City Council hears police department annual report

The Tea City Council met March 16 first as a board of equalization and then for their regular council meeting.

The board reviewed two appeals as a board of equalization where they adjourned at 6:23 p.m. Then they opened their regular council meeting at 6:24 p.m.

Police Chief Jessica Quigley presented her annual report to the council. She reported calls for service were up over last year at 6,252. They did not have any homicides in 2025. Substance abuse was all up over last year - DUI, drugs, underage alcohol and underage tobacco. She noted they had no heroin cases, which was less than last year when they had 10. During Teapot Days, they had 123 calls for service, 18 case reports and five arrests.

City administrator Justin Weiland said they joined the City of Sioux Falls on a bid for slurry seal for the third or fourth year. HDR engineer Ben Scholtz said combining the bid is definitely cheaper than bidding it themselves. Astech was awarded the low bid at $223,447.76, which was below the estimate.

The council approved the purchase of a Ventrac tractor mower for the maintenance department for $55,422.20, which was under the budgeted amount.

Weiland said he met with the library board to let them know what steps the city is taking toward a standalone library. The council discussed the design for Sundowner. Scholtz asked for input on drainage and detention.