑0 vote. The commission also approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes, and noted the Planning Director’s upcoming departure.

• Approved agenda as presented (3-0)
• Approved minutes from August 19 session (3-0)
• Approved rezoning of 125 N 7th St to Central Commercial (3-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for museums at 421 & 435 Meier Ave (3-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for second residence at 704 Christensen Dr (3-0)

City Council Study Session

The City Council will hold a study session to discuss the 2026 Public Works budget and snow removal operations. The session includes a review of proposed capital projects and the upcoming September 2 council agenda.

• Proposed 2026 Public Works budget of $31,525,917
• Airport apron expansion budgeted at $6,000,000
• Terminal Building watermain and parking lot project budgeted at $1,600,000
• Rainbow Road box culvert budgeted at $1,000,000
• Discussion of Park Building Mural Project funding and designs

The council unanimously approved an amended agenda that added an executive session. The council then unanimously voted to adjourn the executive session at 7:00 p.m. The study session was formally adjourned at 7:02 p.m. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved amended agenda to include executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned executive session at 7:00 p.m. (unanimous)
• Adjourned the study session at 7:02 p.m. (unanimous)

Parks, Recreation & Forestry Advisory Board

The board approved three actions: the woodshop project at the city campground, the BHSU mural at Evans Park, and an MOU with Black Hills State University for the Ronnie Thiesz soccer field. All three motions carried, with the woodshop and mural votes split 4‑3 and the MOU approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved woodshop project at Spearfish City Campground (4 yeas, 3 nays)
• Approved BHSU mural in Evans Park (4 yeas, 3 nays)
• Approved MOU with Black Hills State University for Ronnie Thiesz soccer field (unanimous)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved July 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission approved an amended agenda after a member was absent. The minutes from the July 15th regular session were approved. A public hearing was scheduled for September 2 to consider rezoning 125th N 7th Street from R‑2 to C‑1. The meeting adjourned at 4:11 p.m.

• Approved agenda amendment (6-0)
• Approved July 15 minutes (6-0)
• Set public hearing for rezoning 125th N 7th St to C‑1 (6-0)

City Council

The council approved the Hayfield lease agreement, a $740,000 FAA grant for airport infrastructure, and a special on‑sale liquor license for a September 13 wedding. It denied a $41,500 property‑tax abatement for a Miller Ranch lot and approved a tax abatement for five Miller Ranch lots. The council also approved Ordinance 1403 (second reading), Ordinance 1404 (first reading), a private hangar ground lease, and a resolution declaring surplus personal property.

• Approved Hayfield Lease Agreement with Gerard Cuka and Justin Williams (unanimous)
• Approved special on‑sale liquor license for Leland Ruzicka’s B&B Bar wedding (unanimous)
• Approved FAA airport infrastructure grant of $740,000 for General Aviation Apron and engineering services (unanimous)
• Denied six‑month property‑tax abatement and refund of $41,500 for Lot 1, Block 4, Miller Ranch (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatement for 2025 taxes on five Miller Ranch lots (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1403 (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1404 (unanimous)
• Approved private Hangar Ground Lease Agreement with Waconda Investments SD, LLLP (unanimous)

City Council Study Session

The City Council is reviewing the 2026 budget recap, which includes projections for the General Fund and various Special Revenue Funds. The proposed budget outlines expenditures across multiple city departments and the creation of new administrative units.

• Proposed 2026 General Fund total revenue of $24,218,800
• Creation of a new Public Works Administration department with a $975,648 budget
• Creation of a new Electrical/Storm Water department with a $144,242 budget
• Closure of the Public Safety Administration department at the end of 2025
• Proposed 2026 General Fund expenditures of $27,813,821

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda. The council then voted unanimously to go into an executive session to discuss legal matters. No other substantive actions were taken during the study session.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Entered executive session (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved Resolution 2025-46 to convey twelve Sky Ridge subdivision lots to the Spearfish Economic Development Corporation for affordable housing. It also approved several real‑estate purchase agreements, rejected bids for a Sandstone parcel, and authorized new liquor and beverage licenses. Additional actions included adopting a job‑classification plan and approving an $87,866 HDR amendment for the East Colorado Boulevard project.

