The public is urged to stay advised of changing weather conditions, to implement winter safe-driving techniques, to have a survival kit in their vehicle, to implement additional time in their commutes to account for winter road conditions.(City Photo)
**AIR QUALITY INDEX:
Check out this link regarding the current air quality conditions in Rapid City.
Click to see the current Air Quality Index
**BLACK HILLS SOLAR TO RECEIVE SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AWARD:
The City’s Sustainability Committee will present a 2022 Sustainability Award to Sonny Rivers, owner of Black Hills Solar of Rapid City. The award will be presented to Rivers at Monday night’s City Council meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.
The award is presented to businesses, organizations or individuals that contribute to the social, environmental and economic stability of the community. For more information, contact Alan Anderson, committee chair, at 605-391-2819.
Sonny Rivers, and his company Black Hills Solar, have been in business since 2014. They design and install high-quality solar power and energy storage systems for homes and businesses in Rapid City and the Black Hills area. As we look to the future of our energy needs, photovoltaics will continue to play an increasing role in reducing our dependence on fossil fuel. Small-scale solar, especially coupled with storage, can also enhance grid reliability and resilience.
As energy experts, Black Hills Solar helps people understand their electricity consumption, improve building efficiency, and enhance energy independence. They provide service upgrades, new construction, energy storage systems, electric-vehicle charging, and power generation. Sonny works with his customers closely to present all options and payback timelines. He has electricians on staff to streamline their installations, and they provide excellent customer service that includes regular monitoring of the system after installation to ensure proper functioning.
Next month Black Hills Solar will surpass 2000 solar panels installed, and about 680 kW of energy. They are greatly advancing our community's transition towards locally-sourced, clean and sustainable energy.
The Sustainability Committee is proud to honor Sonny Rivers and Black Hills Solar for paving the way towards a more stable energy future for Rapid City, South Dakota.
**PUBLIC INVITED TO REVIEW, COMMENT ON HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLANS: City officials are seeking public comment on proposed housing and community development plans and reports for the community. The public is invited to review and comment on various strategic plans during two sessions next week in Rapid City.
The City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 5-year strategic plan (Consolidated Plan) is one of three discussion topics during next Wednesday’s Coffee with Planners event scheduled from 10-11 a.m. in the City Hall Community Room. An afternoon session devoted to this plan and an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) is also scheduled from 1:30 p.m. in the City Hall Community Room. Amy Bennet fwith MSA Professional Services, Inc. will lead the discussion at both sessions.
At both sessions, the public can review and comment on the Draft FY 2023-FY 2027 Consolidated Plan, FY 2023 Annual Action Plan, and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Related to Rapid City’s (CDBG) program.
“Next week’s sessions are a great opportunity for the public to review the strategic plans and provide important feedback on housing and community development needs in our community,” said City Community Enrichment Manager Michelle Schuelke. “We encourage the public to review the plans, either at the sessions or online, and provide comments during the 30-day public comment period.”
Copies of the plans will be available at www.rcgov.org or at the Community Enrichment Division at City Hall, 300 Sixth Street beginning August 18. Comments may be made at the meetings or in writing to abennett@msa-ps.com . Comments will be received until 4 p.m. September 19.
**SUMMER WATER RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT: City officials remind the public that annual mandatory water conservation measures went into effect a few weeks ago.
Beginning June 1, no watering is allowed between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Odd-numbered addresses are allowed to water on odd-numbered calendar days. Even-numbered addresses are allowed to water on even-numbered calendar days. No outside watering is allowed on the 31st day of any month.
Manual watering with a handheld hose or with a bucket, sprinkling can or other similar container is allowed.
Since the 1990s, the City of Rapid City has instituted mandatory water conservation measures. The purpose is to maintain a conservation philosophy among residents. Water conservation measures are utilized June 1-August 31 each year under normal status conditions. Status conditions include normal, concern, alert and critical stages and are determined by the water levels and inflows to Pactola Reservoir.
