[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6235410,"mediaKeyId","3401398-fbc8c1fc705193ab9580d14d20b56dc2","parentId",3401398,"title","Roger Allen Rohr sworn in as Lead city commissioner","audioSeconds",142,"startMs",130000,"endMs",272000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3401398-fbc8c1fc705193ab9580d14d20b56dc2&start=130&end=272","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3401398-fbc8c1fc705193ab9580d14d20b56dc2/thumbnail_130000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6235410/Lead/Lawrence-County/South-Dakota/Roger-Allen-Rohr-sworn-in-as-Lead-city-commissioner","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235410-0af1894831b7ba74481dc3a77c35cc3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176679&Signature=NY57WMnDrgHHxBqS77X9Bi16h0QVTkhRgUJgUn8I-LGcXzQYNM0aiwoqvJA88G7emvux~j0~hz1JmBiSXi~5LhxcaqnityKHWReD3uNs--HO0SY7Sj5Qi6pBK69MV0LF8hgj8fFZ6XKlCrsazYCAV6iSsvIz7-DFadRCfgAv73Wj8UuwnMvX69qLoTVhv9nguXzH5cbsh1NX~FHl8R5ZG6ZYYydIlV8ElBZay75GaQre0DoQsCKxItuQ0IcaqLd-GgFCefuM9FZ5fMx-83MG4kF2NjBvxTR0zTDDU92Gs~AQE-1xqJEmwvCLdVoAzu-CxPPxQUznsHONAGwsXt8Zpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lead","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","The Lead City Commission on May 19 approved the appointment of Roger Allen Rohr to fill an open commission seat for a one-year term and administered the oath of office.

Commissioners moved to take the appointment off the table and voted to approve the nomination of Allen Rohr (also referred to in meeting paperwork as Al Rohr). After a roll-call voice vote—Commissioner Carr and others voted aye, Commissioner Thomas recorded a nay—the motion carried. The city clerk administered the oath; Rohr recited the oath to support the U.S. and state constitutions and to discharge duties honestly and impartially, and then signed the oath before commissioners.

Following the oath, commissioners welcomed Commissioner Roger Allen Rohr and urged him to begin work on the commission’s agenda items.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Lead Commission Meeting 5/19/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Roger Allen Rohr was appointed and sworn in to fill an open commission seat for a one-year term and took the oath of office during the May 19 meeting.","taxTitle","Lead, Lawrence County, South Dakota","taxId",76740,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6235415,"Commission adopts fee changes for water and sewer tied to loan eligibility",177,3838000,4015000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3401398-fbc8c1fc705193ab9580d14d20b56dc2&start=3838&end=4015","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3401398-fbc8c1fc705193ab9580d14d20b56dc2/thumbnail_3838000.jpg","/articles/6235415/Lead/Lawrence-County/South-Dakota/Commission-adopts-fee-changes-for-water-and-sewer-tied-to-loan-eligibility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235415-b514d8566ac06db775343058675eb614/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176679&Signature=ABYnKlrh8VACcg1VzOEDuOJf6ouv~ikPmE91a7ZxKzV9NcZ-E1EnJhr7d-wc96j3q7ASjSdAJgj-6xW026FEEHKEt3xyzWYiwMgEwvomg2clDUBGTtr4H8MhFqTGnNRmY~FflggORw8l0id6zmbeLGcgZfGU3EZOdGwMAVamIf83sef~eqIfNCgAV9098YgLHs6jv17Px4aIbuz1Ifn~E0nVLdiC7FkZrzpgJkGXaPqYBoxVUoUSM3pqzVIJVz1x9831desBcklsgpHMWSjeqqG-94hNFzlcFDZJXDxMo3Hgu~Gy5V26uYNBDo7FVI0cVEpSlWTt4-Bo~lLNBnUCxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lead City Commission approved Resolution 2025‑07 on May 19, raising several municipal utility fees to support upcoming water and sewer projects and improve the financial health of utility enterprise funds.

