Brookings County approves federal grant agreement; library funding raised in public comment
The Brookings County Commission approved a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation during its July 9 meeting, authorizing Chairperson Hostler to sign Agreement #26-45 for the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program. The vote was 5-0.
County Commission — July 7
The Commission approved its meeting agenda, consent agenda items including minutes and personnel actions, and a series of county claims, each by 5-0 votes. Members approved Human Services burial case #26-24 and denied Human Services rent case #26-25. Residents offered public comments regarding funding for the Brookings Public Library; no action on that topic appears in the minutes.
County Commission — July 9
In addition to the grant agreement, the Commission approved the July 9 meeting agenda 5-0. No further details on the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program grant amount or scope were included in the minutes.
Housing & Redevelopment Commission — July 16
The Brookings County Housing & Redevelopment Commission unanimously accepted its agenda and the April 16, 2026 minutes. It approved financial reports for the Brookings County Section 8 Voucher Program and MOD Rehab, also unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 12:22 p.m., and the next quarterly meeting was set for October 15, 2026.
Board of Adjustment & Planning & Zoning — July 7 (agendas only)
The Joint Board of Adjustment was scheduled to review variance application 2026jjvar001 for 517 58th Ave, Brookings, regarding Aquifer Protection Zone A performance standards. Minutes have not yet been published, so no outcome is available.
The Planning & Zoning Commission, convening as the Board of Adjustment, was set to consider two applications: variance application 2026var009 by Geff Goodfellow for property at 19989 462nd Ave, Bruce, regarding agricultural district area regulations; and conditional use permit 2026cu007 by The Tower, LLC for a wireless telecommunication tower in Medary Township. The board requires a two-thirds vote for variance approval and a majority vote for conditional use permits. Minutes have not yet been published.
765kV Transmission Line Advisory Committee — July 9 (agenda only)
The committee was scheduled to approve June 10, 2026 minutes and discuss subcommittee membership, the subcommittee's purpose statement, the Brookings County Comprehensive Plan, and the Zoning Ordinance. No action items were scheduled. Minutes have not yet been published.
Coming up
- **July 20 — Outdoor Adventure Center Advisory Board:** Standard procedural business including approval of the agenda, May 18 minutes, and a financial report, plus a director's report and a 4-H Youth Advisor's report. Next meeting is September 21, 2026.
- **July 21 — County Commission:** Public hearing and second reading on Ordinance 2026-04 regarding alcoholic beverage license requirements and fees. Also on the agenda: Resolution #26-26 to purchase and install two generators through Sourcewell; Resolutions #26-27 and #26-28 for 2027 Bridge Improvement Grant applications; a budget supplement of $38,150 for election poll pads and $1,500 for Veterans Services travel; and the appointment of Erin Lavender-Stott to the Brookings Human Rights Commission.