June 2018

Water Rates going up? That’s news to me.

Apparently Councilor Rick Kiley has a crystal ball, because he is predicting our water and sewer rates are going up;

“They foresee a possible increase of about $2 per month for a family of five,” city councilor Rick Kiley said.

Kiley says the city knew this day was coming.

“You never want to raise rates, but in a situation like this where we are at 82% capacity today, we have a community that’s growing by 5,000 people every year and we are bringing on regional customers in addition to that it’s the prudent thing to do now is to expand our existing facilities,” Kiley said.

The city council will be voting on the funding this project when it passes the city budget in October.

While I agree we need to fix up a 1980’s water treatment plant, if we didn’t switch the rates over to enterprise funds we could easily pay the bonds with 2nd penny CIP revenue without raising fees. But see, former mayor Bucktooth & Bowlcut wanted to free up the 2nd penny from paying for silly old water pipes, and use it for paying down bonds for monument building.

So now our taxes are going up for a new jail, and Minnehaha county admitted at their Tuesday meeting (Commissioner Barth) that there will likely be another opt out, put that on top of a 25 year around $300 million dollar new school bond and our already existing $300 million city debt, and things are going to get a lot more expensive in Sioux Falls, including taking a dump.

Sioux Falls City Council Agenda, July 3, 2018

City Council Informational Meeting – 4 PM

Presentation from the Planning Department about Accessory Dwellings in Residential areas (I think there was changes in the law).

May Monthly Financial Report

*There is now public input at ALL city council meetings. The public input will be at the end of the meeting.

City Council Fiscal Meeting – 4:30 (after informational meeting)

2017 Sales & Use Tax Available Fund Balance Presentation

Revenue Sources and Budget Projections Presentation

I’m assuming that these presentations will be made to prepare the city council for the upcoming budget hearings. The ‘story’ going around is that the city directors are saying we don’t have much money coming in. Which I find ironic considering they probably want to jack up our water/sewer rates while borrowing $30 million for the safety training center. I know that several city councilors have said that they are curious why we didn’t apply for state and federal grants to help pay for the training center. There are several programs available. They are also curious why the Public Assurance Alliance didn’t assist in trying to find these grants?

Also important to note, there is another rumor circulating that city hall has interviewed three(?) candidates for Finance Director, and they are all local people.

*There is now public input at ALL city council meetings. The public input will be at the end of the meeting.

City Council Regular Meeting – 7 PM

I guess we will start the meeting off by singing ‘God Bless America’ I’m assuming to celebrate Independence Day. I think it would be more appropriate to recite the Declaration of Independence, but what do I know?

Item #45, 2nd Reading, Public Input. I expect at least one Amendment to allow visuals. Not sure if any other amendments will happen. Public Input will remain at beginning, but limit to 30 minutes (10 speakers, 3 minutes each) and now public input will be allowed on ALL agenda items, which now includes 1st Readings.

Item #50, Transfer of Appropriations, I found it curious that we are funding $145K for Aquatic Facilities Development, Professional Services. Not sure if this is for consultant work or actual brick and mortar. I know when the Midco Aquatic Center was being planned the Parks Department talked about building another indoor pool. I think once that facility starts at least breaking even and is used to it’s capacity, than we can talk more indoor pools. I also see the Sanford Sports Complex building their own indoor pool facility within the next 5 years to compliment what is already there. There has also been talk about an indoor Water Park in that area, which wouldn’t surprise me.

Planning Commission Meeting – 6 PM, July 5 (due to Wednesday holiday, this meeting is one day later than normal.)

Former Mayoral Candidate’s wife to run Levitt

Remember Bruce Halverson? He decided to run for mayor in 2006 when incumbent Dave Munson dropped out of the race because he violated city charter by approving a 100% cost overrun on Phillips to the Falls without council approval. Than when the city council chickened out and didn’t file charges against Munson, he decided to run for re-election. The Halverson camp WAS NOT happy about the switcheroo.

So when the Halversons left about a decade ago, it was no surprise after being burned.

Bruce’s wife, Nancy now will run the Levitt. Nancy Halverson had a great reputation before leaving Sioux Falls in support of the local arts scene. I think she will do a great job, just try to keep Bruce out of local politics, it has gotten much worse over the past 10 years.

University of South Dakota hires Nebraska Developer

How’s this for SD Pride?

“This agreement finalizes the strategic partnership that will drive the development of the USD Discovery District forward,” said Rich Naser, president of the district. “We selected Tetrad Property Group for their industry expertise and capacity to invest equity into projects — among other factors. Our partnership will accelerate the timeline of projects and position the park to attract new tenants — and the right type of tenants.”

The 10-year agreement includes the Discovery District overseeing infrastructure for the property, including streets, sidewalks, utilities and signage in addition to grounds and common areas. The two organizations will team up to market and manage the district up to the 10-year mark or the completion of the initial 400,000 square feet.

So the state and city coffers are investing in project that will attract workers from out of state and being developed by an out of state developer. Funny how they never mentioned this when asking for money from the Sioux Falls city council. Maybe we should change the name to the Nebraska Discovery Center funded by the generous taxpayers of South Dakota.