Michelle De Neui

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, a public comment from a visiting student, and the approval of the financial report and bills for December (approved via email) and January. Discussion items covered the Director's Report, noting the approval of the OverDrive Reciprocal Lending Agreement between several entities and monitoring the start of the legislative session. The Black Hills Library Consortium finalized billing procedures and discussed search functionality improvements. The Friends of the Library raised over $1,000 at the Winter Wonderland event and are sponsoring the upcoming Spearfish Mini Read. Operational updates included staff training plans, the progress of the social media plan, and the completion of staff computer updates to Windows 11. Action items included adding new language regarding controversial material to the Collection Development Policy, acknowledging the annual review of Open Meetings Law, and confirming the regular meeting schedule. Finally, officers were elected for the upcoming year.

The Library Board of Trustees meeting included discussions on state-level library matters, such as the library's accreditation at the highest level by the State Library, and the status of genealogy databases and OverDrive consortiums. Updates were provided on the Black Hills Library Consortium, the Friends of the Library's fundraising activities, and local projects, including the summer reading program and upcoming discussions related to One Book SD. There was also a review of circulation statistics. The board reviewed and approved a revised fee schedule, decided to end the Hoopla subscription at the end of the current contract term, and rescheduled the November meeting date.

The meeting included discussions on the 2025 Grant summary, paint grants, informational posters titled "Forgotten History", and new Historic District Walking Tour Brochures. There was an informal discussion about establishing a city museum, possibly in connection with the High Plains Heritage Center. Tentative plans to observe the 150th anniversary of the founding and platting of Spearfish in 1876 were mentioned, and there was a note about no updates regarding Historic District Signage. The commission agreed to change the meeting time to 6:00 PM to make it more accessible to the public.

The City Council Study Session included discussions on the Park Buildings Mural Project, with presentations and public comments regarding proposed locations and the establishment of an Art in Public Places committee. The Public Works budget for 2026 was reviewed, including the addition of a Public Works Administration fund and the creation of an Electrical Department fund. Snow Plowing Operations were discussed, including challenges, equipment, staffing, and resident complaints. The council also discussed an initiated measure on snow removal, specifically the use of snow gates, and considered options to modify or repeal the measure. Updates were provided on the Career and Technical Education high school students' home construction project, and budget timelines were reviewed. An executive session was held.

The study session included a review of the draft City Council agenda. Training was provided on the new Agenda Meetings Management System (AMMS). Public comments were received regarding communications and work with building staff. Discussions covered upcoming lane closures for the Main Street and Colorado Boulevard chip seal project, postponement of the skate park grand opening, and the South Dakota Parks and Recreation Association conference. An executive session was held to discuss the qualifications, competence, performance, character or fitness of a public officer or employee.