BELLE FOURCHE—The Belle Fourche City Council held its second meeting of the month on Monday evening, June 15. During the Mayor’s Report, Police Chief Ryan Cherveny presented Lifesaving Awards to Corporal Stephen Schmeltzer and Officer Dusty Merchen for their efforts on May 22, 2026.
“On May 22, 2026, our officers responded to a report of an unresponsive individual in need of some medical aid. Upon arrival, Corporal Stephen Schmeltzer and Officer Dusty Merchen took immediate and decisive action as they began CPR and quickly deployed the AED,” said Cherveny. “The patient was rapidly transported to the Spearfish Emergency Department. The attending physician confirmed that the patient only survived this life-threatening emergency was because of the officers’ quick thinking and life-saving actions.”
Casey Peterson, LTD – Devin Pfaff then presented the 2025 Audit to the Council. There was no community input at this meeting.
Library Director Josh Abraham reported that the Summer Reading Program is underway with 257 participants, primarily ages 0–12 and 19+, and encouraged more teen participation. He noted strong attendance at story time programs, Story Time Yoga, and a magician program that attracted 156 attendees. The library also plans to purchase additional children’s bookshelves and has added an online feature that allows patrons to suggest titles for purchase.
Marilyn Huston-Engle reported that the Senior Center has had several successful fundraisers, including Riverfest hot dog sales, a tip night at the Moose Lodge, and a private donation that funded new kitchen equipment. She highlighted upcoming events, including a gun raffle, spaghetti feed, cornhole tournament, and portrait sessions. She emphasized that all Senior Center events are open to the public, not just members.
In the Regular Agenda, Rec Center Director Jody Westberg’s recommendation to move to seasonal summer operating hours at the Belle Fourche Rec Center was approved. Seasonal hours are as follows: Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Westberg reported that patron usage during the 8–9 p.m. hour Monday through Thursday averages only 0–4 people, while the 7–8 p.m. hour regularly serves more than 20 patrons. To reduce staffing costs, she proposed temporarily closing at 8 p.m. on weekdays and opening Sundays at noon instead of 1 p.m. from June 21 through Labor Day. The seasonal schedule change is expected to save more than $4,000 and reduce staffing by approximately 24 hours per week, with regular hours resuming after Labor Day.
City Administrator LaFayette reported that project delays were primarily due to work required by MDU, whose schedule impacted progress on utility installations. Crews were able to complete much of the surrounding work while waiting, and MDU completed its portion of the project on Friday. Concrete work has resumed, and asphalt paving is anticipated to begin in approximately three weeks. LaFayette noted that staff will review the project schedule and determine whether any liquidated damages are warranted, considering documented delays caused by factors such as weather and utility-related hold-ups, as any assessment must be supported by the contract and project records.
Councilperson Sowers stated he had his first meeting with Prairie Hills Transit Board and hopes to work out a new location for the bus barn. Councilperson Brunner informed Council he will be absent from Monday’s committee meetings.
City Attorney Kellen Willert reported that he and City Engineer Hardy attended the Spearfish City Council meeting to begin discussions on protecting Belle Fourche’s water gallery from potential impacts of future development and septic systems in the area. He noted that Spearfish is also addressing concerns related to the increasing use of e-bikes and similar electric devices, an issue that may become relevant locally.
Police Chief Cherveny reported that the Police Department recently conducted an educational class on e-bike regulations and safety. He encouraged greater community participation in future sessions so residents can become more familiar with the applicable rules and requirements.
City Engineer Hardy reported that airport taxiway paving work is expected to begin as the contractor mobilizes on site. He also noted that the airport terminal project has held its first construction meeting following the project award. Information regarding airport closures and construction sequencing will be posted on the City website to keep users informed of any access restrictions during construction.
Public Works Director Stedillie reported that Well No. 3 is now operational and was producing approximately 200,000 gallons per day, helping reduce demand on the spring lines and eliminating the need to run booster pumps.
Mayor Schmidt expressed his appreciation to City employees and staff for their hard work and dedication, thanking them for their efforts and the quality of work being performed throughout the City.
The Council then went into a short Executive Session at 6:53 p.m., returning at 6:59 p.m. Upon returning to Regular Session, the Council approved the termination of a Solid Waste Collector for the City Of Belle Fourche effective immediately. A second Executive Session regarding Legal Counsel was then entered at 7:00 p.m. with the Council returning to Regular Session at 7:23 p.m. with no action taken.
The next City Council meeting will be held on July 6 at 6 p.m.
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