Pierre meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Pierre Commission approves $170,300 chip seal purchase; budget work sessions ahead

The Pierre City Commission on Aug. 11 unanimously approved the purchase of chip seal emulsions from Flint Hills Resources for up to $170,300, based on the Beadle County February 2026 bid award. The commission also approved the consent calendar, which included claims and a new volunteer firefighter application, and approved the surplus of six city vehicles for the Fort Pierre State of SD surplus sale. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned at 6:13 p.m.

Decided actions

• **Chip seal emulsion purchase** – Approved from Flint Hills Resources, not to exceed $170,300 (unanimous).
• **Consent calendar** – Approved, including minutes, a new volunteer firefighter application, raffle requests, and claims (unanimous).
• **Vehicle surplus** – Approved six city vehicles for the Fort Pierre State of SD surplus sale (unanimous).

On the agenda

Several other meetings took place or were scheduled in the past two weeks, but their minutes have not yet been published.

City Commission (Aug. 18) – The commission was scheduled to consider a Transportation Alternatives Program grant agreement for the Causeway Trail Project, the completion and closeout of Landfill Cell 4, a contract amendment with HDR for that cell, and 2027 outside agency budget presentations from the Boys & Girls Club of the Capital Area, PAWS Animal Shelter, and Pierre Area Referral Services. The agenda also included an appointment to the Arbor Board for Kimberly Drennon.

Historic Preservation Commission (Aug. 18) – The Pierre/Ft. Pierre Historic Preservation Commission was scheduled to handle routine business, including a grant status update, Verendrye Monument groundcover discussion, October officer elections, the West River History Conference in Rapid City (Oct. 1-2, 2026), and a commission booklet inventory/printing update. No major decisions or public hearings were listed.

City Commission budget work session (Aug. 20) – A special meeting was held solely as a work session for the 2027 budget. The agenda contained no specific budget details, decisions, or discussion items.

Park and Recreation Board (Aug. 20) – The board was scheduled to review reports from the YMCA and city departments, and to discuss the 2027 budget, an E-Bike Ordinance, and dog park amenities. The agenda included a public comment period.

Coming up

• **City Planning Commission (Aug. 24)** – Will consider a replat of Lot 1R, Block 4, Riverplace 2nd Addition, requested by Trevor and Hannah Lightfield. The agenda also includes approval of the June 1, 2026 minutes and an open public comment period.
• **City Commission special meeting (Aug. 25)** – A single agenda item: an executive (closed) session to consult with legal counsel about proposed or pending litigation or contractual matters. No other business is listed.
• **Arbor Board (Aug. 25)** – Will review a staff report and discuss a tree planting guide, along with approval of the July 28, 2026 minutes.

Pierre Commission dissolves TIF district, extends power agreement

The Pierre City Commission unanimously approved dissolving a tax increment financing district for the Clubhouse Hotel and Suites and extended a power sale agreement with Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) through 2067. The actions came at the commission's Aug. 4 meeting, along with a street closure for a statue unveiling and several routine approvals.

City Commission (Aug. 4)

The commission approved Resolution 2816, dissolving Tax Increment Financing District No. 6, created in 2010 for the Clubhouse Hotel and Suites, after determining all financial obligations were fulfilled. It also approved Resolution 2817, extending the MRES Power Sale Agreement from 2057 to 2067. Both votes were unanimous.

Also approved unanimously:

• A street closure for the Governor Noem Statue Unveiling on Aug. 7.
• The consent calendar, including the promotion of Shane DeLange to Lead Water Plant Specialist.
• Setting an Aug. 25, 2026, public hearing for the Golden Isle Casino to Lucky Landing license transfer.
• A raffle request from St. Joseph Catholic School.
• Claims as listed.

Golf Board (Aug. 3)

The Golf Board reviewed a staff report on the July 26 tournament, which included cart rule violations, turf damage, and an incident requiring police contact. Administration confirmed a letter was sent to the respondent and discussed rewriting posted rules for clarity. The board also reviewed capital requests, including $291,000 for driving range improvements and $200,000 for irrigation, though irrigation funding was noted as unlikely this cycle. No formal votes were taken on these items; the meeting was primarily informational. The board approved minutes of the July 6 meeting, agenda additions, and a motion to adjourn. Its next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 14, 2026.

