Brookings City Council Meeting Summary - January 13, 2026

The Brookings City Council convened on January 13, 2026, at 12:00:00 UTC to approve the agenda, hear public testimony regarding automated license plate readers, and review various reports and ordinance introductions. Six of seven council members were present, with Councilmember Wendell absent. The meeting proceeded through routine business items, public comments on surveillance technology, and multiple first and second readings on city codes and leases, culminating in the unanimous approval of several resolutions and ordinaces.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6-0) after a roll call vote. No items were removed from the consent agenda, and no public comments were recorded regarding these routine items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Greg Jorgensen (Aurora resident/Livestock Security Community Member):
  • Position: Expressed fundamental opposition to the current implementation and selection of the private vendor (Flock Safety Group) for automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in Brookings.
  • Concerns:
    • Highlighted that the system logs every vehicle passing, not just suspects.
    • Questioned the effectiveness of the system, specifically asking for data on the ratio of arrests versus the volume of vehicles logged, predicting a low significant arrest rate.
    • Inquired which other agencies have access to the collected data.
    • Noted a lack of clarity from the Police Department regarding the justification for the system's necessity.
    • Raised concerns regarding potential liability the city may face by utilizing this system.
  • City Response: The Mayor indicated the City Manager would follow up on these questions.

Discussion Items

• BMU (Brookings Municipal Utilities) Report (Presented by Bonnie):
  • Discussed electric reliability figures, noting BMU performs far below municipal averages regarding outages due to underground infrastructure.
  • Noted receipt of a diamond designation from American Power and $122,000 in energy efficiency rebates.
  • Reported on the solar project (operational summer 2026) and new wells. The water tower on 6th Street was committed for removal by July 1st.
  • Mentioned telecommunications surpassed 5,100 subscribers and is working toward 10-gigabit infrastructure.
• Brookings Health System Report (Presented by Councilmember Hager):
  • Discussed the transition to the EPIC portal and the ethical use of AI for transcription and treatment planning.
  • Noted that 30 NARCAN kits have been taken from community boxes with no reports on successful uses to date.
  • Addressed concerns regarding the Governor's FY27 budget proposal which included a 0% increase for healthcare, creating a need to navigate potential funding shortfalls while maintaining quality.
• Ordinance 26-001 (Excavation Permit Revision - Presented by Charlie Richter):
  • Proposed replacing the current excavation permit with a "right-of-way work permit" to establish clarity, penalties, and licensing requirements for contractors.
  • Key Provisions:
    • Fines for unpermitted work: $250 (1st offense), $500 (2nd), $1,000 (3rd).
    • A nominal $35 fee to recover administration costs.
    • Required workmen's compensation, bonding, and insurance.
    • Elimination of the separate "plumbing license" requirement for right-of-way work, which is to be addressed in a subsequent item.
  • Council Position:
    • Councilmember Specker questioned liability for repairs; City Engineer confirmed contractors are currently responsible, but the new bond/insurance provides protection against failures.
    • Councilmember Hager asked if the permit is common; Richter confirmed it is standard across many South Dakota municipalities and aligns with industry standards.
• Ordinance 26-002 (Plumbing Ordinance Amendment - Presented by Charlie Richter):
  • Proposed eliminating Chapter 22, Article 3 (plumbing licensing). Since the state assumed responsibility for permitting and inspection since 1970, the city license is solely used to require proof of state licensure and bonding for right-of-way work.
  • Staff recommends adopting the state plumbing code as a reference in the building code to eliminate confusion.
• Resolution 25-01-106 (Landfill Farmland Lease - Presented by Charlie Kuhn):
  • Discussed the intent to lease 115 acres of farmland north of the landfill.
  • Status: Dave Burns of White, South Dakota submitted the highest responsive bid of $326/acre (approx. 5% higher than the next bid).
  • Terms: Five-year lease with an annual escalator; no renewable option; crops allowed, livestock prohibited.
• Ordinance 25-046 (Concrete/Asphalt Crushing Facility - Presented by Mike Strucker):
  • Discussed a conditional use permit for an existing contractor at 21625 471st Avenue to operate concrete/roock rock crushing as an accessory use.
  • Safety Measures: Operations scheduled based on wind conditions to minimize dust; use of sprayers on belts; stockpiling of spent material.
  • Community Impact: Traffic described as no different than current haulage operations.
  • Status: Received unanimous recommendation from the Planning Commission.
• Malt License Transfer (Tolf Golf - Presented by Bonnie Foster):
  • Discussed the transfer of an on-off sale malt license with video lottery authorization from the previous owner to Nick Pisek (current manager).
  • Status: Staff recommends approval.
• Future Agenda Item Request (Councilmember Doran):
  • Proposal: Requested to add the Dakota Bank Center to next week's study session to discuss the contract with OVG expiring at the end of the year and facility performance.
  • Vote: Motion to add the item was approved (6-0).

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 26-001: Received First Reading (No vote taken; moved to Second Reading).
• Ordinance 26-002: Received First Reading (No vote taken; moved to Second Reading).
• Resolution 25-01-106: Passed unanimously (6-0) to award the farm lease to Dave Burns at $326/acre for a five-year term.
• Ordinance 25-046: Passed unanimously (6-0) granting the conditional use permit for the crushing facility.
• Malt License Transfer: Passed unanimously (6-0) for the transfer to Nick Pisek.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after the roll call vote on the motion to adjourn.
• Next Steps: Second readings for Ordinances 26-001 and 26-002 are scheduled for January 27, 2026. A community meeting regarding volunteer board management is scheduled for January 20, 2026.