Robin, the city administrator, told the commission the water base rate will increase from $33.75 to $35 and the charge per thousand gallons over the base would rise from $3.65 to $5. She said the adjustments were necessary to meet the criteria for a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan for the Douglas Supply Line Project; if the city’s combined water rate equals $45 per 5,000 gallons it would qualify for a disadvantaged-rate SRF loan at 2.5% interest for 20 years. Robin described the SRF reference in staff materials and the need to align rates with loan application calculations.

The commission also approved an increase in the sewer monthly rate from $11 to $16 — the first sewer-rate increase since about 2012, staff said — to address a deteriorated sewer fund. Staff reported the sewer enterprise fund was roughly negative $17,000 and noted capital needs including failing brick manholes, clay pipe in poor condition, and the need for emergency shutoff and curb-top improvements.

A minor correction to parking-violation fines (raising a $20 typo to $25) was included in the resolution. Commissioners discussed the importance of maintaining enterprise funds at sustainable levels to preserve eligibility for grants and loans and to fund essential maintenance and capital projects.

The resolution passed unanimously on voice vote. Staff said the adjustments are intended to stabilize utility finances and strengthen future grant and loan applications; commissioners asked staff to incorporate the changes into customer notices and future grant applications.","The commission approved Resolution 2025-07 raising the water base rate and per‑thousand‑gallon overage and increasing the sewer rate to support eligibility for a low-rate loan and strengthen aging enterprise funds.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6235418,"Business owners ask commission to review sign ordinance after notice to Lotus Up",940,492000,1432000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3401398-fbc8c1fc705193ab9580d14d20b56dc2&start=492&end=1432","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3401398-fbc8c1fc705193ab9580d14d20b56dc2/thumbnail_492000.jpg","/articles/6235418/Lead/Lawrence-County/South-Dakota/Business-owners-ask-commission-to-review-sign-ordinance-after-notice-to-Lotus-Up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235418-c26ba818dd087d078d6ed98eb3b937f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176679&Signature=oSnPynFWY4CbzF-3ktqFQk1hbEB-F8JAoo3~s0YyfYZkTdIkTZJ2U1XxdDKdsFq0O4Ic9MW292vCrO9~esTV4BER9jnRbM8305nhTPLK34S6OVbtp15gAjmco3~xhyjFZe3HYma8z0rYyzOR-0uWDiVns8yRAvMTG6tDc3o0JU0epRpJNkSqvYD35Z-0gU6oBp6YTOaM9Ww0-BNweMP9bkGXWU4eyKgmco7UmJE-eA5myu-dyYX5QB26AbOn5BBIEZQ7f6p0OvM0t2XWEC0EAv7XqPrpkTZCbn5YMdN5uICxEHEpYfzYTVkXSIdnpP2WcAybJDGt9WRCbm5kxY8Cjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jamie Gilface, owner of Lotus Up Espresso, told the commission on May 19 she received a city letter alleging sign-code nonconformance and said she and legal counsel could not find where her sign violated the ordinance. Gilface asked whether downtown banners that the city installs for promotional and historic purposes are treated differently than business banners and urged the city to consider affordability and fairness for small businesses.

Gilface described costs for replacement signage—\"a simple banner at 2.8, or 2 by 8 banner cost about $80\" and a 4-by-8 board sign costing about $1,025 for installation—and said the ordinance’s frontage-based square-foot limits could hinder small and new businesses. Gilface asked when the ordinance was last reviewed, whether banners can be permitted for businesses, and proposed a working group of business owners, residents and staff to recommend updates and explore a permitting pathway for high-quality seasonal and permanent banners.

Commissioners and staff acknowledged historic-preservation involvement in sign permitting and agreed to refer the matter to Planning and Zoning and Historic Preservation for further study. The city administrator (Robin) said Dennis had mailed over 60 letters related to enforcement, and Mayor (unnamed) said staff will follow the ordinance but can initiate a review. Commissioners proposed a preliminary meeting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, ahead of the P&Z meeting to include representatives of Historic Preservation and Planning & Zoning and to invite business owners and the public to participate.

