Brookings meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Brookings boards tackle planning, parks, and liquor licenses; council votes ahead

Brookings city boards and commissions held a full slate of meetings over the past two weeks, though no official decisions have been published yet. The most consequential action on the calendar is the City Council's Aug. 11 meeting, where members are set to vote on liquor license renewals, an airport building bid, fire equipment, and rezonings.

City Council

The Aug. 11 City Council meeting includes public hearings and votes on two 10-year on-sale liquor operating agreements: one with W&P of Brookings LLC (Buffalo Wild Wings) and one with Nine Inc. (9 Bar Nightclub). The council will also consider a bid award for the Brookings Airport Snow Removal Equipment Building Project, contingent on FAA funding, and a bid for the Brookings Fire Department Hydraulic Rescue Tool Replacement. Two zoning-related public hearings are scheduled: a conditional use permit for off-street parking at 816 and 820 9th Avenue, and a rezoning of Lots 4-7A in Block 1 of Third Addition from B-4 Highway to B-2 Business District. A supplemental appropriation of grant funds to the 2026 budget is also on the agenda.

Several other City Council meetings were quorum notices only, with no official business: Aug. 6 (Downtown at Sundown and 4-H BBQ), Aug. 13 (Downtown at Sundown), and upcoming notices for Aug. 18 (Downtown Fire Station), Aug. 20 (Downtown at Sundown), Aug. 21 (Meet State 2026), and Aug. 27.

Planning Commission

The Aug. 4 Planning Commission meeting considered a front yard setback variance for Lots 2 & 3 in Block 5 of Branch Creek Addition, a conditional use permit for an office at 1103 3rd Street, and a preliminary plat for Lots 3-5 in Block 2, Lots 1-5 in Block 4, and Block 5 of Legacy Addition.

Parks and Recreation

The Aug. 3 Park & Recreation Advisory Board discussed a September tour covering Edgebrook Water Sourcing, Dwiggins-Medary Skatepark, and Community Food Forest, as well as a 2027 expansion of the 5th St Gym. The board also discussed a Mayor's Award nomination and received Director's updates on the Splash Pad, DNP Art Project, and Vietnam Memorial, plus reports from the Bicycle Committee and Sustainability Council.

Other boards and commissions

• **Utility Board (Aug. 10):** Agenda was procedural boilerplate with no specific items listed.
• **Public Arts Commission (Aug. 10):** Continued discussion on rubric planning; no formal actions or votes expected.
• **Sustainability Council (Aug. 12):** Heard a budget update, a presentation on mowing, and discussion of the 'Make America Beautiful' program, along with subcommittee updates on climate, waste, energy, and local foods.
• **Historic Preservation Commission (Aug. 13):** Reviewed four State Case Reports for properties at 616 8th Avenue, 414 9th Avenue, 808 4th Street, and 901 6th Street, and approved July 9, 2026 minutes.
• **Library Board (Aug. 13):** Discussed the future of the Hoopla digital lending service and approved routine items including minutes, bills, and financial reports.

Coming up

• **Aug. 18 – Human Rights Commission:** Budget discussion, membership, International Ice Cream Social, and reports from liaisons and work groups.
• **Aug. 18 – Airport Board:** Review and update of by-laws, plus reports from the fixed base operator and SDSU.
• **Aug. 27 – Disability Awareness Committee:** Budget updates, accessibility issues including voting, and planning for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October.

All meetings are open to the public; agendas and minutes are available on the city's website.

Brookings Council to Vote on Liquor Licenses, Airport Building, Fire Equipment on Aug. 11

No decisions have been published from Brookings city meetings in the past two weeks, as all recent agendas were released without minutes. The most consequential action on the horizon is the Aug. 11 City Council meeting, where members will vote on liquor license agreements, a snow removal equipment building at the airport, and fire department rescue tools.

