April 2021 Pierre Mayor's Report

Why did you decide to call Pierre home?
 
Was it the condition of our wastewater treatment plant? Our reliable electricity? The storm sewer system that ushers rain water to our river? I’m guessing not.
 
Although, in city government, we talk a lot about utilities, there’s more to a community than streets and transformers. People don’t choose to live in a community because they feel passionate about curb and gutter policies. People choose to live in a community, in part, because of the intangibles. People like to live in a community that presents well.
 
The commission understands that and is taking steps to keep the appearance of Pierre desirable. Most recently, the commission passed a new property maintenance ordinance. Specifically, the ordinance adds fines for property maintenance violations that aren’t brought into compliance. These violations include situations where there’s garbage or junk on property that might cause some sanitary issues or an abandoned property that has become ramshackle and poses a safety concern. 
 
We’re hopeful this additional level of property owner accountability will increase the livability of Pierre. We want a community that is welcoming, safe, and clean!
 
Having a well-kept community is also one of the reasons the city distributes a free load coupon to residents each spring. The coupon was distributed with the March utility billing and entitles each residential utility customer to the free disposal of one small trailer or pickup-size load of waste at the city’s solid waste facility.  It’s an incentive to encourage folks to keep their property up and a good excuse to clean out the garage.
 
Of course, the city has its own spring cleaning chores, and that work is most visible in our park system. For weeks, we have had staff trimming trees, raking out fence lines and prepping sports fields for the start of spring activities.
 
But parks isn’t the only department with a to-do list. Our annual spring cemetery cleanup is set for April 15, our street sweeper is fired up and in action, and we wrapped up a drainage way rehabilitation in January. We’re also prepping the Griffin Park Storm Shelter for an early May opening and installing a new water filling and draining station at the city campground.
 
As you can see, we have lots to do, and we could use help! If you know of anyone who loves Pierre and is looking for seasonal work, please send them our way. All of our seasonal positions are listed at cityofpierre.org.
 
City staff take a lot of pride in making Pierre a livable and inviting community, and I thank you for doing the same.