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Council discusses home‑rule and options for city administration; no action taken
Summary
Council reviewed a staff memo on home rule and the differences between a city administrator and city manager, asked staff to consult further and consider clarifying employment agreements rather than immediately changing ordinances; council gave direction to return later.
Council spent time discussing ordinance 667, a staff memo and supporting materials about home rule in South Dakota and the distinctions between a city administrator and a city manager. Staff summarized relevant South Dakota code, the South Dakota constitution and examples from other city charters.
Council members debated the benefits and tradeoffs of changing the city's governance structure, with several members suggesting referral to a committee or the need for clear examples of community benefits before pursuing charter changes. One member suggested clarifying language in the city employment agreement as a less disruptive first step. Council directed staff to follow up with Brad/Brent to develop clearer options and to possibly defer more extensive review until other committee work is completed.
No motion or vote was taken on ordinance 667 during the meeting; council members agreed to gather more information and revisit the issue at a later date.
