Brookings City Council Meeting - January 27, 2026

The Brookings City Council met on January 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM UTC. The meeting covered a range of topics including a new e-waste recycling program, several zoning changes, a property transfer to the Brookings Regional Humane Society, and a resolution selecting the site for the future police department facility. The council also received reports from the SDSU Student Association and city staff.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Todd Sumner (public commenter): Expressed concern about the Edgebrook Golf Course water project, noting that the lowest bid ($2.1 million) exceeds the allocated $1.3 million. Suggested starting pond liners now and getting a separate bid for liners. Said the city has been working on the water project for the last four or five years with no progress.
• Mark Stratton (lifelong Brookings resident, Edgebrook member): Asked staff not to raise membership fees until the water project is resolved, calling a fee increase a "slap in the face." Understood that staff is not proposing a membership fee increase this year.
• Brianna Johnson (Board President, Brookings Regional Humane Society): Expressed strong support for the property transfer, stating it would "open doors that are currently shut" to the shelter. Described the shelter's current capacity crisis: only nine dog kennels, consistently over capacity (especially with cats), and handling 750 animals per year in a facility designed for 550–600. A facility needs assessment projects demand will reach 1,000 animals per year within five to ten years. Urged council to approve the transfer.
• Luke Davidson (public commenter): Asked if rezoning a 3.1-acre residential (R3A) parcel to business (B2) would require the city to provide replacement land for manufactured housing. Mike Struck stated that no replacement is required.

Discussion Items

• SDSU Student Association Report: Anna Hunt reported that the Student Association attended Students for Higher Education Day at the Capitol, and their GAF reallocation survey is live (closes Friday, 86% of target reached). Government Affairs will discuss House Bill 1133, which would remove the permit requirement for concealed carry on campus.
• Ordinance 26-003 – E-Waste and Lithium Battery Disposal Ban: John Thompson (Public Works) presented a proposal to ban e-waste and lithium batteries from the Brookings Landfill. E-waste makes up an estimated 2.7% of landfill waste (≈1,620 tons/year in Brookings) and contains hazardous materials (cadmium, lead, arsenic). The ban aims to reduce landfill fires, save airspace, and increase sustainability. The program will launch in April with a one-week free amnesty event during spring bulky item pickup. E-waste will also be excluded from curbside collection (carts with e-waste will be tagged and not picked up). Councilmember Tilton Byrne suggested that removing e-waste from bulky item pickup could reduce staff time and potentially offset costs for an annual free drop-off. Second reading scheduled for February 10.
• Ordinance 26-004 – Rezoning from Agricultural to Industrial I-1 (51 acres east side): Mike Struck presented a rezoning for a 51-acre parcel near 6th Street and 34th Avenue. The property was recently annexed, and the rezoning to light industrial is consistent with the future land use map. Planning commission recommended approval unanimously (9-0). Second reading on February 10.
• Ordinance 26-005 – Rezoning from Residential R3A to Business B2 (3.1 acres near 20th Street South interchange): Rezoning to allow commercial development along the 20th Street South corridor. Planning commission recommended approval (9-0). No replacement land for manufactured housing is required. Second reading on February 10.
• Ordinance 26-001 – Right-of-Way Work Permit and Excavator License: Charlie Richter (City Engineer) presented a revision to establish a formal right-of-way permit, a warranty period of three years (reduced from five), and seasonal restrictions (April 15 to November 15). A $35 permit fee was introduced. Contractor feedback was positive. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-002 – Eliminating Plumbing License/Ordinance: A cleanup ordinance removing the local plumbing licensing requirement, which was redundant with state licensing. Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 26-013 – 2026 Park/Rec/Forestry/Golf Course Fees: Kristen Zimmerman presented the annual fee resolution. Key changes: shelter rentals adjusted to reflect true cost of service, community garden fees reduced to $50, outdoor court fees unified, and recreation program fees removed to allow flexibility. For Edgebrook Golf Course: staff recommends no increase in membership fees or CIP, contrary to the Park Board’s recommendation to raise the CIP. Daily greens fees will have a $1 increase for nine holes and $2 for 18 holes, and a discount will be offered during the water sourcing construction. Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 26-014 – Transfer of 2.5 Acres to Brookings Regional Humane Society: Paul Briseno (City Manager) presented a resolution to transfer city-owned property on Prince Drive to the humane society for development of a new facility. The transfer includes a 10-year reversionary clause and is valued at $272,000–$326,000. The humane society plans a capital campaign with a goal of breaking ground by 2031. Council members expressed strong support. Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 26-008 – Site Selection for Future Police Department Facility: Paul Briseno presented a resolution to select the site for the future police department. Staff evaluated 22 sites over six years and recommended two city-owned options: the Dakota Bank Center site or the WES property site. The resolution directs council to choose one. After discussion, council preferred the Dakota Bank Center site due to visibility, community support, and avoiding loss of commercially developable land. Concerns about parking were noted but considered solvable. The mayor noted that $18.5 million has been set aside for the project, and the city aims to avoid property tax increases. Approved unanimously. Next steps: terminate current CMAR agreement, re-bid, complete design through fall 2026, bid in winter, begin construction in 2027, with completion in 2028.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Consent Agenda: Unanimous.
• Approved Ordinance 26-001 (Right-of-Way Permit): Unanimous.
• Approved Ordinance 26-002 (Plumbing License Elimination): Unanimous.
• Approved Ordinance 26-013 (Park/Rec/Golf Fees): Unanimous.
• Approved Resolution 26-014 (Property Transfer to Humane Society): Unanimous.
• Approved Resolution 26-008 (Police Facility Site Selection – Dakota Bank Center): Unanimous.
• Approved Resolution 26-012 (Encumbrance Carry Forward): Unanimous.
• Approved Resolution 26-004 (Consolidated Fee Schedule Amendments): Unanimous.
• Approved Special Event/Temporary Alcohol License (St. Thomas Moore St. Patrick’s Day event): Unanimous.
• First readings introduced for ordinances 26-003 (e-waste), 26-004 (rezoning 51 acres), 26-005 (rezoning 3.1 acres). Second readings set for February 10.