Sioux Falls City Council Informational Meeting • 4 PM
Parks & Rec Comprehensive Plan Update & Code Enforcement Update
Sioux Falls City Council Regular Meeting • 7 PM
Item #15, 2nd Reading ordinance, Annual rate increase for ambulance service. I found it interesting that when Councilor Stehly asked the GM of the company at the informational meeting why there was certain spikes in service he said he didn’t know why. Well, isn’t that interesting. REMSA and Dr. Luther are in charge of keeping track of data throughout the year, and NO one in the room could answer a simple question? Hmmm?
Item #16, 1st Reading ordinance, $1.5 million in appropriations from the entertainment tax to the State Theatre. Trust me, I have no illusions that this freight train has left the building, I’m sure there will be a lot of questions about how it will work, but I think if there is ANY no votes on the 2nd reading, there will only be 1 or 2. What is frustrating is that the council was told last Tuesday they ‘had time’ to tweak the contract, a week later there is a 1st Reading already, and the money is coming from the Entertainment tax. Reminded me of a move the past mayor would pull, ramrod. Besides the fact that I would like to see the money instead come out of the Capital Fund as a one-time gift and no strings attached. I still struggle with Denny Sanford telling us how to spend taxpayer money. There are also some financial questions. Is the State Theatre up on all their bills and property taxes? They are registered with the IRS as a non-profit, public charity but there is NO listing with the SD SOS. How much has the State Theatre received in donations since it’s formation? How much has been spent on restoration? How much on operations and salaries? These are important questions that need answers before the money is given, I hope some on the city council have the courage to demand them!
Item #17, Resolution to place a sculpture. So the sculpture, Varietate Concordia is an interesting tale. Originally, the piece was at the end of Falls Park Drive but was removed after selling the land to an engineering firm. Somehow in that process, the brushed metal boxes surrounding the origami cranes will be removed;
WHEREAS, the four box structures will not be used. The artist will be allowed to take possession of the four old aluminum box structures as later agreed to by and between the parties at a mutually acceptable time and place at the sole expense and liability of the artist;
I am uncertain why the boxes are being removed and returned to the artist after he was paid for them. What is interesting is that it took TWO YEARS to track down a waiver from the artist. I’m not sure there is anything controversial about this, but it will be neat to hear how this all came about.
