Jess Powell

This document is a comprehensive plan designed to establish guidelines for the future growth and development of Fort Pierre. It aims to preserve the city's small-town character, promote historical tourism, maintain and enrich the residential environment, provide optimal active and passive recreation, and encourage business growth. Key focus areas include land use and development, transportation, public use and facilities, economic development, and parks and recreation, with a vision to enhance community well-being and foster a balanced housing inventory for residents and visitors.

The meeting included a review and acceptance of the financial report, which detailed balances for the Future Fort Pierre account and various sub-committees like the Sculpture Committee, Fish Cleaning Station, and Basketball Courts. Payables, including bookkeeping services and an ISG invoice for a trail feasibility study, were approved. In new business, Eddie Duffy was appointed as a non-voting student board member. The board discussed gathering community input for Future Fort Pierre, resulting in a request for survey questions to be drafted. The preferred in-person meeting location was identified as Drifters due to accessibility requirements for a USDA grant. Updates were provided on bank signature card changes. Old business topics included an update on the Buffalo Legacy project concerning imagery/murals and progress on the USDA RBDG Grant feasibility study for a long-distance trail. Committee reports covered planned brick installation for the Fish Cleaning Station, follow-up needed regarding basketball court fencing safety, and the Sculpture Committee's exploration of a July 3 event.

The key discussion points revolved around securing necessary insurance coverage for Future Fort Pierre as a requirement of the RBDG grant. Initial action involved approving the securing of fidelity bond coverage at a cost of $126, which is budgeted under miscellaneous expenditures. A subsequent discussion addressed Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance, where the board agreed that $1,000,000 in coverage was sufficient, and a motion was passed to approve securing this D&O coverage.

As a quorum could not be achieved for the regularly scheduled meeting, business items were handled via email vote. Key items requiring approval included the addition of the Treasurer as an authorized signer on the bank account, replacing a former signer, and approving specified invoices and fund transfers, such as a payment to Eagle Bronz, Inc. for a sculpture and a yearly transfer to Fort Pierre Tourism. The requirement to obtain a fidelity bond for the USDA RBDG grant was noted, with a formal quote pending.

The board meeting covered financial reporting, noting combined account balances and occupancy tax performance for Pierre and Fort Pierre. Payables and internal transfers were approved, including funds allocated for the City of Fort Pierre and the Oahe Hockey Association, and a transfer to cover marketing costs for the 250th Celebration. Key discussion points involved the Buffalo Legacy campaign, specifically exterior mural proposals, where timelines and funding coordination were addressed, with a commitment to provide a concrete plan via email. In new business, bank signature cards were updated following treasurer transitions, and the board authorized pursuing the South Dakota Tourism TAP grant application for 2026 promotional marketing efforts. Old business included an update on the USDA-funded Long Distance Trail Feasibility study kickoff meeting logistics. The board also reviewed recommendations for the Boots & Roots: 4th of July Event Grant, awarding funds to the Fire Department, Historic Sculpture Committee, and Drifters, while deferring one application pending reporting. Marketing updates highlighted significant increases in website and Facebook views driven by paid advertising.