Gilface asked the commission to allow 30 days before any mandatory removals to permit the proposed review or to suspend notices while discussions proceed; city staff noted the ordinance already provides processes for appeals and suspensions. Commissioner Terry Smith and other speakers emphasized the ordinance’s intent to preserve downtown aesthetics and recommended the working group include impacted business owners so changes reflect community needs.

","Lotus Up owner Jamie Gilface asked the commission to reexamine the city’s sign ordinance and enforcement practices after receiving a nonconformance notice; commissioners agreed to involve Planning & Zoning and Historic Preservation in a working group.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6235420,"Commission approves six-month lease for Lils Coffee at Manual Brothers Park after heated public hearing",3258,3084000,6342000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3401398-fbc8c1fc705193ab9580d14d20b56dc2&start=3084&end=6342","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3401398-fbc8c1fc705193ab9580d14d20b56dc2/thumbnail_3084000.jpg","/articles/6235420/Lead/Lawrence-County/South-Dakota/Commission-approves-six-month-lease-for-Lils-Coffee-at-Manual-Brothers-Park-after-heated-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235420-2eafecec1db00febe9cbec37f6946d9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176679&Signature=cCjli7R92e12TyZGai0gxgfEK8SSuNSl0EQYR6IdFFu-wH5emlXc7XsXThmq1pISQEGue0HHo2icEcQu9Rc8J1ICzPUdMRFKLwI5WbS66TNxlBSKW1P4hG71W7mmOuleuJ4A2GjgAJpE8MDNkmrjkxSGO9T5H1rTvBVLsMoHWDAYGSs2pHNqTmwq2UJdsPvFl~z6K9kcYZFRfP7mPFOh9v9S0106chnBUmWHhQP4jYqYz5LpMQJG9YwQN~RsLi2J4P9RDc2dfVTtMM-F3meLBqpz~H0faLUpm5Lc5hY8SBWRlSeCfeBUUb1oq~fY0aDIbyU6w6X~qURgjL5DtMzubQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lead City Commission voted May 19 to approve a six-month lease for Lils Coffee to operate a drive-through coffee hut in Manual Brothers Park, setting a monthly rent of $200 and several conditions recommended by planning and zoning.

Robin, the city administrator, summarized the proposal and the planning and zoning review, saying the lease was advertised under state lease rules and that planning and zoning had recommended approval by a 5‑2‑2 vote with two members opposing a bid process. Robin noted the planning and zoning commission’s recommendations that the operator carry a $1 million insurance policy naming the city as additionally insured, not store cash on site overnight and have a clearly posted notice to that effect, and be limited to three parking spaces so the unit could not expand into other uses.

Commission discussion highlighted competing priorities: encouraging entrepreneurs and generating sales tax and foot traffic versus ensuring fair competition for existing downtown businesses. Commissioner (unnamed) said the lessee had pursued multiple sites and that the proposed Manual Brothers Park location had been vetted in an on‑site meeting with school, visitor center and city representatives to mitigate safety and traffic concerns. The city will not charge additional maintenance for the lessee beyond existing upkeep of the city-owned lot but will retain the right to close the lot for city events with seven days’ notice.

Several residents and business owners spoke during the public hearing. Colin Greenfield, a longstanding Main Street business owner, urged the commission to require an open bid process and argued a single lease could create unequal competition and effectively subsidize the private operator, noting the $200 monthly rent is small relative to potential impacts on established businesses. Joe Wilson, planning and zoning vice chair and Chamber of Commerce president, said no other parties had expressed interest in the spot during the P&Z process and emphasized the lease is temporary with no automatic renewal. Starla (last name not recorded) and others spoke in favor of allowing the entrepreneur an opportunity, noting past city practices leasing city land and the difficulty small operators face finding affordable locations.