• Approved Resolution 2025-46 to transfer 12 Sky Ridge lots to SEDC (unanimous)
• Rejected all bids for Sandstone Parcel Lot 18 H‑1 Block 14 (5‑1)
• Approved Real Estate Purchase Agreements with Platinum Investment, LLC; Schipporeit Investments, LLC; and Hills View Homes (unanimous)
• Approved retail malt beverage, wine, and cider licenses for Brenda Thanh Vu (unanimous)
• Authorized sale of two off‑sale liquor licenses ($100,000 min each) and one on‑sale license ($500,000 min) (unanimous)
• Adopted Condrey and Associates Job Classification and Compensation Plan (unanimous)
• Approved HDR amendment for East Colorado Boulevard improvements ($87,866) (unanimous)

City Council Study Session

All council members voted to approve the meeting agenda. After public comments, a motion to adjourn was made and seconded, and the council adjourned the session. No other actions were formally approved or denied.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

City Council

The council approved the consent agenda, dissolved Tax Increment District Number One, and authorized several contracts and resolutions, including a $23,300 fire‑training tower service, a $40,000 Safe Streets plan, and a $5,500 utility improvement change order. All motions were passed unanimously by the members present.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, treasurer’s report, volunteer lists) – unanimous
• Approved Interstate Engineering proposal for fire‑training tower services at $23,300 – unanimous
• Approved Resolution 2025‑41 dissolving Tax Increment District No. 1 – unanimous
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1401 (zoning amendment) – unanimous
• Approved professional services agreement with SRF Consulting for Safe Streets plan, not to exceed $40,000 – unanimous
• Approved Change Order #1 for Dakota & 5th Street utilities improvement, increase $5,500 – unanimous
• Approved final Change Order #1 for 2024 crosswalk/pavement marking, net decrease $2,845.15 – unanimous
• Approved Resolution 2025‑38 intent to lease Black Hills Airport hangar space to SkyPower Aviation – unanimous

Historic Preservation Commission

The Spearfish Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved the June meeting minutes, approved a $40 expenditure to copy and scan historic Sanborn maps, and approved Jane Matthesen as a new commission member. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved June meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $40 to copy and scan Sanborn maps (unanimous)
• Approved Jane Matthesen as commission member (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Parks, Recreation & Forestry Advisory Board

The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Advisory Board unanimously adopted the Phase 1 Spearfish Creek Preservation Plan. It also chose option 1 for the Waterpark’s seasonal closure and tabled the mural project until a working group can develop details. Four board members volunteered to serve on that mural working group. All motions passed unanimously.

• Adopt Spearfish Creek Preservation Plan Phase 1 (unanimous)
• Choose option 1 for Waterpark seasonal closure (unanimous)
• Table mural designs, locations, and funding request pending working group (unanimous)
• Form mural working group with volunteers Reth, Tracy, Neilson, and Weigel (unanimous)
• Approve agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approve June 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

City Council Study Session

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda after a motion and second. No substantive actions were taken; the session was then adjourned by a motion and second. Public comments were heard but no resolutions were adopted.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Planning Commission

The Spearfish Planning Commission approved its agenda and the minutes from the July 1st session, each by a 4-0 vote. It also approved a sketch plat for Lot AB of the Otis subdivision at 3105 Creekside Village Place, also by a 4-0 vote. No conflicts of interest were reported.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved July 1st minutes (4-0)
• Approved sketch plat for Lot AB of Otis subdivision (4-0)

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board approved the updated Library Policies, the Strategic Plan, the Technology Plan, and the Marketing Plan. Each motion was carried after a second. The consent agenda, including prior minutes and June financial items, was also approved.

• Approved Library Policies with updates to the Library Bill of Rights and Equipment Policy (motion carried)
• Adopted Strategic Plan with added monthly newsletter objective (motion carried)
• Adopted Technology Plan as presented (motion carried)
• Adopted Marketing Plan with added monthly newsletter objective (motion carried)
• Approved consent agenda minutes of previous meeting (motion carried)
• Approved financial report and June bills (motion carried)

City Council

The council unanimously approved Resolution 2025‑35 establishing Tax Incremental District Number 8 and adopted its tax increment plan. It also ratified the relocation agreement with Building Official Rodney Spiering, approved a special on‑sale malt‑beverage license for a benefit concert at City Park Bandshell, authorized a $15,000 budget supplement for the 214‑911 GIS data cleanup, and approved a $15,000 municipal advisor agreement for TIF 8. Additionally, the council refunded $4,141.11 to the Spearfish School District for a high‑school building permit fee and gave first‑reading approval to Ordinance 1401 amending Zoning Appendix A.

