Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Spearfish public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in environment
Utility box conditions in Sandstone neighborhood
Two Sandstone residents say rusty, damaged utility boxes and utility flags left in yards for months are making their neighborhood look run-down and creating hazards. The city doesn't own those boxes, but it does have franchise agreements with the utility companies — and staff will look at what maintenance requirements it can enforce.
Spearfish Creek Stabilization project closed out
Final completion accepted for the creek stabilization project, kicking off the two-year warranty period — staff said it turned out great.
Lookout Fire recovery and USDA watershed funding
The fire is 100% contained and the mountain reopened, but the ~200-acre burn area on city land stays closed while rehab is planned. Old Blue, the H Way spur, Blue Stake, and Twisted Fun trails have closures. Firefighters stayed at the city campground during the response.
Open space and agricultural land preservation
Resident Jeremy Smith raised concern that Spearfish is losing farmland as it grows — he estimates only about 18 acres grow vegetables for local human consumption — and asked the commission to take up open space and ag land preservation in the Shape Spearfish planning work.
Tree City USA recognition and Arbor Day
Spearfish notched its 42nd straight Tree City USA year and a second consecutive Growth Award, partly thanks to its urban wood waste program giving away ash-tree wood to residents.
Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness
The invasive beetle kills every untreated ash tree and hasn't reached Spearfish yet. The city has removed 35-40% of ash trees on city property over four or five years and planted replacements, hoping to avoid a multimillion-dollar crisis like Sioux Falls or Milbank faced.
Branch disposal fees at the Restricted Use Site
Council looked at waiving branch disposal fees, which bring in about $13,000 a year, but heard the fee already is a fraction of other rates and the solid waste fund runs thin. No change was recommended.