The City Council of Hot Springs, South Dakota, held a meeting on April 7, 2025, where key discussions centered around addressing stormwater drainage issues in the Valley View area and the future of the city's wastewater treatment facility.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Valley View drainage problem, with about half of the residents in attendance. Two main options were presented to tackle the stormwater concerns: installing curling gutters with a concrete road surface or opting for curving gutters with a multi-layered milling service. Residents expressed a preference for the milling option due to its cost-effectiveness. The public works engineer will now design this option and provide a cost estimate, with residents set to receive quarterly updates on the progress.

In addition to drainage discussions, the council reviewed a late fee situation for a property owner dealing with a large bill due to an interior water leak. The committee recommended waiving additional late fees if the owner agrees to a written payment plan, aiming to provide relief while ensuring the bill is addressed.

The meeting also covered a proposed engineering service agreement for a comprehensive needs assessment of the city's aging wastewater treatment plant. The facility, which is 41 years old, has faced numerous repairs and modifications over the years, totaling over $2 million since 2013. With potential fines for non-compliance reaching $10,000 a day, the council emphasized the importance of evaluating the plant's condition and planning necessary upgrades. The engineering firm AE2S will conduct this assessment, which includes identifying solutions and providing cost estimates.

Other topics included updates on departmental projects and a review of the streets and maintenance budget. The council plans to continue discussions on the wastewater treatment facility and its future at the next meeting scheduled for April 29, 2025.

These discussions highlight the council's commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs while keeping residents informed and involved in the decision-making process.