Sioux Falls

Want to save money on gas? Ride a bike!

l3wis June 5, 2022 28Comments

Since I purchased my E-Bike in November I have put 1,000 miles on it. About 75% of that was pedal assist with the remainder full throttle. While some argue you can’t ride a bike in the winter, I would disagree, I started riding my bike as soon as I got it and tried to ride at least 3-4 days a week thru the winter. Now with the weather being rather mild, it is a great time to commute to work on a bike. The nice thing about an E-Bike is that you have options. If you want to ride it in the street you can crank it up to full assist and throttle (about 30 mph) or if you ride on the trail you can turn it way down on pedal assist (about 13 mph). Not only does commuting on a bike give you a great workout it saves tons of money on gas. As for cost, I haven’t even noticed a difference in my electric bill charging it every night.

I do recommend a few things before buying an E-Bike, DO YOUR RESEARCH! I believe almost every locally owned bike shop sells E-Bikes. While I own an Ariel Rider (moped E-Bike) it may not be your cup of tea since it is a step over with a high center frame and weighs about 80 lbs. If you want something that is more comfortable and a good work horse I would recommend a Himiway, Juiced or Rad, they are step thru and you can accessorize them with about everything you would have in your car like Bluetooth speakers and GPS.

I also recommend with all the wind, sun and gnats you get eye protection and of course a helmet and you can never can have enough baskets.

I think the last time I put gas in my car was at the beginning of April, and I still have a half tank, I can’t tell you what the price of gas is. I even use it to get groceries and run errands. I also ride several other non E-Bikes.

Let’s admit it, most people drive vehicles that are too large for short commutes and if the weather agrees bike commuting is the best way to combat high gas prices.

Why did former City Engineer Chad Huwe resign?

l3wis June 4, 2022 5Comments

Mr. Huwe had been with the city for 14 years and managed many large projects for the city. It seemed odd when he left in October with that kind of tenure. Normally a public employee who has made it that far down the road will stick around for at least 20 years or more.

We also know that a lot of management have left over the past 4 years without much explanation (Housing director, IT Director, Deputy COS, two Fire Chiefs, Police Chief, Health Director, Planning Director, Chief Cultural Officer, etc, etc.) While rumors tend to swarm like flies on turds, a reliable source told me that Huwe did indeed resign, and it wasn’t because he planned on moving to the private sector or that he was pressured to resign but likely due to a disagreement.

I’m still digging around and hopefully will have more information soon.

City of Sioux Falls builds conference room that they don’t need

l3wis June 1, 2022 18Comments

I am not sure if you have ever been to the HVAC challenged City Admin building, but it is pretty much just one gigantic conference room. Apparently, the city doesn’t have enough of them;

The project involved raising a ceiling at least 4 feet and painting it black and uncovering windows that had been concealed over time. The city team handled:

• Demolition and space preparation.
• Carpentry – framing, insulation, sheetrock, trim work and cabinetry install.
• Electrical – piping, wiring, AV installation, light installation, appliances.
• Plumbing – installation of all plumbing and fixtures.
• Safe door restoration and installation.
• Reuse of media equipment from previous Commission Room.

Contractors handled asbestos abatement, HVAC removal and reassembly, fire suppression system replacement, installation of the ceiling grid, counters and flooring, texture and painting. The project was paid for through an internal fund set aside for building repairs and upgrades.

If I had to guess, the project probably cost north of $250K, but who knows since it came out of some buried fund in finance. I wonder what the sound proofing cost?

So who gets to use this?

The conference room is designated as the mayor’s conference room, replacing a smaller one inside the mayor’s office suite, although it’s available for the building.

“We’re able to have virtual meeting, and the technology works extremely well, and that’s not necessarily something we had,” Beck said. “And ultimately when we’re bringing in individuals or even companies interested in moving here or business meetings with community leaders, it’s a really great space for hosting them.”

I guess the mayor had to move his meetings with developers and grifters out of the basement to a place that could supply snacks and beverages. Because if you are giving away the farm it’s always nice to do it with a charcuterie board on a custom built conference table.

What I find amazing is that the city administration would actually brag about blowing taxpayer money this way. Tone deaf.