Dawn R. Murphy

The Tea 2050 Comprehensive Plan serves as a guiding document for the City of Tea's growth and development, outlining strategies for land use, community profile, housing, parks and recreation, downtown and community character, transportation and infrastructure, natural resources, economic development, and community facilities. The plan aims to manage future growth, enhance overall quality of life, and improve city services for both existing and future residents through 2050.

This Comprehensive Plan serves as a guiding document for the City of Tea's growth and development over approximately 25 years, extending to 2050. It outlines goals and strategies across key areas including land use, economic development, parks, open spaces, community character, and facilities. The plan focuses on establishing expectations for land and property owners, assisting in zoning and annexation decisions, and managing development, with dedicated sections on Future Land Use, Future Streets, Park Considerations, Housing, and Future Trails to ensure structured community evolution.

The key discussions during this regular meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered the minutes from the previous meeting, claims warrant approval, the hiring of a Part-Time Police Officer, approval of a Disabled Veteran Property Tax Abatement, and an anniversary date pay increase for the Finance Officer. A public hearing was held regarding the proposed issuance of tax-exempt refunding bonds to act as a Conduit Bond Financier for the University of Sioux Falls, resulting in the approval of Resolution 26-02-03 authorizing the issuance of refunding revenue bonds not to exceed $9,900,000. The Council also held the first readings for Ordinance 331 (Adopting Subdivision Regulations) and Ordinance 335 (Amending Zoning Regulations), setting their second readings for a future date. Furthermore, the Council approved Amendment #1 to the Tax Increment Finance District #2 Project Plan, increasing eligible project costs, and approved a letter of support for the proposed South Lincoln Regional Wastewater Project.

The City Council meeting included the approval of the agenda. Key actions under the consent agenda involved approving the claims for February 2, 2026, and the purchase of a Bobcat Toolcat UW-56. The Council proceeded with the second reading and subsequent adoption of Ordinance 334, which rezones property at 1510 East First Street from R-1 Single Family Residential District to the GB General Business District. Additionally, the Council reviewed the proposed Tea Tax Increment Finance District #2 Plan Amendment, which proposes an increase of $1,814,619 to the plan, with a formal resolution scheduled for a future meeting.

The City Council meeting included actions on the agenda, consent items (excluding previous minutes approval), and public comments where a potential District 6 Representative candidate introduced themself, and a tavern owner raised concerns about parking and volleyball courts. Key legislative actions included the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 330, which removes car wash uses from certain zoning districts. Ordinance 333, rezoning property from R-1 Single Family Residential to I-1 Light Industrial, was also adopted despite some expressed concerns about traffic and infrastructure. A public hearing resulted in the approval of the transfer of Retail (On-Sale) Alcohol Beverage License and Package (of-sale) Liquor License for Titans Tavern. Furthermore, the 2026 Animal Control Services and Impoundment Facility Operation Agreement was approved, as was Resolution 26-01-01 establishing the salaries for municipal officers and employees effective January 1, 2026. The meeting concluded with adjournment.