What's News In The City & Air Quality Index
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
**CITY HOSTING PUBLIC MEETING ON PLANNED REPAIRS TO DOWNTOWN PARKING STRUCTURE: Details on planned infrastructure repairs to the City’s downtown parking structure will be profiled at an upcoming presentation by city officials next week.
The City’s Community Development Department and Public Works Department will host the public meeting next Friday, September 30 from 9-10:30 a.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public, including owners of downtown businesses and owners of leased areas in the parking structure.
Earlier this month, members of the Rapid City Council were briefed on the maintenance and repairs needed in the parking structure and the opportunity for improvements, including the parking structure’s stairwells. At next week’s meeting, representatives from Albertson Engineering will provide details on the structure’s current condition and proposed repairs. City officials will provide a tentative timeline for the project. The meeting will also include discussions regarding parking options for the general public and customers with leased parking spaces. Portions of the parking structure will be closed during some phases of the project, with a complete closure required for approximately eight-weeks to complete some of the bigger renovation projects.
Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-November.
**REMEMBER FOR SEPTEMBER: SIGN UP OR RENEW LIBRARY CARD: Get access to education, technology, research, and entertainment with a Rapid City Public Library card! Sign up or renew your library card in September and be entered to win a Kindle Fire HD 8 or Kindle Paperwhite. Kids can also get a library card or renew and have a chance to win a Kids Kindle Fire HD 8. Teens can explore all the library has for them with a custom BINGO card. When participants turn in their completed sheet, they can choose a free book and will be entered to win a grand prize!
There’s no better time to get a library card and explore all your library has to offer! Register at the downtown location, pop-up library throughout the community, or online at https://rapidcitylibrary.org/library-card-sign-up-month
**BIKE PATH SECTION CLOSED FOR TWO MONTHS FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS: A section of the City’s bike path is closed until November 18 as crews perform sewer main reconstruction and sidewalk repair.
The bike path section from the Chapel Lane Bridge to the Cleghorn Canyon area is closed to public access beginning September 18 and will remain closed until completion of the reconstruction and repair project, anticipated for November 18.
Construction fencing is being used in the area to block public access to the bike path. Detour signage reroutes pedestrians and bikers to the sidewalk adjacent to Jackson Boulevard in the affected area.
For more information, contact Mainline Contracting at 605-348-7068.
**DRAINING OF CANYON LAKE PONDS PART OF STONE WALL REPLACEMENT PROJECT: The public may begin to see lowering water levels in the ponds of Canyon Lake Park this week as City Parks maintenance crews cut off water feeding the ponds as part of a reconstruction project to replace the rock walls and improve fish habitat.
The Rapid City Council approved the project at last night’s (Monday’s) meeting. The project will reconstruct a portion of the Canyon Lake Park ponds and their perimeter walls, replace the short pedestrian bridge, construct a bioswale/detention pond and improve seating and sidewalks. The project aims to improve pedestrian safety and access, enhance fish habitat and water quality and beautify the park.
“The purpose of the project is to repair the stonewalls, to make them safer and to dredge out the ponds to improve the fish habitat,” said City Parks Director Jeff Biegler. “The project will also make the areas more accessible for fishing and improve the storm water quality.”
The project affects only the inlet ponds and rock wall perimeter areas and not Canyon Lake itself. The project is scheduled for completion by Memorial Day next year.
Crews need to drain the water in the inlet ponds to provide time for the area to sufficiently dry out and assist in the reconstruction project. Game, Fish and Parks crews will monitor and preserve as much of the fish population as possible. During the reconstruction phase, traffic will not be allowed through Beach Drive, but the bike path on the northern side of the Park will remain open.
**CITY OFFERING 'YOUTH RIDE FREE' TRANSIT PROGRAM FOR SEVENTH YEAR:
The City’s Rapid Transit System (RTS) is again offering the ‘Youth Ride Free’ program for the 2022-23 school year. This is the seventh consecutive year youth will be able to ride free on the RTS RapidRide bus system.
As parents and students scamper to buy school clothes, sneakers and supplies, one of the key boxes on the school checklist that impacts many families is reliable transportation to and from school. As in previous years, RTS is offering a free ride orientation period beginning today (August 22) through August 29 for parents to become familiar with routes and schedules by boarding any of the RapidRide buses.
Parents can ride free during this orientation period when accompanied by their school-aged child.
More than 33,000 youth riders utilized the ‘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 number compares to 27,662 youth trips recorded during the same time period for the 2020-21 school year.
"The ‘Youth Ride Free’ program continues to be a great success,” said Megan Gould-Stabile, RTS System manager. “The service provides parents with peace of mind knowing there is a reliable option for getting their child to school. The program is a free and convenient option for transportation to and from school for youth and anywhere along our fixed route system.
“It’s also a great option when that school car isn’t working or we have cold, inclement weather with icy roads.”
Registration is required for the free transportation program. Parents and guardians can contact Rapid Transit Service at 605-394-6631 to register or go online to rapidride.org and click on the ‘Youth Ride Free’ button. Information requested includes student’s name, school, parent or guardian’s name, and a phone number for emergency contact purposes.
