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Cemetery

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1. Where do I purchase a burial site?

The purchase of all burial sites in riverside cemetery is handled at the office located at the cemetery. Burial sites are $475 per space except for the area known as baby land where the purchase price is $75 dollars per lot. Cemetery staff are available to assist with the purchase of a burial site Monday - Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

2. What is the fee to open and close a burial site?

There are three different charges for openings and closings of a burial site, interment of a baby $200, internment of cremations $250 and all others $475. Also. there is a $500 weekend and holiday fee. All openings and closings plus weekend and holiday fees are subject to 6.5 percent sales tax. Burials on holidays are highly discouraged.

3. Where are the records of burials kept?

All records on Riverside Cemetery are maintained at the office at the cemetery.

4. How do I purchase a headstone or monument?

You can purchase headstones or monuments by contacting the funeral homes or sales person for the Pierre area. The City of Pierre does not sell headstones or monuments.

5. Why are the headstones discolored?

The water used in the cemetery for irrigation has a high concentration of manganese and iron and will stain the headstones. Therefore it is recommended not to purchase a light colored stone. All stones will stain but light colors tend to stain more and quicker. Cleaning of headstones can be done by using a toilet bowl cleaner.

6. Who conducts the burials?

All burials, including cremations, are performed by employees of the City of Pierre Cemetery Department.

7. Will a burial site settle and who will fix this?

The employees maintain the cemetery and burial sites. Burial sites will settle on their own and as they do they will be landscaped and seeded until settlement is complete and grass is established. This could take as long as a year or so depending on what time of the year the burial takes place. It is also possible for any burial site to settle regardless of the number of years.

8. Are pets allowed to be buried in the cemetery?

No pets are allowed to be buried in the cemetery. A burial site is restricted to one body, with the exception of a mother and child or cremations.

9. Can I plant a tree or large bush next to my loved one?

Only cemetery employees will plant said items. You may donate theses items and the employees will plant them in the proper location.

10. Can I plant flowers and small bushes next to my loved one?

Flowers and small bushes may be planted at the ends of the headstone but not directly in front of the headstones. All flowers known as ground cover are not allowed.

11. How long may I leave flowers at the graveside?

Twice a year on the 15th of April and 15th of October all artificial flowers, organic and plastic flowerpots are removed from all grave spaces by cemetery employees. Fresh cut flowers and flowers that were brought out at the time of burial are removed when they become wilted or unsightly.

12. Where is the cemetery located and what hours may I visit?

The cemetery is located on the east side of Pierre. Visitors traveling east should turn north on Roosevelt Avenue and proceed to the entrance on the right side of the street. The cemetery is open year round. The city prefers that you limit your visitation between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

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DRINKING WATER TRANSITION

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1. When will the transition occur?

The City of Pierre will begin distributing water from the new treatment facility the first week in December 2023. The transition from well water to treated water is expected to be complete by January 2023.  

2. How will the well water be removed from the system?

Normal customer water usage will help remove the well water from the system. Also, the Pierre Water Department will flush water from hydrants; this will help remove well water from pipes and storage tanks.  

Flushing will primarily be from hydrants near the reservoirs.

3. How long will it take for treated water to reach my house?

There will be a transition period when well and treated water are comingled at your tap.

Arrival of new water at your tap depends on the rate of water usage, intensity of flushing and exchange of water in the storage tanks. The farther your house is from the water treatment plant, the longer it will take for the treated water to reach your house.  Residences close to the water plant may receive treated water within a day of when treated water pumping begins. Residences farther from the water plant may receive treated water within a couple of weeks after pumping begins. 

4. How will water quality be affected during the transition from well water to treated water?

Flushing the system during the transition may cause temporary discoloration as deposits and residues are removed from the system.   Although the discolored water is safe for drinking, clear discolored water from your plumbing by running cold water until the water runs clear.  

Those living on a cul-de-sac or dead end line are more likely to see discoloration.

5. What is the quality of the treated river water?

Treated river water will contain lower concentrations of iron and manganese so that the water will no longer stain sidewalks, appliances, fixtures, etc.   The hardness of the water will be approximately 15 grains per gallon, about 30 percent lower than the well water, depending on which well serves water to your neighborhood.  The dissolved mineral content will be lower by approximately 30 percent.  Although the well water has chloramine residual disinfectant, the concentration varies throughout the City.  The treated water will have a more consistent chloramine residual concentration, in the range of 2 to 3 mg/L.

