Brookings City Council Meeting – February 25, 2025

The Brookings City Council held its regular meeting on February 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a resignation announcement, recognition of employees, a report on the economic development merger effort, approval of outside agency funding, first readings of ordinances, a public hearing to repeal the No Mow May designation, approval of two resolutions creating Tax Increment Financing District #17 and its project plan, and naming of two streets in the Brookings Marketplace development. All actions were approved unanimously except where noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda including minutes from February 11 and 18, 2025, Resolution 25-017 (Bridge Reinspection Program), Resolution 25-018 (removing uncollectible accounts), property tax abatement for 125 Jefferson Avenue, temporary alcohol licenses, and cancellation of the March 18 study session. (Unanimous)

Presentations & Reports

• Councilmember Resignation: Councilmember Andrew Rasmussen announced his resignation effective February 28, 2025, due to a new job outside the community. He thanked the city and community for the opportunity to serve. Mayor Niemeyer presented him with a flag in recognition of his service, highlighting his involvement in many projects including downtown incentives, Hillcrest Park pickleball courts, and the I-29 interchange.
• Employee Service Awards: Human Resources Director Casey Bill presented recognition of city employees who reached longevity milestones in 2024, including Bonnie Foster (20 years), Pat Aman (25 years), and many others. A total of 20 employees were recognized.
• SDSU Student Association Report: Claire Kenneke reported on recent Senate outreach week activities and upcoming elections on March 25-26, with 22 senator positions and two presidential/vice-presidential tickets.
• Economic Development Merger Committee Update: Councilmember Wendell provided an update on the 15‑member committee merging the Chamber of Commerce, BEDC, Downtown Brookings, and Visit Brookings. Key points: the merger is not a city takeover or cost-saving measure but aims to maximize resources and sustainability. The committee has conducted staff interviews and analyzed peer cities (Laramie, Yankton, Rapid City, Mankato, Burlington, Ames). Next steps: all-staff forum in late March, stakeholder forum, then a draft implementation plan to be presented to council in April/May for approval and inclusion in the 2026 budget. A landing page at growtogetherbrookings.com contains updates.

Funding Requests

• 2025 Outside Agency Funding: City Manager Paul Briseno presented the recommended distribution of $263,715 in social service agency funding, based on a rubric by United Way. Priorities: food security and rental assistance. Total requests were $473,500. United Way Director Heidi Gullickson answered questions: rental assistance can be used through Salvation Army funds; the need exceeds available dollars. Councilmember Doran and Tilton Byrne expressed appreciation for the process. The motion to approve was unanimous.

Ordinance First Readings

• Ordinance 25-007 – Budget Amendment No. 1: Finance Director Ashley Runch presented the ordinance carrying forward 2024 budgeted amounts. General fund carry‑forward of ~$700,000 (including $350,000 for Shady Acres remediation, $85,000 for retirement payout contingency). CIP fund carries forward $7.3 million. Special revenue funds include $251,000 for Dakota Bank Center projects, $201,000 for drainage. Enterprise funds carry forward $4.3 million. Second reading scheduled March 11.
• Ordinance 25-006 – Conditional Use Permit for Gunsmithing Business: Mike Struck presented a major home occupation CUP at 1630 Olwien Street for a gunsmithing business in a detached garage. Planning commission recommended 8‑0, development review team and police support. Conditions: valid for applicant only, non‑transferable, proof of state/federal permits every three years. Second reading/public hearing March 11.
• Ordinance 25-005 – Rezone in Joint Jurisdiction Area: Rezone from Joint Jurisdiction Agriculture to Business B-3 Heavy for two outlots south of 36th Street near Main Avenue. Planning commission unanimous recommendation. Joint meeting with Brookings County Commission tentatively scheduled for March 11 at 5:30 PM.

Public Hearings & Second Readings

• Ordinance 25-004 – Repeal of No Mow May: Second reading and action to remove the "No Mow May" designation. Sustainability Council Vice Chair Albert Peten presented: the program increased awareness but caused issues with invasive species, aesthetics, and enforcement. Alternative pollinator‑friendly strategies will be pursued. Councilmember Doran noted positive awareness from student discussions. Motion to approve passed unanimously.
• Item 9B (Commercial Corridor Design Review) was removed from the agenda.

Other Business

• Resolution 25-019 – Creation of TIF District #17: Mike Struck presented the district boundaries along 6th Street and Campanile Avenue, including a vacant parcel and properties north of Bank Star. The project will include approximately 198 housing units, classified as economic development TIF by the Department of Revenue due to commercial components. Planning commission recommended 6‑1. Council approved unanimously.
• Resolution 25-020 – Approval of TIF #17 Project Plan: Eligible project costs up to $9.48 million, though actual request is lower. Public improvements include widening Campanile Avenue with a median from 7th to 6th Street, funded through a public‑private partnership with SDSU. The developer will be reimbursed on a pay‑as‑you‑go basis. Toby Morris of Collier Securities explained the legality of SDSU benefiting from TIF revenue and that the city bears no risk. Council approved unanimously, with a future development agreement to be brought forward.
• Resolution 25-013 – Naming of Streets in Brookings Marketplace: Removed from table. Two streets: a public road from La Fever Drive to 32nd Avenue (named Market Street) and a private east‑west street between Aldi and Target (named Pasque Place, after the state flower). Councilmembers selected these names from a ranked list of five options. Approved unanimously.

City of Brookings Progress Report

• Assistant to the City Manager Samantha Beckman provided updates on volunteer board vacancies, downtown incentive applications due March 1, public works projects (street maintenance, drainage, shared‑use path), solid waste (e‑waste program, landfill improvements), police department seeking CALEA accreditation, parks/recreation (Frostfest events, skate park charrette March 4), library ASL class with waitlist, and Dakota Bank Center events. Notable: holiday light recycling collected 1,436 pounds.

Council Member Introductions

• No topics were introduced for future discussion. The next regular meeting is March 11, 2025, with a joint jurisdiction meeting at 5:30 PM.

Adjournment

• Meeting adjourned.