Gould says the parent orientation rides are a great opportunity for parents and children to ride together to learn about transit schedules, routes and boarding locations.
In announcing the free youth transportation program in the summer of 2016, Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender indicated the free youth transit program would provide students better access to schools, libraries, recreation and social events as well as save money for families and foster appreciation for public transportation among the City's youth.
RapidRide will also have maps, material and regular ride schedules available as well as material published online at rapidride.org .
**CITY SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR TWO NEW VIDEO LOTTERY LICENSES: The City is accepting applications for two new malt beverage licenses with video lottery designations.
The Rapid City Council approved two new licenses in July with a public notice on August 6. City officials remind the public applications are available online at the city’s website at rcgov.org and must be submitted with a $1,000 non-refundable application fee by noon on Thursday, October 13. A drawing for the two licenses will be held by the City’s Finance Office in late October.
Only one location is allowed per application, which requests owner and property information. The property must be in compliance with all City planning and zoning regulations for a video lottery establishment prior to application.
The number of video lottery licenses that can be issued is determined by a city’s population. Rapid City expanded its number of licenses to 75 last year based on the 2020 census population indicating 75,000 people living in Rapid City. A City ordinance adopted last year allows an additional license for every 2,000 in population growth. The two new licenses will bring Rapid City’s total to 77.
For more information about the video lottery application process, contact the City’s Finance Office at 605-394-4143 or to learn more about the city’s planning and zoning regulations for video lottery establishments, contact the City’s Community Development Department at 605-394-4120.
**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.
**JUNE SALES TAX RECEIPTS SET MONTHLY AND SEMI-ANNUAL RECORDS: Rapid City’s sales tax receipts for June came in at a record $3.7 million, eclipsing the previous monthly record of $3.63 million set last December.
June’s sales tax receipts represent a 9.83 percent increase over the June 2021 receipts ($3.3 million).
The City’s sales tax receipts for the first half of 2022 total $18.2 million ($18,248,503). The January-to-June total is 8.76 percent higher than the $16.7 million ($16,778,070) in sales tax receipts received for the same period in 2021. In all of 2021, the City received a record $36 million in sales tax receipts, a 19 percent increase over the record previously set in 2020 at $30.3 million.
“We are keeping a close eye on inflation and the higher costs of everything,” said City Finance Director Pauline Sumption. “The June number is significant because the rate of increase is coming in near the rate of inflation. It also reflects the summer started off solid in relation to overall spending in the community.”
The City has experienced 25 consecutive months of higher sales tax receipts compared to the same month from the previous year. Since December 2020, when the City first reached $3 million in monthly sales tax receipts, the community has achieved more than $3 million in monthly sales tax receipts nine times.
**BANANA PLANTS AN EYE-CATCHER IN CITY'S WILSON PARK: ‘Majestic’, ‘Awesome’, ‘Huge’, ‘Impressive’…just a few words describing the four gargantuan-sized banana plants in Wilson Park.
The plants are thriving again for a sixth summer in Rapid City. People driving by on Ninth Street or walking along the sidewalk or through Wilson Park can’t help but stop and gawk at the big brutes as they stand guard over the Park’s rose bushes, Marigolds, Zinnias and other beautiful plants and flowers in the park. The banana plants are nestled in a flower garden between two of Wilson Park’s gazebos.
The tropical plants are more accustomed to conditions more commonly found in rainforests. But this quartet of banana plants have withstood Rapid City downpours, hail and windy conditions and have found residing in Rapid City parks in recent years much to their liking.
The plants were the brainchild of City Greenhouse Specialist John Berglund, who started the banana plants as an experiment six years ago. Berglund placed the banana plants originally in Wilson Park and they have also spent summers basking in the sunlight at Halley Park and Noordermeer Flower Gardens at Sioux Park.
“They are awesome plants,” said Berglund. “They always draw a lot of stares from pedestrians and drivers. It’s not uncommon to see groups of people taking pictures of the plants or people pulling to the side of the road or stopping and doing a double-take, impressed by the size of the plants.
“I’ve been amazed at their ability to flourish with our conditions. I took a chance six years ago and planted them on a whim just to see what would happen, never thinking they’d still be with us six years later. They seem to like our parks and love the attention.”
Berglund brings the banana plants inside for the winter months and nurtures them within the warmth of the City greenhouse, then gives them a new park to reside in each summer, resulting in a growing legion of fans in the community.
“This is a great time to get out and see the flowers in our parks,” said Berglund. “Everything is coming into their own as far as colors. There’s a lot of variety to see. And when it comes to the banana plants, I’ve often said the annuals may provide the beauty and color but it’s the banana plants that bring the brawn and steal the show.”
This summer, City Parks crews planted 24,000 flowers in numerous park areas in Rapid City, including Wilson Park, Halley Park, the Noordermeer Flower Gardens, the Sunken Gardens area and Otto’s Corner.
**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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