"Water conservation measures have been part of our city’s water plan since the 1990s,” said Jeff Crockett, Rapid City Water Superintendent. "It’s important to maintain conservation measures during wet and dry spring and summer seasons and to keep educating residents about the need and impacts of water conservation practices.”
The impact of water conservation measures is reflected in the average daily use of water per person in Rapid City. In the 1990s, prior to implementation of annual water conservation measures, the average daily use of water per person in Rapid City was 168 gallons. In 2021, the average daily use of water per person in Rapid City was approximately 130 gallons. A ‘Please Use Water Wisely’ pyramid of 168 water jugs, reflecting the daily use of water per person in the 1990s, is on display at the Mountain View Water Treatment Plant.
For more information or questions about the City’s water restrictions, contact the Rapid City Water Office at 394-4162.
**CITY PARKS AND RECREATION ISSUES 2022 ONLINE FALL PROGRAM GUIDE: Temperatures will be touching triple digits next week but it won’t be long and there will be a chill in the air, and with it a number of fall seasonal programs hosted by the Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department.
The City’s 2022 Fall Program Guide has been released online this week. The Guide can be accessed on the City’s Recreation Division page Recreation Program Guide on the City’s website at www.rcgov.org .
The Fall Program Guide provides information on numerous activities, leagues and classes at the Roosevelt Ice Arena including figure skating and hockey activities. Also profiled in the Guide are recreation youth programs including youth flag football as well as junior and adult tennis lessons. The Aquatics Division will have a busy fall at the Roosevelt Swim Center with fall youth and adult swim lessons and programs, water exercise classes, water polo and scuba diving programs. The fall program lineup also includes Red Cross health and safety courses, lifeguard and babysitter training and CPR programs.
The Guide also details class schedules for a number of programs in the Roosevelt Swim Center’s multipurpose room including fitness, conditioning yoga, fencing and Tai Chi classes.
Check out the Guide for the home schedule and information about the Badlands Sabres, the NA3HL hockey team beginning its second season in Rapid City with the puck dropping at home September 9 at the Roosevelt Ice Arena. The Guide also includes information about fall outdoor activities including disc golf, mountain bike, trail, hiking and bicycling opportunities. There is important rental information for using City recreation facilities.
“The fall guide is a one-stop, online opportunity to check out the dozens of programs, activities and classes that are available this fall and through the winter months,” said Lindsey Myers of the Parks and Recreation Department. “There are a number of great options for people of all ages to enjoy and experience. We invite everyone to check out the online Guide for important facility and program information.”
For more information, contact the Roosevelt Swim Center at 605-394-5223 or the Roosevelt Ice Arena at 605-394-6161.
**REGISTRATION UNDERWAY FOR CITY YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL: Registration is underway for the City Youth Flag Football League, sponsored by the Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department.
The league is open to first through fourth grade participants. Registration deadline is August 31 with the season beginning September 12 at the Omaha Street soccer fields.
Register online https://rapidcity.activityreg.com/ClientPage_t2.wcs and click registration, or register at the Swim Center, 125 Waterloo Street or the Parks and Rec Office at 515 West Boulevard. Coaches should contact Matt Brandhagen at matt.brandhagen@rcgov.org or cell 415-0226 or work 394-5223. Registration fee is $50 which includes a jersey. The fee is waived for players with parent-coaches.
The league includes two divisions consisting of teams of first and second grade players, and third and fourth grade players. The first/second grade divisions play on Monday nights with third and fourth grade teams playing on Tuesday nights.
**MAYOR ALLENDER PROVIDES SENDOFF TO RAPID CITY SLIDERS ON EVE OF BABE RUTH WORLD SERIES: The Rapid City Sliders are headed to the Babe Ruth 15U World Series beginning later this week in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
The team and coaches were provided a congratulatory send-off letter today from Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender, praising the team and coaches for their season of success and wishing them well in the upcoming World Series.
“Your teamwork and hard work have paid off,” said Mayor Allender in the letter addressed to Sliders coach Bryan Olmsted. “I also congratulate the efforts of the parents, families and supporters of the Sliders for their support.