• Approved Resolution 2025‑35 creating Tax Incremental District #8 (5‑0)
• Ratified relocation agreement with Building Official Rodney Spiering (5‑0)
• Approved special on‑sale malt‑beverage license for Sep 27 benefit concert at City Park Bandshell (5‑0)
• Authorized $15,000 budget supplement for 214‑911 GIS addressing data cleanup (5‑0)
• Approved $15,000 Municipal Advisor Agreement for TIF 8 with Colliers Securities (5‑0)
• Refunded $4,141.11 building permit fee to Spearfish School District (5‑0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1401 amending Zoning Appendix A (5‑0)

City Council Study Session

The council approved the draft agenda with all members voting in favor. The session was then adjourned after a motion and second.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission approved an amendment to the agenda (4‑0) and approved the June 17 minutes (4‑0). It voted to recommend approval of the preliminary plat for the Centennial Mountain Estates Subdivision (4‑0). The recommendation will be placed on the City Council agenda for July 21, 2025.

• Approved agenda amendment (4-0)
• Approved June 17 minutes (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Centennial Mountain Estates subdivision plat (4-0)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Spearfish Historic Preservation Commission approved the May meeting minutes. It voted unanimously to move the regular meeting start time from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved May minutes (unanimous)
• Changed regular meeting time to 6:00 p.m. (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission approved its agenda and the June 3 minutes unanimously. It then voted 5‑0 to recommend rezoning Block 2 of Centennial Mountain Estates to C‑2, to recommend approval of the Dakota Sun Subdivision final plat, and to recommend approval of Tax Increment Finance District 8 to the City Council. All three recommendations will be placed on the July 7 City Council agenda.

• Approved agenda with amendment (5‑0)
• Approved June 3 minutes (5‑0)
• Recommended rezoning Block 2 to C‑2 (5‑0)
• Recommended approval of Dakota Sun final plat (5‑0)
• Recommended approval of TIF District 8 (5‑0)
• Motion to adjourn meeting passed (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda items, including minutes and the Treasurer’s Report. It approved a professional‑services agreement with the Spearfish Trails Coalition, adopted Resolution 2025‑34 supporting Spearfish Multifamily LLC’s housing‑infrastructure grant application, and adopted Resolution 2025‑33 updating the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) boundary. The council also approved a surplus amendment for the 1994 Ransom mower, a certificate of final completion for the Runway 13‑31 pavement warranty, and the bill list for June 16 2025.

• Agenda approved (unanimous)
• Consent agenda approved (unanimous)
• Professional services agreement with Spearfish Trails Coalition approved (unanimous)
• Resolution 2025‑34 supporting housing‑infrastructure financing grant approved (unanimous)
• Resolution 2025‑33 updating ETJ boundary approved (unanimous)
• Surplus amendment for 1994 Ransom mower approved (unanimous)
• Certificate of final completion for Runway 13‑31 warranty approved (unanimous)
• Bill list dated June 16 2025 approved (4 ayes)

Board of Adjustment

The Board heard an appeal of the Conditional Use Permit for the Horvath cell phone tower and received comments from two residents and a company representative. All members present voted to uphold the permit that the Planning Commission approved on April 15, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Uphold Conditional Use Permit for Horvath cell phone tower (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Parks, Recreation & Forestry Advisory Board

The advisory board approved the meeting agenda and the May 15, 2025 minutes, both unanimously. It also voted to recommend approval of a professional services agreement for the Spearfish Trails Coalition. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved May 15, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of professional services agreement with Spearfish Trails Coalition (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council Study Session

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda. No public comments were received. The council then adjourned the session after a motion and second.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Meeting adjourned after motion

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved the agenda and the May 20 minutes unanimously. It voted 6‑0 to schedule a public hearing on the application to rezone Block 2 of Centennial Mountain Estates from Agricultural to Highway Service Commercial. The city also confirmed that an appeal concerning a cell‑tower conditional use permit will be heard by the Board of Adjustments on June 16, 2025.

