Custer, SD – The Custer City Council met on October 20, 2025, and approved a downtown beautification proposal, a bid for a new utility work machine, and an employee step increase. The meeting began at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. All council persons: Pechota, Jenniges, Ryan, Fischer, Nielsen, and Whittaker-were present, as was Attorney Kaleb Peterson.
Downtown Planters and Utility Machine
The council accepted a proposal from Petals & Pages for the 2026 Downtown Node Planter Proposal4. Councilperson Nielsen moved to accept the plan, which includes planting, decorating, and caring for three downtown node planters for $1,750$. Councilperson Fischer seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.
In new business, the council also accepted a bid for a 4×4 Utility Work Machine. Councilperson Nielsen moved to accept the bid from Jenner Equipment for a 2025 Bobcat UW56 at $78,135.96. Councilperson Whittaker seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous yes vote from all six councilpersons.
Additionally, two utility permits for Golden West were approved unanimously: one for Lincoln Street (5 Lincoln Street) and one for Wilsie Drive (373 Lincoln Street).
Claims and Personnel
The council approved the October 20, 2025 Claims List, totaling $15,321.13. Significant claims included $2,705.00 to Andersen Engineers for Professional Fees, $1,341.31 to Black Hills Energy for Utilities, and $1,696.00 to Leo’s Auto Service for Repairs & Maintenance.
The council later approved an employee step increase for Tessah Behlings to step 3 at $38.73$ per hour, effective September 13, 2025. Councilperson Ryan moved for approval, and Councilperson Pechota seconded.
Executive Session
The council entered and exited an executive session for personnel, proposed/pending litigation, and contract negotiations per SDCL 1-25-2 (1,3,4) at 5:48 p.m.. Present for the session were Trent Bruce from DGR, Attorney Kaleb Peterson, the Public Works Supervisor, and the City Administrator/Finance Officer. Trent Bruce and the Public Works Supervisor left at 6:10 p.m. The council came out of executive session at 6:27 p.m., with no action taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m.