6. Are Chloramines safe?

Yes.  Chloramines have been used safely in the U.S. and Canada for many years, including in Pierre’s water supply.  Chloramines are approved for water disinfection by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Chloramines kill disease-causing organisms that could be found in drinking water. 

7. What monitoring will occur to ensure my water is safe to drink?

The Pierre Water Department Staff will continue to sample and analyze treated water quality at the Pierre Water Treatment Plant and in the water distribution system to meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. 

8. Will the treated water impact my pet fish?

The treated water will contain a more consistent (and perhaps slightly higher) concentration of chloramine (chlorine and ammonia) disinfectant residual than the well water, so aquarium owners should use the same dechlorinating techniques but perhaps adjust the dosage to accommodate the more consistent residual.   However, the new water pH (8.0 to 8.2) will be slightly higher than the current water pH (7.4 to 7.6), so pH adjustment may be necessary.

9. How will the treated water quality impact my home or business?

The new water supply will have a lower iron and manganese content, which means there is less potential for brown/black sediment being created in the system after the transition is complete. The new water source contains less hardness, so customers with water softeners can adjust their softener setting to use less salt for regenerating the softener. The new water also contains lower total dissolved solids, which means less spotting on dishes, faucets, fixtures, and shower doors when the water evaporates.

10. Can I continue to use my water softener?

Yes.  However, the treated water will contain less hardness than the well water.   Since the new water contains lower hardness, changing the softener settings for the lower hardness (15 grains per gallon) will enable your softener to operate at its best efficiency, and use less salt than it did when softening the well water.  Also, since the manganese and iron concentrations will be near zero, you should not need to use salt that contains “iron out”, “iron fighter” or “rust defense”. 

11. Will the transition flushing that flushes the old water from the system be similar to the Fall/Winter 2021 flushing program?

Minimal customer impact is anticipated with this round of flushing. If you do notice water discoloration, run water unti it runs clear.

Four hydrants located near the reservoirs will be used for the majority of the transitional flushing.  This compares to 252 hydrants used during the 2021 flushing program. Hydrants at dead ends will also be flushed, similar to maintenance flushes typically seen each summer. 

12. Do I need to adjust or replace my water heater?

Water heaters are not designed specific to water source therefore no adjustment is needed.

If you want to flush well water from your water heater, pleae consult your water heater's owner manual.

13. Who do I contact for more information?

If you have additional questions about the water transition, contact Water Superintendent Dane Brewer at 605.773.7448 during normal business hours.

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DRINKING WATER TREATMENT FACILITY: FINANCIAL IMPACT

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1. How much more per gallon will the development of the Drinking Water Treatment Facility cost me?

Estimates indicate residential users would pay $0.0023 more per gallon.

2. How much is my water bill increasing because of the Drinking Water Treatment Facility development?

The increase depends directly on the amount of water used by the customer. If a commercial account uses a lot of water, its cost will be higher than that of an individual who uses a smaller quantity. Estimates indicate a Drinking Water Treatment Facility will add an average of $1 a day to a typical residential municipal water account. The rate increases are used to pay back a 30-year loan used to build the facility, as well as ongoing maintenance and operation costs.

3. How do the expected “new” rates compare to Mid Dakota, Mni Wiconi?

Water rates include a base charge and a volumetric charge (charge per unit of water used).  Based on a customer using 6,000 gallons per month (8 ccf) the new single family monthly cost would be approximately $51 per month.  For the same volume of water used, Mid-Dakota’s residential cost (2018) would be approximately $69 per month.  

Since Mni Wiconi provides water to consecutive rural water systems and does not provide water to individual customers, Mni Wiconi does not have published comparable residential rates.

4. How much money will the city have to put into its existing wells or new wells to ensure a stable water source over the next 30 years / the estimated life of the water treatment plant?

If the Drinking Water Treatment Facility is not realized, the City will need to invest between $2 and $3 million, to construct new wells and update existing wells.

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DRINKING WATER TREATMENT FACILITY: GENERAL QUESTIONS

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1. Why doesn't Pierre just tie into Mid-Dakota's water system?

Mid-Dakota's water system does not produce enough water to meet the needs of the Pierre.  Expanding Mid-Dakota's production capacity would cost more than the the Drinking Water Treatment Facility.

2. Is it still possible to get treated water from Mid-Dakota that already has a treatment plant north of town?

Mid-Dakota's water system does not produce enough water to meet the needs of the Pierre.  Expanding Mid-Dakota's production capacity would cost more than the proposed Water Treatment Plant.

