Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday night will consider approving Change Order No. 1‑Final for the 2026 10th Ave NW Water Main Project, increasing the contract by $8,629 for a new total of $95,229.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - At a special meeting on June 8, 2026, the Watertown City Council unanimously approved an extension of a right-of-way permit, allowing continued street closures for the delayed AirStay hotel project at the site of the former City Hall.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A standard municipal boundary request turned into a debate over regulatory jurisdiction, transparency, and truck traffic on Monday evening. The Watertown City Council reviewed the first reading of twin ordinances, No. 26-13 and No. 26-17, aimed at annexing and establishing A-1 Agricultural zoning for approximately 95.71 acres of contiguous land situated directly on the city’s perimeter.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A regulatory debate over residential swimming pool fences resurfaced in the Watertown City Council chambers on Monday night. They reviewed the first reading of Ordinance No. 26-14, a sweeping zoning text amendment to Chapter 21.79 designed to modernize local pool barriers by acknowledging advancements in safety cover technology.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A nearly full Watertown City Council chamber became the backdrop for a robust discussion on Monday evening, as local government officials, passionate small business owners, and frustrated citizens conflicted over the ongoing construction delays plaguing the “AirStay” hotel redevelopment project.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Homeowners attempting to repair aging exterior decks or expand residential garages will bypass costly variance procedures after the City Council approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 26-12. The zoning text amendment modifies Chapter 21.10, clarifying standard residential configurations while rectifying an historical oversight affecting hundreds of properties developed before 2005.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce received unanimous Council backing for its special event permits after revealing a comprehensive, multi-layered restructuring of one of the community’s longest-running summer traditions.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council approved Resolution 26‑16, offering formal support for High Five Development LLC as the company seeks financial assistance from the South Dakota Housing and Development Authority for Phase II of the Prairie Haven development.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council approved both the annexation and commercial zoning of Lot 1 of Berven’s Addition, a 10‑acre property along Highway 212 that borders city limits on three sides.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council moved through a lengthy series of alcohol‑related public hearings Monday night, addressing four renewal applications tied to alcohol sales violations, two new license applications, and two license transfers at Stony Point. While all items were ultimately approved, several drew testimony and clarification from business representatives and city officials.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council held a first reading Monday night on a zoning text amendment aimed at simplifying rules for accessory structures and deck replacements.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council reviewed a first reading of an ordinance amendment designed to fix fence‑height issues affecting homeowners with double‑frontage lots.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council held a first reading Monday night on an ordinance that would shift approval authority for several business licenses from the council to the city manager or a designated staff member.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council unanimously approved a $50,986 change order for the 5th Avenue North reconstruction project, allowing the contractor to move into Phase 2 early and accelerate the overall timeline by roughly two months.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council unanimously approved a $140,357 bid from Berg Enterprise LLC to construct a new truss‑style hoop building at the city landfill. The structure will provide dedicated storage for the city’s composter and other equipment currently occupying limited shop space.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council voted unanimously Monday night to declare the long‑unused Lake Kampeska Phosphorus Filtration Plant as surplus property, setting the stage for future redevelopment proposals. The item was moved off the consent agenda to allow for public explanation.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council voted unanimously Monday night to declare several city vehicles and equipment items as surplus, clearing the way for them to be sold through Purple Wave online auction. The action followed a brief discussion of the city’s fleet management strategy and the rationale for cycling out certain vehicles.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Tearing down a building for the benefit of redevelopment in Watertown might soon get a little easier on the wallet. On Monday night, the Watertown City Council will review Resolution No. 26-17, a proposal to launch a Special Disposal Incentive Program to turn blighted neighborhood spots into new residential foundations.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday night will consider declaring the Lake Kampeska Phosphorous Filtration Plant, located at 336 South Lake Drive, as surplus property. The move would allow the city to sell the long‑inactive facility at a future public sale.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - During the April 20, 2026, City Council meeting, Finance Officer Kristen Bobzien presented the city’s preliminary 2025 financial statements, revealing a picture of healthy liquidity paired with historically high debt levels. While the city ended the year with more than $110 million in cash, officials warned that major infrastructure investments have pushed the city’s borrowing capacity to its prudent limit.