Traffic Safety Committee (Aug. 3)

The committee met to discuss safety measures for school zones and intersections, including Riggs High School crosswalk safety, the Kennedy School / Brookstone Loop and Abbey Road area, citywide signage inventory and MUTCD compliance, a Broadway speed limit review from Highland Ave. to Jefferson St., and the Central & Poplar intersection near Jefferson School. Minutes have not yet been published.

City Commission Budget Work Session (Aug. 6)

The commission held a special meeting solely for a 2027 budget work session. No votes or decisions were scheduled.

City Commission (Aug. 11)

The commission met to consider several administrative items, including a street department chip seal purchase, completion and closeout of Landfill Cell 4, a contract amendment with HDR, and a request to surplus property for a state sale. The commission also heard 2027 outside agency budget presentations from Capital City Campus, Community & Youth Involved, Convention & Visitor Center, and Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Historic Preservation Commission** – Aug. 18: Grant status update, Verendrye Monument groundcover, October officer elections, and West River History Conference in Rapid City (Oct. 1-2).
• **Park & Recreation Board** – Aug. 20: 2027 budget, E-Bike Ordinance, and dog park amenities, with public comment.
• **Arbor Board** – Aug. 25: Tree planting guide and review of July 28 minutes.

Library Board approves Kindles; City Commission to consider TIF dissolution, 2027 budget

The Rawlins Library Board made the only formal decision among recent city board meetings, unanimously approving the purchase of two Kindles for its September Library Card Sign-Up Month. The City Commission, meanwhile, has several significant items on its upcoming agenda, including a proposal to dissolve a tax increment financing district and the 2027 budget.

Library Board

On July 27, the Rawlins Library Board of Directors approved the purchase of two Kindles to serve as prizes for Library Card Sign-Up Month in September. The purchase will be funded through the BankWest checking account. The board also approved its consent calendar. In addition, the board reviewed financial reports and received updates on security cameras and the Summer Reading Program.

Arbor Board

The Arbor Board met July 28 and approved the May 19, 2026, meeting minutes and its agenda. Members toured the arboretum and identified the need for painting and new signage at the gazebo. A draft of the updated Pierre tree planting guide is expected for review in August.

City Commission

The City Commission held two meetings in the period. A special meeting on July 28 was limited to an executive session on legal and contract matters. The regular meeting that evening included routine items: approval of minutes from July 21, review of claims, a bid award for a project at 111 N Huron, and a request to purchase annual street maintenance materials. No votes were reported.

On August 4, the commission is scheduled to consider dissolving Tax Increment Finance District #6 (Clubhouse), a power sale agreement with MRES, and the 2027 budget, including presentations from outside agencies (Capital Area Counseling Service, SD Discovery Center, Capital City Band, and Central South Dakota CASA). The agenda also includes a street closure request for a Governor Noem statue unveiling on August 7 and setting a public hearing for a liquor license transfer from R and N Development, LLC dba Golden Isle Casino to Golden Isle Venture, LLC dba Lucky Landing. A budget work session is set for August 6.

Other boards

The Business Improvement District No.1 board met July 30 and will consider ratifying a $2,500 sponsorship for the Tourism Coalition's Main Attraction program and review grant requests for a feasibility study and museum renovations. The Traffic Safety Committee met August 3 to discuss school crosswalks (Riggs High School, Kennedy School/Brookstone Loop and Abbey Road area), citywide signage and MUTCD compliance, a Broadway speed limit review, and the Central & Poplar intersection. The Golf Board met August 3 to discuss driving range improvements, capital improvement funds, and reports from the HLGA and OMGA.

Coming up

The Park and Recreation Board will meet August 20 to discuss the 2027 budget, an E-Bike Ordinance, and dog park amenities. The meeting includes a period for public comment.

Pierre City Commission approves $1.1M wastewater plant claim, airport lease bid; Library Board buys Kindles for September promotion

The Pierre City Commission approved more than $1.1 million in wastewater treatment plant services and authorized advertising for sealed bids on an airport industrial lease at its July 21 meeting, according to official minutes.

City Commission — July 21

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a claim of $1,125,742.26 to PKG Collaborative Inc for WWTP clarifier services. The board also unanimously approved a $30,176 maintenance proposal from Mid-Continental Restoration Co., Inc., for the Euclid and Harrison booster stations.

The commission unanimously approved a request to advertise for sealed bids for an industrial lease of airport Lot 23 at 1806 Piper St. Commissioners also unanimously adopted Ordinance 1893 to supplement the 2026 budget.

The consent calendar, approved unanimously, included police hires Andrew Bierne at $32.84 and Nathaniel Nelson at $27.62, along with various claims.

