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Council defers lease and $70,000 fence decision for Bishop Dudley lot after extensive public comment
Summary
Councilors heard hours of public testimony and police and diocese statements about problems adjacent to Bishop Dudley Hospitality House before voting to defer the ordinance authorizing a lease and fence. The supplemental appropriation that included $70,000 for the fence passed; the lease ordinance was deferred to March 4.
The Sioux Falls City Council on Feb. 18 deferred a proposed ordinance that would authorize a five-year lease between the city and St. Joseph Catholic Housing for a vacant lot adjacent to Bishop Dudley Hospitality House and discussed a proposed $70,000 fence to deter congregating and improve security.
The second-reading ordinance would have authorized the mayor to enter a lease with St. Joseph Catholic Housing and allow the city to construct a six-foot fence around the lot; the diocese also provided the city a first option to buy the property if the Diocese later chose to relocate the hospitality house. After more than an hour of public testimony and extended council discussion, Councilor Thomason moved to defer the second reading to the March 4 City Council meeting; the motion passed 8–0.
Police Chief Toome told the council the vacant lot "has been a challenge and source of frustration" and said it generates high service volume: "Last year, over 1,800 police calls for service in that immediate vicinity. 2,700 plus calls when you include fire and EMS in that vicinity."…
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