Brookings City Council Meeting - April 28, 2026

The Brookings City Council met on April 28, 2026, for a regular meeting that included first readings of several ordinances, a public hearing, and final action on multiple items. Key topics included a $13.4 million budget amendment for a new police station, updates to home occupation regulations, zoning changes near Western Avenue, and a comprehensive revision of the city's animal control ordinance. The meeting also featured monthly progress reports and recognitions.

Consent Calendar

• Councilmember Specker requested item 5E be removed from the consent agenda. The remainder of the consent agenda was approved with Specker voting 'no' and all other members voting 'aye'.

Presentations & Reports

• BMU Board Report (April 17, 2026): Highlights included approval of surplus property sale, hay production rental agreements for well head land, and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) updates on renewable energy certificate contracts. BMU plans to sell hydroelectric credits to MRES at market rates. A proposed ban on consumer Wi-Fi routers due to cybersecurity concerns with electronics manufactured in China was also discussed.

Discussion Items

8A: First Reading – Budget Amendment for Police Station (Ordinance 26-015)

• Finance Director Ashley Rench presented a budget amendment transferring $13.4 million from the City Council Financial Policy Projects Fund (unassigned general fund reserves) into the Brookings Police Station Facility Capital Project Fund. She emphasized this is not new funding but formal commitment of previously saved funds. The proposed location is the southeast corner of the Dakota Bank Center lot. Councilmember Wendell clarified that $13.4 million is directed solely to the police portion of what was originally a combined public safety center; $6 million was previously directed to the fire facility. Councilmember Paul praised the council for saving roughly $19 million instead of raising property taxes, noting the city collects about $4 million annually in property taxes.

8B: First Reading – Home Occupation Ordinance Update (Ordinance 26-014)

• City Planner Ryan Miller introduced a three-tier system for home occupations: no-impact (by-right, no permit required), minor (requires zoning permit), and major (requires conditional use permit). The no-impact tier limits uses to 500 square feet within the primary structure, with no outdoor storage, clients, or non-resident employees. The minor tier allows one client by appointment, no non-resident employees, and 500 square feet. The major tier allows up to two clients, one non-resident employee, and 50% of one story. All home occupations are now non-transferable. A public hearing is set for May 12.

8C: First Reading – Zoning Change on Western Avenue (Ordinance 26-016)

• Ryan Miller presented a zoning change for a lot north of Heron Cove from R1A single-family to a mix of B3 heavy business (1.1 acres), R3 multifamily, and remaining R1A. The area is entirely within the floodplain, requiring a separate floodplain development process. Councilmember Specker asked about floodway vs. floodplain restrictions; Miller stated floodway structures are typically avoided. Councilmember TiltonBurden clarified the compensatory storage requirements for fill. Councilmember Wendell raised concerns about trail connectivity along Western Avenue; Miller noted the developer (same owner as Heron Cove) has discussed internal connections, but no trail is in the current Capital Improvement Plan. A planning commissioner also suggested prioritizing trails in that area.

8D: First Reading – Joint Zoning Ordinance Notification Change (Ordinance 26-013)

• Ryan Miller presented a county-proposed change reducing the minimum notification period for joint jurisdiction hearings from 14 days to 10 days, matching state law and other ordinances. County staff intend to continue notifying 14 days in practice, but the 10-day minimum provides flexibility for publication errors. Councilmember Hager asked about the frequency of errors (2-3 times per year). Councilmember Duran asked if community members had commented on the 14-day notice; no input has been received. The planning commission approved this 4-1, though no minutes were provided; Miller speculated the dissenter may have been concerned about reducing public notification. The second reading on May 12 will be a joint meeting with the county commission.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Special Event Alcohol License (9A) – Unanimous approval for Brookings Cubs amateur baseball group for 11 game dates in 2026. The group has held this license since 2019 (except 2020) with no compliance failures.
• Approved: Animal Ordinance Revision (9B) – Third reading and unanimous approval of ordinance 26-011 updating Chapter 14 (Animals). Changes include: updated definitions to reflect the new Community Service Unit; revised pet licensing to align with vaccination protocols; adjusted fines to discourage repeat violations; created separate "restricted" and "vicious" animal categories; adopted the Dunbar aggression assessment scale as an objective standard; and added Article 7 on rabies control. The ordinance had not been revised since October 2013.
• Approved: Consolidated Fee Schedule Update (10A) – Unanimous approval of resolution 26-027 updating fines and fees for animal-related violations (e.g., abandonment, deer feeding, dogs at large, rabies control) to align with the code changes.
• Approved: Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant Application (10B) – Unanimous approval of resolution 26-026 to support Park & Rec's application for a grant to replace the Lions Park playground with an accessible, lion-themed play area. The project is budgeted at $170,000 in fiscal year 2027; the grant and city funds cover that amount, with potential future donations for additional amenities. Staff engaged the Brookings Disability Awareness Committee in design.
• Next Meeting: May 12, 2026, at 5:30 PM (joint with county commission) for second readings and public hearings on ordinances 26-013, 26-014, 26-015, and 26-016. Study session on May 19, 2026, will feature an Upstander Bystander Training.