BELLE FOURCHE-The City Council held its first meeting of the month on Monday, November 3.
During the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Randy Schmidt gave a Veteran’s Day Proclamation. “The contributions and sacrifices of the people who have served in the armed forces have been vital in maintaining our freedom and way of life. Tens of millions of Americans have served in the armed forces of the United States during the past century. South Dakota has more than 3,000 veterans that made the ultimate sacrifice. Although these heroes are no longer with us, their memories live on in the hearts of their loved ones and our state,” said Schmidt, urging all residents of the City of Belle Fourche to observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on November 11, 2025 in honor of all veterans who fought to safeguard our heritage and freedom, and to celebrate and proudly display the flag of the United States throughout the City of Belle Fourche on Veteran’s Day.
During Community Input, Raymond Allen expressed concerns regarding local roadway conditions, including ongoing construction, street maintenance, and malfunctioning streetlights. He also inquired about the absence of a playground and raised issues related to abandoned vehicles in his neighborhood. Randy Sowers addressed the Council regarding challenges encountered during his Airbnb permit application. He updated the Council that he had passed the State health inspection and was in the process of obtaining his tax ID. He acknowledged the City’s efforts and expressed appreciation for staff communication.
Greg Norwood thanked those involved in upgrading the skate park, noting its popularity and the positive impact on local children who frequently use and enjoy the facility.
Stacey Raisanen with CoNBA thanked the City and judges for the successful Halloween parade, noting high participation. She also highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts to promote holiday events in Belle Fourche, including working with the Chamber of Commerce to advertise the Parade of Lights and other festivities.
The Museum & Visitor Center reported that in October, the Museum welcomed 1,145 visitors from 46 states and several countries, including Australia, Finland, Italy, Spain, Canada, Germany, Romania, and the United Kingdom. Key events included the First Saturday Brunch with 71 attendees, Family Fun Day on “The History of Ghosts” with 27 attendees, three bus tours for 113 people, and the ninth annual Pumpkinfest, which drew around 600 participants and featured a variety of activities, performances, and over 17 vendors. Planning is already underway for upcoming events in November and December, including a Family Fun Day, the 2nd annual Ginger Festival, and the Volunteer Appreciation luncheon.
Rec Center Director Westberg updated the Council on the installation of new speakers at the Rec Center and auditorium, noting their positive impact and announcing that the next Parks and Recreation meeting would be held there. She highlighted a record number of booths at the Halloween Spooktacular, increased participation in the Fearless 5K, and ongoing success of sports leagues and youth basketball programs. She also reported that the Rec Center received the Governor’s Award for advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, thanked the community and local volunteers for their support, and noted the future need to replace the mural in the Wi-Fi room.
After covering Old Business, Mayor Schmidt declared to reconvene as the New Council at 6:34 p.m., when Clark Sowers was presented with a Certificate of Nomination as Council Member for Ward 2, for a term of 1.5 years. Mayor Schmidt gave the Oath of Office to Clark Sowers, and then Sowers took his seat at the front of the room with the rest of the Council members.
Councilperson Capp requested excusal from City Council from November 15, 2025 until November 30, 2025. He would be available for teleconference for meetings during these dates.
Councilpersons Fowler and Schild thanked the Public Works crew for repairing the water line within a day. Councilperson Elliott thanked City Administrator LaFayette for completing the Community Hall and Bowman Hall Policy.
Councilperson Sowers stated that it was good to be back on the Council and expressed that he looked forward to working with everyone.
Police Chief Cherveny informed the Council that the walls of the new police department building are being installed.
City Engineer Hardy informed the Council that the Xavier Street sewer project will begin soon.
City Administrator LaFayette explained that large sheets of plywood in Jones and Herman Parks are in place in preparation for new merry-go-rounds to be installed. He also reported that the concrete for the landfill exit scale has been completed, with installation of the scale and related technology currently underway and noted that the goal is to have the new scale operational by mid-November, with training for newly hired staff to begin soon.
The next City Council meeting will be held Monday, November 17 at 6 p.m.
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