The Belle Fourche City Council held its first meeting of the month on Monday, March 3. During community input, LeAnn Corean explained that she now has her Childcare Provider License and expressed gratitude to the Council for allowing her the extra time to do so.
The Chamber of Commerce reported that the Chamber kicked off the month with its Annual Banquet and thanked all who attended. March is packed with events, including a Ribbon Cutting for The Breakfast Club, a Legislative Cracker Barrel, and a Lunch & Learn on workplace communication, and Casino Night.
CoNBA reported that they would have a car rally planning session on March 4. Upcoming events include the Easter Egg Hunt on April 12 at the soccer fields, featuring Bunny Money promotions for local businesses. Travel South Dakota will visit Belle Fourche on April 16.
The Museum and Visitor Center reported that February brought 490 visitors from 13 states. Highlights included the First Saturday Brunch with “Hearts of the Hills,” the 1903 Reader’s Theatre, and the Rural Expressions Photography Contest featuring 77 photos and 20 awards. A Measure of Days, the mini exhibit on calendars, has received great feedback, along with The Library exhibit. A Day for Wolves was a success.
Parks & Recreation reported that youth basketball and volleyball leagues are wrapping up, and a youth volleyball camp started the evening of March 3 in partnership with the high school. Swimming lessons are in full swing on Monday and Wednesday nights, with additional sessions in April and summer, many of which are already sold out. The Wellness Fair is happening the first weekend of March. A new mural outside the locker rooms is being painted each Sunday. Auditorium renovations are awaiting final quotes, with priority given to a local bid. The Parks & Recreation committee is also seeking a new board member as one member steps down in May.
City Administrator Jason Lafayette gave updates on several projects: Well #3 drilling resumed on February 24 after weather delays, reaching 2,449 feet with flow rates increasing to 650-670 GPM. This week, crews will install a temporary pipeline, develop the well, and conduct a 90-hour flow test before capping and starting well house construction.
The TIF Advisory Board will meet Wednesday to review a TIF #7 request, already assessed by engineering. Discussions will continue in the coming weeks, with Toby Morris overseeing. The contractor has secured the required funding.
The Police Department will relocate to City Hall around August 1, 2025, ahead of their building’s demolition. This move saves time and costs by avoiding water line rerouting and easing crane operations. With ample basement space and minimal construction needed, the transition will also enhance staff collaboration.
The Viewpoint video was presented and is scheduled to air on Fox Business Network on March 5 at around 8:30 PM. The Public Television segment will be distributed to participating stations on March 10. City Engineer Brent Hardy provided project updates, noting Phase 3 of 11th Avenue is 70% complete, with final plans expected soon. Sixth Avenue designs are nearing review, with construction set for 2026. A wastewater facilities plan is in progress. The National Mill & Overlay project aims for completion before July 4, or between the holiday and school reopening if delayed. The Sourdough Loop project is starting, with construction plates being placed this week.
The next City Council meeting will be March 17 at 6 p.m.
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