Build the Wall!
l3wis 
Sioux Falls City Council meeting highlights
Besides the fact that two housing proposals got approved that have serious drainage issues, there were some other highlights.
The SFFD got their contract renewal with a caveat that if a firefighter is ALS (Advanced Life Support) trained and may have to use those skills they get an extra $1 an hour. While I don’t have an issue with that, it goes back to my argument that we continue to subsidize the private ambulance service more and more. We might as well be researching a public option.
During public input, John Cunningham brought up the fact that Noem should reimburse the city for police security during her VERY private event featuring President Trump. I came up shortly after him and agreed. Trump’s NON public event cost SF taxpayers $29K.
I also talked about the Levitt’s decision to NOT allow people to bring their own beer to the FREE concerts that are subsidized by the taxpayers. The Levitt said they will allow people to bring coolers with their own food and pop but NOT beer. They are putting out an RFP to find a beer and wine vendor for concerts as well as providing food trucks (which I think is fine) but they should also allow people to bring their own beer. I even suggested that even if you bring your own you will need to get an ID bracelet proving you are old enough to drink.
My bigger issue with this is that the Levitt and the Parks department made this decision without public or council input. I have been asking about it for over a year and been getting the runaround. Now I know why.
Some of the other Levitt’s across the country ALLOW concert goers to bring their own beer. Isn’t that the whole point of having a free community concert so you are not required to purchase something at the event? In Sioux Falls, we always have to try to get people coming or going. I think this should be a public decision, not a decision that is made behind closed doors.
Out of the 7 currently operating, 4 allow BYOB and sell on site, 3 Sell Alcohol on site, but NO outside alcohol and LA bans alcohol all together in the park.
Arlington, TX – Allows own Alcohol, no glass
Memphis, TN – Allows own Alcohol, no glass
Dayton, OH – Allows own Alcohol, no glass
Westport, CN – Allows own Alcohol, no glass
Denver, CO – Allows NO outside Alcohol but can purchase on site
Bethlehem, PA – Allows NO outside Alcohol but can purchase on site
Los Angeles, CA – NO ALCOHOL
South DaCola Election Predictions
I’m probably completely off on my predictions but here’s my best shot;
District 13 House
Peterson & Sullivan
District 9 House
SABA and Peters
Minnehaha County Commission
Heiberger, Barth and Gronoli
Attorney General
Seiler (While there hasn’t been any polling on this, I think it will be a close race. With all of the experience that Seiler has, I just don’t see how Jason can beat him).
US Congress
Johnson
Governor
Tie (I know that is cop out, but I’m having trouble calling this one. A few days ago I would have given it to Noem, but I just think it is too close to call).
Amendments and Initiatives
‘W’ Passes, all others fail (but I think all of the measures will be very close)
SouthDaCola Podcast 23: FINAL Election Predictions
Co-Host and I hash it out one last time. I also touch on the topics of the day with city business.