[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6506694,"mediaKeyId","5575160-9c8a61d50a4959e1abdd8e21f0cde6ed","parentId",5575160,"title","Votes at a glance: Rapid City council actions and outcomes","audioSeconds",4638,"startMs",257000,"endMs",4895000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5575160-9c8a61d50a4959e1abdd8e21f0cde6ed&start=257&end=4895","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5575160-9c8a61d50a4959e1abdd8e21f0cde6ed/thumbnail_257000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6506694/Rapid-City/Pennington-County/South-Dakota/Votes-at-a-glance-Rapid-City-council-actions-and-outcomes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506694-daf73fdf6a6de2f0ab8243fa54328fda/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199772&Signature=ihiNzoSIV4-c7NHzvELt6ka6wNndi0aB2--s8fA5AhNdVX-lzWXbDfySScCdpynHC9KzfT22P-CSWVuyDEUxvM6wqm8PgfxAkGELiebQgSuvvhzml93g3Egav5uSXicjVEqaJKBzqxPK36zB2k2vIsaDSXxM-wowZjTEGwIQFD9OYA7DQBKPUDohBxEQ8kvkZrcGcbSyHTy~ME5iE1S2A6xYwd~llRetHxu8tv2h5t6obPGHicG~usrC3WKQZPXJeCbcFTyIeI-Hjx4gmthKSj-327ify3GxQR2ImnnmGAsx8aBfPlZvp~viv0XK8YtGPC~B8Ii7LSEISHSWHiHkPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","rapidcitygovernment account","date","2025-08-11T13:32:22Z","article","This meeting summary lists formal motions and outcomes taken during the Rapid City council meeting.

- Adoption of the agenda: Motion by Seacrest, second by Evans. Outcome: motion carries.

- Approval of minutes (July 30, 2025): Motion by Evans, second by Seacrest. Outcome: motion carries.

Consent calendar items (approved):
- Resolution to surplus a 2008 Dodge used by inspections (vehicle had ~197,000 miles and repair costs exceed value).
- Resolutions for assessments on five parcels related to weed/grass remediation (one assessment $380; four at $400 each).
Motion to approve consent items: Mover Seacrest, second Evans. Outcome: motion carries.

Community Development nonconsent item:
- Agreement extension with Logan Simpson (comprehensive plan consulting firm) to extend contract dates from Sept. 30 to Nov. 30 to allow public hearing scheduling. Motion by Evans, second by Seacrest. Outcome: motion carries.

Fire Department consent item:
- Accept funding from the South Dakota Department of Labor to support an apprenticeship program for qualifying fire employees. Motion by Seacrest, second by Evans. Outcome: motion carries.

Nonconsent discussion items (acknowledged/approved):
- 2025 Bridge Inspection Significant Findings (presentation and acknowledgement). Motion to acknowledge by Bill Evans, second by Lindsay Seacrest. Outcome: motion carries.
- Street & Maintenance Campus redevelopment (proceed with the staff presentation and return with financing/alternate options). Motion by Seacrest, second by Evans. Outcome: motion carries.
- Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) evaluation MOU and NDA with Black Hills Energy (acknowledge and proceed with staff participation; Black Hills to fund consultant evaluation). Motion by Evans, second by Seacrest. Outcome: motion carries.

Ordinance:
- Ordinance No. 6685, adding Chapter 8.54 to prohibit sale of tianeptine and related products: Motion to approve (first reading) by Kevin Maher, second by Lindsay Seacrest. Outcome: motion carries (first reading approved).

Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Evans, second by Maher. Outcome: motion carries.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rapid City Legal & Finance Committee 08-13-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal votes and motions taken at the Rapid City council meeting, including approvals on consent items, the bridge inspection acknowledgement, maintenance campus plan, RNG MOU acknowledgement, and first reading of Ordinance No. 6685.","taxTitle","Rapid City, Pennington County, South Dakota","taxId",2748,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6506699,"Council adopts ordinance banning retail sale of tianeptine products in Rapid City on first reading",850,4036000,4886000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5575160-9c8a61d50a4959e1abdd8e21f0cde6ed&start=4036&end=4886","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5575160-9c8a61d50a4959e1abdd8e21f0cde6ed/thumbnail_4036000.jpg","/articles/6506699/Rapid-City/Pennington-County/South-Dakota/Council-adopts-ordinance-banning-retail-sale-of-tianeptine-products-in-Rapid-City-on-first-reading","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506699-644c1e3d94efdbe0d16a3d5d85e2d7ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199772&Signature=K9BD4qBdYuPWF9xpvLcRVO5AsnUtU8~3vz-HvC~6XZPLOogGcYvZlzD0zDADyaAOny59oZSYmv8-EtYr-3AqcnkgEs5TrqGvVWAFnG1Gad9HQPxy9WRq9F8NdINjLaVkQbCRwHe9LI4JLH46YRyE6Gu-eM~6pWskq7kdRCwbGtYgcyRjA7JUHBojvkvcKQ036cPw9d8j-ZBHt2oBdKdAP87NabnXJY6KdhSHQIh9PpTDAm823yJay0LaIOwwmMVTaCkqMrtQy7zjO~YNLnQf2til4a9EkQWJQRePn~BDS43T8521svaxuXT0mhmVl-WUmpLiSGiKIrm6g7GEbV9Nuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rapid City Council introduced and approved on first reading Ordinance No. 6685, which would add Chapter 8.54 to the municipal code to prohibit the purchase, sale or offering for sale of tianeptine and related products within city limits.

