Brookings City Council
January 10, 2023
The Brookings City Council held a meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 5:30 PM, at the Brookings City & County Government Center, Chambers, with the following City Council members present: Mayor Oepke Niemeyer, Council Members Joey Collins, Holly Tilton Byrne, Wayne Avery, Brianna Doran, and Bonny Specker. Absent: Council Member Nick Wendell. City Manager Paul Briseno, City Attorney Steve Britzman, and City Clerk Bonnie Foster were also present.
Agenda. A motion was made by Council Member Doran, seconded by Council Member Specker, that the agenda be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6 - Niemeyer, Collins, Tilton Byrne, Avery, Doran, and Specker; Absent: 1 - Wendell.
Open Forum. Jeanette Gibbons expressed concerns with the City Councils Public Comment Policy.
Consent Agenda. A motion was made by Council Member Specker, seconded by Council Member Doran, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6 - Niemeyer, Collins, Tilton Byrne, Avery, Doran, and Specker; Absent: 1 - Wendell.
A. Action to approve the 12/20/2022 City Council Minutes.
B. Action on Resolution 23-001, a Resolution designating the depositories for
municipal funds.
Resolution 23-001 - Resolution Designating Official Depositories
Pursuant to SDCL 9-22-6, the City Council of the City of Brookings, SD, hereby
designates the following as depositories for Municipal Funds of the City of Brookings for
the ensuing year: Bank Star Financial, Central Bank, Dacotah Bank, Dakotaland Federal Credit Union, First Bank & Trust, First Interstate Bank, SD Public Fund Investment Trust, and Wells Fargo Bank
C. Action on Resolution 23-002, a Resolution designating the Official
Newspaper.
Resolution 23-002 - Resolution Designating the Official Newspaper
Pursuant to SDCL 9-12-6, the City Council of the City of Brookings, SD, hereby
designates the Brookings Register as the official newspaper for the City of Brookings for
the ensuing year.
D. Action on Resolution 23-004, a Resolution Amending a Resolution of
Annexation of Contiguous Territory to the City of Brookings, South Dakota.
Resolution 23-004 - Amended Resolution of Annexation of Contiguous Territory
to the City of Brookings, South Dakota
Be It Resolved by the Governing Body of the City of Brookings, South Dakota, as
follows:
Whereas, on November 22, 2022, the City of Brookings annexed an 18.84-acre tract of
real property to the City pursuant to Resolution 2022-091, and
Whereas, to properly record Annexation Resolution 2022-091 in the Office of the Register of Deeds, it is necessary to modify the legal description of the annexed property to revise the Range from Range 50 to the correct Range, which is 49, and
Whereas, the dimensions of the annexed area remain the same at 18.84 acres, and no
other amendment is necessary.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the City of Brookings, South Dakota, that the property described below is hereby annexed to the City of Brookings, South Dakota:
the North 18.84 acres of Tract One (1) of BMU WTP Addition in the Northwest Quarter
(NW¼) of Section Twenty (20), Township One Hundred Ten (110) North, Range Forty-nine (49) West of the 5th P.M., County of Brookings, State of South Dakota.
E. Action on Resolution 23-006, a Resolution Authorizing Change Order No. 2
for 2022-08STI Street Maintenance & Overlay Project; Bowes Construction, Inc.
Resolution 23-006 - Resolution Authorizing Change Order No. 2, for
2022-08STI Street Maintenance and Overlay Project; Bowes Construction, Inc.
Be It Resolved by the City Council that the following change order be approved for
2022-08STI, Street Maintenance and Overlay Project: Construction Change Order Number 2: Adjust bid quantities to as-constructed quantities. Adjustment of bid quantities for final payment results in a decrease change order. The total price decrease in the contract for these changes is $138,643.23.
F. Action to cancel the January 17, 2023 City Council Study Session.
Proclamation: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marade Day. Mayor Niemeyer presented a Proclamation recognizing Monday, January 16, 2023 as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marade Day.
