Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Spearfish public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in roads with medium priority
Exit 12 off-ramp congestion
Residents and councilmembers have gotten calls about morning backups on the Exit 12 off-ramp. Police Chief Smith explained the interchange is under state DOT and Highway Patrol control, and DOT may run a traffic study; the city asks residents to call police only if backups reach the I-90 lanes.
Airport Apron Expansion funding and services
The council locked in the state's share of airport apron funding (about $128,000 total across two agreements) on top of a $4 million federal grant, and hired Mead & Hunt for construction-phase services. Construction likely starts in spring.
Winter snow removal contracting
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.
Rad Route to School grant application
The council authorized applying for a state Transportation Alternatives grant to pave the mowed path from North Canyon Street to Creekside Elementary, making it ADA-compliant. It was the top-rated rec path expansion in the parks master plan and would keep kids out of bus and car drop-off congestion.
Canyon Street rec path grant
The city wants a state Transportation Alternatives grant to extend a safe walking/biking route from the end of North Canyon Street to the elementary school — part of the recreation master plan.
Four-way stop at Jackson and Jonas Boulevards
Public Works plans to install a four-way stop at Jackson and Jonas, starting with a flashing beacon, based on the safety action plan and crash data. A resident asked for a shield so the beacon doesn't flash into a neighboring bedroom.
Hillsview Street bridge pathway reopening
Resident Joe Jorgensen asked the board to support reopening the closed path under the Hillsview Street bridge, arguing it doesn't need full ADA compliance to be useful.
Three-lane redesign of Main Street and Colorado Boulevard
A proposal to convert downtown Main Street from four lanes to three was shelved after mixed public feedback, but a public process to prioritize Safety Action Plan projects is coming.
Traffic and safety at St. Onge Road and Highway 85
Staff noted the aging traffic study for the area and that St. Onge Road was recently accepted as a city street and may be undersized — but a planned DOT roundabout at Highway 85 could improve safety.