Casey Bell

The 2025 State of the City Address for Brookings provides an overview of the city's achievements and strategic initiatives throughout 2025, emphasizing resilience and intentional growth. Key focus areas included the revitalization of downtown through incentive programs following a significant fire, fostering economic development with new businesses and housing initiatives via Tax Increment Financing districts. Substantial investments were made in infrastructure, encompassing road improvements, landfill management, and airport enhancements. The city also prioritized operational modernization for transparency and efficiency, strengthened public safety services, and advanced various sustainability efforts. Community engagement and quality of life were further supported through expanded recreational facilities, library programs, and recognized national rankings.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. Presentations and reports covered several topics: a special report from the Brookings High School HOSA chapter regarding childhood hygiene insecurity and a hygiene drive; an update from the SDSU Student Association concerning the successful blocking of House Bill 1133 (constitutional carry on campus) and updates on student association elections and fund applications; and an ex officio report from the Board of Trustees for Brookings Health, detailing updates on strategic plan implementation (Epic software transition and Workday effectiveness), results of an employee engagement survey, and discussions on behavioral health issues in the ER. Action items included the approval of Change Order Number One for the STI 20th Street South Shared Use Path project, which involved supplemental paving and embankment stabilization due to unforeseen sub-surface conditions. Additionally, a public hearing and action were taken regarding a resolution to authorize a 10-year on-sale liquor operating agreement for Max East Side Grill at the former Whiskey Creek Woodfire Grill location.

The City Council meeting commenced with attendance confirmation and agenda approval. A significant portion of the meeting focused on community comments, particularly a Council Member's initiative to raise awareness about mental health resources during peak seasonal affective disorder periods, mentioning local trainings, helpline centers, and an upcoming 'Stronger Together' event for suicide prevention. The consent agenda was approved. Key discussions included the introduction and first reading of two ordinances: Ordinance 26-003, which proposes prohibiting e-waste and lithium battery disposal at the Brookings landfill to save airspace, mitigate environmental risks from heavy metals, and reduce landfill fires; and Ordinance 26-004, proposing to rezone a 51-acre parcel from Agricultural (A) to Light Industrial (I1). Additionally, Ordinance 26-005 was introduced, proposing to rezone 3.1 acres near the 20th Street South interchange from Residential (R3A) to Business (B2) to allow for future commercial development. Council members inquired about the specifics of the e-waste program, including the recycling partner's hard drive destruction process, the one-week amnesty event, and enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance.

The meeting commenced with the Deputy Mayor noting the absence of Mayor Neee, followed by the approval of the agenda. Discussions during the open forum included the ongoing consideration for a new police department facility, noting feedback received from public open houses regarding a potential site at Fifth and Maderi, and that staff will provide further property considerations by mid-January. The consent agenda was approved after a question regarding a temporary alcohol license for Sodexo was addressed separately from a compliance violation. Reports included an update from the South Dakota State Students Association regarding preparations for 'shed day' at the capital and revisions to student funding processes. The Brookings Municipal Utility Board report detailed the approval of the 2026 budget, which includes rate increases: 3.5% for electric (approx. $3.35/month), 2.1% for water (approx. $15/month), and 2.9% for wastewater (approx. $128/month). The report also mentioned the unbundling of internet service from landlines by Swiftel, progress on the new water treatment plant, and the planned demolition of the Sixth Street water tower in May or June 2026. The Brookings Health Systems Board of Trustees update covered discussions on the transition to Epic technology, workplace recruitment, budgeting, implementation of the CMS age-friendly hospital measure, and presentation of the 2024 community benefit and economic impact report showing significant county impact. They also reported the installation of a new Naloxone distribution box. Finally, an update on the Downtown Revitalization Project detailed progress one year after the downtown master plan adoption, including dividing downtown into five zones (Sixth Street, West Edge, Main Avenue, East Edge, South Ribbon) and identifying three catalyst projects: Armory reuse/hotel, 72-hour parking lot redevelopment, and the potential downtown park.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and attendance confirmation. Key discussions included public forum comments regarding concerns over the city's contracted security camera vendor, Flock Safety Group, focusing on privacy invasion, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and data access by external agencies. The consent agenda was approved. A presentation by the SDSU Student Association detailed upcoming events like Shed Day and Brookings Day at the Capitol, along with recent sports schedules. Reports from the BMU covered 2025 utility updates, including high electric reliability figures, receipt of the Diamond designation, and progress on the solar project and AMI implementation; water system upgrades such as new wells and the operational water treatment plant; and telecommunications achievements like surpassing 5,100 subscribers and planning for 10 gigabytes infrastructure. The Brookings Health System report highlighted progress on the Epic transition, the ethical use of AI in healthcare, the implementation of a community access Narcan box, and concerns regarding the Governor's proposed 0% budget increase for key sectors. The council also reviewed the first readings of two ordinances: Ordinance 26-001, which establishes a formal policy for right-of-way work permits, replacing the excavation permit with new requirements for application timelines, traffic control plans, penalties, and warranty periods, while aligning with industry standards for warranty duration and restricting non-emergency work during certain months; and Ordinance 26-002, which addresses the revision of building regulations, specifically the elimination of city-mandated plumbing permits and licenses since the state assumed those responsibilities in 1970.