Brookings City Council Regular Meeting – December 10, 2024

The Brookings City Council met on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Six council members were present (Councilmember Wendell absent). The meeting covered consent items, presentations, a development agreement with Solventum, two public hearings (special event alcohol license and street naming), and reconsideration of a liquor license renewal.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda, minutes from November 26, 2024, and three resolutions: Resolution 24-110 (declaring surplus property), Resolution 24-105 (awarding bid for Brookings Regional Landfill Hay Land Lease), and Resolution 24-106 (awarding bid for Brookings Regional Landfill Leachate Hauling). All passed unanimously without discussion.

Presentations & Reports

• SDSU Student Association (Claire Kennicky): Reported finals week Dec 12–18, spring semester starts Jan 13, legislative session preparations, and updates on the Beta app. No questions from council.
• Ex-Officio Reports (Councilmember Bonnie Specker for Utility Board): Utility Board discussed wastewater strategic priorities (surface water discharge permits, sewer moratorium, ratepayer protections), water treatment plant (substantial completion Oct 2025, final May 2026), lead line replacements (all but one completed), bids for six new wells, and BMU participation in a rain garden initiative (up to $12,000 for 2025). Telecom update on Next Generation 911 transition. Electric update on large generators for the grid.

Discussion Items

• Action: Development Agreement with Solventum – City Manager Paul Briseno presented. The $220 million expansion includes an 8,000-slot warehouse, 16 shipping docks, and 46 new jobs. The development agreement provides $3.5 million in TIF reimbursement, with performance requirements tied to the 46 jobs. The city also expects $2.6 million in sales tax revenue and $900,000 in TIF. Jim Burkhard, Solventum site director, thanked the council and noted the expansion is the largest manufacturing site for the company, with two additional product lines added since the expansion began. In response to questions, he clarified that 46 jobs are new, net of about 20 employees absorbed from a previous product line departure. Councilmember Tilton Byrne expressed overall support for the TIF but voted no due to dissatisfaction with certain details and timeline. The motion passed 6-1 (Tilton Byrne dissenting).

Public Hearings & Second Readings

• Special Event / Temporary Alcoholic Beverage License – St. Thomas More Catholic School – Request for a Winter Gala and Grand Auction on February 1, 2025, at 1700 8th Street South. Staff recommended approval. No public comments. Council approved unanimously.

• Street Naming: Pioneer Park Road – MLK Jr. Way – Josh Bowman (Parks, Recreation, Forestry) presented. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted 4-1 to recommend naming the road within Pioneer Park, with costs ($600) covered by the Parks General Supplies Fund. Public comments included:

  • Thomas Reynolds (SDSU student, 302 Cedar Ave): Read a 2022 letter to the mayor proposing the name, noting South Dakota has no street named after Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Jay Moloch (Brookings resident): Emphasized the name should be “Martin Luther King Jr.” and shared the historical significance of the Green Book, which included a Brookings address.
  • Edward Patterson (SDSU student, former cryptologic technician): Supported the naming, calling it a profile of courage.
  • Diane Nagy (Human Rights Commission chair): Endorsed the naming as a cost-effective and enduring symbol of inclusivity.
  • Thomas Reynolds (closing): Chose Pioneer Park because Dr. King was a pioneer for civil and human rights. Councilmember Tilton Byrne moved to amend the motion to include “Jr.” in the name, which was accepted. The resolution passed unanimously.

• Reconsideration of Liquor License Renewal – Park Hospitality (LaCantina Restaurant) – The annual on-sale convention liquor license renewal had failed on November 26, 2024. Clerk Bonnie Foster explained that the South Dakota Department of Revenue had not received compliance check reports for 2022, so they would only consider 2023 and 2024 violations (two in 24 months). However, the council could consider all three violations if they chose. The motion to reconsider passed unanimously. Public comment: Lance Park (Brookings Inn owner) apologized and outlined new measures: ending half-price margarita specials, increasing ID scanners to six, two hosts on busy nights, arm bands/stamps in bar area, mandatory alcohol training, and immediate termination for serving underage patrons. Council discussion centered on the seriousness of three violations, but members expressed confidence in the new measures. The renewal was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Solventum Development Agreement: Approved 6-1 (Tilton Byrne vote no).
• St. Thomas More Special Event License: Approved unanimously.
• Street Naming – MLK Jr. Way: Approved unanimously (amended to include “Jr.”).
• Liquor License Renewal – LaCantina: Approved unanimously after reconsideration.
• Next Meeting: December 17, 2024, with executive session at 5:00 PM and study session at 5:30 PM, including reports on emerald ash borer, soccer park playground, and other items.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned after council member introductions of future topics.