After extended public comment and internal discussion, Commissioner (unnamed) moved to approve the lease as presented; the motion passed after voice vote with at least one recorded opposition. Commissioners instructed staff to monitor traffic during the trial period and asked Economic Development to continue assessing alternative permanent locations if appropriate.

","The city approved a six-month, $200-per-month lease to allow Lils Coffee to operate a drive‑through coffee hut in Manual Brothers Park. Planning and zoning recommended conditional terms; the decision drew public debate about fairness, competition and process.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6235421,"City outlines emergency fixes for failing Houston Street retaining wall",504,2414000,2918000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3401398-fbc8c1fc705193ab9580d14d20b56dc2&start=2414&end=2918","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3401398-fbc8c1fc705193ab9580d14d20b56dc2/thumbnail_2414000.jpg","/articles/6235421/Lead/Lawrence-County/South-Dakota/City-outlines-emergency-fixes-for-failing-Houston-Street-retaining-wall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235421-03882046dc9aa5bc77991e8ce3eed274/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176679&Signature=T3zvPJp6n6gBjbr9KNhyEkb8-2l7pkJ3oB5UswuHlIQ33tKg9Mau1a6kCl6-v8TaIKIX-0ouGI16kGrOTu6HjLj2nrJk2NexdOoH4teMUytpUHAvi~W-RaGdEv9K244X9XwPkvThut8qydGpo4Fsef6Lu4eY0iJa-MVLTvqXsxohVO-SRUll0gWA0Yx5S1OJhCYt1a1iq0XIC6GZBp2l1V52TZpXn0gY4d7q1d0cWh1PZOhH2SeeVmETAtf2pxGrhMjsrhGkdRVKq8AVKtBCVkPcPGphokRDcB5SSxy6aoIKJ7VBKPfEHsurq17mLsih4EREOOinfyoN69gElsrfFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Lead officials warned the commission on May 19 that a multi-section rock retaining wall along Houston Street has failed in several places and poses a safety and access risk to nearby properties.

The update came during the meeting’s public works report from the city building inspector, who said two sections of the wall toward the east and a section near a residence have collapsed and that the city has temporarily restricted traffic and installed Jersey barriers to reduce risk.

The inspector said a likely repair is a soldier-pile wall: “One solution involves constructing a soldier pile wall in front of that failing rock wall,” and described driving painted steel I-beams into the ground, installing treated lagging and backfilling with clean rock or sand to restore drainage and stability. He said the city had received preliminary quotes for steel I-beams from Keller Drilling and for treated lagging from Runnings and Veil Bouche, and that crews plan to pre-drill test holes this week to check for bedrock.

The city noted there is no water line on Houston Street, so a previously used grant source is not available; the retaining-wall fund currently holds $18,000 but staff said the full repair will likely exceed that balance and that they are still identifying funding. The building inspector said if crews hit bedrock the plan and cost could change: “If we hit bedrock, then that is gonna, maybe change the plan or definitely impact the cost.”

Commissioners and staff discussed mitigation steps and sequencing. The inspector said the city will prioritize the easternmost failed section and the portion adjacent to a house where the slope is encroaching on private property; commissioners noted some traffic and parking impacts for local residents. Staff said they hope to complete the work this summer but emphasized unknowns tied to drilling depth, potential need to dig into the roadway for an alternate anchoring approach and additional site costs such as tree removal and clean rock.

The commission asked staff to return with refined cost estimates and a funding plan once test-drill results are available. The city thanked the homeowner near the failure for cooperation while access and temporary protections remain in place.

","City staff described a multi-section failure of a rock retaining wall along Houston Street, presented a soldier-pile stabilization plan, noted funding shortfalls and said crews will test-drill this week to refine costs and design.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Roger Allen Rohr sworn in as Lead city commissioner

Commission adopts fee changes for water and sewer tied to loan eligibility

Business owners ask commission to review sign ordinance after notice to Lotus Up

Commission approves six-month lease for Lils Coffee at Manual Brothers Park after heated public hearing

City outlines emergency fixes for failing Houston Street retaining wall