• Agenda approved with amendment (6-0)
• May 20 minutes approved (6-0)
• Public hearing set for Block 2 rezoning request (6-0)
• Cell‑tower CUP appeal scheduled for Board of Adjustments June 16, 2025
• Meeting adjourned

City Council

The council approved the agenda and consent agenda, proclaimed Arbor Day, and adopted several resolutions and agreements, including a lease with Swanson Ranch, a joint service agreement with the Valley Sanitary District, and three private hangar ground lease agreements at the Black Hills Airport. It also approved the second readings of Ordinance 1399 (alcoholic beverages) and Ordinance 1400 (city taxation), authorized a GPBCM product‑sales agreement, accepted a donation from the Optimist Club, and approved a parking variance for an ice‑hockey facility. Finally, the council declared a list of municipal equipment surplus.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda, including event sponsorships (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-31 lease with Swanson Ranch (unanimous)
• Approved Joint Service Agreement with Spearfish Valley Sanitary District (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1399 amending alcoholic beverage rules (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1400 amending city taxation chapter (unanimous)
• Approved three private hangar ground lease agreements (Waconda Investments, Northern Industries, Ray and Laura Jilek) (unanimous)
• Approved parking variance for ice‑hockey facility (unanimous)

City Council Study Session

The council approved the agenda with all members voting in favor. They discussed election date options, Treasurer's report format, and departmental updates, but no formal actions were taken on those items. No public comments were received. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

City Council Study Session

Council members attended a training session on "The 6 Types of Working Genius" presented by The Table Group, Inc. No city actions, approvals, or votes occurred during the workshop. The session ran from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on May 28, 2025.

Planning Commission

The commission approved its agenda and the April 15th meeting minutes, each by a 5‑0 vote. It recommended approval of a parking variance for an ice‑hockey facility and set a Board of Adjustment hearing for that variance on June 2, 2025. The commission also scheduled a Board of Adjustment hearing on June 16, 2025 for an appeal of a telecommunications conditional‑use permit.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved April 15th minutes (5-0)
• Recommended approval of ice‑hockey parking variance (5-0)
• Scheduled Board of Adjustment hearing for hockey variance June 2, 2025
• Scheduled Board of Adjustment hearing for telecom appeal June 16, 2025

City Council

The Spearfish City Council approved a grant application to the FAA under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, authorized $225,000 for nine rooftop units at the recreation center, and approved purchases of a bucket truck and a wine‑and‑cider license. It also adopted several lease‑intent resolutions for municipal property and approved the May 19 bill list.

• Approved grant application to FAA under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (vote Yes)
• Approved $225,000 for nine rooftop units at the Rec Center (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of a new bucket truck for $220,929.00 (unanimous)
• Approved wine and cider license for Millstone III Family Restaurant (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1399 (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1400 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-30 to lease Swanson Ranch property (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-22 to lease Clint Krambeck pasture property (unanimous)

Parks, Recreation & Forestry Advisory Board

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the April 17 minutes. It moved the upcoming regular meeting from June 19 to June 12, 2025, and unanimously tabbed the Capital Improvement Plan agenda item for discussion at the June meeting. The board also awarded the Lookout Mountain Grazing contract after no bids were received. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 17 minutes (unanimous)
• Moved regular meeting to June 12, 2025 (board consensus)
• Tabling Capital Improvement Plan agenda item to June meeting (unanimous)
• Awarded Lookout Mountain Grazing contract (no bids received)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda. It then approved Change Order #1 for the E Colorado Blvd Roadway Improvements Project, raising the cost by $519,283.75 (15.23%) and moving the substantial completion date to October 19, 2025. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 4:37 p.m.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Change Order #1 for E Colorado Blvd Roadway Improvements, increase $519,283.75 (15.23%) (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council Study Session

The council approved the draft agenda for the May 19, 2025 meeting with all members voting in favor. No public comments were received. The meeting was adjourned at 5:09 p.m.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)

City Council Study Session

The Spearfish City Council approved Change Order #1 for the E Colorado Blvd Roadway Improvements Project, raising the budget by $519,283.75 (15.23%) and moving the substantial completion date to October 19, 2025. All six council members voted in favor. The agenda was also approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved Change Order #1 for E Colorado Blvd Roadway Improvements ($519,283.75 increase, 15.23%) – unanimous vote
• Approved agenda – unanimous vote
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous vote

