Home projects take it out of you - even if all you are doing is getting quotes from plumbers and electricians.

Finally getting some progress on the basement bathroom at the home office on West Blvd. They had to cut concrete, install new drain lines, and just finished the concrete over the top (after the city inspection, of course).

Once they get the bathroom plumbing done, then the electrician, then I get to play with sheetrock and tile a shower. Fun Stuff!

Hopefully you are getting to actually enjoy the fall. haha

Tristan

What news caught the most eyeballs or stirred up the most trouble?

Block 8 Tower Signage Variance: The Zoning Board of Adjustment reviewed a variance request for the Block 8 Tower (440 Mount Rushmore Rd) to allow 1,400 sq. ft. of static wall signage (five 5'x20' signs) and 850 sq. ft. of digital electronic message center signs. Staff recommended denial due to the size increase violating central business district guidelines meant to preserve downtown historic aesthetics. Board members discussed potential compromises, such as reducing static sign dimensions per floor.

Decision: Voted to continue the item to October 22, 2026, giving the applicant time to submit a revised design.

Subdivision & Annexation Waiver (Pioneer Drive): Evaluated a request for a parcel adjacent to city limits where a small portion extends outside city boundaries without city water or sewer infrastructure.

Decision: Approved waiving the annexation requirement and denied the petition for annexation, finding no municipal benefit to annexing the sliver.

Campbell Street & Creek Drive Rezonings: Considered requests by Indigo Design LLC for Boom Shakalaka LLC to rezone portions of a 25.6-acre parcel currently in a Flood Hazard District while maintaining protection over the designated floodway.

Decision: Approved rezoning 8.18 acres to Light Industrial District and 1.24 acres to General Commercial District.

Data Center Ordinance Announcement: Staff announced a public open house on October 14, 2026, to review proposed municipal regulations governing data centers.

Contested Utility Charges: Considered a request by Kevin Eagle to waive $1,254.53 in utility charges accrued between July and November 2025. Committee members reviewed background details regarding property occupancy and account transfers following the property owner's passing.

Decision: Continued the item to the November 10 public works meeting so the applicant could participate in person.

Data Center Public Forum: Reminded the public about the October 14 open house concerning proposed data center regulations—specifically addressing water usage, electricity demands, noise restrictions, and setback distances.

Public Comment on TIF Funds: Resident William Wagner voiced concerns regarding the transfer of capital improvement funds between Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts and requested auditor review.

West Nile Virus Surveillance & Testing Presentation: Dr. Christine Matthews (South Dakota Mines) presented findings from the seasonal West Nile vector surveillance program. Highlights noted Pennington County’s historically high incidence rate of West Nile virus, local RAMP testing equipment deployment, and challenges caused by heavy late-summer rainfall.

Recommendation: Recommended consolidating vector surveillance and control under a single city department with a dedicated budget and full-time coordinator.

Contested Tree Trimming Abatement (220 E. Watertown St.): Property owner Donald Ham contested an $890 abatement bill, claiming lack of advance notice and excessive labor charges. Code Enforcement explained the contractor labor, haul, and disposal fees required to clear branches overhanging the sidewalk/street.

Decision: Upheld the abatement at a reduced rate of $600, with the city absorbing the remaining cost.

Community Chili Cook-Off Matching Funds: Discussed matching funds from the council contingency fund for utility bill relief distributed through St. Vincent de Paul.

Decision: Voted to increase the council matching cap from $5,000 to $10,000.

Stevens High School Tennis Team Recognition: Honored the Rapid City Stevens High School girls tennis team for winning the 2026 Class AA State Championship (their 3rd consecutive title and 9th overall) and recognized Head Coach Jason Olsen for his inductee honors and four decades of service.

Key Public Comment Topics:

Election Day Accessibility: Citizens raised concerns that ongoing construction at West Park Apartments could hinder elderly and disabled voters navigating Ward 5 Precinct 4 polling access.

Memorial Park Barriers: Requested removing the perimeter fence around the Memorial Park band shell and unlocking ADA public restrooms.

Data Center Opposition: Multiple residents spoke against data center developments, raising concerns over water consumption during droughts, noise levels, and public voting opportunities.

Contested Abatement Final Vote: Reviewed the Legal & Finance recommendation regarding the tree trimming abatement at 220 E. Watertown St.

Decision: Approved upholding the abatement at the reduced $600 rate (passed with two dissenting votes).

Chili Cook-Off Utility Assistance:

Decision: Authorized appropriating up to $10,000 from the city council contingency fund to match donations raised during the Community Chili Cook-Off for resident utility assistance.

Bill List Approval:

Decision: Approved $339,757.16 for Main Street Square/Visit Rapid City disbursements and $12,431,966.42 for general city claims.

Local family creating magic in their home kitchen.

Just Roll With It is run by a local Rapid Citians, and they describe themselves as a "fun, slightly crazy family" running a tiny cottage bakery right here in Rapid City.

And their slogan?

"Handmade. Freshly baked. Serious rolls with fun flavors you love to roll with."

I can get behind that.

They've got Big Rolls and Lil Rolls, with flavors like the Classic Cinny, Caramel, Apple Crisp, S'mores, and Cookies & Cream.

And then there's the monthly flavor.

They operate on pre-orders because they're making these in limited quantities based on what their kitchen can handle each week. The menu opens Sunday morning, and you can order through Thursday at 8 PM — or until they sell out. Then you pick up on Saturday.

Get on their site and order!

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