Brookings City Council Meeting – April 22, 2025

The Brookings City Council met on April 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting covered a broad agenda including recognition of retiring City Attorney Steve Britzman, a detailed update on the proposed economic development merger, a water sourcing plan for Edgebrook Golf Course, contract awards, annexations, land-use amendments, and the appointment of a new council member.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the April 15, 2025 meeting minutes.
• Approved various volunteer board appointments.
• Approved Resolution 25-044 declaring surplus property.
• Approved temporary alcohol/special event licenses. (All consent items passed unanimously on a roll-call vote.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Doug Smith (Brookings resident) expressed support for increasing the Edgebrook Golf Course capital improvement fee, noting the course's growth from 300 to 914 members in eight years. He also praised the acquisition of the Fifth Street Gym.
• Reggie Huff (Brookings resident) spoke against selecting Woods Fuller as city attorney, alleging unethical conduct, particularly regarding federal court practices and advising cities on police misconduct. He favored Cutler Law Firm instead.
• Zeno Wicks (Brookings resident) encouraged the council to include in the city attorney contract that travel time from Sioux Falls not be billed hourly. He also expressed disappointment at not being informed of a previous meeting.
• Larry Ersbro (Brookings resident and a candidate for the council vacancy) commented that the council made an excellent choice in appointing Dr. Lisa Hager.

Presentations & Reports

• Proclamation – Steve Britzman Day: Mayor Niemeyer read a proclamation honoring City Attorney Steve Britzman for 39 years of service, and declared April 22, 2025, as “Steve Britzman Day.” Britzman thanked the council and community.
• SDSU Student Association Report: Anna Hunt gave a brief update: senator-at-large elections were held, and commencement is May 10. No further questions.
• Economic Merger Update (Presented by Council Member Nick Wendell and Tom Fishback, co-chairs of the Economic Development Merger Committee):
  • The committee is developing an implementation plan to merge the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce, Brookings Economic Development Corporation, Visit Brookings, and Downtown Brookings.
  • Key stats: In FY25, the city invests approximately $858,000 into the four organizations (about $250,000 from pillow tax). Combined salary/benefits for 13 positions exceed $1.1 million; annual rent/office costs total $138,000; marketing $135,000; and over $500,000 in memberships/sponsorships.
  • Proposed structure: central board of directors (11 voting members: 5 at-large, 3 advisory council representatives, 3 partner designees from City of Brookings, Brookings County, and SDSU). A President/CEO will oversee four pillars: Business Development, Community Development, Destination Development, and shared services (operations, sales/data/marketing). Advisory councils will support each pillar.
  • Timeline: Board selection by June 16, President/CEO search in summer, new organization launch January 1, 2026.
  • Council will consider the full implementation plan on May 13, 2025, focusing on funding for 2026.
  • A public open house will be held on April 30, 2025, from 5:00–6:30 PM at McCrory Gardens Visitor Center.
• Edgebrook Golf Course Water Sourcing (Presented by Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director Kristen Zimmerman):
  • Explored multiple options; the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommends connecting to BMU’s raw water line over drilling a well south of the course due to redundancy and lower long-term maintenance.
  • Cost estimates: Construction ~$1.3 million; 10-year estimated cost includes water purchase. The alternative well option is ~$100,000 cheaper but lacks aquifer reliability.
  • Planned timeline: design this spring/summer, bid in fall, construction spring 2026, completion summer 2026. Pond lining (clay) and aeration fountains will be included.

Discussion Items

• Economic Merger: Council members asked about seasonal workload balance across pillars and how existing projects will transition. Staff assured that current missions continue through 2025 and that all staff are expected to take roles in the new organization.
• Edgebrook Water Sourcing: Council Member Doran asked about the break-even point for the higher-cost option (about 10 years) and confirmed the next step is to bring back an RFP for the recommended option. Council Member Avery noted that the idea for a BMU connection emerged from his ex-officio role on the BMU board.
• Sidewalk Café Ordinance (Second Reading): Discussion clarified that the removal of the 50% food requirement is not driven by state statute changes; it’s a local request. Council Member Wendell inquired about cross-referencing city ordinances with annual state legislative changes; staff reported they monitor alcohol-related legislation closely.
• City Attorney Selection: Council Member Wendell explained that Woods Fuller was selected based on their experience with similarly-sized municipalities, as presented in two public meetings. Council Members Specker and Doran appreciated both firms’ presentations and public feedback. The motion to select Woods Fuller passed unanimously.
• Council Vacancy Appointment: Council Member Wendell moved to appoint Dr. Lisa Hager, citing her service on the City Charter Review Commission, her understanding of city initiatives, and positive public feedback. Council Members Tilton Byrne and Doran noted the high volume of public input (Tilton Byrne counted Dr. Hager as receiving the most positive comments). The roll call vote was unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 25-034 (Airport hangar taxi lane extension): Approved; bid awarded to Bose Construction for $124,813.45, contingent on FAA funding (expected 95% federal, 2.5% state, 2.5% city). Completion by fall 2025.
• Resolution 25-038 (Asphalt material bid): Approved; awarded to Bose Construction for $89,630.
• Resolution 25-039 (Asphalt maintenance project): Approved; awarded to Bose Construction for $1,954,642.15 (30% below engineer’s estimate).
• Ordinance 25-012 (International Fire Code update): First reading held; second reading scheduled for May 13, 2025.
• Resolution 25-041 (Annexation of Clark 2nd Addition lots 1&2, 52.9 acres): Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 25-042 (2040 Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map amendment): Approved unanimously.
• Commercial Corridor Design Review (600 Main Avenue, Central Bank redevelopment): Approved with two exceptions (existing parking lot setback and artificial turf instead of living ground cover). Unanimous.
• Ordinance 25-011 (Sidewalk café alcohol sales): Second reading and approval; removes the requirement that 50% of sales be food. Approved unanimously.
• Revised Preliminary Plat (Reserve Fourth Addition, lots 2-3 Block 2 and Block 3): Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 25-029 (Edgebrook Golf Course capital improvement fee increase): Approved; fee will double from $30 to $50 for season passes (per nine-hole fee increases from $1 to $2, 18-hole from $2 to $4). Estimated additional annual revenue of $21,000.
• Resolution 25-030 (Lease to Ryan Companies): Approved month-to-month lease at $10/sq ft ($1,721.66/month) for office space at the research and technology center.
• Resolution 25-043 (Acquisition of Fifth Street Gym property from Brookings School District): Approved unanimously.
• City Attorney Selection: Woods Fuller (Vince Jones, lead attorney) selected as city attorney for 2025 on an hourly billing basis. Approved unanimously.
• Appointment of City Council Member: Dr. Lisa Hager appointed to fill the vacant council seat, effective May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026. Approved unanimously.