Brookings City Council Meeting: October 8, 2024

The Brookings City Council met on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Six council members were present (Mayor Oepke G. Niemeyer, Deputy Mayor Nick Wendell, Councilmembers Wayne Avery, Holly Tilton Byrne, Bonny Specker, Andrew Rasmussen); Councilmember Brianna Doran was absent. The meeting included a proclamation, reports, a presentation on the Downtown Master Plan (which was tabled), public hearings on several ordinances, and a first reading of a budget amendment.

Proclamation & Reports

• Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Mayor Niemeyer proclaimed October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Carolyn Galvin, Executive Director of Margot's Place (formerly the shelter), reported that in the fiscal year ending September 2024, the organization served 217 clients (28 receiving sexual assault services), sheltered 74 individuals for a total of 3,482 shelter days, and provided 625 services to Kingsbury and Brookings counties. She thanked the community and highlighted the new name and logo (Tree of Life) in memory of former director Margot Dempsey.
• Downtown at Sundown Annual Report: Angley Bennett, Chamber Events Coordinator, and Kelsey Doom, Chamber Director, presented the 2024 Downtown at Sundown series summary. The event ran every Thursday in August (5 weeks) from 5:30 to 9:00 PM on Main Avenue. Key statistics: 15,603 total attendees (a 22% decrease from 2023, attributed to improved counting methods); 38 vendor booths sold out; 9 food vendors (up from 3 in 2023); 4 theme nights (Bobcat, New Resident, Multicultural, SDSU). Financials: total income of $91,000 (city allocation $25,000, sponsors $40,500, vendor fees, beer sales, in-kind); total expenses just under $70,000; net of $21,000. Marketing efforts increased Facebook interactions by 50% (19,000 interactions). Challenges included power supply, volunteer shortages, and weather. The 10th anniversary in 2025 will be planned with a task force.
• SDSU Student Association Report: Hayden Bence, Vice President, reported for the Student Association. He announced that a student vote on reallocation of general activity fee bond dollars (totaling $50.85 per credit hour) closed with 4,008 responses (over one-third of the student body), and 85% supported the reallocation toward mental health resources and student organization funding. The proposal will be presented to the Board of Regents in March 2025. He also updated on ongoing discussions with the Brookings Area Transit Authority (BATA) regarding a ride-hailing app, and noted voter registration efforts ahead of the October 21 deadline.

Discussion Items

• Downtown Brookings Master Plan (Resolution 24-076): Sam Beckman (Community Development) and Corey Scott (RDG Planning and Design) presented the plan, developed over 11 months with public input including 500+ comments, four open houses, and stakeholder meetings. The plan outlines five focus areas (Main Avenue, West Edge, East Edge, Sixth Street Corridor, South Side) with recommendations for streetscape improvements, alley activation, a signature gathering space, and mobility improvements. Councilmember Wendell moved to table the item to allow members to review the 94-page document, which was received on October 3. The motion passed unanimously (voice vote). The resolution will be considered at the October 22 meeting.

Public Hearings & Second Readings

• Ordinance 24-016 (Speed Zones): John Thompson, Public Works Director, presented the second reading. The ordinance amends Section 82-305 to extend the 35 mph speed zone along 20th Street to the eastern city limits (due to the I-29 exit 130 interchange) and removes references to US Highway 14 (regulated by state statute). Approved unanimously (roll call: 6 ayes).
• Ordinance 24-032 (Rezoning Prairie Hills Addition): Mike Struck, Community Development Director, presented the second reading. The rezoning changes Lot 2, Block 3B from Planned Development District with Business B-2A Office underlying zoning to Business B-2, to allow a drive-through (which was removed from B-2A in a prior amendment). The property is at 20th Street South and Tall Grass Parkway. The Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously. Linda Pierce of Lily Design, representing the developer, stated the request is to return to the original intent of the initial development plan, which allowed drive-throughs. Councilmember Specker noted the absence of adjacent residential properties. Approved unanimously (roll call: 6 ayes).
• Ordinance 24-033 (Commercial Corridor Design Review Overlay): Mike Struck presented the second reading. The proposed amendment aimed to streamline administrative approval for projects meeting all design criteria, and to clarify language. Public comments: Angie Borisma (architect) raised concerns about tenant improvement projects exceeding 50% of assessed value; Rich Ukert (2017 Grand Arbor Ave) opposed removing public comment, citing past issues with uses like cannabis dispensaries in B2A; James Drew (citizen) supported the administrative approval to reduce time for compliant projects. Council discussion: Councilmember Tilton Byrne supported the language clarifications but opposed eliminating public comment; Councilmember Wendell agreed, noting lack of public appetite. The motion failed unanimously (roll call: 6 noes).
• Ordinance 24-034 (Projections of Porches, Decks, Platforms): Mike Struck presented the second reading. The amendment adjusts setback requirements for front-yard decks and porches, responding to common variance requests and increased home improvements (including pool decks). Approved unanimously (roll call: 6 ayes).
• Ordinance 24-035 (Planned Development District – PDD): Mike Struck explained that the proposed amendments were tied to the commercial corridor overlay (Ordinance 24-033), which was defeated. He requested the council either table or defeat the item to allow staff to reconsider. A motion to table the item indefinitely passed unanimously (roll call: 6 ayes).

First Reading

• Ordinance 24-036 (Budget Amendment No. 9): Ashley Rench, Financial Director, presented the first reading. The amendment increases the landfill contracting services budget by $30,000 for additional tire recycling due to an unusually high volume of tires received this year. John Thompson clarified that the increase is not tied to a single event but reflects a trend of more individual and tractor tires. The second reading will be on October 22.

Other Business & Announcements

• City Manager Paul Briseno announced an informational meeting on October 15 at 6:00 PM for outside agency presentations (BDC, Chamber, Research Park, Downtown, Visit Brookings) as part of the budget study session. The next regular meeting is October 22, which will include a proclamation for First Generation College Celebration Day, the second reading of the budget amendment, first reading of the 2025 budget, and a public hearing on a liquor license for Quick Star on 20th.
• Councilmember Wendell requested that the Downtown Master Plan be brought back on October 22. Staff will prepare answers to any council questions before that meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved (roll call, 6 yes).
• Resolution 24-076 (Downtown Master Plan) tabled to October 22.
• Ordinance 24-016 (Speed Zones) approved (6-0).
• Ordinance 24-032 (Rezoning Prairie Hills) approved (6-0).
• Ordinance 24-033 (Commercial Corridor Overlay) defeated (0-6).
• Ordinance 24-034 (Porches/Decks) approved (6-0).
• Ordinance 24-035 (PDD) tabled indefinitely (6-0).
• Ordinance 24-036 (Budget Amendment) first reading; second reading set for October 22.