SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- It was a usual Tuesday City Council Informational Meeting--only on Monday.
Tuesday's meetings were moved to Monday to accomadate Councilors who wished to attend meetings in Pierre Tuesday and Wednesday. Meanwhile, Councilors heard a number of reports.
- City Audit Committee--Councilor Rex Rolfing said the City is forgiving a "miniscule" amount of fines and fees each year, about one percent of the $100 million collected per year.
- Free Parking--Rolfing also said the City often forgives out of towners' parking tickets as it wants to encouarge them to come downtown.
- Legislative Update--Councilors heard about a bevy of bills impacting or of at least of interest to the City. There are two bills pending in Pierre that have their genesis in recent concerns over transparency. One deals with governments not being able to enter into confidential agreements and another would require private citizens involved in public-private partnerships to be publicly named.
- Funding for Metro 911--Councilors are also watching another bill in Pierre that would allow a $.25 surcharge to remain on phone bills for 911 services. The charge is set to drop from $1.25/line to $1/line unless the legislature makes the surcharge permanent or again extends it. Councilors say Metro 911 is having budget issues which are affecting staffing.
- City/School District Election Dates--There are a number of important dates coming up in the spring election. Petitions for city candidates are due at 5 p.m. Feb. 23rd. Absentee voting begins March 26th. March 26th is also the last day to register for the joint election on April 10th. The last day to register for the run off election is April 16th. The run off election will be May 1st.
Click the file at right to listen to the whole meeting.