A special City Commission meeting on July 28 included only an executive session to consult with legal counsel on pending litigation or contract negotiations, as permitted by state law. Minutes for that session and the July 28 regular meeting have not yet been published. The July 28 regular meeting agenda listed approval of July 21 minutes, review of claims, a bid award for a project at 111 N Huron, and a request to purchase annual street maintenance materials.

Rawlins Library Board of Directors — July 27

The board unanimously approved the purchase of two Kindles to serve as prizes for Library Card Sign-Up Month in September. The purchase will be funded through the BankWest checking account. The board also unanimously approved its consent calendar and reviewed financial reports, with updates on security cameras and the Summer Reading Program.

Arbor Board — July 28

The board approved the May 19, 2026, meeting minutes and the current agenda. Members toured the arboretum and determined the gazebo requires painting and new signage. A draft of the updated Pierre tree planting guide is expected for review in August.

Historic Preservation Commission — July 21

The Pierre/Ft. Pierre Historic Preservation Commission met to review a financial planning document and discuss end-of-fiscal-year items. The agenda also included a July 30 inspection of the Verendrye Monument and Ft. Pierre Chouteau, discussion of Scotty Philip Cemetery, future commission projects and a new grant cycle, and Ft. Pierre Development Corporation booklet inventory. Minutes have not yet been published.

Business Improvement District No. 1 — July 30

The BID No. 1 board was scheduled to ratify a $2,500 sponsorship for the Tourism Coalition of South Dakota's Main Attraction program. The agenda also included review of a CSD Rec Committee feasibility study and SD Historical Society museum renovations and new exhibits. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Traffic Safety Committee — Aug. 3, 2026:** Will review school crosswalk safety at Riggs High School and the Kennedy School/Brookstone Loop and Abbey Road area, a citywide signage inventory and MUTCD compliance, a Broadway speed limit review from Highland Ave. to Jefferson St., and the Central & Poplar intersection near Jefferson School.
• **Golf Board — Aug. 3, 2026:** Will approve July 6 minutes, discuss driving range improvements and a capital improvement fund, and receive reports from the HLGA and OMGA.

Pierre roundup: City sells surplus property, sets street closures; boards approve carport variance and golf course maintenance

The Pierre City Commission authorized the sale of surplus property at 111 N Huron Avenue by sealed bid and approved street closures for two community events at its July 7 meeting, while the Board of Adjustment approved a carport variance and the Golf Board set monthly maintenance closures.

City Commission — July 7

The Commission approved several items by unanimous vote:

• **Surplus property sale:** Authorized advertising and sale by sealed bid for 111 N Huron Avenue.
• **Street closures:** Street Master's Car Club Gravity Drags on August 8, 2026, and Militiamen VMC Riverbottom Chapter Poker Run on July 11, 2026.
• **Audit:** Approved the 2025 Audit Engagement Proposal.
• **Consent calendar:** Approved unanimously, covering new hires, demotions, and resignations.
• **Ordinance 1892 (E-bicycle revisions):** Removed from the agenda for public review.

A July 8 special meeting was held solely as an executive session under SDCL 1-25-2(1) for personnel matters. No public votes or other business were scheduled; minutes have not yet been published.

City Commission — July 14 (agenda only)

The Commission is scheduled to hold a first reading of a 2026 budget supplement for 2025 carryovers. Other items on the agenda include:

• Street closure request for Lowell Avenue for Griese Properties construction.
• Street closure request for Harrison Avenue for River Cities Public Transit construction.
• Change Order #1/Final for Ridgeway Place Storm Drainage Repair.
• New hire: Police Department Patrol Officer Desirae Becker.
• Consent calendar items including new hires in police, parks, and utility billing, plus a raffle request from Sanford Health Foundation.
• Audit update from Casey Peterson, LLC and a change order for an electric department bucket truck.

Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Board of Adjustment — July 6

The Board approved a variance for a side yard encroachment to allow a carport at 108 Bulow Drive, voting 4-0. With only four members present, a unanimous vote was required. The approval includes a condition that the city or utility providers may require removal of the non-permanent structure at the owner's expense for utility access.

Golf Board — July 6

The Golf Board approved a policy of closing the course for a few hours one Monday per month for intensive maintenance, designated as "Maintenance Monday" early morning closures. The board also authorized Chad to enforce tee time no-show penalties, including deactivating online booking. Members discussed escalating penalties for no-shows and potential additions to the golf cart fleet. June 1, 2026 meeting minutes and agenda additions were also approved.

