South Dakota Record
Spearfish
High PriorityPublic Safetyopen

Snow removal ordinance and service

Summary

Councilman Dean Myers pushed to finally close out the long-running snow removal debate; a discussion/action item will be added to Monday's agenda.

At a glance

Total mentions
8
Last 30 days
0

Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Sep 8, 2026, up from 1 in the two months before.

Impact analysis

💰Financial impact

Not yet determined — Mayor Senden suggested any subscription service would likely carry a nominal cost rather than being free.

✅Who benefits

Residents waiting for a final decision on winter street clearing.

⚠️Who could be affected

Residents affected by this winter's plowing performance.

Mentions & discussions (8)

MeetingSep 21, 2026approved

City Council - Sep 21, 2026

Because state bid limits cap the old quote method at $50,000, the city formally bid out snow removal, awarding the Rec Center lot to AusCar X. The snow hauling awards were pulled from the agenda for later consideration.

MeetingSep 16, 2026

City Council - Sep 16, 2026

Bids opened September 2 for snow removal and, for the first time annually, snow hauling — costs have climbed enough that the city now needs competitive bids to stay under bid limits and be ready for a heavy snow year.

MeetingSep 8, 2026denied

City Council - Sep 8, 2026

The council couldn't agree on who qualifies for help clearing snow. One faction wanted to drop the income test and open it to anyone disabled or 65 and older; others worried that opening the door too wide could overwhelm a pilot program. It failed 3-2 and comes back later.

MeetingSep 2, 2026

City Council - Sep 2, 2026

The city wants to formalize help clearing snow berms for disabled, low-income residents. To qualify you need BOTH a mobility limitation with no able-bodied household member AND income under 60% of area median — which only about five people used in last spring's pilot. Some council members think that's too restrictive.

MeetingFeb 17, 2026approved

City Council - Feb 17, 2026

Ordinance 1409 rewrites the city's snow removal rules, and the city plans a subscription-based snow removal service. Council Member Myers voted no on first reading, worried about costs, and staff say the service will be advertised soon once a liability waiver is drafted.

MeetingFeb 2, 2026

City Council - Feb 2, 2026

After weeks of debate, the council is moving toward a subscription-style service to help residents — especially seniors and those with disabilities — who can't clear their own driveways, plus an ordinance fix to expand funding options. Firm estimates come at the Feb. 11 study session; a vote may come Feb. 17.

MeetingJan 28, 2026

City Council - Jan 28, 2026

Councilman Dean Myers pushed to finally close out the long-running snow removal debate; a discussion/action item will be added to Monday's agenda.

MeetingJan 5, 2026

City Council - Jan 5, 2026

Residents vented about this winter's street plowing, and the Parks and Recreation department will share its snow removal plan with the council before a January 14 study session.

We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.

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