Hot Springs council approves fire-code updates, rezoning, liquor license and multiple contracts

Hot Springs City Council on Aug. 5 approved a package of ordinances, licenses, contracts and budget items that city leaders said maintain basic services while advancing public‑safety and airport infrastructure projects.

The council adopted Ordinance 12‑67 on second reading, a revision to Title 9 (fire prevention and related sections) that city staff presented as housekeeping and public‑safety updates; the ordinance passed on a roll‑call vote. Council also approved Ordinance 12‑74 on second reading, rezoning property at 1829 Winnicata from residential RA to Mixed‑Use 1.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 12‑67 (Title 9 fire prevention and related sections): second reading approved (roll call vote) — evidence on the record during the second‑reading motion and roll call.

- Ordinance 12‑74 (rezoning, 1829 Winnicata): second reading approved (roll call vote) — planning and zoning recommended the rezoning at a prior meeting.

- Resolution 2025‑18 (citywide fee schedule): approved.

- Retail on‑off sale malt beverage and South Dakota farm wine license — Whiskey River LLC, 445 North River St.: public hearing held and license approved.

- Contract for two years of dispatch services with Fall River County (fixed sum $102,500 annually for 2026–2027): approved (recorded vote: 5 yes, 2 no).

- Contract 2025‑7, Evans Plunge Mineral Springs and Laura Barner (fitness instruction, Sept. 2025–May 2026): approved.

- Supplemental appropriation (one‑time) of $1,500 to the general fund for Microsoft Exchange migration costs: approved.

- Reinvest maturing US Treasury bond at South Dakota FIT for a six‑month term (approx. 4.07–4.12%, subject to market): authorized.

- State Financial Assistance Agreement (SDDOT) for AWOS‑3 system project, project 3‑46‑0020‑19‑2025: approved; state share capped at $13,375 of eligible costs.

- Appointment of Carl Bauchert to the cemetery board (to fill a three‑year remainder term 2025–2028): approved.

Most votes were routine and passed without extended debate. The 9‑1‑1 dispatch services agreement prompted the most sustained comment: some council members questioned whether the city should pay the county when county 9‑1‑1 surcharges are collected, while others noted external entities (ambulance services and some private users) also rely on the dispatch center and may not directly contribute. The council approved the agreement 5–2.

City staff noted that several items were recommended by standing committees or staff and that the rezoning and right‑of‑way matters had earlier planning and public‑comment vetting through the Planning and Zoning Commission. The AWOS agreement will fund design and construction of an automated weather observing system (AWOS‑3) and associated power and communications infrastructure at the airport; the state contribution is limited to the capped amount listed in the agreement.

What’s next: public hearings were set for Sept. 2 to consider a vacation of a right of way (application by John Haskowitz) and a rezoning request for Fall River Medical Service Tract 1; the council also continues work on the 2026 appropriation ordinance and expects additional budget documents and readings in September.