“I know you still have work to be done but winning the Regional Tournament and advancing to the World Series is a great accomplishment. I hope the Sliders take some time to reflect on the successes of this season and wish the Sliders all the best in the World Series. The Sliders are taking the best of what South Dakota has to offer on a national stage: hard work and the talents of our young people.”
The Sliders will open World Series pool play Saturday against Sandy, Oregon.
Mayor Allender closes the letter with good luck sentiments, “I know you will represent our community and state well on the national stage. May you all have a memorable and exciting experience at the Babe Ruth World Series. Good luck!”
Members of the Sliders include players Will Waddell, Ian Beer, Mason Brooks, Teagen Smith, Luke Hanzlik, Brody Thompson, Jackson Dial, Blake Olmsted, Ethan Wilson, Colten Morlang and Nolan Williamson; head coach Bryan Olmsted and assistants Darrick Brooks and Casey Thompson; and team manager Molloy Dial.
The tournament is scheduled through August 20.
**RAPID TRANSIT SUSPENDING CITY VIEW TROLLEY RIDES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: Rapid Transit System (RTS) is extending its suspension of the City View Trolley service until further notice. The extended suspension is due to a shortage of drivers for the 15-stop citywide tour service.
Earlier this month, RTS suspended rides for a weej due to COVID and other illnesses. The suspension is being extended due to driver shortages.
“We are suspending the trolley until further notice due to staffing issues,” said RTS Manager Megan Gould-Stabile. “This week’s status was affected by COVID and other illnesses and now we have staffing issues with no drivers available for the trolley. With our current numbers of drivers, we will continue to maintain our core transit operations with RapidRide and Dial-A-Ride services.
“As for the suspension with the trolley tours, we will continue to assess the situation over the next few weeks.”
For more information, contact the Rapid Transit System at 394-6631.
**MOTORCYCLE RENTALS NOW AVAILABLE AT RAPID CITY REGIONAL AIRPORT: Rapid City Regional Airport has partnered with EagleRider, the world’s largest motorcycle rental company, to offer visitors a chance to experience Sturgis Bike Week and the Black Hills on two wheels.
The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is expected to bring over 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to Western South Dakota.
A variety of touring, adventure and street bikes will be waiting for guests at the airport terminal during July and August of 2022. Reservations can be made in advance at: RapAirport.com/Motorcycle.
“Riding Motorcycles is a quintessential experience for many in the Black Hills. We saw an opportunity to serve a large segment of travelers who are interested in renting bikes to visit nearby attractions including Mt. Rushmore and Sturgis” said Patrick Dame, Airport Executive Director. “We believe that this added amenity will be convenient for guests, and support the airport’s vision of providing world class transportation services while enhancing economic growth.”
**CITY RELEASES JUNE BUILDING REPORT: The City’s Building Services Division issued 267 building permits in June with a combined total valuation of nearly $34.4 million ($34,392,376).
For the first six months of 2022, the City has issued 1,455 building permits with a combined total valuation of nearly $262.5 million ($262,491,082). The total is the highest valuation total ever issued by the City’s Building Services Division for the first six months of the calendar year. In 2018, the City’s January-through-June permit valuation total was $229.5 million. For the first six months of 2021, the City’s permit valuation total was more than $197.8 million, on its way to a record year in permit valuation of $393.5 million.
June’s valuation total is the third highest permit valuation issued by the City for the month of June, surpassed only by the $42.7 million issued in June 2006 and $35.4 million issued in 2016.
The top five permits issued by the City in June: CB Rapid City Holdings LLC with RCS Construction as contractor for The Radiant, a 42-unit apartment complex at 28 Racine Street ($8.3 million); Tall Grass Apartments LLC with Mountaintop Construction at contractor for phase two of the Tallgrass Building 1 project at 2246 Philadelphia Street ($7.5 million); Muth Holdings LLC with Select Construction as contractor the for 15-unit Haines Apartments at 4144 Haines Avenue ($1.8 million); City of Rapid City for the multi-purpose building and hangar at 3950 Cook Hangar Lane ($1.36 million); and Rushmore Crossing Associates LLC with Jackovic Construction Company as contractor for the Five Below specialty store at 1725 Eglin Street ($1.02 million).
