Rapid City Council adjusts quorum requirements for Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The Rapid City Legal & Finance Committee meeting on February 12, 2025, focused on several key legislative updates, including amendments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board quorum requirements and changes to the city’s tax increment financing (TIF) policy.

One of the primary discussions involved an ordinance amending the Rapid City Municipal Code regarding the quorum for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Currently, the board consists of seven members, requiring four affirmative votes to pass any action. However, the existing quorum requirement of three members created a discrepancy. The proposed amendment seeks to raise the quorum to four members, aligning it with the voting requirement. The motion to approve this change was unanimously supported by the committee.

Additionally, the committee reviewed an ordinance amending the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) policy. This amendment allows for the allocation of $3.5 million in equipment purchases, previously moved from the General Fund Budget for 2025 into the CIP. The finance office indicated that a new CIP policy would be introduced following the approval of this amendment.

Another significant topic was the presentation by Mike Dugan regarding the revised draft of the TIF policy. The last update to this policy was in 2013, and staff have spent the last three months working on proposed changes. Notably, the revised policy eliminates the TIF committee, shifting the review process to the planning commission and city council. Written comments from the county commission, county equalization, and the school district will still be included in the review process, ensuring that these entities have a voice in the decision-making.

The committee plans to acknowledge the draft TIF policy at the next city council meeting, with the intention of moving forward with ordinance amendments in February.

Overall, these discussions reflect ongoing efforts to streamline governance and improve operational efficiency within Rapid City’s municipal framework. The committee's decisions will be crucial in shaping the future of local parks, recreation, and financial planning.