Brookings City Council Meeting – March 24, 2026

The Brookings City Council met on March 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM UTC. The meeting included approvals of the consent agenda, several presentations, first readings of two ordinances (animal regulations and a zoning change), second reading of a tree ordinance, action on a police station construction manager resolution, a slurry seal contract award, and approval of a joint election agreement with Brookings County. Key discussions centered on proposed changes to animal ordinances, including the prohibition of backyard chickens, and a subsequent amendment to maintain the status quo. All council members were present; City Attorney Vince Jones joined via conference line.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously (7-0).
• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0).

Presentations & Reports

• Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Proclamation: Mayor read a proclamation declaring March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Mark Sternhagen accepted and spoke about embracing inclusion and accessibility.
• Annual Share and Care Day: Trish Matson Boose presented a proposal for a citywide free-share event (similar to a rummage sale but all items free) to be held on the last Saturday of April (April 25, 2026) from 8 AM to noon. The event is volunteer-driven, decentralized, and aims to reduce waste, support families, and build neighborhood connections. She requested city endorsement, social media promotion, and possibly use of public spaces in future years. Council members expressed support and offered suggestions regarding timing relative to bulky item pickup and transportation access.
• STSU Student Association Update: Anna Hunt, Government Affairs Chair, reported on student promotion fund committee allocations (Equip Campus Ministries and STSC Rodeo), upcoming elections (April 24-25), and activities on campus including Wachipi, Little International, and a softball triple header.
• Monthly Progress Report: Assistant City Manager Samantha Beckman highlighted Bell Brands' $200 million expansion (160 new jobs, doubling production by 2028), a generational leadership training with city/county/utility staff, routine maintenance projects, community policing efforts, library craft swap (260 attendees, $1,100 raised for arts council and Friends of the Library), park updates (skate park removal, shade structure at Hillcrest Pool, dugout installation), Tree City USA recognition (44th year), and spring bulky item pickup (April 8-13). The Dakota Bank Center hosted 14 events with 7,500 total attendees in March.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 26-022 – Police Station Construction Manager at Risk: Public Works Director John Thompson presented. The city received 14 proposals; the selection team shortlisted three firms and recommended Hospin Construction Inc. based on experience, team structure, technical approach, and local subcontractor knowledge. If negotiations fail, the second-ranked firm is Henry Carlson Construction. The CMAR will provide pre-construction services and establish a guaranteed maximum price. The resolution was approved unanimously (7-0).
• Resolution 26-023 – Slurry Seal Project Contract Award: City Engineer Charlie Richter presented. The project will slurry seal about one-seventh of the city (residential streets south of 12th Street between Medary Avenue and 22nd Avenue, and portions of several major roads). The low bid from Asphalt Service Technologies Corp was $1,337,150.62, within the budgeted $1.35 million. The city participates in Sioux Falls' bid program. Council member Tilton Byrne asked about crosswalk markings; Richter explained that this year they will remove and replace markings rather than grind down lips. The resolution was approved unanimously (7-0).
• First Reading – Ordinance 26-011 (Animal Ordinance Amendments): Police Chief Michael Drake and Community Service Supervisor Hudson Spoonamore presented a comprehensive revision of Chapter 14 (Animals) to update definitions, restructure pet licensing, clarify fowl (including chickens) and restricted/vicious animal designations, add the Dunbar Aggression Assessment Scale, and align with state law. The revision would prohibit chickens within city limits, citing lot size constraints and fire hazards. Council member Tilton Byrne expressed strong support for backyard chickens and moved to amend the ordinance to preserve the existing 125-foot setback rule (status quo). The motion was seconded and passed (7-0). The amended ordinance will return for a second reading on April 14, 2026, with a third reading likely needed due to the substantial change.
• First Reading – Ordinance 26-012 (Zoning Change in Bluegill Edition): Community Development Director Mike Struck presented a rezone of portions of the Bluegill subdivision (southwest area) from Agricultural A and R1D to R1D (single-family) and R3 (apartment) districts. The R1D lot south of Grey Goose Street is designated for a detention pond. The planning commission recommended approval unanimously. The ordinance will have a second reading on April 14, 2026.
• Second Reading – Ordinance 26-010 (Tree Ordinance Revision): Parks and Rec Forestry Director Kristen Zimmerman presented. The ordinance updates language to manage dead, diseased, or infested trees more broadly, allowing response to emerging pests without frequent amendments. The ordinance was approved unanimously (7-0).
• Action on 2026 Election Agreement with Brookings County: City Clerk Bonnie Foster presented the agreement resulting from House Bill 1130, which requires municipal elections to be held in June or November. The city chose November and will combine with the county election. The county will handle most election duties (hiring workers, ballot layout, supplies). Cost sharing is 25% basic cost plus 75% based on ballot issues. The agreement was approved by the county commission on March 17. Council member Wendell noted the early voting window will expand to 45 days. The agreement was approved unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-022 (Police Station CMAR): Approved unanimously (7-0) to retain Hospin Construction Inc. as construction manager at risk.
• Resolution 26-023 (Slurry Seal Contract): Approved unanimously (7-0) to award contract to Asphalt Service Technologies Corp for $1,337,150.62.
• Ordinance 26-010 (Tree Ordinance): Approved unanimously (7-0) on second reading.
• Ordinance 26-011 (Animal Ordinance): First reading held; an amendment to allow backyard chickens with 125-foot setback (status quo) was approved (7-0). The amended ordinance will proceed to second reading on April 14, 2026.
• Ordinance 26-012 (Zoning Change): First reading held; second reading scheduled for April 14, 2026.
• Election Agreement: Approved unanimously (7-0) to hold joint municipal/county election in November 2026 with cost-sharing formula.
• Next Meeting: April 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM UTC.