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1. What is the Brookings City Council?

The City Council is a part-time legislative body responsible for the legislative function of the city: reviewing and adopting policies responsive to the community. All of the council members serve at large, which means that each member represents the entire city.

2. Who are the current members of the City Council and how do I contact them?

Reach out to Brookings City Council Members by contacting them via phone or email. If you are referencing a specific City Council Meeting agenda item, please note if you would like your comment to be made public record and include which item on the agenda the comment is in reference to.

• Ope Niemeyer, Mayor
• Nick Wendell, Deputy Mayor
• Holly Tilton Byrne
• Joey Collins
• Wayne Avery
• Brianna Doran
• Bonny Specker

3. Where are City Council meetings held?

Brookings City and County Government Center
520 3rd Street
Chambers, Room 310 (3rd floor)
Brookings, SD 57006

4. When are City Council regular meetings and can I attend them?

City Council regular meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. These are open public meetings and anyone is welcome to attend.

5. What are City Council study sessions and can I attend them?

City Council study sessions are held the third Tuesday of each month in the Council Chambers. The purpose of a study session is for educational information on previously-agreed upon issues. Either the City Management or the City Council can request that specific items be put on the Study Session calendar for a more in depth discussion. Items range from specific projects, to upcoming legislation, to entire City departments giving updates. This format allows Council Members and staff to hold in-depth discussions on issues. These are open public meetings and anyone is welcome to attend. However, no public hearings or public input will be received, except by specific invitation of the Council for purposes of education on the specific issue at hand. The topics will then be forwarded to a future, regular Council meeting for action.

6. What is the difference between a resolution and an ordinance?

An ordinance is a permanent legislative act – which necessitates changes in our current laws, policies or procedures as a city – within the limits of its power of the City Council. All ordinances shall be read twice by title with at least five days between each reading.

A resolution is any determination, decision, or direction of the City Council of a temporary or special character for the purpose of initiating, effecting, or carrying out its administrative duties and functions. A resolution may be passed after only one reading. If a resolution is on the current agenda, it is up for a vote at that meeting.

7. What is the difference between a “first reading” ordinance and a “second” or “final reading” ordinance?

All ordinances shall be read twice by title with at least five days between each reading. A “first reading” ordinance is only a reading. At the meeting, it is open for public comment but no votes are taken. A “second” or “final reading” ordinance is set for action. At the meeting, it is open for public comment and votes are taken.

8. How can I watch City Council meetings?

All City Council meetings are broadcast live on a variety of channel. Tune in live:

• Local cable channel 9 (Swiftel and Mediacom)
• City LiveTV
• YouTube

All City Council meetings are later available to watch via YouTube and on local cable channel 9 (Swiftel and Mediacom). Cable rebroadcast schedule: Wednesday, 1:00pm; Thursday, 7:00pm; Friday, 9:00pm; and Saturday, 1:00pm

9. How do I know what is on the City Council agenda?

Council agendas are available on the Calendar page. Hard copies are also available at the City Manager’s Office located on the second floor of City Hall. (520 3rd Street, Suite 230 Brookings, SD 57006) Agendas are available with “full packets.” This means that each agenda item’s supporting paperwork is contained within the file, so the full text of legislation can be viewed.

10. What is eComment and how can I make one?

The City of Brookings has eComment available for residents to digitally submit public comment for City Council meetings. Make an eComment here.