**POLLINATOR WEEK PROCLAIMED IN CITY -- Mayor Steve Allender declared June 20-26 as Pollinator Week in Rapid City, encouraging all residents to participate in activities that support and celebrate pollinator protection while addressing the urgency of declining pollinator populations.
The Rapid City Sustainability Committee and the City’s Parks and Recreation Department hosted a booth at the Farmer’s Market to celebrate Pollinator Week and to also promote awareness of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, which Mayor Allender signed earlier this year. The booth will include activities for kids, pollinator information, seed packet giveaways, prizes and a local beekeeper, who will be displaying a bee observation box. The Farmer’s Market is held Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Market Park, 245 E. Omaha Street
In February 2020, Rapid City became the first city in South Dakota to become a Bee City USA affiliate, supporting pollinator health and promoting awareness of the urgency of declining pollinator populations. In addition, for a second consecutive year, the City is supporting the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge to build awareness to the importance of pollinators and encourage efforts to create pollinator habitat in the community.
Rapid City Pollinator Week is coordinated by the Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department, the Rapid City Standing Committee on Sustainability, along with local beekeeping and garden clubs and their members, and community volunteers.
“Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, bats, beetles and other insects, provide significant environmental benefits that are necessary for maintaining healthy, biodiverse ecosystems, which are essential to human life and the well-being of our community,” states Mayor Allender in his proclamation (see attached).
“Pollinators are essential partners of farmers and ranchers in producing much of our food supply and also provide critical support for maintaining local plant species, wildlife, and community gardens.”
According to the National Wildlife Federation, eastern populations of the iconic monarch butterfly have declined by 90 percent and western populations by 99 percent in recent years. According to pollinator.org, between 75 and 95 percent of all flowering plants on the earth need help with pollination. Pollinators provide pollination services to over 180,000 different plant species and more than 1,200 crops. That means one out of every three bites of food you eat is there because of pollinators. Flowering plants that require an insect for pollination are also important because they allow for the production of fruit and seed. These fruit and seeds are part of the diet of about 25 percent of all birds, and many mammals. Each year, pollinators affect $577 billion in global crops, including $235 billion in the United States.
Native bees pollinate an estimated 75 percent of US fruit, nut, vegetable and field crops, according to the Federation.
In 1947, there were six million honey bee colonies or hives in the United States. Since 2016, the numbers of colonies have hovered between 2.6 to 2.8 million colonies.
Mayor Allender’s proclamation also references the role pollination plays in the health of forests and grasslands by providing forage, fish and wildlife, timber, water, mineral resources and recreational and economic development opportunities
The Rapid City Sustainability Committee and the City’s Parks and Recreation Department will host a booth at this Saturday’s Farmer’s Market to celebrate Pollinator Week and to also promote awareness of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, which Mayor Allender signed earlier this year. The Farmer’s Market is held Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Market Park, 245 E. Omaha Street.
The Mayors’ Monarch Pledge is promoted by the National Wildlife Federation and brings together mayors, officials and leaders of local and tribal governments for a national and local commitment to take action to save the monarch butterfly by creating habitat for the monarch butterfly and pollinators and to educate residents about how they can make a difference at home and in their community.
**CITY UTILITY CUSTOMERS RECEIVING SCAM CALLS SEEKING PAYMENT, PERSONAL INFORMATION: Officials are advising utility customers to not provide personal information to callers seeking payment on city utility accounts.
The City’s Utility Billing and Water Service Department received two calls Thursday afternoon from customers indicating they’d received calls from an individual demanding payment on outstanding bills with the city. In each instance, the caller claimed to represent the City of Rapid City. The customers were asked for personal information such as social security numbers and bank routing information. Water Superintendent Jeff Crockett indicates one individual complied with the request from the caller. The other individual did not provide personal information, disputed the amount cited by the caller and the caller terminated the conversation.
“We do not call customers seeking payment on accounts,” said Crockett. “Customers are advised of past due and delinquent accounts through written correspondence and payments can be made online, in person or with our overnight payment depository at City Hall. Customers are always encouraged to call us if they have questions but we will not initiate calls seeking payments and would not be asking for personal information.”
Crockett said when accounts are overdue by more than 44 days, customers receive a delinquency notice in the mail 10 days prior to shutoff. If payment is not received, services can be terminated.
“Even with cases involving possible disruption of service, our staff would not call customers demanding payment or asking for account or personal information,” Crockett said.
Crockett along with officials with the Rapid City Police Department advise customers to hang up when receiving any calls seeking personal information. The Rapid City Police Department refers callers who may have been scammed to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection.
“The best advice is to just hang up,” said Crockett.
Customers with billing or account questions can call 605-394-4125 (option #1).
**PUBLIC REMINDED TO REPORT NON-WORKING STREET LIGHTS: The City’s Traffic Operations Division is reminding the public to contact city staff if they see a non-working street light or a light not working properly, whether the light is in the city’s downtown or well-trafficked areas, or especially in residential areas. The public is advised to call the Traffic Operations Division at 394-4118.
“We rely on the public in many instances to notify us of a non-working street light, especially in a residential area,” said Mark Preble of the City’s Traffic Operations Division. “We want to respond as soon as possible to get the light changed out or make any repairs if necessary.”
With later sunset and earlier sunrise times, the public may be the first to observe non-working street lights and their assistance in reporting the issue to the City is appreciated, say officials.
“They may be out walking their dog later in the evening or taking a stroll around their neighborhood and see a light flickering or out of service,” said Preble. “We appreciate the call so crews can get the light checked out and changed or repaired.”
Officials request callers to provide as much information as possible about the location of the non-working light so crews can be dispatched to fix the light or make any repairs in a timely manner. If possible, the caller should note the light pole number that is marked on the pole. Callers are advised to leave a message in the evenings or weekends.
**2022 TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT REPORT OFFERS GUIDANCE TO MEET NEEDS, DEMANDS: Officials with Rapid Transit System and the Rapid City Area Metropolitan Planning Organization have released the 2022 Transit Development Plan (TDP).
The plan was developed after several months of review and included seeking guidance and feedback from the public. The TDP provides strategic guidance to local and area government entities, including the City of Rapid City and Pennington County, on development of a sustainable transit system to serve the community and serves as the basis for the transit element of the regional transportation plan.
The Rapid City Area Metropolitan Planning Organization approved the transit development plan’s final report on April 14. The report can be found at https://www.rapidcityareampo.org/application/files/5916/4934/7792/22TP002-_2022_Rapid_City_Transit_Development_Plan_Final_Report.pdf .
“The overall desired outcome of the transit development plan is to provide a public transit system that offers travel options to residents, employees and visitors who cannot or choose not to drive,” said Rapid City Long-Range Planner Kelly Brennan.
The final report’s service recommendations include development of revenue-neutral changes and improvements to the Rapid Transit System routes including the addition of a new service area, improving the efficiency of the loop system and promoting reliability by making the operating schedule more consistent. The report also recommends possible new routes for consideration and development of a microtransit or flex zone service with the use of smaller vehicles to circulate through a defined zone, offering pickups and drop-offs at more locations than a fixed-route service can serve.
Brennan says other outcomes for the transit plan are to:
- Improve the efficiency of the existing service
- Assess opportunities to serve areas where requests for service have been received through other public involvement programs
- Meet the needs expected from future regional growth
- Develop operating and capital cost estimates to serve future growth areas
- Identification of issues
- Service evaluation, including performance indicator evaluation and comparison with peer agencies
- Development of recommended fixed-route service plans
- Exploration of additional service concepts as warranted
- Development of a capital asset plan
For more information about the transit development plan’s final report, visit the site or call 605-394-4120.