3. How long before our current process of treating drinking water is ineffective?

Pierre's current system provides water that meets all current federal and state drinking water safety standards.  

The federal Environment Protection Agency is currently reviewing its regulations. Changes to their regulations may impact Pierre's treatment process, but no regulatory changes have been identified at this time.

4. How long will it take for treated water to flow to my faucet?

Pierre's Drinking Water Treatment Facility is expected to be complete and operational in 2022.

5. What chemicals are added to the current drinking water? (Fluoride, chlorine ect….)

Chlorine is added to the water for disinfection.  Fluoride is added to help reduce tooth decay.
A phosphate chemical is added to inhibit water discoloration and inhibit corrosion.

6. I’ve heard that manganese is a potential health concern. What is our current concentrations vs treated concentrations of manganese?

The current average concentrations of manganese in Pierre’s current water supply is 2.5 milligrams/liter.  The treated water provided by the Drinking Water Treatment Facility will have concentrations of manganese less than 0.05 milligrams/liter.  

7. How much park land is taken up by the Drinking Water Treatment Facility?

 About one acre

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DRINKING WATER TREATMENT FACILITY: WATER QUALITY

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1. When the Drinking Water Treatment Facility in Pierre is complete, how much will my water improve?

The treatment process will remove iron and manganese from the treated water. Here's what that means for you.

• The treated water will no longer stain sidewalks, appliances, fixtures, etc.
• The hardness of the water will be reduced by about 30%; this will decrease the need for home softener salt.
• It will lessen the mineral taste some people notice in Pierre's current drinking water.

2. When the Drinking Water Treatment Facility is built in Pierre is complete, will the City's water quality be similar to the water produced by Mid-Dakota or Mni Wicon?i?

Yes. The Drinking Water Treatment Facility will remove the minerals from Pierre's water that currently differentiate Pierre's water from the water produced by the Mid-Dakota or Mni Wiconi systems.

3. How does Pierre's current water quality compare to Mid-Dakota or Mni Wiconi water quality?

All three systems supply drinking water that meets required federal and state drinking water standards.  Pierre's water contains manganese that causes brown staining; water produced by Mid-Dakota and Mni Wiconi does not contain manganese. Additionally, the concentrations of calcium and magnesium are approximately 30% higher in Pierre's water supply than in the water produced by Mid-Dakota and Mni Wiconi, making Pierre's water harder than the water supplied by the other systems.

4. When the Drinking Water Treatment Facility in Pierre is complete, will drinking water remain clear year round?

Yes. The treatment process will remove the minerals from the water that can cause water discoloration.

5. If the City does not build a drinking water treatment facility, will the quality of our current water source remain stable or will the quality deteriorate?

Over the past few decades, the well water quality has deteriorated, exhibiting increasing concentrations of minerals, hardness, and sulfate.  This deteriorating water quality trend is likely to continue as the wells age.  

6. Why does Pierre water turn sidewalks, appliances and fixtures a dark color?

Pierre’s water contains manganese and iron that forms dark deposits when it evaporates. 

7. Will the development of the Drinking Water Treatment Facility prevent the water from staining?

Yes. The treatment process would remove the minerals that cause staining.

8. Will the Drinking Water Treatment Facility damage my current plumbing?

No. Conversely, treated water tends to have fewer negative impacts on plumbing fixtures.

 

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INSURANCE CLAIM AGAINST CITY OF PIERRE

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1. How do I file a claim?

The City of Pierre has a standard claim form that can be used for your convenience. The form must be filed with the Finance Officer, located at 2301 Patron Parkway, Pierre SD 57501.

2. How do I obtain a claim form?

You can access the form here or pick one up in person at the Business Office at City Hall or you may call (605)773-7407 or request a form by emailing Twila Hight.

3. How long do I have to file a claim?

Per SDCL 3-21-3, a person has 180 days to file written notice of their potential claim.

4. What if time has expired since the incident occurred?

If the notice statute has expired since the incident occurred, more than likely your claim will be denied for failure to file timely notice/failure to comply with the notice statute.

5. What should I attach to the claim?

When pursuing a claim, you should include a copy of any law enforcement investigative reports, appraisals of the property damage, estimates, or any other documentation that you intend to use to support your claim for damages. Claims can be turned in without the information and notice should not be delayed due to not having all of the documentation you wish to present.

6. Can I have the repairs done or do I have to wait for the investigation to be concluded?

It is each party’s responsibility to allow a reasonable amount of time for inspection of property which is asserted to have been damaged due to another. However, there is also a duty to mitigate damages relative to any incident. The answer to this question varies and should be addressed with the claims adjuster assigned to investigate your claim.

