Carrie Belawske

The meeting included two primary agenda items. The first involved the discussion and approval of a preliminary plat application submitted by Baseline Surveying on behalf of the city of Sturges for the division of property into two lots (Lot one and Lot two of Southside Edition). A motion for final plat approval was also granted for this item, which included defining a drainage area boundary with a specific lot line work. The second major discussion concerned the annual evaluation of the city's long-term comprehensive plan, specifically requesting approval for planning staff to compile the end-of-year report. Further items addressed annual use and review for an in-home salon operation and an in-home daycare, both of which staff recommended for renewal due to no changes or complaints.

The Planning Commission addressed several agenda items, including the petition from Sturgis Meat Service to vacate a portion of Park Avenue to resolve an encroachment by an existing building onto the right-of-way. The commission recommended approval for this vacation request, contingent upon the approval of a related preliminary plat for Sturgis Meat Service, which required verification of the legal description. Another preliminary plat application, involving the subdivision of property by Timothy and Debbie Patmore into Lots 1 and 2, was approved, with a recommendation for a utility site plan due to the presence of pre-existing, non-conforming mobile homes and the need for clarity on service line locations. Finally, the final plat for Lot SBC in Block J of Glover's Second Addition, intended for the construction of a brewery, was approved. A variance request for the Sturgis Brewing Company's new brewery setback will be reviewed in a subsequent special meeting.

The agenda for the regular Planning Commission meeting included several items requiring recommendations to the Sturgis City Council. Key discussions involved a Use on Review application for an at-home animal nutrition business, requiring consideration of neighborhood concerns about property appearance and parking. Other items included the review of a preliminary plan and voluntary development agreement for subdividing property for up to three single-family residences, preliminary plat applications for LPN Holdings, LLC, and for City of Sturgis property for the Creekside Subdivision (which involves developing Governor's Houses and addressing floodplain lots), and a zoning amendment request concerning park land to open space zoning in preparation for surplus property.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included administrative items such as reviewing payroll reports for several positions, including a Parks Maintenance Tech, a Heavy Equipment Operator, seasonal referees, a part-time EMT, and a promotion from Patrol Officer to Sergeant. Key items for consideration included approving a temporary road closure for the SBHS Homecoming Parade and a request for the use of Harley-Davidson Rally Point for a Sturgis Middle School Show Choir Performance. The council planned to set a public hearing for Resolution 2025-34 regarding a First Interstate Bank Food Truck/Food Drive. Further items involved authorizing the Mayor to sign Airport Hanger Site Leases for 4 Door LLC/Sturgis Flight Center LLC and Shaun Brautigan. Other reports covered a use of City Property request for the Light After Loss Suicide Prevention Event, a citizen request to be on the agenda, and discussions concerning the 2026 Budget Hearing. The meeting was scheduled to conclude with an Executive Session covering personnel, legal, contracts, marketing, and security matters.

The Planning Commission reviewed and recommended approval for proposed changes to the General Commercial zoning district ordinance, specifically regarding permitted uses, manufacturing restrictions, and the removal of restrictions on fast food and drive-in businesses. Key discussion points included the Sturgis Bike Path Comprehensive Plan, where staff detailed existing grant options and the need for a comprehensive plan to qualify for funding, as well as reviewing proposed path connections. Additionally, the Commission unanimously approved three final plat applications: one for the subdivision of property into two smaller lots (43R and 44R), and two separate applications from Jenter Properties, LLC concerning lot boundary clean-up in one area and the subdivision of a property into residential and Bear Butte Creek portions in another. The Commission also discussed the process for future City Ordinance changes.