Park & Recreation Board — July 16 (agenda only)

The board is scheduled to discuss 2027 budget items including a Brandt Pond play structure, Griffin Baseball field lights, and aquatic center pool repair. Dog park amenities, wheelchair ramp updates, and play equipment ideas for Brandt Park are also listed for discussion. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **July 21 — Historic Preservation Commission:** Review of a financial planning document, Verendrye Monument/Ft. Pierre Chouteau July 30 inspection, Scotty Philip Cemetery discussion, future commission projects and new grant cycle, and Ft. Pierre Development Corporation booklet inventory.
• **July 27 — Rawlins Library Board of Directors:** Security camera presentation by City IT's Craig Waldron and summer reading presentation by Youth Services Coordinator JoAnn Fischer.
• **July 28 — Arbor Board:** Staff report by Jay Jensen, tree planting guide discussion, and an arboretum tour.
• **August 3 — Golf Board:** Driving range improvements, capital improvement fund discussion, and HLGA and OMGA reports.

Pierre commission approves new solid waste hauler agreement; Board of Adjustment grants carport variance

The Pierre City Commission approved a new five-year solid waste hauler agreement with Dakota Metal Recycling, LLC, which plans to begin auto fluff and metal shredding operations in 2027. The June 30 vote was unanimous.

Solid waste agreements renewed and added

The commission renewed five existing solid waste hauler agreements through 2030 — covering Heartland Waste Management, Waste Connections, River Bottom Sanitation, BDS LLC, and the City of Kadoka — all by unanimous vote. The new agreement with Dakota Metal Recycling, LLC was also approved unanimously for a five-year term.

Other commission actions June 30

The commission approved several additional items unanimously:

• A consent calendar including June 23 meeting minutes, the hiring of Kent Jackson at $28.84, and claims.
• Temporary alcohol licenses for Larkspur Landing Event Center covering 10 dates.
• A water service agreement for Eldon Becker, restoring livestock tank service.
• First reading of Ordinance 1892, which would amend the city traffic code to include e-bicycles. No vote was required at first reading.

Board of Adjustment grants carport variance

On July 6, the Board of Adjustment voted 4-0 to approve a variance for a side yard encroachment allowing carport construction at 108 Bulow Drive. With only four members present, a unanimous vote was required for approval. The approval includes a condition that the city or utility providers may require removal of the non-permanent structure at the owner's expense if utility access is needed.

Golf Board sets monthly maintenance closures

The Golf Board approved a policy of closing the course for a few hours one Monday per month for intensive maintenance, designated as "Maintenance Monday." The board also authorized a member identified as Chad to enforce tee time no-show penalties, including deactivating online booking for violators. Members discussed escalating penalties and potential additions to the golf cart fleet, though no specific decisions on those topics were listed as approved.

July 7 and July 8 commission meetings

Minutes have not yet been published for the July 7 regular City Commission meeting or the July 8 special meeting. The July 7 agenda listed a second reading of Ordinance 1892 on e-bicycle regulations, street closure requests for the Street Masters Car Club Gravity Drags on August 8, 2026, and a Poker Run by the Militiamen VMC Riverbottom Chapter on July 11, 2026. The agenda also included a request to bid on 111 N Huron Avenue and the 2025 audit engagement proposal. The July 8 special meeting consisted solely of an executive session under SDCL 1-25-2(1) for personnel matters, with no public votes or other business scheduled.

Coming up

The Park and Recreation Board meets July 16 to discuss 2027 budget items including a Brandt Pond play structure, Griffin Baseball field lights, and aquatic center pool repair. The board will also review dog park amenities, wheelchair ramp updates, and potential play equipment ideas for Brandt Park.

Pierre City Commission rezones Wall Plaza Addition; variance, golf board meetings ahead

The Pierre City Commission approved a rezoning of the Wall Plaza Addition from Agriculture to Light Industrial on June 23, the most consequential decision among recent city meetings. The unanimous vote on Ordinance 1891 clears the way for different land uses in that area.

City Commission — June 23

Commissioners voted unanimously on several items, according to official minutes:

• **Ordinance 1891** — Rezone properties in Wall Plaza Addition from Agriculture to Light Industrial (Unanimous).
• **Street closure** — 100 Block of East Dakota Avenue closed from June 29 to July 7 for R&W Construction (Unanimous).
• **Precast Concrete Materials Change Order #1** with Cemcast Pipe & Precast, reducing the contract by $8,438.50 to a total of $73,408 (Unanimous).
• **Consent calendar** — Included new hire Jeffrey Swartz and a wage adjustment for Karson Nieman (Unanimous).
• Various city claims and raffle requests approved (Unanimous).