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees approved the minutes from the previous meeting and the financial report. It adopted a new collection development policy, approved a community survey to run in June, and adopted the 2026 budget recommendation. The board also authorized a representative to negotiate a 5‑10% budget increase with Lawrence County. All motions were carried without recorded vote counts.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (motion carried)
• Approved financial report and April/May bills (motion carried)
• Approved review of Board of Trustees bylaws with no changes (motion carried)
• Adopted collection development policy as presented (motion carried)
• Approved community survey to be conducted in June (motion carried)
• Approved 2026 budget recommendation as amended (motion carried)
• Authorized negotiation for a 5‑10% budget increase with Lawrence County (motion carried)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Spearfish Historic Preservation Commission met on May 8, 2025. The commission unanimously approved the March meeting minutes and later unanimously voted to adjourn. The commission also discussed upcoming paint grants, historic posters and brochures to be presented at the May 19 city council meeting, and noted interest in a city museum.

• Approved March meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the April 15th session, each by a 4‑0 vote. After a brief public hearing, the commission voted 4‑0 to recommend approval of the preliminary plat for the Eastside Acres subdivision at 6025 East Colorado Blvd. No other items were discussed or decided.

• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved April 15 minutes (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Eastside Acres preliminary plat (4-0)

City Council

The council declared Lot 18H-1 in the Sandstone Hills Addition surplus, allowing its sale or disposal. It approved lease agreements with West River Transit Authority and Black Hills Bike Share and set a public hearing for a lease of Lookout Mountain property. The council adopted revised campground fees, authorized a $70,867.59 change order for the airport terminal, and approved funding for a fire‑station remodel and other budget transfers. Additional actions included approving the 2024 financial statements, a special wine license, and a vendor bill list.

• Declared Lot 18H-1, Block 14, Sandstone Hills Addition surplus (Resolution 2025-16) – approved unanimously
• Approved lease with West River Transit Authority for Rec and Aquatics Center space (Resolution 2025-19) – approved unanimously
• Approved lease with Black Hills Bike Share for City Park property (Resolution 2025-20) – approved unanimously
• Adopted revised campground fee schedule increasing several rates (Resolution 2025-18) – approved unanimously
• Approved Change Order #1 increasing Airport Terminal construction cost by $70,867.59 (2.33%) – approved unanimously
• Authorized finance for 2025 budgeted transfers – approved unanimously
• Approved special on‑sale wine license for Spearfish Creek Wine Bar at City Park Bandshell (June 11–July 30) – approved unanimously
• Approved bill list dated May 5 2025 covering various vendor purchases – approved unanimously

City Council Study Session

The council voted to approve the agenda for the upcoming May 5, 2025 meeting. No other motions were adopted. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (unanimous vote)
• Meeting adjourned

City Council

The council approved a TalentMap service agreement costing $16,640, transferred one lot and six additional lots in the Sky Ridge subdivision to the Spearfish Economic Development Corporation for affordable housing, and authorized a development agreement with Hills View Homes. It also granted a special on‑sale liquor license for a wedding, renewed 2025‑26 malt‑beverage licenses, and adopted resolutions to lease city property to West River Transit and to adjust city fee schedules.

• Approved TalentMap service agreement ($16,000 + $640 fee) (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-08 to transfer one Sky Ridge lot to Spearfish Economic Development Corp (4-0)
• Authorized execution of Restated and Amended Development Agreement with Hills View Homes for affordable housing (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-17 to transfer six Sky Ridge lots to Spearfish Economic Development Corp (4-0)
• Approved special on‑sale liquor license for False Bottom wedding (4-0)
• Approved 2025/26 malt beverage license renewals for 40 listed establishments (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-13 intent to lease property to West River Transit Authority (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-15 to amend city fee schedule (4-0)

Parks, Recreation & Forestry Advisory Board

The board voted unanimously to raise the 2026 Spearfish City Campground rates by 4%, rounding up to the nearest dollar. It also unanimously supported the Northern Hills Chinook hockey team’s request for a paving variance to be considered at the next planning commission meeting. All other agenda items were approved without opposition.