Mayoral Proclamation
Whereas, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. awakened the hearts of Americans by calling for
equality amongst citizens and challenged all to participate in the never-ending work of
building a more perfect union; and
Whereas, every person has a right to be provided opportunities to learn, grow, and
thrive in an environment that doesn't violate their safety, dignity or humanity; and
Whereas, our community is made better when citizens live by Dr.
King's philosophy to work together to better humankind as a united body; and
Whereas, the community is invited to join a Rally and Marade, which is a combination
of march and parade, starting at 11:00 a.m. at the South Dakota State University Student Union on January 16, 2023.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that I, Oepke G. Niemeyer, Mayor of the City
of Brookings, do hereby proclaim Monday, January 16, 2023 as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marade Day.
Proclamation: Recognize, Honor, and Congratulate the SDSU Jackrabbit Football Team as the 2022 NCAA Division I FCS National Champions. Mayor Niemeyer presented a Proclamation to recognize, honor and congratulate the South Dakota State University Jackrabbit Football team as the 2022 NCAA Division I FCS National Champions. Go Jacks!
MAYORAL PROCLAMATION
Whereas, on January 8, 2023, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, the South Dakota State University Jackrabbit Football team won its first-ever NCAA Division I FCS National Championship; and
Whereas, the No. 1 seeded Jackrabbits thumped their rival North Dakota State University Bison 45-21, ending the Bison’s nine-game winning streak in national championships; and
Whereas, John Stiegelmeier (Coach Stig), head football coach at South Dakota State University since 1997, won his first national championship after guiding the Jackrabbits to 11 consecutive playoff appearances; and
Whereas, Coach Stig was named the recipient of the 2022 Eddie Robinson Award, which honors the FCS national coach of the year; and
Whereas, Coach Stig and the entire coaching and support staff, Athletic Director
Justin Sell and staff, President Barry Dunn, parents of team members, and Jackrabbit
fans worldwide were integral in guiding the team to victory through their unwavering support; and
Whereas, winning the 2022 NCAA Division I FCS National Championship has brought
honor to South Dakota State University and the City of Brookings on the local, state and
national level.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that I, Oepke Niemeyer, Mayor of the City of Brookings, do hereby recognize, honor and congratulate the South Dakota State University Jackrabbit Football team as the 2022 NCAA Division I FCS National Champions. Go Jacks!
Report: City Council Ex-Officio Reports. Ex-Officio Reports were presented for the following: Brookings Municipal Utility Board report by Council Members Avery and Specker. Brookings Health Systems Board of Trustees report by Council Members Collins and Doran.
Report: SDSU Student Association. Erika Van Nieuwenhuyse, Government Affairs Chair for the SDSU Students Association, provided an update on SDSU happenings.
Mayor’s State of the City and 2021-2026 Council Strategic Plan Update. Mayor Niemeyer presented the State of the City and 2021-2026 City Council Strategic Plan Update.
2022 Mayor’s State of the City Address
The City Council revised its five-year strategic plan in 2020. The plan contains five strategic areas identified by Council. These areas include: Fiscal Responsibility, Providing a Safe, Inclusive & Connected Community, Service & Innovation Excellence, Sustainability, and Economic Growth. Council selected these areas and identified goals to provide guidance for staff. The plan also ensures a progression of the desired vision of a community where all can bring their dreams.
Tonight, as the first meeting of 2023, I felt it is important to reflect on this past year’s efforts and major accomplishments through the State of the City address. I will give a brief summary of the major accomplishments; the entire updated plan is available on the City Council’s homepage on the City’s website.
Though these items may seem minor, individually, they took many staff hours, community discussions, and volunteer efforts to accomplish. It is because of this organization’s staff and leadership that I am able and proud to share this report.
Strategic Area: Fiscal Responsibility
Within this area, Council desires to implement innovative and responsible policies and business practices to effectively manage all resources for the short- and long-term. All goals were started, progressed or accomplished in this area. These include: completing a benchmark analysis for outside funded agencies; start of the City Council’s Economic Masterplan, which will advance Brookings regionally by capitalizing on our opportunities through local partnerships; added City staff positions where necessary to provide critical services to the Community; and significant investments were made in the community’s facilities to ensure proper stewardship of the public infrastructure.
