Matthew Elberson

The meeting focused on several operational and strategic discussions for the golf course. Key topics included updates on the golf course calendar and tournament scheduling, specifically the potential hosting of the State AA Boys' Tournament, the final year of the Dan Prew Tournament, and restructuring the Hillsview Cup to be based on cumulative season performance rather than a standalone event. Staff reports detailed recent clubhouse repairs, ongoing roof and ceiling maintenance, groundskeeping activities, and preparations for the upcoming season, including irrigation activation. A significant discussion addressed the transition to a new electric golf cart fleet, including delivery logistics, and the expected arrival of new maintenance equipment. Furthermore, the board deliberated on course opening policies, weighing weather dependency and staffing limitations against public demand. Finally, a preliminary draft for establishing a capital improvement fund, intended for accepting donations, was presented for future review, and decisions were made regarding simplifying OMGA dues collection, separating it from the handicap system.

The meeting included reports from the YMCA, which detailed updates on upcoming swim meets, the Lazy Man Triathlon, efforts to update contact information, recovery of the aquatics director, and ongoing sound system repairs, including the addition of an amplifier. The YMCA also announced the release of a community-wide survey for strategic planning feedback. The Recreation Department reported on maintenance of the outdoor pool and announced that summer recreation registration would launch on February 16th. The Parks Department reported on tree work completed in coordination with the street department regarding ordinance changes, maintenance at LaBarge and Steamboat Park bathrooms, and painting the community room at the Chamber of Commerce. Old business included updates on the trail project draft map and disc golf layout reviews. New business involved a discussion regarding the potential addition of a shade structure to the dog park and the installation of a single light at Devine Park to assist the River City corn hole league during the shoulder season.

Key discussions during the session included public comment regarding planned construction on Elizabeth Avenue and potential ordinance violations. The commission unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included claims and a raffle request. Significant action items involved approving Resolution 2809, which replats specific lots for single-family dwellings on E Park Street. Furthermore, temporary alcohol licenses for multiple future dates at the Larkspur Landing Event Center were approved. A public hearing was held regarding the 10-year lease renewal for Lot 22 of the Pierre Industrial Park with Joe Wolf, which was subsequently approved. The session concluded with adjournment.

The meeting addressed several departmental updates and business items. The YMCA report covered community feedback gathering for strategic planning, updates on swim team schedules, and adjustments to lap swim times to better accommodate working adults. The Recreation Department report detailed the opening of registrations for various programs, the process for hiring over 100 seasonal staff members, and confirmation of minimum employment ages. The Parks Department update focused on seasonal staff hiring, completion of tree trimming along emergency routes, ongoing facility repairs like bathroom repainting, and challenges related to community complaints. Discussions also included updates on pickleball court lighting installation costs and baseball field lighting plans. Old business involved finalizing the naming convention for a new multi-purpose trail, potentially honoring a land donor, and an update on the Downs Marina Handicap Ramp Project, including securing a new designer and engineer. New business centered on evaluating options for shade structures and amenities for the dog park, considering fiberglass alternatives due to cost and durability, and planning for the replacement of aging playground equipment at several parks.

The City Commission meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda as amended, which included moving the Banner Wastewater Treatment Facility Consultant Contract to the first item. Public commentary featured opposition to the planned Elizabeth Avenue street widening project due to concerns regarding the historic district and safety. The commission approved the consent calendar, which included claims and minutes from previous dates. Key actions taken included the approval of the Banner Wastewater Treatment Facility Consultant Contract not to exceed $100,000 for miscellaneous operational support, renewal of the ZAP baseball team contract for Hyde stadium, approval of the HDR Water Treatment Facility Consultant Contract up to $30,000, approval of an amendment to the Paradigm Software Agreement for Solid Waste operations for added items during implementation, authorization to apply for the SDDOT State Planning & Research Program Grant Application for a 4th Street corridor study, and initial review of a replat proposal for property on E Park Street. The meeting concluded with an adjournment.