Watertown City Council to Deliberate on Downtown Revitalization, Infrastructure, and Public Safety Tonight
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Watertown City Council to Deliberate on Downtown Revitalization, Infrastructure, and Public Safety Tonight

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Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council will convene tonight, February 2, 2026, at 5:30 PM at City Hall to address a full agenda centered on the future of the city’s infrastructure, public safety equipment, and a significant new proposal for downtown development.


From high-tech police grants to million-dollar commercial developments, here is a detailed breakdown of the items currently on the docket.


Public Safety and Community Services

Several items on the Consent Agenda focus on updating police equipment and recognizing community volunteers:


·        Zoo Volunteers: The Council is expected to approve the 2026 roster for Bramble Park Zoo volunteers. These individuals, including professionals and students, will be covered by the City’s workers’ compensation policy.

o   Dr. Andrea Hennen, Carter Tesch, Jaydi Zimprich, Eli Ward, Brooklyn Brown, Cora Dornbusch, Charlie Foust, Margaret Williams, Amelia Ries, Avreigh Anderson, Grace Brown, Layla Tacy, Aleah Jaeger, Jessa Zimprich, Brynlee Swiden, Grayson Squires, Marley Phillips, Tia Auen, Anastacia Isakov, Konnar Kranz, Harper Giessinger, Alaina Larson, Allison Reeves, LiLi Hennen, Ashlyn Angermeier, Kinleigh Boydston, Paityn Boydston, Evie Hopper, Marah Spurgin, Hadley Gjerde, Mia Jaeger, Isaac Schaeffer, Scout Henry, Katri Kinnunen, and Abigail Reeves.


·        Narcotics Identification Grant: The Police Department is seeking authorization to apply for a $50,000 South Dakota Opioid Settlement Community Grant. If awarded, the funds will be used to purchase a narcotics identification device.

·        Taser Donations: Following an upgrade to AXON Taser 10 units, the department plans to donate its older, unsupported Taser 7 units to the Codington County Sheriff’s Office and the Aberdeen Police Department.

·        Surplus Equipment: The department is also looking to declare various non-functional items—including dozens of Sony digital recorders and Fujifilm cameras—as surplus to be disposed of as junk.


Infrastructure and Contract Adjustments

The Council will review final figures for major transit and residential projects:


·        Airport Taxiway Expansion: The Council will consider Amendment No. 2 for the Ag-Spray Hangar Area and Taxiway Project with Helms & Associates. While construction administration costs increased due to required additional services, resident engineering and inspection costs came in significantly lower than anticipated. This results in a net decrease of $30,726.94, bringing the final total contract to $437,418.80. A 90% Federal FAA grant provides most of the funding.


·        Williston Third Addition (Resolution No. 26-04): This 14.57-acre commercial replat seeks to create seven C-3 lots. The project includes a Development Agreement for infrastructure totaling an estimated $1,261,980.50, covering earthwork, asphalt paving, and extensive utility installations.


o   Earthwork and Roadway: $356,990.00 for excavation, concrete curb and gutter, and asphalt surfacing.

o   Sanitary Sewer: $455,624.00 for PVC piping and maintenance hole installations.

o   Water Main: $110,564.00 for fire hydrants and service lines.

o   Storm Sewer and Erosion Control: Over $172,000 combined to ensure proper drainage and environmental compliance.


·        Koehn/Beil Addition (Resolution No. 26-03): This replat of a portion of the Fairfax Addition is generally conforming to R-3 Multi-Family Residential District regulations but requires Council approval due to a unique setback issue. The proposed lot line would leave existing duplex decks only 13 inches from the property line, well within the standard 9-foot side yard requirement. The owner acknowledges that if these decks are ever destroyed, they cannot be replaced.


Downtown Revitalization and Alcohol Licensing

The “Other Business” and “Public Hearing” sections of the meeting will focus heavily on the city’s core:


·        Downtown Watertown Collective Funding: The Council will consider a request for $90,000 over three years ($30,000 annually) to support the newly formed Downtown Watertown Collective. The funding would establish a Downtown Coordinator position starting in Q1 to manage marketing, signature events, and business collaboration.

·        Downtown Sushi Relocation: A public hearing is scheduled for the transfer of malt beverage and wine/cider licenses for Downtown Sushi 18 Inc as they move to 109 E Kemp Ave. The new location recently received Conditional Use approval to operate as a bar or tavern.

·        Cowboy Country Stores #1: The Council will also hear a transfer application for a malt beverage and video lottery license for Cowboy Country Stores at 305 10th Street NW, aimed at aligning the license with the building’s specific footprint and sales tax status.


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