City Attorney staff said the ordinance was brought forward at the request of Alderman Temang after concerns raised about hospital cases and unregulated local availability. The city attorney explained the proposed ordinance focuses on sale rather than possession and would be enforced primarily by education with follow‑up legal action only for retailers who continue to sell after notification.

Council member Kevin Maher moved to approve the ordinance on first reading and retained the floor to comment in support; Maher cited reports and a Rapid City Journal article describing the drug's impacts and noted the FDA does not approve the substance. Councilmember Lindsay Seacrest asked the police chief about enforcement and current local presence; the chief said staff had surveyed more than 20 locations recently and had not yet found it widely sold but recommended education and voluntary compliance as a first step.

Councilman Bill Evans raised concern about inadvertent publicity increasing curiosity among youth, but the ordinance motion passed on council vote. The ordinance text and enforcement approach direct city staff to notify retailers and pursue legal action only for continuing noncompliance; possession is not criminalized by the ordinance as drafted.

The ordinance will proceed through the city's ordinance process; enforcement details and outreach to retailers were discussed as immediate next steps.","The council introduced and voted to approve Ordinance No. 6685 to prohibit sale of tianeptine and related products within city limits; sponsors said it targets unregulated products seen in other communities and focuses enforcement on sales rather than possession.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6506702,"Council acknowledges Renewable Natural Gas evaluation with Black Hills Energy; MOU/NDA to be authorized",1088,3346000,4434000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5575160-9c8a61d50a4959e1abdd8e21f0cde6ed&start=3346&end=4434","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5575160-9c8a61d50a4959e1abdd8e21f0cde6ed/thumbnail_3346000.jpg","/articles/6506702/Rapid-City/Pennington-County/South-Dakota/Council-acknowledges-Renewable-Natural-Gas-evaluation-with-Black-Hills-Energy-MOUNDA-to-be-authorized","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506702-ad100c06212fca6631d13b5ea5fee8ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199772&Signature=LEKq6Lgy4gfesM7wcVaVqgeNtmilJwc9CuxBbYacSgK7WbGQMDBsJ5QJ6Q6hMfw63otiAEP8kvrcKKCEATs7tCZ4AKLWuIub3axtPF7rMOkrv-GnLvrI7HZ1tEmAutZSqSjBXb1wseNOKK9QVzA5M3VcPjTyAvBUbR820fe7dWTRxywCgiIhcg4Teybx4fc7Uc4b4j2LVDSBLD5hrDVgPS-lFkqHsRz0owO5YpsY0wYvAZwsaXh2ydaw2tj288Wjg5KXkyOHSEHP1hD9dvDMr-75-DbROqVsNObuUW1DZl60kGS4OoxlN31afU0FffjaqSLQVUJZVb2O7RT5mcxRHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rapid City staff and representatives of Black Hills Energy presented a proposal to evaluate producing renewable natural gas (RNG) from methane at the city’s closed landfill cells and the wastewater treatment facility and the council acknowledged staff to pursue an evaluation under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and nondisclosure agreement (NDA).

Solid Waste staff member Stacy Titus described the background: recent work at the landfill and new equipment at the water reclamation facility have increased the potential volume of methane available for beneficial use. \"RNG is the same as regular natural gas; it's greater than 90% methane,\" Titus said, describing how biogas is upgraded to pipeline specifications.

Paul Komack of Black Hills Energy Renewable Resources explained how federal and regional programs create additional value for RNG through RINs (renewable identification numbers under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard) and regional programs such as California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Komack described Black Hills Energy’s experience operating an RNG plant at a Dubuque, Iowa landfill that the company acquired and now operates.

Under the staff proposal, Black Hills Energy would fund a consultant evaluation at no cost to the city; the MOU would authorize the study and an NDA for shared technical data. If the study shows sufficient biogas and project feasibility, future agreements could cover bio‑gas rights, royalties and Black Hills Energy operating the plant and well field. Staff said the evaluation could be completed in 2026 and that the MOU includes a provision for a third‑party review of the evaluation for the city's benefit.

