The Brookings City Council met on February 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM (local time) to address a range of items including routine approvals, public hearings on zoning and solid waste, and a major discussion on the delivery method for new police and fire facilities. The meeting featured presentations from local students and updates on community initiatives.
Item 7A – Change Order for 20th Street South Shared Use Path: City Engineer Charlie Richter presented Resolution 26-018 for a change order ($81,180.48, 17% increase) to Timmins Construction for additional paving, embankment stabilization, and concrete work. Councilmember Specker questioned why the work was not in the original bid; Richter explained that the embankment sloughed off during paving, requiring unforeseen stabilization. The change order was approved unanimously.
Item 9A – Liquor Operating Agreement (Max Eastside Grill): Bonnie presented the transfer to Al Curtenbach for 631 32nd Avenue (former Whiskey Creek location). Public hearing held; no opposition. Approved unanimously.
Item 9B – E-waste and Lithium Battery Disposal Ban: Landfill Manager Charlie Kuhn presented Ordinance 26-003. E-waste is 2.7% of landfill waste (~1,600 tons/year in Brookings). Ban aims to save airspace, reduce fire risk (number one cause of landfill fires), and increase recycling. Tipping fee set at $1.25/lb. Program to launch in April with a one-week amnesty event during spring bulky item pickup. Approved unanimously.
Item 9C – Rezoning (Ag to I-1): Mike Struck presented Ordinance 26-004 for 51 acres east of 34th Avenue. Consistent with comprehensive plan, recommended by Planning Commission 9-0. No public comment. Approved unanimously.
Item 9D – Rezoning (R3A to B2): Mike Struck presented Ordinance 26-005 for 3.1 acres near the new interchange. Consistent with future land use map. Approved unanimously.
Items 10A & 10B – Police and Fire Facility Delivery Method: Public Works Director John Thompson presented Resolution 26-007 (termination of existing CMAR contract with Henry Carlson Construction) and Resolution 26-017 (amending CMAR procedures). The original scope (combined public safety facility) has changed to separate fire and police facilities. Staff recommended using CMAR for both. After extensive discussion and public comment from Randy Hanson (advocating public bid for fire), the council took the following actions:
Okay. Call this meeting in order. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. Thank you all for attending this evening. Will the city clerk please take attendance? All council members are present, Mr. Mayor. City Attorney Vince Jones is available on the conference line. Thank you. Action to approve the agenda. Enter a motion entertain a motion to approve the agenda. So moved. Are there any comments about the agenda from the public? Council have any questions, comments? Please call the roll. Specker. Aye. Tilton Byrne. Aye. Wendell. Aye. Avery? Aye. Dorin. Aye. Hager? Aye. Neymar. Aye. All right. On to item four, open forum. In order to provide equal access to all during the open forum and public comment portions of the meeting. Each individual's offering comments shall not exceed the allotted three minute period. The podium light turns green to yellow, and when there is one minute remaining, your time for comment is expired when the podium light turns red. Is there any member of the public who wishes to address city council on an item that is not listed on our agendas this evening? Okay. We'll move on. On the consent agenda, action on the consent agenda. Are there any items to be removed from the consent agenda? Seeing none, entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. So moved. Second. Second. Are there any public comments on the items that we have on our consent agendas this evening? Council having questions, comments. Please call the roll. Tilton Byrne. Aye. Wendell? Aye.