Brookings City Council Meeting Summary - November 25, 2025

The City Council of Brookings convened for a regular meeting on November 25, 2025, with six members present and Councilmember Wendell absent. The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, a brief executive session regarding personnel qualifications, and the unanimous approval of the consent calendar. Key discussions focused on the launch of a new mass notification system to improve public safety communications, several zoning and election ordinance introductions, and the approval of budget amendments and a contract for a new splash pad project at Fishback Park.

Consent Calendar

• The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously after no public comments or council questions were raised regarding specific items.
• Council members verified that existing subscribers from the old "Notify Me" system were migrated to the new system, though residents were encouraged to log in to update preferences.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Comment on Agenda: No public comments were solicited prior to the execution of the agenda items.
• Public Comment on Consent Items: No public comment was solicited on the consent calendar items.
• Public Comment on Zoning: No public comments were solicited or recorded for Item 9A (Rezoning), Item 9B (Conditional Use Permit), or Item 9C (Down Zoning).
• Public Feedback on Election Dates: Councilmember Hager reported that citizens and the Brookings Register had raised significant concerns regarding the logistics of municipal elections, specifically the potential lack of county assistance and the high cost of purchasing voting equipment (poll pads, tabulators) if a separate municipal election were held. Councilmember Hager expressed support for the City Clerk's updated inquiry confirming the county may still provide assistance and equipment.

Discussion Items

• New Mass Notification System Presentation: Public Information Officer Sherry presented the transition from the legacy "Notify Me" system to a new multi-channel mass notification platform.

  • Positions & Questions:
    • Councilmember Duran expressed full support for the transition, noting the ease of use and multiple sign-up methods (text, app, website) would benefit the public.
    • Councilmember Specker appreciated the historical context of the transition and the clarity provided regarding duplicate notifications (ensuring users are not double-notified).
    • Councilmember Avery publicly thanked the staff for their hard work over nine to ten months.
    • Various council questions focused on the migration process, the integration with IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning System) for reaching non-subscribers, and the potential for temporary sign-ups during large events like the Arts Festival.
    • Clarification: It was confirmed that the new system includes unlimited subscribers without extra fees, offers automatic translation in 70+ languages, and allows voice messages for emergency alerts only. The city plans to work with the county to integrate IPAWS for reaching non-subscribers during imminent threats.

• Ordinance 25-039 (Rezoning - 9A): First reading for rezoning a parcel at Tel Camp Industrial Park from I1R to I1.

  • Description: The property is owned by the city and is approximately 880 feet from Interstate 29. The change removes enhanced landscaping requirements and lot coverage restrictions.
  • Positions: Staff stated the change provides flexibility similar to neighboring properties. The Planning Commission gave a unanimous recommendation in support. No opposition was noted.

• Ordinance 25-040 (Conditional Use Permit - 9B): First reading for a counseling office in an R2 residence at 709 Main Avenue.

  • Description: A historic 1889 structure (not in a historic district) is proposed for conversion to a counseling practice with three office suites and a non-transferable condition.
  • Positions: Staff noted the planning commission recommended approval with conditions (max three suites, non-transferable) to maintain neighborhood character. Councilmember Specker inquired about the building's historical status (confirmed not historic) and the proximity to other CUPs. Councilmember Duran asked about ADA accessibility, and staff confirmed plans for an accessible ramp.

• Ordinance 25-041 (Down Zoning - 9C): First reading for rezoning a 30-acre parcel at 1115 West 20th St from R3 (apartment) to R1A (single family).

  • Description: Developers (TH companies) seek to down zone to allow for larger lot sizes (minimum 15,000 sq ft, 100 ft frontage) to accommodate 12-15 lots with varying acreages.
  • Positions: Staff explained the change aligns with the developers' goal for a small-acreage single-family development. No opposition was noted.

• Ordinances 25-037 & 25-038 (Election Dates - 9D/9E): First reading to set the 2026 election date as either June or November.

  • Positions & Discussion:
    • Councilmember Hager raised concerns based on a recent article regarding the county's inability to assist with elections, potentially forcing the city to purchase expensive equipment. However, an updated statement indicated the county might still assist.
    • City Clerk Bonnie Foster noted that a decision by December 9th is critical to meet vacancy notice deadlines. No updated costs were available yet as quotes are still being sought.
    • Senator Reed stated that while the legislation was passed to encourage voter turnout in regular elections (June/November), local logistics vary and should be determined by the cities and counties.

• Ordinance 25-036 (Budget Amendment - 10A): Second reading to transfer $38,000 to support the Fishback Park splash pad project due to bid amounts exceeding the budget.

  • Discussion: Councilmember Duran inquired why the bid ($688,000) exceeded the budget ($650,000). Finance Director Ashley Wrench attributed the increase primarily to tariffs on splash pad components, noting no U.S.-made splash pads exist.

• Resolution 25-088 (Splash Pad Project - 11): Approval to build a splash pad at the Fishback Soccer Complex.

  • Positions:
    • Parks and Rec Director Kristen Zimmerman detailed the inclusive design for various ages and abilities.
    • Councilmember Duran expressed full support, highlighting the community benefits of splash pads for family connection and child development.
    • Staff confirmed that operation training and maintenance costs are standard due to existing aquatics expertise and the use of app-based controls (HydroApp).

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Executive Session: Council voted unanimously to enter and proceed in an executive session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2.1 and 1-25-2.4.
• Approved Consent Agenda: The consent calendar was approved without amendment.
• Approved Budget Amendment: Ordinance 25-036 was approved (Roll Call: 6-0) to transfer funds for the Fishback Park splash pad project.
• Approved Splash Pad Resolution: Resolution 25-088 was approved (Roll Call: 6-0) to authorize the construction of the Fishback Park splash pad, with installation planned for Spring 2026.
• First Readings Ordered: Items 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E (Rezoning, Conditional Use Permit, Down Zoning, and Election Dates) were introduced and scheduled for public hearing and second reading at the December 9th meeting.
• Next Steps Referred:
  • Election Logistics: City staff will continue to seek cost quotes for voting equipment and coordinate with the county to finalize election administration details for the June or November 2026 date.
  • IPAWS Integration: Public Information Officer Sherry will work with the Deputy Police Chief and county officials to integrate IPAWS for reaching non-subscribers.
  • Temporary Event Alerts: Staff will investigate creating temporary alert sign-up options for large community events.
  • Data Gathering: Staff will follow up on the results of the Chicago concert and the success metrics of the DEA drug take-back event.