Staff has identified and shared with Council all available reserves and gives quarterly financial updates to the Council. This information can be found on the Brookings Insight Performance Dashboard located on the City’s website. A 10-year operating planning tool was created so Council and the community know the impacts of programming and projects to ensure a viable future.
The strong financial position of the City has gained numerous awards for communication and practices, including: Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Award, Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, zero material weaknesses in the Annual Audit, and revamped Budget in Brief which explains a 300-page budget book in two pages.
Many grant dollars were pursued and attained to augment Brookings’ tax dollars: $4.3 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), $125,000 in private donations for park improvements, $1.7 million in Community Development Block Grant Dollars for the Food Pantry, United Way and Backpack facility, and thousands of dollars in grants and donations received for library programming.
Most importantly, I believe we are in a great financial position for the many opportunities the community will realize in 2023. Sales Tax is projected to end between 15 and 20% in growth, and the 3B and Pillow Tax Revenue remains strong. The attention of the Council’s efforts to Fiscal Responsibility is a commitment to the future of Brookings and its quality of life.
Strategic Area: Providing a Safe, Inclusive and Connected Community
The Council prioritized the City and its partners to provide programming, gathering places, and events where the community can come together to participate in opportunities for learning, recreation, and enjoyment. All goals in this area were started, progressed, or accomplished. These include:
- Advancing the redevelopment of the Public Safety Facility and Council’s commitment of an additional $2.2 million from the City’s ARPA allocation.
- Completing the City’s first Emergency Management Plan, which outlines how the City will respond to emergencies. This was completed just prior to the derecho storm event in May.
- Council’s financial prioritization of the Fire Training tower to will be completed in February 2023. We appreciate all our volunteers do to protect the community and commitment to countless hours of training and response.
- Development of the $1.9 million Food Pantry, United Way, and Backpack Project facility. This project will be completed very soon, and we hope all can join the celebration of this facility. I would like to take a quick moment to thank all who helped secure this project, as this is truly a project that sets Brookings apart. Most dream of having such a nonprofit facility – in Brookings, we make it happen.
- The Parks saw many projects awarded with grant and local funding, including: Pickleball Grant awarded to develop new courts; Sexauer Dog Park was partially funded with grant dollars; Phase 1 construction of the Dakota Nature Park Discovery Trail; Play Ball Art Installation at Bob Shelden Field; received Prairie Hills 1st Phase Trail Grant; Investment in many park playgrounds; and GIS Bike Masterplan to ensure constant review for implementation opportunities with future development and projects. All of this progress occurred while also responding to the impacts of the derecho storm event. The storm’s impact on operations and our response continued well into the fall of 2022.
- The City/County and Economic Development Housing Study was completed. This plan involved our economic partners and board members and included business and public surveys, as well as a critical analysis of our existing economy and opportunities. Council committed more than $400,000 toward housing opportunities. The City advanced a unique Workforce Housing Development with a local developer. This project is an example of our can-do attitude to address challenges in Brookings. Zoning was updated to allow traditional housing that better utilizes land and reduces costs.
- Council prioritized this core area to ensure our community’s history, diversity, inclusivity, and environment will be protected for future generations.
Strategic Area: Service and Innovation Excellence
Council desires a working environment that is committed to ongoing innovation and outstanding service through listening and engagement. City staff realized many goal accomplishments, which include:
- The launch of the Brookings Insight Performance Dashboard, which is a tool which benchmarks our organization and community with national best practices. This is updated every six months to show our commitment to excellence, and can be found on the City’s website.
- Advancement of the Development Review Team, which works with project representatives to identify opportunities and resolve potential issues before plans are finalized. This process is designed to save developers time and money, while protecting the community.
- The Police Department completed the Certified Public Safety Management Study and began the implementation to ensure an evolving, responsive and professional department. The Department also committed to the 30 for 30 program, which seeks to diversify the department by 2030. Many community-oriented policing initiatives took place, including: Breakfast with Badges, Record-setting National Night Out, two Citizen Academies, Coffee with a Cop, and Citizen Engagement Software to provide services more conveniently.
- The organization invested in its employees with new programing, which includes tuition reimbursement, expanded trainings, mental health resources, and increased internal communication.
