Brookings City Planning Commission Meeting - December 2, 2025

The City Planning Commission held a meeting on December 2, 2025, to review three main agenda items: a petition for annexation, a conditional use permit for a crushing facility, and the election of officers for the 2026 term. All members were present except Mr. Heinrich, who joined via phone. The commission approved the agenda and minutes from the previous November meeting before proceeding to public hearings and final votes on the major items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the November 4, 2025 meeting.
• Approved the agenda for the December 2, 2025 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Andrew Ostrine (Applicant/Owner of Austrian Investments LLC): Expressed that the application was a formality to comply with a new city ordinance passed earlier in the year. Stated that operations have historically been the same for nearly five years, described as "business as usual," and noted that crushing occurs infrequently (approx. once a year for a week or ten days). Denied that the proposal involves increased traffic volume compared to current conditions.
• Adam Porter (Resident of Porter's Bait Farm): Expressed that he is not opposed to the business making a living but raised significant concerns regarding dust and noise impacting his family's residence. Specifically noted that when winds blow from the west or northwest, dust travels directly to his home during the 7-to-10-day crushing window when traffic volume exceeds 10 trucks per day. Inquired if there are stipulations preventing operations during unfavorable wind conditions.
• Dennis Walping (Resident kitty-corner to the site): Characterized the applicant as a "good neighbor" but voiced concerns primarily about dust control and noise. Noted that trucks entering the site on the highway do not appear to obey speed limits or stop signs, creating a safety issue. Expressed hope that crushing is not continuous and suggested sealing driveways to prevent dust tracking. Did not state total opposition but emphasized the need for better safety and dust management.
• Mike (Commission Member): Provided context on best practices, noting that in South Dakota, wind is frequent and higher speeds are not recommended for crushing. Emphasized the necessity of utilizing water spray on materials and stockpiles to minimize dust and prevent filtering off-site.

Discussion Items

• Annexation of Block One, Mills Third Edition: Staff reported that Access Holdings LLC submitted a petition for 3.1 acres contiguous to the city limits in a Phase Two priority annexation area. The proposal includes access to water, but sewer service would require a lift station, and access is controlled by DOT. A subsequent rezone to Business B2 is anticipated. The development review team expressed support for the request.
• Conditional Use Permit for Crushing Facility: Staff recommended approval for Austrian Investments LLC to operate a concrete, asphalt, and rock crushing facility in the I-1 Light District in compliance with Ordinance 2515. The proposal includes conditions: mandatory setbacks of 100 feet from property lines/ROW, specific operating hours (7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Sat for adjacent industrial/ag), a site plan, dust management plan, drainage plan, and traffic plan. The applicant has historically operated this site. Staff noted the applicant's plan includes postponing operations if weather factors cause dust uncontrollably affecting neighbors.
  • Recourse for Neighbors: The commission discussed neighbor recourse. Staff noted that if operations violate the approved dust control plan, the city could send an inspector, issue a violation, or order shut-down/adjustments. It was clarified that the city does not enforce specific EPA regulations directly but relies on state permitting requirements (South Dakota Dept. of Environmental Quality) for dust emissions, which are a condition of the state permit the facility holds.
  • Noise and Operations Clarification: Andrew Ostrine clarified that the equipment has water spray capabilities, and while past contractors did not always utilize them, new contractors will be required to do so. He stated that traffic impact is irrelevant to the voting scope as the volume aligns with existing contractor operations, occurring in accumulation cycles (1-10 days) rather than daily events.
  • Operational Frequency: Commission members discussed that operations are not continuous daily activities but rather intermittent cycles depending on material volume, often utilizing a crusher for a week or two every few months or years to process stockpiled concrete or gravel.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Approve Annexation: Passed unanimously (9-0). The annexation of Block One, Mills Third Edition is approved and forwarded to the City Commission.
• Motion to Approve Conditional Use Permit: Passed unanimously (9-0). The permit to operate the concrete/asphalt/rock crushing facility is approved with the stipulations regarding dust control, operating hours, and setbacks as outlined in the application and staff report.
• Election of Officers: The committee's nominations for Chair (Jacob Limmer) and Vice Chair (Nick Schmeichel) were moved and seconded; nominations were approved. The meeting was adjourned.