Recent meetings

July 30 City Council – The council was scheduled to consider a budget amendment, a property lease, and an annexation. Agenda items included:

• Second reading and action on Ordinance 26-022 for Budget Amendment No. 5 to the 2026 Budget.
• Public hearing and action on Resolution 26-041 to lease real property to RTI, LLC.
• Public hearing and action on Resolution 26-043 to annex Outlot F and Outlot G.
• First reading of Ordinance 26-018 for off-street parking at 816 and 820 9th Avenue.
• First reading of Ordinance 26-023 to rezone several lots in Third Addition from B-4 to B-2.

No minutes have been published, so no outcomes are available.

July 30 quorum notice – The council issued a notice for the Downtown at Sundown event on Main Avenue, 5:30–9:00 p.m. No official business was conducted.

Aug. 3 Park & Recreation Advisory Board – The board discussed project planning and a September tour covering Edgebrook Water Sourcing, Dwiggins-Medary Skatepark, and Community Food Forest. Also discussed: a 2027 expansion of the 5th St Gym, a Mayor's Award nomination, and director's updates on the Splash Pad, DNP Art Project, and Vietnam Memorial.

Aug. 4 Planning Commission – The commission reviewed a front yard setback variance for Lots 2 & 3 in Block 5 of Branch Creek Addition, a conditional use permit for an office at 1103 3rd Street, and a preliminary plat for the Legacy Addition.

Aug. 6 quorum notices – Two notices were issued: one for the Downtown at Sundown event and one for the Brookings County 4-H Achievement Day BBQ. No official business was acted on.

Upcoming meetings

Aug. 11 City Council – The council will hold public hearings and votes on:

• 10-year on-sale liquor operating agreements with W&P of Brookings LLC (Buffalo Wild Wings) and Nine Inc. (9 Bar Nightclub).
• Bid award for the Brookings Airport Snow Removal Equipment Building Project, contingent on FAA funding.
• Bid award for the Brookings Fire Department Hydraulic Rescue Tool Replacement.
• Public hearing on rezoning Lots 4-7A in Block 1 of Third Addition from B-4 Highway to B-2 Business District.
• Supplemental appropriation of grant funds to the 2026 budget.

Aug. 10 Utility Board – Procedural agenda with no specific items listed.

Aug. 10 Brookings Public Arts Commission – Continued discussion on rubric planning; no votes expected.

Aug. 12 Sustainability Council – Budget update, presentation on mowing, discussion of the 'Make America Beautiful' program, and subcommittee updates on climate, waste, energy, and local foods.

Aug. 13 Historic Preservation Commission – Review of four State Case Reports for properties at 616 8th Avenue, 414 9th Avenue, 808 4th Street, and 901 6th Street.

Aug. 13, 20, 21 City Council quorum notices – The council will be present at Downtown at Sundown (Aug. 13 and 20) and Meet State 2026 at South Dakota State University (Aug. 21). No official business will be conducted.

Coming up

The Aug. 11 City Council meeting is the most consequential, with votes on liquor licenses, airport infrastructure, and fire equipment. The Aug. 12 Sustainability Council and Aug. 13 Historic Preservation Commission also have substantive agendas. All meetings are open to the public.

Brookings City Council set to weigh budget amendment, property lease, and annexation; minutes pending

The Brookings City Council's July 30 meeting carried the heaviest agenda of the past two weeks, with votes scheduled on a budget amendment, a property lease to RTI, LLC, and a public hearing on annexation. However, minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet available.

City Council — July 30

The council was scheduled to take action on several items:

• **Second reading and action on Ordinance 26-022**, a budget amendment labeled No. 5 to the 2026 Budget.
• **Public hearing and action on Resolution 26-041**, to lease real property to RTI, LLC.
• **Public hearing and action on Resolution 26-043**, to annex Outlot F and Outlot G.
• **First reading of Ordinance 26-018**, addressing off-street parking at 816 and 820 9th Avenue.
• **First reading of Ordinance 26-023**, to rezone several lots in Third Addition from B-4 to B-2.

Because only the agenda is available and minutes have not been published, the results of these votes and hearings are not yet known.