Strategic Area: Sustainability
Council desires to meet our environmental, community, economic desires and needs without compromising future generations’ quality of life. Major accomplishments in this area include:
- The start of the landfill and stormwater masterplans, as well as the evaluation of low-land areas for development. The plans will be advanced through public comment and Council during 2023.
- Completion of many educational opportunities which exemplify our commitment to sustainability. These include: two electric vehicle charging sites, for a total of four slow-charging opportunities with one station with fast-charging capabilities; the City has its first electric vehicle and a commitment to attaining more; completion of the first bio-garden with an educational template in partnership with SDSU at the City/County Government Building location; permeable pavers incorporated with the Bob Shelden Field project; completion of the Regional Storm Water Detention System located at 7th Avenue South and 15th Street South; and continued efforts to maintain and improve our stormwater system.
- Staff now participate in a Regional Urban Sustainability Directors Network.
- A new wildflowers /native pollinator area was established at the Library and incorporated into the educational programming.
- The Urban Forestry Tree Planting Program was expanded and funded at $25,000. This program is imperative, given the impact of the derecho storm event.
- A more sustainable approach to residential and commercial development will occur thanks to: density changes for R3 and R4 Districts which allow for better use of land; increased height minimums in certain districts; updated code for electric signs; new policy to approve and protect City/residential infrastructure; and updated Assessment Policy.
- Council desires to strategically plan, implement and maintain current and future infrastructure and facilities, using technology when possible, to support the community’s quality of life and economic viability and protect the environment.
Strategic Area: Economic Growth
Council desired in this initiative an effective community investment and equitable opportunities fostered through streamlined processes, technology, safety, proper planning, and an aesthetically attractive community appearance. Within this strategic area, the following was accomplished:
- Swiftel Center management transition continues to improve our bottom line. They are operating below the previous management firm’s deficit and provide a constant review of cost-saving measures. This effort saves Council funds and allows further investment into other strategic initiatives.
- A group of Swiftel Center Advisory Committee members and Swiftel Center staff concluded a study of facility improvements and potential private investments for future opportunities.
- Swiftel Center staff were able to secure a cattle show for Summer 2023.
- Interest in city-owned land continues from land west of Millborn, Market Place, and Weiss Property. If all comes to fruition, 2023 and 2024 will be a very exciting years for advancing the economic efforts of our community.
- The Armory Hotel TIF was approved by Council in 2022 and the land transfer should occur within the first quarter of 2023. This is a very exciting project for the Downtown and Council.
- The City Council’s first Economic Development Masterplan was started and will be completed in January. This plan will provide a road map for all community partners and will ensure Brookings lives to its fullest potential.
- Finally, a majority of the new I-29 interchange was built in 2022. In July of this year, it is my hope that everyone listening to this report can attend the ribbon-cutting. This has been a once-in-a-lifetime project, and yet it is just one of the major things we as a community have accomplished.
It is an honor to present this State of the City and update of City Council’s strategic plan for 2022. The organization’s successful progression of these items is attributed to the City employees and department heads, our volunteers’ commitment to the community, and the City Council’s vision and mission that guides our strategic plan. Our potential is endless in Brookings, and we can achieve the dreams of this community.
FIRST READING: Ordinance 23-001. A first reading and introduction was held on Ordinance 23-001, an Ordinance amending the Term of Office and the Organization of the Planning Commission. Second Reading and Action: January 24, 2023.
Ordinance 22-043. A public hearing was held on Ordinance 22-043, an Ordinance to rezone 18.84 acres of BMU WTP Addition. A motion was made by Council Member Doran, seconded by Council Member Specker, that Ordinance 22-043 be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6 - Niemeyer, Collins, Tilton Byrne, Avery, Doran, and Specker; Absent: 1 - Wendell.
Adjourn. A motion was made by Council Member Tilton Byrne, seconded by Council Member Doran, that this meeting be adjourned at 6:42 p.m. The motion carried by a
unanimous vote.
CITY OF BROOKINGS, SD
Oepke G. Niemeyer, Mayor
ATTEST:
Bonnie Foster, City Clerk