Brookings City Council Meeting - October 28, 2025

The City Council of Brookings convened for its October 28, 2025, meeting to review the agenda, approve consent items, and hear reports and resolutions. Key topics included the 10th anniversary of the "Downtown at Sundown" festival, updates on labor agreements with Teamster Local Union 120, the first reading of the 2026 appropriations budget, zoning changes for business purposes, and various municipal infrastructure projects.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the 2026 appropriations ordinance (Ordinance 25-034) as the first reading on the schedule.
• Approved the resolution authorizing special assessments for unpaid lawn care invoices totaling $3,213.40 on three properties.
• Approved the transfer of $24,000 from the City Manager's contingency fund to the Street Division for mosquito control due to exhausted budget reserves.
• Approved the preliminary plat for seven industrial lots in the Northeast Hansen Addition, recommended unanimously by the Planning Commission.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilmember Hager stated that while he does not personally benefit from budget items impacting South Dakota State University (SDSU), he raised a concern regarding potential conflict of interest given his role as an assistant professor and pre-law advisor, affirming his belief that he can participate fairly. He noted no direct allocation to his academic unit.
• Councilmember Specker expressed concern regarding the historically high overtime costs for police officers before asking about the new overtime cap's integration into the budget.
• Councilmember Specker inquired about the reasons for the mosquito control budget overrun, specifically questioning if the season was exponentially buggy.
• Councilmember Dern questioned the specific allocation of former tobacco grant funding for mosquito control and whether it was restricted to supplies only.

Discussion Items

• Downtown at Sundown Report: Ashley Rynsch presented the 2026 festival results, noting a 14% attendance increase to 17,898 people, attributed to a schedule shift earlier in the summer to avoid school conflicts. She highlighted the success of on-campus groups like SCSU Athletics and the College of Engineering in driving engagement. The event sold out vendor spaces and netted a profit of $14,587.
• Teamster Union Agreements: HR Director Casey Bell presented the 2025-2027 agreements for Police and General City Employees. Both contracts include a 2.5% cost of living adjustment and up to a 2% merit increase for 2026. Police overtime thresholds are capped at 84 hours per bi-weekly period to manage costs. Councilmember Specker confirmed that the overtime adjustments are reflected in the 2026 budget estimates.
• 2026 Budget Overview: Finance Director Ashley Rynch presented Ordinance 25-034. The proposed budget totals $72,527,765, a decrease of approximately $642,000 (1%) from the 2025 adopted budget. Key allocations include $4.5 million for street maintenance, $1 million each for the SDSU Performing Arts Center and Brookings Health System, and $700,000 for Fire Engine 3 replacement.
• Zoning and Conditional Use: Community Development Director Mike Struck presented two items: (1) A conditional use permit for a small office in a residence (R2) at 717 and 719 Main Avenue, with a condition that the permit is non-transferable; and (2) A rezoning of the former fraternity property at 213 West Highway 14 bypass from R3 to B3 (Heavy Business) to allow for a potential hotel/motel, consistent with the future land use map.
• Mosquito Control Update: Public Works Director John Thompson explained the budget overrun, citing a "perfect climate" for mosquitoes and the loss of a $9,000 state tobacco grant that previously supported supplies. He noted the city consumed $71,000 of inventory against a $70,000 budget and is carrying over $39,000 of inventory for the next year.
• Police Station Community Meeting: Councilmember Paul Wendell emphasized the importance of the upcoming public meetings on November 3rd regarding the new police station site near Maderi Elementary, urging community attendance.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Approval of the 2025-2027 Police Union agreement (120) and the General City Employees Union agreement (120), both including the specified salary adjustments and overtime caps.
• Unanimous Approval of the special assessment resolution for lawn care ($3,213.40) and the contingency fund transfer for mosquito control ($24,000).
• Unanimous Approval of the preliminary plat for the Northeast Hansen Addition industrial lots.
• Motion to Adjourn: Council moved to adjourn the meeting, noting the next scheduled meeting for November 18, 2025, where Deputy Mayor Wendell will preside.
• Next Steps: The 2026 budget and Fee Schedule are scheduled for second reading and adoption on November 18, 2025. Community meetings regarding the new police station are set for November 3rd.