City Commission — June 30

Minutes have not yet been published for this meeting. The agenda listed these items for discussion or action:

• Temporary alcohol license for Larkspur Landing Event Center on 10 dates from July to December.
• Missouri River Overlook Trail discussion.
• Water service agreement with Eldon Becker.
• Solid waste refuse hauler agreements.
• First reading of Ordinance 1892, revising e-bicycle regulations in Chapter 9.
• Updates on the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society, the River Cities Cornhole Devine Park Lighting Project, and the USS Pierre Crew.

Because minutes are not available, outcomes for these items are not yet confirmed.

Arbor Board — June 23

The Arbor Board meeting was largely procedural. The agenda called for approving minutes from May 19, 2026, and a staff report indicating no meeting was scheduled. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming Up

• **July 6 — Board of Adjustment:** Will consider a variance request from Ruby Douglas for a side yard encroachment at 108 Bulow Dr.
• **July 6 — Golf Board:** Will discuss driving range improvements, the capital improvement fund, fundraising, a tee sheet amendment update, and reports from HLGA and OMGA.
• **July 8 — City Commission (Special):** Closed executive session under SDCL 1-25-2(1) for personnel matters. No public votes or other business are scheduled.
• **July 16 — Park & Recreation Board:** Will discuss 2027 budget items including the Brandt Pond play structure, Griffin Baseball field lights, and aquatic center pool repair, plus dog park amenities and wheelchair ramp updates.

Pierre City Commission Rezones Wall Plaza Addition; E-Bike Rules Get First Look

The Pierre City Commission approved a rezoning for light industrial use, adjusted a concrete contract, and temporarily closed a street for sewer work during its June 23 meeting. A subsequent meeting on June 30 saw first reading of an ordinance that would update e-bicycle regulations in the city code.

Wall Plaza Addition rezoned

Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 1891, changing the zoning of properties in the Wall Plaza Addition from Agriculture to Light Industrial. The change enables future development consistent with light industrial uses such as manufacturing or warehousing.

Street closure and concrete contract

In other unanimous actions, the commission granted a temporary closure of the 100 Block of East Dakota Avenue from June 29 to July 7 for R&W Construction to complete sewer work. Members also approved Change Order #1 for the Precast Concrete Materials contract with Cemcast Pipe & Precast, reducing the total by $8,438.50 to a final amount of $73,408.

Personnel and consent items

The consent calendar, approved unanimously, included the hiring of Jeffrey Swartz and a wage adjustment for Karson Nieman. Routine city claims and raffle requests were also greenlit.

Agenda preview: e-bike ordinance, trail discussions

When the commission convened June 30, it held a first reading of Ordinance 1892, which would revise Chapter 9 regulations governing e-bicycles. The board did not vote on the measure; a second reading and possible adoption could occur at a future meeting. The June 30 agenda also included discussions on a temporary alcohol license for Larkspur Landing Event Center covering 10 dates from July through December, the Missouri River Overlook Trail, a water service agreement with Eldon Becker, and solid waste refuse hauler agreements. Commissioners also received updates on the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society, the River Cities Cornhole Devine Park Lighting Project, and the USS Pierre Crew. No final decisions were released.

Arbor Board meets with no substantive business

The Pierre Arbor Board met June 23 in a procedural session, approving minutes from May 19 and receiving a staff report indicating no scheduled board meeting. Remaining time was spent in open dialogue before adjournment.

Coming up

Board of Adjustment – July 6. A single variance request will be heard: a side yard encroachment at 108 Bulow Dr. for property owner Ruby Douglas.

Golf Board – July 6. Members will review minutes, hear clubhouse and superintendent reports, and discuss old business including driving range improvements, the capital improvement fund, and fundraising. Reports from the HLGA and OMGA follow.

City Commission special meeting – July 8. The commission will meet behind closed doors under SDCL 1-25-2(1) to discuss personnel matters regarding public officers or employees. No public votes or other business are scheduled.

Park & Recreation Board – July 16. The board will explore 2027 budget items: play structures at Brandt Pond, lights at Griffin Baseball field, and aquatic center pool repairs. Other agenda topics include dog park amenities and wheelchair ramp updates.