• Approved amended agenda to allow Spearfish Trails Coalition presentation (unanimous)
• Approved February 20, 2025 minutes as presented (unanimous)
• Supported Northern Hills Chinook paving variance request for next planning commission meeting (unanimous)
• Raised 2026 campground rates by 4%, rounded up to nearest dollar (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council Study Session

The council unanimously approved the draft agenda for the April 21, 2025 meeting. Staff presented items on Ordinance 1397 and Resolution 2025-15, but no votes were taken on those measures. No public comments were received. The council then adjourned the study session.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Ordinance 1397 discussed, no decision taken
• Resolution 2025-15 discussed, no decision taken
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission approved its agenda and the April 1 minutes, each by a 5-0 vote. The motion to take the Conditional Use Permit request for the Horvath cell tower off the table was also passed 5-0. The commission then approved the Conditional Use Permit for the 120‑foot monopole cell tower at 6775 East Colorado Blvd. by a 5-0 vote.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved minutes from April 1 (5-0)
• Took CUP motion off the table (5-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Horvath cell tower (5-0)

City Council

The Spearfish City Council met on April 9, 2025 and approved its agenda. The board then adopted resolutions approving the official canvass sheets for Ward I, Ward II, Ward III, and the mayoral race. Each resolution was approved by a vote with one member abstaining. The meeting was adjourned at 5:46 p.m.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Ward I canvass sheet (Clark abstained)
• Approved Ward II canvass sheet (Klarenbeek abstained)
• Approved Ward III canvass sheet (Rath abstained)
• Approved mayoral canvass sheet (Senden abstained)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-09 for Ward I (all voted to adopt)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-10 for Ward II (all voted to adopt)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-11 for Ward III (all voted to adopt)

City Council

The Spearfish City Council approved a $413,182 purchase of a steel fire training tower from Fire Facilities, Inc. The council also approved the award of a $123,742 police vehicle contract to White's Queen City Motors and a $57,449.25 contract for mainline pavement markings to Traffic Services Company. Additional actions included a 12‑month tax abatement, several special malt‑beverage licenses, and the adoption of Ordinance 1398 (second reading). All motions were adopted as recorded.

• Approved $413,182 purchase of Steel Fire Training Tower (unanimous)
• Awarded $123,742 contract for 2025 Police Department vehicles to White's Queen City Motors (unanimous)
• Awarded $57,449.25 contract for Mainline Pavement Markings Project to Traffic Services Company (unanimous)
• Approved 12‑month tax abatement for 430 Aviation Place (unanimous)
• Approved special malt‑beverage licenses for Crow Peak Brewing Company (June 14 and Aug 31) (unanimous)
• Approved special malt‑beverage licenses for Downtown Friday Nights series (unanimous)
• Adopted second reading of Ordinance 1398 amending zoning appendix (unanimous)
• Approved KLJ amendment for 10th Street Project engineering services ($142,750 fee) (4‑2)

City Council Study Session

The council approved the meeting agenda unanimously. They scheduled the municipal election canvass for April 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. No other actions were approved; the session was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Scheduled municipal election canvass for April 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

Planning Commission

The commission approved variances to subdivision design standards for Lot 1 & 2 of Heritage Hills Subdivision, passing 6‑0. It also approved the preliminary plat for those lots, passing 6‑0. Additionally, the sketch plat for Lots A & B of Oak Hills Subdivision was approved, passing 5‑1. All approvals were unanimous except one dissent on the Oak Hills sketch plat.

• Approved variances to Code Chapter 154, Sections 068, 069, 076, 079 for Heritage Hills (6‑0)
• Approved preliminary plat for Lot 1 & 2 of Heritage Hills (6‑0)
• Approved sketch plat for Lots A & B of Oak Hills Subdivision (5‑1)
• Approved agenda as presented (6‑0)
• Approved minutes from March 4 regular session (6‑0)
• Approved minutes from March 11 special session (6‑0)

Library Board of Trustees

The Board approved the library's privacy policy after city‑attorney review. It also adopted a messaging policy, approved a one‑day closure on April 28 for staff development, and accepted the FY2024 annual report to the State Library. Earlier agenda items, including previous meeting minutes and February/March bills, were approved without dissent.

• Adopted privacy policy (motion carried)
• Adopted messaging policy (motion carried)
• Approved April 28 library closure for staff development (motion carried)
• Approved FY2024 annual report to State Library (motion carried)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved February and March bills (motion carried)