def convertToDecimalDegrees(degStr):
    """Convert Designated_Points.csv DMS values to decimal degrees.

    Most ``Designated_Points.csv`` entries have decimal degrees,
    but not all. Some are in the form ``31-53-41.240N`` and
    ``086-15-32.060W``. Convert these to decimal degrees.

    Args:
        degStr (str): DMS form as described above. Either lat or long.

    Returns:
        float: Argument converted to decimal degrees.
    """
    dms = degStr.split('-')
    
    # dms[2] has form dd.dddX where x is a direction
    deg = float(dms[0])
    min = float(dms[1])
    sec = float(dms[2][:-1])

    # South and West directions need to get multipied by -1
    if dms[2][-1] in 'SW':
        multiplier = -1.0
    else:
        multiplier = 1.0

    decDeg = (deg + (min / 60.0) + (sec / 3600.0)) * multiplier
    return decDeg