7. Once I file a claim, what happens next?

Once a claim is filed, it is submitted to the City’s Insurance Carrier and an adjuster is assigned. The assigned adjuster will investigate each claim received and make a liability determination based upon the facts and evidence presented.

8. What do I do if my claim is denied?

If you have additional information which you feel will change or alter the adjuster’s determination, you can present the same to the adjuster. You also have the option at any time to utilize your own insurance. You may proceed with challenging your claim via small claims or circuit court as is appropriate.

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OUTDOOR POOL PLAN: COST

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1. How much does the pool project cost?

The total project cost, including the earthwork, the engineering, and testing, is expected to be close to $20-million.

 A private fundraising initiative is underway to raise $3 million for the project. The remainder will be paid with existing City revenue.

2. Will ongoing operating costs be different from the old pool?

 Yes.  Increased staff needed for a larger facility will increase operational costs. However, estimates indicate that the attraction will also generate greater attendance leading to additional revenue.

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OUTDOOR POOL PLAN: DESIGN

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1. What features are included in the pool design?

• Lazy River
• Multipurpose Pool
  • Eight 50-meter lap lanes
  • One-meter diving tower
  • Three-meter diving tower
• Recreational Pool
  • Double Flume Waterslide
  • Drop slide
  • Floatable play structure
  • Shade structures
  • Water Platform
  • Waterwalk
  • Zero-depth (easy access - shallow play area)
  • Zipline
• New bathhouse with concession area
• New mechanical building

2. How big is the new pool compared to the old pool?

The old outdoor pool had 7,915 sq. ft. of water surface area. 

The new complex will have  more than 19,000 sq. ft. of water surface area.

3. Does the new pool design include a heated pool?

Yes. The plan calls for a heated shallow water pool and a heated multipurpose pool.

4. Does the pool design have traditional swim lanes?

The project design includes contains eight 50-meter lanes.

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OUTDOOR POOL PLAN: GENERAL

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1. Where will the new pool be located?

The new pool will be located in Griffin Park at the same spot as the old outdoor pool.

2. What is the timeline for this project?

Pool construction is slated to start in 2022; the new facility is scheduled to be complete in the fall of  2023.

3. Who developed the new pool design?

With support from pool consultant, Burbach Aquatics, the design was developed by an Outdoor Pool Committee appointed by Mayor Harding.

The Pool Committee members are Becky Burke, Mike Mueller, Rachel Arbach; Heather DeBoer; Paula Huizenga; Kelsey McQuistion; Becky Spoehr; Paula Weeldreyer.

4. What is the background of the pool consultant, Burbach Aquatics, Inc.?

Burbach Aquatics, Inc. began business in 1978 and has been providing municipalities with professional design and consulting services for more than 40 years. The company has designed more than 600 new pools including the pools in Beresford and Vermillion.

5. Does the site meet all municipal, state, and federal requirements, e.g. flood plain?

Yes

6. How does the pool compare with those of other South Dakota communities?

Community	Community Population	Swim Area	Notable Features
Pierre	14,008	19,081 Sq. Ft.	Lazy River, Waterslides, 50-meter pool, Shade Structures, Water Features
Huron	13,117	23,650	Zero-Depth, Lazy River, Waterslides, 50-Meter Pool, Shade Structures, Water Features
Mitchell	15,729	15,300	Zero-Depth, Lazy River, Waterslides, 50-Meter Pool, Shade Structures, Water Features
Aberdeen	28,415	24,900	Zero-Depth, Lazy River, Waterslides, 50-Meter Pool, Shade Structures, Water Features

7. Is Fort Pierre part of the project?

No, this is a City of Pierre project. 

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OUTDOOR POOL PLAN: OPERATIONS

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1. Will Pierre be without an outdoor pool during construction?

Yes

2. Who will own and operate the new outdoor pool facility?

The City of Pierre

3. How much will admission be?

Fees will be established by the City at a later date.

4. How long is the new pool expected to last?

The project has a design life of 50 years.

5. Will the pool and concrete surface be stained by Pierre’s hard water?

No.  The pool is schedule to open after the opening of the water treatment facility. The new drinking water treatment process will remove the high mineral content that exists in our current water supply.

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Police

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1. Can I get a Pierre Police Department patch for my collection?

The Pierre Police Department receives numerous requests for uniform shoulder patches. Unfortunately, for security reasons, the Pierre Police Department is unable to provide, through sale or trade, its department patch to other agencies or to collectors.