City Council — July 27 and Quorum Notices

The July 27 council meeting was listed as procedural, with no ordinances, contracts, or public hearings on the agenda and no substantive decisions scheduled.

Separate quorum notices were issued for two events. Council members may have attended a Target ribbon cutting on July 21, and at least four members were expected at the Downtown at Sundown event on July 30 from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm on Main Avenue. In both cases, the notices stated no official city business would be conducted.

Human Rights Commission — July 21

The Human Rights Commission was scheduled to review its membership status and budget under old business. New business included an International Ice Cream Social and a community concern item. Public comment and liaison reports were also on the agenda. Minutes are not yet published.

Disability Awareness Committee — July 23

The Brookings Disability Awareness Committee was set to receive budget updates and discuss access issues, including voting in Brookings and temporary parking for events. The work plan included an ADA Proclamation scheduled for July 30 and award recognitions. The committee also planned to review a social media campaign featuring BDAC gold business stickers and merchandise, including refrigerator magnets and spinners. Minutes are not yet published.

Public Arts Commission — July 23

The Public Arts Commission convened to begin its rubric planning process. No formal actions or votes were scheduled. The meeting was open to the public, with assisted listening systems available upon request.

Dacotah Bank Center Advisory Board — July 23

The board was scheduled to approve its agenda and minutes, review recent events and operations, receive a financial report, and hear strategic updates. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming Up

• **August 3 — Park & Recreation Advisory Board:** Discussion of project planning, a September tour covering Edgebrook Water Sourcing, Dwiggins-Medary Skatepark, and the Community Food Forest, plus the 5th St Gym 2027 expansion. Reports from the Bicycle Committee, Sustainability Council, and Director are scheduled.
• **August 4 — Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment:** A front yard setback variance at Lots 2 & 3 in Block 5 of Branch Creek Addition, a conditional use permit for an office at 1103 3rd Street, and a preliminary plat for the Legacy Addition.
• **August 6 — City Council quorum notices:** Members may attend the Downtown at Sundown event and the Brookings County 4-H Achievement Day BBQ. No official business is scheduled at either.
• **August 13 — City Council quorum notice:** At least four members may be present at Downtown at Sundown on Main Avenue. No official business will be acted upon.

Brookings City Council Scheduled to Vote on Zoning, Fire Station Contract; Outcomes Unconfirmed

Brookings City Council members were scheduled to vote on a zoning change for Block 2 of Northern Plains Addition, a construction contract for the Main Fire Station, and two 2026 budget amendments at their July 14 meeting. Because minutes for this and other recent city meetings have not yet been published, no decisions are confirmed.

City Council

The July 14 City Council agenda listed a proposed zoning change for Block 2 of Northern Plains Addition from Business B-2A Office to Planned Development District. The agenda also included a construction contract award for the Main Fire Station and Budget Amendments No. 4 and No. 5 for the 2026 Budget. Other scheduled items were drainage fee abatements for four parcels, with amounts listed as $132.72, $224.50, $130.44, and $122.10, and a 10-year liquor operating agreement with Mamacitas LLC. Public hearings for liquor operating agreements, subdivision regulation updates, and real property acquisition were also on the agenda. Minutes are not yet published.

Planning Commission

On July 7, the Planning Commission was scheduled to review a variance for a side yard setback at 309 and 315 Thunder Lane. The agenda also included a conditional use permit for off-site parking for the South Dakota State Foundation, the rezoning of multiple lots in Third Addition from B-4 to B-2 District, and the annexation of Outlot F and Outlot G in Section Twenty. Minutes are not yet published.