Stacy Titus told the council the city’s benefits would include a new revenue source from royalties, reduced management and operational cost for the gas collection system, and a local renewable energy source; Black Hills Energy would lead design, construction, operation and maintenance if the project proceeds.

Councilman Bill Evans moved to acknowledge staff to proceed with the MOU/NDA evaluation; the motion carried. Staff said the evaluation will proceed with Black Hills Energy paying consultant costs and staff participation in the review.","City staff and Black Hills Energy outlined an evaluation to convert landfill and wastewater methane to renewable natural gas (RNG); council acknowledged staff to proceed with a memorandum of understanding and nondisclosure agreement to allow a consultant‑led feasibility study at no cost to the city.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6506706,"City presents $8 million first‑phase plan to centralize maintenance campus; council approves moving forward",490,2142000,2632000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5575160-9c8a61d50a4959e1abdd8e21f0cde6ed&start=2142&end=2632","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5575160-9c8a61d50a4959e1abdd8e21f0cde6ed/thumbnail_2142000.jpg","/articles/6506706/Rapid-City/Pennington-County/South-Dakota/City-presents-8-million-firstphase-plan-to-centralize-maintenance-campus-council-approves-moving-forward","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506706-262a0138e192ab3256dc1056cd39be81/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199772&Signature=OYN0munXgpsuiYxWD5tJOtGmj3vK3aXOxx19xAacKWhzCdFL2aqMKvuXrJImeaE5H-O6DbGlMt9bwcoLP9As1kYvIwbx2u4nyU~DGX48bNwYSF9odvyKAF4vAA7GAOX1rRT~B9wSOBTuYsnpbbjBG7Q9ivohmuB-UFUGx7KF9~5geE5RQf09Z8UPqBtPRX8tqgTmAlxaFzovqgDzA5yJEYzsLsml3gctrGLgcC~5VomjqOl6J8a-vQWQJiFBFOTw8bgCCC7~uj0IVIqZHMlVGvp9UFUJLSuBNuPMs9ASzhYSXdnxXRI6Ki~mKFEnHNYsbOCK0ChE7AkI-Hy6LPi7wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works presented a multi‑phase plan to redevelop Rapid City’s Street and Maintenance Campus to consolidate fleet maintenance, add heated storage for snowplows and street sweepers, and reduce outsourced work.

Maintenance superintendent Gerard Kemmerer and public works engineer Alex Cushman described cramped, dated shop space that staff say lacks modern lifting devices, reliable electrical systems and adequate heated bays for the city’s expanding fleet. \"We need about 19 additional service bays,\" Cushman said, summarizing the deficit the division identified during an 18‑month study.

Phase 1 (labeled Shop 3 in staff materials) was presented with an estimated cost of $8,000,000 for a heavy‑duty service facility intended to bring the campus to current needs; staff described a target 16‑bay configuration in planning materials. The campus plan includes later phases to consolidate salt storage, provide heated snowplow and sweeper storage and replace older facilities (Shop 1, built in 1952). Staff said the project would increase fleet readiness, improve workplace safety, reduce outsourced maintenance (about $600,000 spent last year) and yield a return on investment estimated at roughly six years in the city’s business plan prepared by Finance Officer Daniel Ainsley.

The presenters emphasized employee retention and productivity benefits from improved workspaces and cited comparable municipal facilities (example: Lenexa, Kansas) as models. The staff recommendation reflected a preference to redevelop the city‑owned campus because it already has utilities and a usable footprint, although several council members urged staff to consider longer‑term strategic siting given the city’s downtown innovation district plans.

Finance Director Daniel Ainsley told the council the presented site is the most affordable near‑term option but that staff will return next month with an alternate option and a financing plan for council consideration.

