Brookings County

The Brookings County Planning & Zoning Commission convened for a regular meeting which also served as a meeting for the Brookings County Board of Adjustment. Key discussions involved two variance requests. The first (2026VAR001) concerned Thielen Farms Inc.'s request for a variance regarding setback requirements for a new grain leg and cement unloading pad, which was approved despite the existing bins being built outside a previously granted variance distance. The second request (2026VAR002) involved Doug R. Osthus seeking a lakefront variance to construct an attached garage closer to the water elevation than typically allowed, which was also approved due to lot shape and FEMA mapping. Department reports noted that future research regarding shared lake setbacks in other counties would be reviewed later.

The meeting commenced with approval of the agenda and an invitation for citizen comments. Key consent agenda items approved included minutes from February 3, 2026, travel and education requests, personnel action notices, cellular authorizations, and the Human Services Report. Routine business involved the approval of various claims and reports from the Weed & Pest Department, County Development Department, and the Finance Officer. The Commission noted items for the minutes, including the Auditor's Account with the Treasurer, Payroll & Additive Totals, and Register of Deeds Statement of Fees Collected. Scheduled agenda items included presentations from Elkton Ambulance and the Brookings Public Library Director. Regular business actions included approving Agreement #26-19 for reaffirming membership in the South Dakota Public Assurance Alliance, approving Agreement #26-20, a 3-year service agreement with Trane U.S., Inc. for the Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center, and approving two change orders for the Samara Avenue Improvements project, along with the related payment to Timmon's Construction. Furthermore, the Commission acted on multiple Requests to Fill Vacancy for positions including a female Correctional Officer, two Corrections Corporals, and a part-time Weed & Pest Supervisor. The agenda also included reports from the Commission Department Director and States Attorney's Office, followed by an Executive Session to discuss a matter in accordance with SDCL §1-25-2.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda. Key discussions included the recognition of employee anniversaries and an invitation for citizen comments. Under the Consent Agenda, the Board approved minutes from January 20, 2026, as well as travel/education requests, personnel action notices, and cellular authorizations. Routine business involved the approval of claims and department head reports, including one for the Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center. Scheduled agenda items featured the annual presentation from the Executive Director of the First District Association of Local Governments. The Board then recessed to convene as the Brookings County Drainage Board to discuss the Medary Township Big Sioux River Diversion Channel - Dike Reestablishment Project and took action on its recommendation. Reconvening as the County Commission, significant actions included approving Resolution #26-06 for the Bridge Inspection Program, Agreement #26-09 for a Combined Election with the Brookings School District, an abatement application, and a late assessment freeze application. Furthermore, the Board approved two Change Orders for structure and approach grading projects, approved pricing for a Tracer SC+ Upgrade for the Outdoor Adventure Center, and awarded 2026 Highway Bids for materials like crushed gravel, asphalt, road oil, and equipment rentals, followed by approving the corresponding 2025 Highway Bid Agreements. The Board also approved the updated Brookings County Strategic Plan and conducted an annual review of South Dakota Open Meetings Laws, concluding with an Executive Session.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda. Employee anniversaries were recognized for various tenures. Under consent agenda items, approvals were sought for minutes dated 01-20-2026, travel and education requests, personnel action notices including new hires and annual reviews, and the Human Services Report. Routine business included the approval of claims. Department heads provided reports, including one from the Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center. Scheduled agenda items featured an annual presentation by the Executive Director of the First District Association of Local Governments. The Board recessed to convene as the Brookings County Drainage Board to discuss the Medary Township Big Sioux River Diversion Channel - Dike Reestablishment Project and take action on recommendations for proceeding. Upon reconvening as the Board of County Commissioners, regular business included approving a resolution for the Brookings County Bridge Inspection Program, an election agreement with the Brookings School District, an abatement application, a late assessment freeze application, two Change Orders for structure and approach grading projects, and the pricing for a Tracer SC+ Upgrade for the Outdoor Adventure Center. The Board also addressed the approval of 2026 Highway Bids and the approval of 2025 Highway Bid Agreements, as well as approving the updated Brookings County Strategic Plan. An annual review of the South Dakota Open Meetings Laws was noted. Department Director, States Attorney's Office, and Commissioner reports were presented. The session concluded with an Executive Session followed by adjournment.

The regular Planning & Zoning meeting involved the election of officers for 2026, with Chad Ford nominated as Chairperson and Darrel Kleinjan as Vice Chairperson. The commission appointed Kyle VanderWal and Tim Paulson to the 2026 Joint Board of Adjustment. A work session was held to review variances, primarily concerning setback requests for Lake Poinsett, comparing measurement methods (highest known water mark, high water mark, floodplain) and considering different rules for various county lakes. Discussion also covered AI buildings, Battery Storage Facilities, and the 5-acre parceling requirement for existing farmsteads per the 2024-01 Ordinance. Department reports noted scheduling conflicts for a future meeting and advised of a public meeting regarding a potential 745 kV tower in the County.