This compiled short history of Sioux Falls Railroads is for you. Why is this important? (DOC: Sioux Falls SD Railroad history compilations)

The City Council and people of Sioux Falls, SD must understand legal ramifications surrounding a resolution vote item#44 on the August 4, 2015 agenda.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY FROM THE BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY

We citizens have had the TOP SECRET rail yard document in front of us since Friday afternoon. The preliminary reading shows many holes in data and legal descriptions. The 82 page document being presented by the administration does not adequately cover many issues surrounding Railroad Relocation.

We have heard about a TOP SECRET railroad project for many years with no details attached. We citizens should be able to see what is being promised in our names. We have known from the beginning we were not supposed to be part of this TOP SECRET project. As sunlight shines on this TOP SECRET project we are seeing many problems.

The citizens of Sioux Falls should at least be able to weigh in on this TOP SECRET project. Why must we have so much secrecy, for such little gain to go with the massive hype? We have learned through the documents posted on Friday the City of Sioux Falls is receiving a Quit Claim Deed. Why a Quit Claim Deed when it should be at the very least a Warranty Deed giving future generations and developers full property rights? This is a very serious question. The City of Sioux Falls could be a partner in a land fraud or other issues we know nothing about. We are gambling our city future by taking the word of vested interests. The reconstruction of the full land history would establish the city ownership rights. The railroads entering the city of Sioux Falls had reversionary rights, why risk the legal issues? This land will not be used for transportation operations once abandoned. This is a very risky proposal. It is not difficult. Land title companies do these searches every day. The city hires consultants for everything else, why not this?

So we ask, what is the hurry to spend the money without proper oversight? We are getting ready for major budget demands, ready to put the city of Sioux Falls in more debt for playthings and special interests. Can we take a couple of weeks to really examine this contract with public hearings to get real commitments and answers?

Bruce Danielson

 

5 Thoughts on “Note to the Sioux Falls City Council

  1. The Daily Spin on August 4, 2015 at 10:10 am said:

    Naive city leaders are accepting the burden of environmental cleanup and taking over land with prohibitive development restrictions. The railroad can’t give it to them fast enough. There will never be title. The railroad transfers liability and continues train traffic faster and more often. Sell city bonds and buy railroad stock.

  2. The Daily Spin on August 4, 2015 at 10:20 am said:

    Anywhere else this would be put to a vote of the people. We’re Home Rule Charter that (historically) has proven to be oligarchy such that citizens are denied democratic principles and process. Isn’t it time to install a mayor who will return Sioux Falls to constitutional rule of law?

  3. Confused on August 4, 2015 at 3:53 pm said:

    I’m confused by this entire post.

    This project has been up for discussion by citizens and investigated by one of the best in the State (Jonathan Ellis) for over a decade.

  4. The Daily Spin on August 4, 2015 at 10:00 pm said:

    I’m confused too. It’s toxic and not suited for profitable development. Nonetheless, it’s gonna happen and must be turned around. Once pot is legal, it’ll be possible to convert railcars into dispensaries. Instead of 8th & Railroad, call it ‘Reefer at the Rails’. Pot sales in Denver is 50 million a month and it’s taxed at 36%. That’ll pay off astronomical debt with money left for an indoor horseshoe team. I’d suggest we lose Huether to an asylum before he learns to count to a trillion.

  5. The Daily Spin on August 4, 2015 at 10:04 pm said:

    Yes, confusing. It’s toxic and not suited for profitable development. Nonetheless, it’s gonna happen and must be turned around. Once pot is legal, it’ll be possible to convert railcars into dispensaries. Instead of 8th & Railroad, call it ‘Reefer Rails’. Pot sales in Denver is 50 million a month and it’s taxed at 36%. That’ll pay off astronomical debt with money left for an indoor horseshoe team.

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