Council approves demolition of historic garage at 1215 West Boulevard

The Rapid City Legal & Finance Committee convened on July 2, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including technology services, fire department agreements, historic preservation, and transportation planning.

The meeting began with a request for assistance regarding an asset sale, supported by Greenlight Corporation. Following this, the committee moved to discuss item 12, presented by Information Technology Director Gilbert. He proposed a renewal of the threat locker service, which provides application whitelisting and endpoint protection. The motion to approve this renewal was unanimously carried.

Next, Fire Chief Culberson introduced an amendment to an existing agreement with First Due, the department's online platform for training and records management. The amendment, which adds approximately $1,500 to the contract, aims to enhance the training module by removing an unused feature. The committee approved this amendment without opposition.

Community Development Director Fisher then presented a request for the demolition of a detached garage located at 1215 West Boulevard, a contributing structure in the historic district. After confirming that the garage was beyond repair and that no feasible alternatives existed, the committee discussed the importance of maintaining the historic character of the area. The request for demolition was ultimately approved, allowing for the construction of a new garage that aligns with the district's characteristics.

The final item on the agenda was the 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Transportation Coordinator Kip Harrington outlined the draft plan, which prioritizes state and local transportation projects over the next four years. He noted that the draft would be subject to change following upcoming statewide meetings. The committee approved the TIP, with a commitment to revisit the finalized plan in August.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed significant operational and planning matters, with all motions passing smoothly, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance city services and infrastructure. The committee will reconvene in August to finalize the transportation improvement plan and discuss further developments.