The City Council held its first meeting of the month on Monday, July 7. In the Mayor’s Report, Randy Schmidt gave Service Recognition Awards.
During community input, Aaron Circle Bear raised a concern about having received a No Trespassing notice the day he resigned from the Belle Fourche Rec Center. He stated that he was unaware of any misconduct that would justify the order and believes it may have been retaliatory. He urged the Council to review the situation for fairness and legality.
The Chamber of Commerce thanked Ryan and his team for stepping in to help during the bank robbery reenactment. Everyone was invited to the next Chamber Mixer and ribbon cutting for iLevel Construction on Thursday, July 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. at 619 5th Avenue.
The Museum and Visitor Center reported that in June, it had 4,646 visitors—its highest June count since 2021—with guests from 49 states, Washington D.C., and 14 countries. Seven bus tours brought in 233 people, and events like the First Saturday Brunch and Father’s Day Family Fun Day saw strong attendance. A painted hide depicting the Lakota Sundance was added to the Native American exhibit. The Museum and Visitor Center has also been warning the public about online ticket scams related to the Black Hills Roundup and thanked Engineer Brent Hardy for addressing their request for improved handicapped parking.
Parks & Recreation committee reported that damage to the ceiling tiles caused by the rain has been cleaned up and replaced. In June, 214 kids joined activities, with tie-dyeing, volleyball, kickball, and wiffle ball being favorites. July programs are held at the Rec Center (Mon/Wed/Fri, 2–4 p.m.) and local parks (Tues/Thurs, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). This week includes Run the Bases, a fitness circuit, card games at Rob Park, and a collage art project. Upcoming events include youth strength classes, a sand volleyball tournament, and the Sunrise on State Walk/Run.
The Council was reminded that Council Budget Meetings will be held on July 15 and 17 at 5 p.m. Councilperson Capp advised he will be joining via phone as he will be in Pierre for training.
City Engineer Hardy provided a brief explanation of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for new council members, noting it is the city’s input to the state’s five-year transportation plan. Many projects appear repeatedly due to long timelines, including this year’s requests for turn lanes at the Hat Ranch intersection and future support for extending 8th Avenue to Highway 34. The city is also supporting grant efforts for the proposed River Walk connection to Orman Dam.
Public Works Director Stedillie spoke about a water main break on Stanley Street, and City Administrator LaFayette gave a brief update about the skate park starting at the end of July.
The next City Council meeting will be July 21 at 6 p.m.