Councilman Lindsay Seacrest moved to approve proceeding with the plan as presented; the motion carried. Staff said they will return with financing details and an alternative option for council consideration.","Public Works proposed a multi‑phase redevelopment of the Street and Maintenance Campus to consolidate vehicle service, add heated storage and reduce outsourced maintenance; staff estimated phase 1 at $8 million with a 6‑year payback from reduced outsourcing.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6506710,"Rapid City posts load limits, seeks funding to replace Chapel Lane Bridge after inspections find severe corrosion",1470,660000,2130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5575160-9c8a61d50a4959e1abdd8e21f0cde6ed&start=660&end=2130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5575160-9c8a61d50a4959e1abdd8e21f0cde6ed/thumbnail_660000.jpg","/articles/6506710/Rapid-City/Pennington-County/South-Dakota/Rapid-City-posts-load-limits-seeks-funding-to-replace-Chapel-Lane-Bridge-after-inspections-find-severe-corrosion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506710-70f171d73746d195fdc95a75b6eeeac3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199772&Signature=bqstAyUU5q~Y0aWxf1bKRe2QS6tAUiSBxTq6CXTvjePD0PVPRGsL5Pt2nIy~DpXKOkGapfjUJN-e2XmS8jOkr10FaMDfk5lYsA7uMeCGr23ePNkfV6eF96bTP3A91Dk5ujEaxXEqxAmbdmaxCDEj5ZY0TC0yC~DpeWCF--UFVv3IkFTn~mPoXKlQh2Uj2jtcYsuggX9AKCdHHDL8~yuRNxXOzDZbFfe~9drkttdEeZC2DtKU3sRpsbItuC1~caKWNG5AVj65156GSvJ6ejXPGp~50jP6-On46ZAbYiO5-gqo-yZbqhlVuOYriJ8oymJnHOY9vwDCUgZpqr3I8RhTYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City engineers reported significant deterioration on multiple Rapid City bridges during a presentation of the 2025 bridge inspection report, prompting temporary load limits, partial closures and plans to seek state grant funding for replacement work.

Bros Engineering inspector Josh Hertel told the council the inspection was triggered after a call that a roughly 3‑foot‑diameter hole had opened in the Chapel Lane Bridge deck; the city had already closed the lane and made a temporary repair before his in‑depth inspection. \"This inspection was not initially on our list this year, but we got a call that there had been a hole in the deck,\" Hertel said.

City engineering staff concluded the bridge should be posted to keep heavier vehicles off the structure while further evaluation and repairs proceed. City staff described a load posting at 75% of legal load (about 18 tons for a single‑unit vehicle and higher limits for combinations), effective Aug. 20, with signing on the bridge and on adjacent Jackson Boulevard to prevent trucks from becoming trapped.

Roger, the city engineer, said the posting aims to reduce the chance of additional holes and protect public safety. He listed outreach steps taken before the posting, including letters to 538 households in the Chapel Valley area and meetings with stakeholders — Rapid City Schools (to confirm buses meet the reduced limit), Visit Rapid City, emergency services, Rhapsody Transit and South Dakota DOT representatives.

Roger said the city has applied for the South Dakota Department of Transportation Bridge Improvement Grant (DOT grant that typically funds 80% of eligible replacement costs) and estimated a full replacement at about $4,300,000. HDR is the design firm; the project is already in design, with a grant application targeted for January and an anticipated bid in early spring for late‑summer construction. Engineers estimated about an 18‑month construction period and said the work will require building the bridge in halves because the crossing is the only access in and out of the neighborhood.

The inspection presentation also described serious condition issues at other structures. On Somerset Drive (Structure 52391332) engineers found severe corrosion on abutment caps and exposed, corroded rebar under the deck; that structure is already posted at 30 and 50 tons and may require further posting if deterioration accelerates. Creek Drive has heavy spalling of concrete beams and severed reinforcement strands; crews closed the east half of that bridge and are evaluating replacement with a precast box culvert.

Fire department and emergency‑services staff told the council they have adjusted response protocols to reduce large apparatus crossings when possible but said apparatus will still cross in emergencies. Fire staff reported the area has seen dozens of calls: in 2024 they responded 34 times to that service area with the engine crossing 16 times; in 2025 through the date presented they had done 22 calls with the engine crossing 10 times. The fire chief said the department will stage additional units offsite and send apparatus across only when needed to meet NFPA response staffing standards.

Councilman Bill Evans and others asked whether temporary reinforcement of a half bridge during construction had been investigated; engineering staff said standard load rating is done for a whole structure and they would follow up on whether temporary lane‑specific reinforcement is feasible. Staff also said they are reviewing salt and chemical use on the crossing after finding no drainage off the older structure contributed to accelerated deterioration.

The council acknowledged the inspection presentation; a motion to acknowledge the report carried. Staff said they will continue weekly monitoring, pursue grant funding, coordinate traffic control and signage, and further study secondary emergency egress options for Chapel Valley.

Proposed next steps described to the council include applying for the DOT Bridge Improvement Grant, continuing design with HDR, completing a replacement design and proceeding to bidding if funding is secured.","Engineers reported a three‑foot deck hole and widespread corrosion during a 2025 inspection and the city has posted the Chapel Lane Bridge to limit heavy vehicles while pursuing a roughly $4.3 million replacement with federal/state grant support.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Rapid City council actions and outcomes

Council adopts ordinance banning retail sale of tianeptine products in Rapid City on first reading

Council acknowledges Renewable Natural Gas evaluation with Black Hills Energy; MOU/NDA to be authorized

City presents $8 million first‑phase plan to centralize maintenance campus; council approves moving forward

Rapid City posts load limits, seeks funding to replace Chapel Lane Bridge after inspections find severe corrosion