CUSTER, S.D. – The Custer City Council convened Monday, May 5, approving measures ranging from an archery deer management program to change orders for the ongoing West Dam improvement project.
Council members unanimously adopted Resolution #05-05-25A, establishing the 2025 Archery Deer Permit Program. The resolution cites concerns over deer-vehicle collisions, property damage, the spread of Lyme Disease via deer ticks, and the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease within city limits as reasons for the managed hunt. The program aims to provide hunting opportunities while managing the local deer population.
The council also addressed the West Dam project, approving two change orders. A $4,950 increase was approved for Moss Rock Landscaping, Inc. for Phase 2, and a $25,000 increase was approved for Nielsen Enterprises, LLC for Phase 1. Additionally, the council unanimously approved extending the spring work date for West Dam Phase 2 by Moss Rock Landscaping to June 15.
In other business, the council approved the renewal of 27 malt beverage and South Dakota farm wine licenses. They also approved a parkway landscaping agreement for a property on South 9th Street.
The council accepted the 2024 audit presented by Ketel Thorstenson, LLP. An agreement with the Custer Chamber of Commerce for 2025, including third-penny sales tax funds and lease agreements, was approved.
Support was granted for a Hazard Mitigation Grant application through Custer County Emergency Management. The Custer Volunteer Fire Department received approval for additional funding in 2025.
A non-subdivision plat in the city’s Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) for the Behlings Tract 1 and 2 was approved.
The council approved requests from St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for a parade and use of Way Park on June 21 and 22. A request from the Black Hills Prospecting Club to use a portion of French Creek Park for a gold panning event during Gold Discovery Days was also approved.
The date for The Mammoth Disc Golf Tournament was changed to September 6 and 7. An Executive Proclamation for Arbor Day, to be celebrated on May 12 (though National Arbor Day is typically observed on the last Friday in April), was also approved.
The council approved the list of claims totaling $550,796.56.
Following committee reports and staff updates, the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
