May 2023

Kirby suggests we eliminate the mayor as a councilor

I support this, but I am not sure the Charter Revision Commission will be on board;

I have some suggestions for improving the structure of our city government in advance of the 2026 election. My main recommendation is that the Charter Revision Commission give voters the opportunity to improve the mayor’s job description before the new person gets the job. A more traditional separation of powers in city government could help avoid some of the problems the city has experienced. The mayor would no longer serve on the city council.

The city’s chief executive job is more than enough for one person. I envision a structure like that used in state and federal government where the chief executive is separate from the legislature. This change would empower the council to take a stronger role in setting policy, as we originally intended thirty years ago when we put this form of city government in place.

As I said, the heaviest lift will be getting the CRC to put this on the ballot, especially with an election that will have a laundry list of mayoral and council candidates. He is absolutely correct that this needs to be done to even out the powers between the council and mayor’s office.

I think the secondary hurdle will be getting voters to support it. I’m sure there will be opposition, but I am NOT sure how the voters will take it or understand it. Opinions change quickly though, just look at the slaughterhouse vote.

Not only do I encourage voters to support this on the ballot box BUT to get involved before that and encourage the CRC to put this on the ballot.

The Average Cost of a Sioux Falls home went up $100K from last year

It seems the numbers for residential housing are way down, and developers are pushing towards building apartments;

The most noticeable drop is in new housing construction, which totaled $34.6 million, or 77 single-family homes, through April. Last year, it was $98.2 million, or 281 homes, and in 2021 it was $110.8 million, or 321 homes.

What is even more shocking is how the average price of a home in Sioux Falls is $100k more in just one year; 2021 ($345K) 2022 ($350K) 2023 ($450K). With an average mortgage rate of $4,000 a month. Real affordable? Huh? You would have to have a yearly household income of around $150k to afford this.

It is becoming more and more expensive to own a home in Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls City Council to be hopping tonight

There has been some chatter over the past couple of days that people will be speaking tonight at the council meeting over some controversial items. First is Item #110;

The purpose of this application is to allow the development of an institutional use over two stories tall.

This is a rezone to build the new state offices in a consolidated area next to Dawley Farm on the east side;

Advocates, The state plans to consolidate its various services into a “One-Stop” location.  That’s a fine idea, but the location is highly problematic: the far east side of town, far from the city center, far from other services people need.
    Here’s a KELO article on this:https://www.keloland.com/keloland-com-original/lawmaker-concerned-with-sioux-falls-one-stop-location/    Sure, it’s move by the state, but our City Council cares about quality-of-life situations for the people of our city. At their meeting tomorrow(Tue) at 6pm, they can make the state take another look for the One-Stop location by not accepting the zoning change.    YOU can weigh in by (1) Coming to City Council meeting, 235 West Tenth St. and/or (2) Contacting city council members:

David.Barranco@siouxfalls.orgSarah.Cole@siouxfalls.orgAlexJensen@siouxfalls.orgRich.Merkouris@siouxfalls.org

gneitzert@siouxfalls.orgmselberg@siouxfalls.orgcsoehl@siouxfalls.orgpstarr@siouxfalls.orgMayor@siouxfalls.org

Obviously the new location also has issues with public transit.

The 2nd item has to do with alcohol licensing of a Lucky Lady’s Casino on the Loop that has been very troublesome. Item #19, Exhibit B on the consent agenda, MG Oil, Lucky Lady 1 & 2. I am of the understanding that between 4-6 councilors support pulling the licenses due to being a public nuisance. The council can reject a license based on suitable owner and suitable location.