Watertown, South Dakota Development News
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City Council Meeting - 7/6/2026
Published: Jul 6, 2026
Watertown and Sheridan Township Revise Road Maintenance Agreement
The City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Watertown and Sheridan Township for road maintenance. This MOU modifies a previous agreement dating back to 1990, amended in 1994, which primarily related to roads around the landfill. Under the new agreement, the city's responsibility for maintenance is reduced to blading and grading of two miles of road on 29th Street from the south bypass to the landfill road, excluding the crossing of the Big Sioux River. The township will continue mowing, snow plowing, and other maintenance for the remaining roadways. Additionally, city staff will pick up ditches within a one-mile radius of the landfill as needed, expanding from the previous agreement that only covered the road directly in front of the landfill. Other parts of the original agreement, such as the USGS gauging station and dumping rights for township residents, remain in effect. The city will continue to maintain the paved road in front of the landfill.
Watertown City Manager Provides Updates on New Hires, Financial Reports, Hotel Project, and Business Introductions
During the council meeting, City Manager Stagger provided several updates. He announced the anticipated announcement of the new Park and Recreation Director the following day at 1:30 p.m. The annual financial report has been completed and submitted for review, with the audit firm ID Bailey scheduled to address any questions from the council. Work is expected to resume on the Watertown Hotel after July 5th, with specific dates and street closure notifications to be provided 48 hours in advance. Additionally, visiting executives from a local business will be introduced at the next council meeting on July 20th.
Watertown Adopts Updated Residential Building Codes, Modifies Snow Load Requirements and Window/Door Permit Rules
The City Council conducted a first reading of Ordinance Number 2618, a zoning text amendment to update the city's building codes. This ordinance updates the International Residential Code (IRC) from the 2018 edition to the 2024 edition. Key modifications include maintaining the snow load at 50 pounds per square foot, consistent with the 2018 code, rather than adopting the 2024 code's higher 64.4 pounds per square foot, to support affordable housing goals. Additionally, in accordance with Senate Bill 3, the requirement for permits for replacing windows and doors in owner-occupied homes has been removed. The ordinance was discussed with the Watertown Area Homebuilders Association, with no substantial comments received.
Fifth Avenue North Street Reconstruct Project Sees $31,000 Change Order Approved
The city council reviewed and approved a change order for the neighborhood street reconstruct project on Fifth Avenue North. The change order, number two, is for approximately $31,000 and brings the new contract price to $3,511,214.85. The change order addresses adjustments needed for underground utility work, specifically the encounter of soft spots during the process. The total contract is split between city and WMU shares, with the city's share being over $2.5 million and WMU's share being approximately half a million dollars.
Watertown Updates International Building Code, Modifies Multi-Story Building Amenity Requirements
The City Council conducted a first reading of Ordinance 26-9, which updates the International Building Code (IBC) from the 2018 to the 2024 edition. This code applies to buildings other than residential structures under four units. A key amendment exempts multi-story buildings from requiring the same amenities on the first floor as provided on the second floor, such as laundry service or chairlifts, thereby removing potential accessibility requirements like elevators in certain scenarios. This change aims to simplify regulations for commercial contractors. The ordinance was discussed with commercial contractors, with no significant comments.
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The Watertown News archive
City Council Work Session 6/29/2026
Board of Adjustment - 06/18/2026
City Council Meeting 6/15/2026
Watertown School Board Meeting | 5:30 PM | 6/8/26
City Council Meeting 6/8/2026
Planning Commission Meeting 6/4/2026
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