**YOUTH RIDERSHIP INCREASES 17.9% ON CITY'S TRANSIT SYSTEM DURING SCHOOL YEAR: More than 33,000 youth riders utilized the Rapid Transit System’s ‘Youth Ride Free’ program during the 2021-22 school year, a 17.9 percent increase over the number of youth riders using the program during the previous school year.
From September through May – the 2021-22 school calendar -- Rapid Transit System (RTS) recorded 33,101 youth passenger trips. The youth ridership number compares to 27,662 youth trips recorded during the same time period for the 2020-21 school year.
For May, RTS recorded 3,455 youth passenger trips, a 12 percent increase over April’s youth ridership and a seven percent increase over the number of youth riders recorded in May 2021.
“It was a solid year of youth ridership,” said Megan Gould, Rapid Transit System manager. “We recorded over 3,000 youth riders in eight of the nine months of the school calendar. Public transportation continues to serve as a convenient and reliable option for our community’s youth and families.”
Gould emphasizes the ‘Youth Ride Free’ program extends to the summer months and can provide a cost-savings option for families challenged with high fuel and food costs. Parents and students can register anytime for the free program by contacting RTS as 605-394-6631 or visiting ‘Youth Ride Free’ at the RTS website at www.rapidride.org .
**50th FLOOD AND GREENWAY STORYBOARD DISPLAY WILL SHARE DETAILS, TIME LINE OF 1972 FLOOD TO PUBLIC: This June will mark the 50th year since the tragic flood of 1972 that killed 238 people, injured thousands and produced hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage. Two days, June 8-9, have been set aside for formal events for recognition, honor and remembrance of the event.
A major event of the community observance will be the formal dedication, unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony June 9 at The Monument of a permanent storyboard wall display documenting the 1972 Rapid City flood and greenway development. The storyboard wall will be a focal point of attention for Monument visitors as they travel from the Barnett Field House to the Summit Arena.
“The storyboard will serve as a fitting story piece to the 1972 flood and what came out of the tragedy for the future of Rapid City,” said Greta Chapman, a member of the City’s 50th Flood and Greenway Commemoration Event Committee. “The storyboard will document details and time lines of the 1972 flood and will provide the viewer with an important understanding and overview of the most important event in the City’s history and how the City built one of the most beautiful greenways out of the tragedy.”
Craig Baltzer, executive director of The Monument, said the facility is the perfect location for the storyboard wall.
“When the Monument facility opened as the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in 1977, it was symbolic of the collective spirit – a tribute to the dedication and commitment -- of the community to recover and to rise from the tragedy of the flood,” said Baltzer. “The storyboard wall will reflect the tragedy and the triumph of the community.”
The storyboard wall dedication is part of two days of events planned to remember, honor and commemorate the 1972 event. The storyboard dedication will kickoff an evening of activities at The Monument, including an open house and reception featuring static displays of the flood and a presentation by Don Barnett, who served as mayor during and immediately after the 1972 flood event.
Chapman is currently raising funds to support the storyboard wall effort. For more information, contact Chapman at 605-430-0792, gretahchapman@gmail.com or at 3426 West South Street, Rapid City, SD 57702.
**HIGH GAS PRICES: RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM PROVIDES OPTIONS TO LESSEN IMPACTS OF HIGH GAS PRICES: With local gas prices climbing 70 cents a gallon in the past week and national prices averaging a record $4.17 a gallon, the public is searching for transportation options.
In Rapid City, a convenient option to save on fuel costs is the City’s public transportation system, operated by Rapid Transit System (RTS). In 2021, ridership exceeded 203,000 riders.
“As gas prices continue to increase with no end in sight, people are or will be searching for options and one great alternative is our public transportation system,” said RTS Manager Megan Gould. “We offer a reliable, safe and convenient option that can save on fuel costs.
“Whether you need to get to work, school or just headed downtown or around town for a day of shopping, we can get you to your destination in a safe, efficient manner.”
