BELLE FOURCHE—The Belle Fourche City Council held its second meeting of the month on Monday, September 15. During the Mayor’s Report, Dispatch Supervisor Julia Day gave a Butte County Dispatch Report. Day discussed call numbers for the City of Belle Fourche and Butte County. She also addressed questions regarding non-functioning sirens in town. Day explained that tests are conducted on Wednesdays at noon to identify issues, and during one such test a Public Works employee reported that the siren located at the water tanks on Summit Street was not working. She noted that the siren is still under warranty and will be repaired at no cost to the City.
City Administrator LaFayette gave background on the Belle Fourche to Rocky Point Trail Project. The project was first proposed in December 2023 and initially included a route along the river and canal to Rocky Point. After concerns from property owners, the plan was revised to follow existing rights-of-way along Highway 212, avoiding private land impacts and simplifying the design. Since then, multiple agencies have been engaged, including Butte County, SDDOT, BLM, GF&P, and the City. The project is being pursued through the Transportation Alternatives Program— specifically the Safe Routes to School grant—which requires an 18.05% local match and favors school and park connectivity. On July 29, 2025, state officials reviewed the proposed route and approved moving forward with the application. On September 10, 2025, Weiss Associates presented the draft application and supporting documents, along with requests for community letters of support. Numerous letters in favor have been received, with few in opposition. It was emphasized that this is only an application stage and not a final commitment to construction. The project will move forward only if sufficient grant funding is awarded, with the intent of minimizing or eliminating direct costs to the City. Potential benefits include improved safety for student athletes, expanded recreation, and increased tourism and tax revenue.
During community input, several members of the public spoke. Shawnee Mackaben addressed the Council in opposition to the Belle Fourche Rocky Point Trail project. Michael Bice informed the Council that September is Suicide Prevention Month and September 22, 2025 is National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day. Bice requested that the Council acknowledge the day. Michelle Evans read a response provided by Larry Schmaltz and voiced her opposition to the Rocky Point Trail project. Additional community members Bill Norwood, Wendy Carr, Syreeta Main, Mike Woelber, Lois Steiner, Gary Bowers, Dennis Wattier, Lacy Peterson, Kari Stumpf, Nancy Turbiville, Brandon Nikodyme, and Cody Stumpf all spoke in opposition to the proposed trail project. Concerns voiced included dogs on the trail, restroom access, littering, trespassing, and overall impacts to adjacent property owners. Several individuals suggested alternative trail options closer to city limits.
Mayor Schmidt expressed appreciation to residents for their attendance at the meeting. Councilperson Capp thanked Mr. Bice for his remarks on suicide prevention and noted that the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Herrmann Park. Councilperson Elliott informed the Council that he will be out of town for the Public Works meeting and requested to attend the meeting via teleconference. Michael Bice requested a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk. Mayor Schmidt then requested a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk and for all community members who have passed away.
Councilperson Pam Somervold stated this was her last full Council meeting, as her resignation will be effective Friday, September 26. She expressed appreciation for community members attending meetings, encouraged continued public engagement, and thanked fellow Council members, City staff, and Mayor Schmidt for the opportunity to serve. Mayor Schmidt reminded voters of the upcoming Ward 2 election.
City Administrator LaFayette and Public Works Director Stedillie provided an update on Well #3, noting that City crews delivered valves and lugs to the contractor but have not received further updates at this time.
The next City Council meeting will be October 6 at 6 p.m.
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