The City Council held its first meeting of the month on Monday, April 7. During the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Randy Schmidt presented the National Library Week Proclamation, which was accepted by Library Chairperson Beth Morey. “Libraries serve as vibrant community hubs, connecting people with knowledge, technology, and resources while fostering civic engagement, critical thinking, and lifelong learning,” said Schmidt.
There was no community input at this meeting.
Michaela Horn with the Chamber of Commerce thanked everyone who helped put on Casino Night, as well as the attendees of the Parliamentary Procedures class, which was taught by Austin Bishop. Upcoming Chamber events include a Tour Bus coming to Belle Fourche on April 16 and 17 and a Chamber Mixer (reserved for Chamber members only) at Paleo Adventures on April 17 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
The Jewett Family accepted the City of Belle Fourche’s resolution to name the city’s newest park the Austin Jewett Memorial Park. “Austin Jewett was a beloved member of the Belle Fourche community known for his dedication to sports, community engagement, and public service as a City of Belle Fourche employee,” Mayor Schmidt said.
City Administrator LaFayette provided the Council with an update on the Well #2 acidization, noting that he is establishing a new project through the State to fund the work. He also reported that the bids for the new Police Department came in under budget. Additionally, he discussed plans to put the 11th and 12th Avenue projects out for bid in the coming weeks, the installation of the new Cemetery sign, and progress on the baseball field concessions.
Councilperson Sowers noted the importance of directing anyone seeking reduced rental fees for venues to present their requests at the Allocation Meetings. He also shared complaints he had received about trash along Highway 212. Further, he commended the City for the strong turnout at the District 10 meeting and for their leadership roles in other committees.
Councilperson Fowler shared a community complaint regarding the road markings on National Street and Sourdough Road. Public Works Director Stedillie stated that the company responsible for the markings is expected to be in town before July 4, as soon as they can fit the work into their schedule.
Councilperson Elliott reported that a community member had approached him with concerns about crosswalks near the Rec Center, where the new skate park is being constructed. He was informed that plans for the crosswalks were already in place when the skate park project began. Elliott also inquired about the status of the Museum patio. City Administrator LaFayette informed him that the concrete had been poured about two weeks prior, with the Museum now waiting on the installation of the railing to complete the project.
The Mayor expressed gratitude to all City employees and the volunteer fire department for their efforts in managing the Landfill fire, noting that they were on site for several consecutive days to ensure the situation remained under control.
The next City Council meeting will be April 21 at 6 p.m.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
