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Council approves first readings for two rezones and a franchise-fee update
Summary
Dell Rapids council approved first readings of Ordinances 9-34 (R1 to B2), 9-35 (R1 to R2) and 9-33 (Golden West franchise-fee update raising the cap to 5%). All three measures advanced on first reading; the rezone items return for final action later.
The Dell Rapids City Council approved first readings Monday for three ordinances: two zoning changes and an update to the Golden West franchise-fee agreement.
Sheldon Jensen, the city’s community development director, described Ordinance 9-34 as a proposed rezoning of a parcel in County Auditor Tract 7 from R1 (single-family) to B2 (general business). The lot, bought from LG Everest by a resident identified only as Emily, sits near Romans Automotive and the park. Jensen said the applicant proposes a personal storage building of roughly 1,500–1,700 square feet and that the parcel is inside the floodplain. He said a grading plan and a floodplain development permit — to be reviewed by the floodplain administrator, Steve — are required before construction can begin. Councilmember Gary moved to approve first reading; Chad seconded and the motion carried.
Ordinance 9-35 would rezone a portion of Block 47 within the original city from R1 to R2 to allow construction of twin homes. Applicant Brian Nelson told the council he expects to remove an existing barn when development proceeds; Jensen said the lot currently meets R2 lot-size standards so long as the barn remains in place. The council approved first reading with grammatical edits requested by staff; Ted moved and Chuck seconded.
The council also advanced Ordinance 9-33, the Golden West franchise-fee update. City staff explained the municipality has historically collected a 3% franchise fee under the current agreement; state statute now allows a 5% cap. The ordinance would raise the city’s fee to 5%, a change staff estimated would increase charges to some customers by roughly $15 annually. A Golden West representative, Rick Reed, attended to answer questions. The motion to approve first reading passed by voice vote.
All three items were advanced as first readings; zoning matters will return to the council for subsequent consideration on a future agenda. Staff noted that required permits (grading, floodplain development) and final platting or permit approvals remain prerequisites to construction in the rezoned areas.