Rapid Transit System has been providing local residents and visitors with a safe and reliable public transportation service in Rapid City for more than 30 years. Annually, Rapid Transit System travels more than one-half million miles and provides more than 400,000 passenger trips throughout Rapid City on its RapidRide, Dial-A-Ride and City View Trolley services.
RapidRide provides public transportation services on six fixed routes. All RapidRide routes run on 35-minute frequencies.
“So depending on your route, we can get you to your work, to school or to your shopping or event destination quickly and safely,” said Gould. “It’s a great option during the bitterly cold and stormy winter weather, but also a great alternative when the family car isn’t working or to save on fuel costs and utilize the savings for other essentials.”
Dial-A-Ride is a curb-to-curb to door transportation service, operating within the city limits of Rapid City. The service is available to local residents who qualify for service under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It’s a great option for getting to doctor’s appointments, picking up prescriptions, shopping and visits in the community.
RTS also oversees the ‘Youth Ride Free’ program, which provides youth with free rides on the fixed route system, with stops to schools, library, events, downtown and other venues.
For more information about Rapid Transit System services, contact 605-394-6631.
**CITY REMINDS HOMEOWNERS & LANDSCAPERS TO NOT PILE MATERIALS ON PUBLIC ROADS AND SIDEWALKS: City officials are reminding homeowners not to place landscaping materials in the public right of way, which includes roads and sidewalks.
Material piles can block views of oncoming vehicles and impede traffic. Dirt and rock can also create blockages in storm sewers. City officials recommend materials should be placed in a homeowner’s yard or in the driveway. Any rock or dirt that gets on neighboring properties or in the public right-of-way should be cleaned up immediately.
Officials also advise in certain circumstances, permits may be obtained to place materials in the right-of-way. For more information, contact the City’s Public Works Engineering Division at 394-4154.
**PUBLIC ENCOURAGED TO CHECK OUT 'PENNINGTON OUTDOORS!': Looking for details on recreational opportunities in Rapid City and Pennington County? Residents and visitors to the area have a quick tool to access information through an interactive map that helps users explore local recreational facilities and opportunities.
The site, Pennington Outdoors!, was launched last year by the City’s Geographic Information (GIS) Division, can be accessed at rapidmap.org and is one of many valuable map and informational tools available on the GIS Division page which includes access to City and County voting precincts, the City's air quality zone, downtown parking map, the City's major street plan and much more.
Pennington Outdoors! site users can zoom in, zoom out or pan across a map to view different park facilities; Rapid City, Black Hills National Forest and Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands trail systems; location of statues; the Rapid City bike path; park amenities and recreational sites in Pennington County and the communities of Rapid City, Box Elder, Ellsworth Air Force Base, Wall, Hill City, Keystone, New Underwood, Wasta and Quinn. Once a desired site is visible, users can click on it using the 'identity' tool to see details, website and a photo associated with the recreation site.
As an example, clicking on Wilson Park will yield information indicating the Park includes a flowering garden, gazebo, ice skating area, tennis courts, playground, restrooms, basketball court and other amenities. Users can easily identify the location of the Park. Clicking on Robbinsdale Park will yield information including locations of the BMX Track, several baseball fields, location of picnic shelters, playgrounds, restrooms and walking paths.
Users wanting to know the location of specific downtown and area statues can access the site for the actual location
The City's GIS Division provides mapping services, data and technical support to the public as well as staffs of City and County government. the GIS Division page which includes access to City and County voting precincts, the City's air quality zone, downtown parking map, the City's major street plan. RapidMap services offers information on land parcels, aerial photos, address points and other map information. Survey Points provides information on area survey points.
**CITY REMINDS RESIDENTS OF UTILITY RATE RELIEF PROGRAM: Rapid City utility customers can apply for a reduction of their monthly utility charges through a decade-long program administered by the City's Public Works Department.
The program, entitled the Utility Rate Relief Program, is designed to lower the monthly utility expense for senior citizens and people with disabilities. The program recently underwent an update, to make the qualification process more straightforward.
