Brookings City Council Regular Meeting - October 14, 2025

The Brookings City Council met on October 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Deputy Mayor Nick Wendell presided, with Mayor Oepke Niemeyer absent. All council members were present. The meeting covered a consent agenda, presentations, a public hearing on a rezoning, and a future discussion item on scooter safety.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the City Council meeting minutes from September 23, 2025.
• Approved Resolution 25-075 authorizing the City Manager to sign an On-Sale Liquor Operating Agreement renewal for Gonz Productions, Inc., dba Main Street Pub, Garner Hansen, owner, 408 Main Avenue, Brookings.
• Approved appointments to the Brookings Health System Board of Trustees: Lynn Darnall and Don Greiner.
• Approved Temporary Alcohol / Special Event Alcoholic Beverage Licenses from existing license holders.
• All consent items were approved unanimously by roll call vote.

Announcements

• Deputy Mayor Wendell announced that Aldi will open in the marketplace on Thursday, November 20, 2025, with a ribbon cutting at 8:30 AM.

Presentations & Reports

• Proclamation: National Disability Employment Awareness Month – Deputy Mayor Wendell proclaimed October 2025 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, marking the 80th anniversary. Mark Sternhagen from the Disability Awareness Committee spoke, emphasizing the contributions of disabled workers and noting that "most disabled want to work." He invited the council to an event on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at SDSU Student Union featuring speaker Billy Sutton on leadership and disabilities. He also reminded that October 24 is World Polio Day, sharing his personal experience with polio due to missing the vaccine.
• Introduction of New and Promoted Employees – Public Works Director John Thompson introduced Josh McLean, promoted to Assistant Street Manager (17 years with the city). Police Chief Michael Drake introduced new Executive Coordinator Midge Christensen (30 years of experience, not present) and swore in Deputy Police Chief Ryan Baranios, who previously served with Maricopa County Sheriff's Department (24 years) and as a police captain in Estes Park, Colorado. City Manager Paul Briseno introduced the new Deputy City Manager Johnny (last name not given), selected from 65 applicants, who oversees finance, community development, parks, and fire.
• SDSU Student Association Report – Anna Hunt, Government Affairs Chair, reported on Senior Day (460 students), new registered organizations (National Society of Black Engineers, Bison Club, Art Club), participation in Bumamil, and the Board of Regents housing and meal plan survey. She noted the new name for OMAA is the Student Activity or Student Engagement Center.
• Council Ex-Officio Reports – Councilmember Avery reported on the Brookings Municipal Utility (BMU) meeting: the 34th Avenue water treatment plant substantial completion date (Oct 13, 2025) is delayed, but a ribbon cutting for officials is set for December 3, 2025, with a community open house in early summer 2026. An agreement for BMU to supply raw water for golf course watering was finalized. Billing statement changes will appear soon. Councilmember Hager reported on the Brookings Health System Board of Trustees meeting (Sept 29): discussion on potential government shutdown (short-term okay), participation in rural health transformation program funding (fiscal years 2026-2030), and progress on EPIC electronic health system including ethical AI use.
• Economic Development Merger Committee – Deputy Mayor Wendell reported that the committee is preparing for a January 1, 2026 merger of the Economic Development Corporation, Chamber of Commerce, Visit Brookings, and Downtown Brookings. A consulting firm is leading the search for a president/CEO. A branding effort and budgeting are underway.
• Downtown at Sundown Annual Report – This item was postponed as the Chamber of Commerce staff was not present.

Public Hearing & Action

• Ordinance 25-032 – Public hearing on a rezoning of approximately 54 acres (west half of NW quarter, Section 20, Township 110, Range 49) from Agriculture (A) to Light Industrial (I-1). Community Development Director Mike Strook presented, noting consistency with the comprehensive plan and unanimous recommendation from the Planning Commission. No public comment. The council approved the ordinance unanimously by roll call vote.

Future Discussion Items

• Councilmember Avery raised safety concerns from the Indian Hills Homeowners Association about motorized scooters and bicycles on trails and streets, particularly youth operating scooters at high speeds. A motion to add this topic to a future study session, including potential education and signage, passed unanimously by roll call vote. The study session is scheduled for October 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• National Disability Employment Awareness Month proclaimed.
• Deputy Police Chief Ryan Baranios sworn in.
• Ordinance 25-032 (rezoning) adopted unanimously.
• Future discussion on motorized scooter safety on pathways and streets approved for a study session.
• Next regular meeting: October 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM.