SF City Council Debates Snow Gates

by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
December 11, 2012 9:30 PM


Don’t expect to be voting on the future of snow gates in the city of Sioux Falls any time soon.

At the city council meeting Tuesday night, a group that supports snow gates has worked on a petition drive, hoping to bring the issue to a public vote, but the city council isn't ready to hold a special election just yet.

"Well over the mark," said Hogstad.

“Citizens for Snow Gates turned in Sioux Falls City Clerk, Lori Hogstad said more than 8,000 signatures," and more than 80 percent of them were verified as qualified signatures.

The group’s goal is to request a special election, where the people of Sioux Falls can vote on whether to have snow gates on all city plows.

"They're requesting a Spring Election, if we deny that, it's not a very good reception to what the public is asking," said Jamison.

The citizens did their job and have asked the city council to approve the snow gate issue to be on the May 21st of 2013, school board election.

Other council members said they need more time.

"We do not have the information in which I feel comfortable making any decision here," said Councilor Jim Entenman.

Which includes information such as cost for parts and operational needs for the snow gates.

Entenman said he thinks the issue should be part of the General Election in April of 2014.

Citizens for Snow Gates leader, Theresa Stehly, said all 60 members who worked hard to get thousands of signatures, had one goal in mind.

"Our intent was a 20-13 election with the school board," said Stehly.

Over the next week, the city council has to make a decision, whether they're ready or not.

The city council has 10 days to decide whether to grant the group’s special election request and a decision will be made next Tuesday.