Under the City's updated Utility Rate Relief Program, applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria: they must be 65 or older or disabled as defined by the Social Security Act; they must fall below the “very low income” limit criteria outlined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Rapid City Metro Area; the applicant must be the person who is responsible for payment of the utility bill directly to the City; the property must be the applicant’s primary residence.
If qualified, the rates charged for utility services billed to the applicant will be reduced by 25 percent for a period of two years or until the renewal date established by the Public Works Director. New applications are accepted at any time, but renewal requests must be received by April 30, 2021 in order for current participants to remain on the program.
For more information and an application, visit https://www.rcgov.org/departments/public-works/water-division/urr-587.html or call the City's Public Works Department at 394-4165.
**PUBLIC REMINDED TO SIGN UP FOR COLLECTION ALERTS: Officials with the City's Solid Waste Division remind residents to sign up for alerts about curbside collections and adjustments in pickups due to holidays and weather.
"We've had great response since launching our website back in January," said Jancie Knight, Solid Waste community outreach coordinator. "The site is an excellent way to receive alerts and reminders on trash collections and other updates."
Knight says residents can visit www.rapidcityrecycles.org to register in the 'Stay Informed' section. Other informational items on the page include a color-coded map of the city to determine specific curbside pickup days, where to dispose of specific items, and hours and contact information.
**GOT A POTHOLE? CALL THE POTHOLE HOTLINE: The City Street Department's pothole patching crews are at it as the calendar flips toward summer. If you see a pothole that needs to be fixed, call the Pothole Hotline at 394-4152 and provide a location and crews will be on it quickly.
**CONSTRUCTION MAP FEATURE ALLOWS DRIVERS TO STAY UPDATED ON PROJECTS: To stay updated on local construction projects, City officials remind the public they can utilize a newly-launched road construction site feature on the City's website which provides detailed site, map and project information.
The City's Geographic Information System (GIS) Division launched the 'Rapid City Road Construction Site' link on the GIS page last month, accessed by visiting rapidmap.org and clicking on the orange construction barrel. It is also available by clicking on 'Road Construction Updates' on the City's home page at rcgov.org . Once on the site, users can click on a highlighted segment and get additional information such as the project's location, the start date and estimated end date of the project, listing of the contractor and other useful information. Each segment on the map will also have the public service announcement attached to it and there will be a link provided for State Department of Transportation projects.
The site will be updated as active projects begin and sites will remain on the map through the duration of the specific projects.
With local construction season well underway, City officials are also reminding drivers to slow down and use caution when driving near and through all road construction areas, allow additional time to reach their destinations and to consider alternate routes.
**DIGITAL MEDIA POLICY: The City is advising the public of a requirement for digital media material for presentations at City Council and City Committee meetings. Effective May 1, 2017, digital media submissions must be provided at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting where the material will be presented. In addition, no digital media containing music will be accepted.
"This new guideline will allow for more efficient presentation of the item, ensuring there are no compatibility or virus issues with the item and the City's display system, as well as providing sufficient time for City staff to contact individuals for any changes that may be needed to the item prior to the meeting," said Darrell Shoemaker, City Communications Coordinator. "Too often, items are brought in a few moments before the start of a meeting, even after the meeting has started, and there is not sufficient time to ensure compatibility with our system, make sure there are no viruses, problems or issues with the item and for effective presentation of the item."
Digital media items can be submitted to the appropriate department division at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. For Monday's Council meetings, the item should be provided no later than Friday at 5 p.m. The City reserves the right to reject any items for presentation due to digital compatibility issues or content appropriateness.
**CITY HALL KIOSK WELCOMES VISITORS: A kiosk in the lobby of the City/School Administration Center welcomes visitors. There are four blocks of information, including a block for daily meetings and locations; a block explaining the location of meetings rooms in the building; a 'what am I looking for' block that provides a brief explanation of specific offices and their missions; and a date/time/temperature block.
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