The Hot Springs City Council approved awarding the airport Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS 3) project — Division 1 and Add Alternate 1 — to Efemerson Electric Inc. in the amount of $387,145.44, contingent on receipt of an FAA grant. Council also authorized the mayor to sign the FAA grant application and any other documents necessary for the FAA and South Dakota DOT grants tied to the project.

The council motion specified the anticipated funding split for the project: 95% federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds, 2.5% state funds, and 2.5% local city funds. Council packet materials and the airport advisory committee recommended including Alternate 1 (optional weather sensors for present weather and thunder/lightning detection). Charlie (KLJ consultant) advised selecting Division 1 plus Alternate 1 but not Alternate 2 (a continuing maintenance contract). "He's recommending that we go with total bid Division 1 and total alternate total bid, add Alternate 1," the packet summary stated.

Council member Gary Telkamp commented on pricing, saying he thought bid amounts were high but accepted that FAA projects typically cost more. Council then approved the motion by voice vote.

The council later approved a separate motion to authorize the mayor to sign the FAA grant application and associated documents. The packet included an anticipated FAA AIP grant number: 3‑46‑0020‑019‑2025.

The packet estimated the city's anticipated direct cost at $13,375 (after applicable grant percentages), and staff noted that grant awards typically carry reporting and compliance requirements to be met by the city if the grant is accepted.