SPEARFISH - The Spearfish City Council on Monday approved a $246,864 plan to install a new phone system for the emergency 911 call center and the police department.

Police Lt. Ross Johnson said the current system is at the end of its effectiveness because replacement parts and equipment are no longer available. Johnson said the upgrade will be paid for with E911 funds collected in a monthly surcharge on telephone bills. The new system will enable emergency dispatchers to better locate callers' physical locations, especially those calling from wireless mobile telephones.

In other business, the council accepted ownership of the Elkhorn Ridge Golf Course Clubhouse, completing the arrangement between the developers and the city. The city already has taken title to the golf course and an irrigation well on the property, located just east of Interstate 90 Exit 17.

The golf course managers are not projecting an opening date yet because grass is still taking hold on the fairways and greens. Instead of selling annual memberships in 2009, the country club might issue mid-season punch cards.

The city of Spearfish will once again co-sponsor a stream-flow gauging station in Spearfish Creek above Spearfish. The station measures water flow as part of U.S. Geological Survey hydrology research. Spearfish's portion of the cost is $6,900, and the agreement with USGS will last through September.

The city will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 for its annual liquor, wine and high-point beer license renewals.