2. Where is the Jail and Juvenile Shelter, and what are their phone numbers?

The Hughes County Regional Jail and Juvenile Shelter are both located at 3100 East Highway 34, directly north of the National Guard Building. Take the paved road going north from the intersection of Wells & Lowell Avenues north to the Jail complex. The number for the Jail is 605-773-7475, and the number for the Juvenile Shelter is 605-773-2290.

3. When should I call 911?

You should call 911 if you or someone else is:

• In immediate danger or a life-threatening situation
• Reporting a crime-in-progress
• Reporting a fire
• In need of an ambulance

If you are unsure if your situation is an emergency, dial 911. If it is not an emergency, you will be directed to call on a non-emergency line.

4. I use TDD / TTY Equipment, can I call 911?

Yes. Dispatch is equipped to receive TDD / TTY calls. TDD / TTY subscribers can also call 605-773-7410 for non-emergency police calls using their TDD / TTY equipped phone.

5. What will I be asked when I call 911?

You will be asked the following:

• What is your emergency?
• What is the location of the emergency?
• What number you are calling from?
• What is the problem?

If you don’t know the location of the problem, dispatchers will ask you more questions designed to help identify the location of the call. They also need the number you called from in the event they need to call you back for additional information. The dispatcher needs you to be specific in your answers to their questions so they can send appropriate resources to help you with your situation.

6. What if I dial 911 accidentally?

Don’t hang up. Stay on the line and answer the questions asked by the dispatcher. It is our procedure to send an officer anytime someone dials 911.

7. When and where can I have a warning ticket approved?

Come to the Pierre Police Department. Officers are available to approve warning tickets 24/7. If an officer is not available, the dispatcher may ask you to have a seat in the lobby until an officer is available. Wait times are usually very short.

8. When and where can I register my bicycle?

Call 605-773-7413 to set an appointment. Bikes are registered at the Pierre Police Department. Don’t forget to bring the bike with you when you register it.

9. When do I have to report a traffic collision?

Pierre city ordinance requires any collision meeting any one element of the following criteria must be investigated by law enforcement. Any collision involving:

• $50 or more in damage
• An injury or possible injury
• A fatality

If drivers are unsure or are in doubt whether the collision needs to be investigated, the police need to be called.

10. Who is at fault when a traffic collision occurs?

Officers do not determine fault. Their primary function is to investigate and determine what happened and to report the actions that caused the collision. Fault, or who is going to pay for damages, is determined by your insurance provider, or a settlement through civil court.

11. There is a police car parked in the middle of the street with its red lights flashing, but there is no officer present. Can I drive around the police car?

No. While it may seem nothing is going on or wrong, this is an indication that an actual emergency or something dangerous is ahead. For your safety, never drive around a police car parked with its red lights flashing without permission from a law enforcement officer. Your safety depends on this.

12. My child is 16 years old and has a restricted permit. Can my child operate a vehicle between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. with their restricted permit?

No. They should contact a driver’s license exam station to apply for a regular driver’s license.

13. Do I need to have a driver’s license to operate my moped or all-terrain vehicle?

Yes. Any driver operating a moped or ATV that has an engine displacement under 50cc is required to have a driver’s license. Any driver operating a moped or motorcycle with an engine displacement over 50cc is also required to have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license.

14. Do I have to display license plates on my moped or all-terrain vehicle?

Mopeds or ATVs with an engine displacement under 50cc are not required to have license plates. If you do purchase plates for a moped or ATV that is under 50cc, you are also required to have motor vehicle insurance on the moped as well.

15. If I am older than 18, do I have to wear a helmet if the passenger riding with me on my motorcycle is under the age of 18?

No. However, a driver age 18 or older cannot operate a motorcycle with any passenger under the age of 18 unless the passenger is wearing an approved helmet.

16. Who do I call if I think the storm siren nearest my residence is not sounding when it should be?

Call the Pierre Police Department at 605-773-7410, and they will forward your information to the appropriate personnel in charge of the sirens.

17. Where can I obtain road conditions?

Current road conditions can be obtained by calling 511. You can also obtain current road conditions by going to SafeTravel USA’s website.

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Solid Waste

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1. Where can I take my yard waste?

Roll off boxes are located at 2800 E Park for yard waste drop off that are open 24/7.

2. What can I do with my old freezer or refrigerator to the Solid Waste Facility?

We can not accept any freon containing equipment unless the freon has been properly removed. Contact a local business that sells refrigerators, freezers or air conditioning units for more information on freon removal.