Brookings City Council Regular Meeting - October 22, 2024

The Brookings City Council met on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, proclamations for National Disability Employment Awareness Month and First-Generation College Celebration Day, a report from the SDSU Student Association, action on a change order for a bridge replacement project, first reading of the 2025 appropriation ordinance, approval of a budget amendment, liquor license approvals for a new Kwik Star, adoption of the Downtown Brookings Master Plan, and other routine business. The meeting concluded with a study session request on zoning topics.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: Meeting minutes of October 8 and October 15, 2024.
• Approved unanimously: Resolution 24-090 declaring surplus property for the City of Brookings.
• Approved unanimously: Action to add a Special City Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

Presentations & Reports

• Proclamation: National Disability Employment Awareness Month – Mayor Niemeyer proclaimed October 2024 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. A representative from the Disability Awareness Committee spoke, emphasizing the importance of employment for disabled individuals and noting that a split-second change in health could put anyone in that position. The council and public were encouraged to consider inclusive hiring.
• Proclamation: First-Generation College Celebration Day – Mayor Niemeyer proclaimed Friday, November 8, 2024, as First-Generation College Celebration Day. A representative thanked the council and noted that a related celebration will be held on Thursday, November 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the SDSU Student Union.
• SDSU Student Association Report – Claire Kenneke reported that voter registration efforts concluded with 24 or 28 students registered or switched to Brookings County. The Beta Bus app project has selected a model from Durango, Colorado, and is in early stages. The Student Senate unanimously voted to oppose initiated measure IM 28 (sales tax).
• Council Ex-Officio Reports – Councilmember Doran reported on the health system (strategic plan, Yorkshire Medical Building, flu shots on October 28, Brookings High School donor collection depot for Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa) and on her liaison role with SDSU Student Association (discussed construction updates, reasonable accommodation ordinance, Hobo Day street closure, budget season, and downtown safety). Mayor Niemeyer also reported on a BMU meeting regarding water issues and a potential new irrigation water source for the golf course from existing wells, which is under review.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 24-095 – Change Order for Bridge Replacement (Western Avenue) – City Engineer Charlie Richter presented a change order of $21,670 (13% increase) for removal of old concrete roadway and additional asphalt replacement. The original contract was $166,489.94. The change order is within the engineer's estimate and funded from the storm drainage fund. The council approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 24-037 – First Reading of 2025 Appropriation Ordinance – Finance Director Ashley Rynch presented the 2025 budget, showing a $2.8 million increase over 2024, driven by capital projects and TIFs. Sales tax growth is projected at 7.3% based on 2023 actuals with 2.2% CPI growth. General fund revenues are projected at $21.9 million (47% from sales tax, 19% from property tax). Capital improvement plan expenditures total $14 million. New staff additions include a master mechanic and an associate planner. The second reading and adoption is scheduled for November 12, 2024. No action was taken (first reading only).
• Ordinance 24-036 – Second Reading and Action on Budget Amendment No. 9 to the 2024 Budget – This amendment increases the landfill contracting services budget by $30,000 for additional tire recycling needed to comply with permit limits. Public Works Director John Thompson noted the increase is due to more individual tire disposals, not bulk imports. The ordinance was approved unanimously.
• Public Hearing – On-Off Sale Malt License for Kwik Star #1718 – The council opened and closed the public hearing. Representative Joel Stewart stated the store will open December 27, 2024. The license was approved unanimously.
• Public Hearing – Resolution 24-092 – On-Off Sale Wine Operating Agreement for Kwik Star #1718 – The council opened and closed the public hearing. The resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into the agreement was approved unanimously.
• Resolution 24-076 – Adoption of the Downtown Brookings Master Plan (Tabled Item) – The council voted to remove the item from the table. Assistant City Manager Samantha Beckman and consultant Corey Scott (RDG Planning and Design) presented the plan. Over 500 comments were received through four public open houses, an online map, and stakeholder meetings. The plan is intended as a living roadmap for the next 10 years, focusing on five key purposes: stimulate private development, establish downtown as a place to live, create a signature gathering space, improve access/circulation, and strengthen downtown as a destination. Catalyst projects include the armory building reuse, development of the 72-hour parking lot, and a downtown park. Funding sources discussed include a Business Improvement District (BID), tax increment financing, philanthropy, and grants. Councilmember Specker asked about property owner involvement; staff noted extensive outreach. Councilmember Avery raised concerns about the BID and was assured it would be business/property owner-led. Councilmember Wendell noted the plan provides a venue for community ideas and addresses safety concerns. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Resolution 24-094 – Transfer of Budget Authority Between Departments and Funds – This resolution transfers $20,000 for emerald ash borer remediation, $1,000 for a communication board at Fishback Park, and a transfer from the building sinking fund for a facility maintenance pilot program. Net zero effect. Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 24-091 – Special Assessments for Snow Removal and Lawn Care – The city has 11 properties with outstanding invoices totaling $3,065 (10 for lawn care, 1 for snow removal). The resolution allows adding these amounts to the 2025 property tax roll. Approved unanimously.
• Preliminary Plat – Lot 1, Block 1, Moriarty Edgebrook Second Addition – A 2.34-acre commercial lot at the northwest quadrant of 22nd Avenue and 20th Street South. The planning commission recommended approval. Approved unanimously.
• City of Brookings Progress Report – Assistant City Manager Samantha Beckman provided updates: University Boulevard and 22nd Avenue sewer improvements completed; street maintenance overlay substantially completed; Western Avenue Bridge replaced; parallel taxiway project at airport underway (completion fall 2025); BMU's 34th Avenue project expected November 2024; solid waste master plan implementation; Leech 8 Force Main design progressing; landfill parking lot completed; police department conducted DUI checks, hosted DEA drug take-back (October 26), and held a compliance meeting for alcohol vendors; parks and recreation winterizing, activity center membership drive, Dakota Nature Park trail work, and tree plantings 50% complete; library movable wall installation scheduled; Dakota Bank Center hosted 14 event days in October.

Key Outcomes

• Approved unanimously: Consent agenda items (minutes, surplus property, special meeting date).
• Approved unanimously: Resolution 24-095 (change order for bridge replacement).
• First reading only: Ordinance 24-037 (2025 appropriation ordinance); second reading and action on November 12, 2024.
• Approved unanimously: Ordinance 24-036 (budget amendment No. 9).
• Approved unanimously: Malt license and wine operating agreement for Kwik Star #1718.
• Approved unanimously: Resolution 24-076 (Downtown Brookings Master Plan).
• Approved unanimously: Resolution 24-094 (budget transfers).
• Approved unanimously: Resolution 24-091 (special assessments for snow/lawn care).
• Approved unanimously: Preliminary plat for Moriarty Edgebrook Second Addition.
• Future discussion: Councilmember Specker requested a study session on zoning (planned development vs. overlay districts) and potentially tax increment financing (TIFF) at a later date. The council voted unanimously to schedule this session.