CUSTER CITY, S.D. – The Custer City Common Council held its regular meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., addressing a range of city business including license renewals, a significant rezone request, and project approvals within the Black Hills region of South Dakota.
The meeting was called to order by Council President Ryan and included Councilpersons Pechota, Jenniges, Fischer, and Nielsen, along with Attorney Schaefer. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the council unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from their May 5 meeting. No conflicts of interest were declared.
Public Hearings and Key Approvals
The council moved through several public hearings and approvals. A Malt Beverage & SD Farm Wine License renewal for Little Toms Mercantile was unanimously approved. Additionally, a special malt beverage license was granted to VFW Post 3442 for a Veterans’ Tribute Dance planned for July 4th on South Fifth Street and a portion of Washington Street.
A significant item on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance #930, which proposes to rezone Lots 1-3, Lots 7-9, and portions of Lots 4, 5, 6, and 10 in Block 117 (specifically 434 Washington Street and 114 S 4th Street) from Residential to Highway Commercial. After receiving no public comments, the motion to approve the rezone was carried unanimously.
Presentations and New Business
John Carson and Rolly Svoboda, Secretary and President of the Rocky Knolls Golf Board, provided an annual overview of golf course activity.
In new business, Ordinance #931 concerning the transfer of Cannabis Establishment License Ownership and Location saw its second reading and was adopted unanimously. The council also approved a non-subdivision plat for Paisley Tract of Block 29 for applicant Candace Shelton.
Further actions included the approval of Change Order #2 for West Dam Phase 2 with Moss Rock Landscaping Inc., increasing the project cost by $22,850. Amendment No. 7 to the Wastewater Treatment Plan Upgrades Agreement with DGR Engineering, for an additional $100,000, was also approved.
The council acknowledged an Executive Proclamation declaring June as Veterans Appreciation Month. They also approved the Custer BID Board’s request to apply for the South Dakota Department of Tourism’s 2025 Community Cooperative Marketing Shoulder Season Program for matching funds, which could benefit tourism efforts throughout the Black Hills.
Financial Approvals and Executive Session
A comprehensive claims list totaling $279,304.43 was presented and approved unanimously, covering various city operations including utilities, supplies, and repairs.
The meeting concluded with a move into executive session at 5:59 p.m. for discussions on personnel, proposed/pending litigation, and contract negotiations, with City Attorney Schaefer and City Administrator/Finance Officer Laurie Woodward present. The council reconvened at 6:15 p.m. with no action taken from the executive session, and the meeting was adjourned.