Other Boards and Commissions

• **Sustainability Council (July 8):** The council was scheduled to review its current budget and receive progress reports on environmental initiatives. Agenda items included a Pollinator Day update, a rabbit control discussion, the Adopt-A-Park program, and the Make America Beautiful initiative. Minutes are not yet published.
• **Historic Preservation Commission (July 9):** The commission was scheduled to review state case reports for proposed window changes at 324 Main Avenue and a case at 816 4th Street. The agenda also included planning for the 2027 Mayor's Awards and Trolley Rides. Minutes are not yet published.
• **Library Board (July 16):** The board was scheduled to review the city's Internet Usage Policy and Wireless Agreement Policy, discuss funding for Hoopla, and approve June 2026 bills for General Funds, Fines, and Donations. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **City Council (July 21):** A quorum of council members may attend a Target ribbon cutting ceremony. No official city business will be conducted.
• **Human Rights Commission (July 21):** The commission will review its membership status and budget under old business. New business includes an International Ice Cream Social and a community concern item. The meeting also includes public comment and liaison reports.
• **Brookings Disability Awareness Committee (July 23):** The committee will receive budget updates and discuss voting access issues in Brookings and temporary parking for events. The work plan includes an ADA Proclamation scheduled for July 30 and a social media campaign featuring BDAC gold business stickers and merchandise, including refrigerator magnets and spinners.

Brookings City Council set to vote on fire station contract and zoning change; recent meetings await minutes

Brookings residents have several consequential decisions on the horizon, with the City Council scheduled to vote July 14 on a Main Fire Station construction contract, a zoning change, and two 2026 budget amendments. Most recent committee and commission meetings from the past two weeks remain in agenda-only status, meaning minutes have not yet been published and outcomes are not yet confirmed.

City Council — July 4

Council members were scheduled to attend two July 4 events: the 42nd Annual 4th of July Parade and the Uncle Sam Jam at the Larson Ice Center, 924 32nd Ave. Both notices were quorum announcements only, with no official city business planned.

Planning Commission — July 7

The Planning Commission was set to review several land-use items, including a variance for side yard setback at 309 and 315 Thunder Lane, a Conditional Use Permit for off-site parking for the South Dakota State Foundation, rezoning of multiple lots in Third Addition from B-4 to B-2 District, and annexation of Outlot F and Outlot G in Section Twenty. The Board of Adjustment was also scheduled to meet on the Thunder Lane variance. Minutes have not yet been published.

Sustainability Council — July 8

The Sustainability Council's agenda included a budget update, a Pollinator Day update, a rabbit control discussion, the Adopt-A-Park program, and the Make America Beautiful initiative. Minutes have not yet been published.

Historic Preservation Commission — July 9

The commission was scheduled to review state case reports for proposed changes at 324 Main Avenue (window proposals) and 816 4th Street. Members were also set to receive updates on subcommittees, Mayor's Awards planning for 2027, and Trolley Rides preparation. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

City Council — July 14: The council is scheduled to vote on a zoning change for Block 2 of Northern Plains Addition from Business B-2A Office to Planned Development District, award of a construction contract for the Main Fire Station, and Budget Amendments No. 4 and No. 5 for the 2026 Budget. The agenda also includes drainage fee abatements for four parcels ($132.72, $224.50, $130.44, and $122.10), a 10-year liquor operating agreement with Mamacitas LLC, and public hearings on liquor operating agreements, subdivision regulation updates, and real property acquisition.

Library Board — July 16: The board will review the city's Internet Usage Policy and Wireless Agreement Policy, discuss funding for Hoopla, and consider approval of June 2026 bills for General Funds, Fines, and Donations.

City Council — July 21: A quorum notice indicates council members may attend a Target ribbon cutting ceremony. No official city business will be conducted.

Brookings roundup: Council agendas list rezoning, budget amendment, and transportation plan; Planning Commission set for annexation and variance reviews

The Brookings City Council's June 23 agenda included a budget amendment, a rezoning ordinance, and adoption of a regional transportation plan, but minutes from that meeting and all other recent council gatherings have not yet been published, so no outcomes are confirmed in the available record.

City Council — June 23

The agenda listed five items for consideration: awarding the Dakota Nature Park public art installation to DJR Design Studio; Ordinance 26-020, a budget amendment (No. 4) to the 2026 budget; Ordinance 26-017, amending subdivision regulations regarding design standards; Ordinance 26-021, rezoning Block 2 of Northern Plains Addition to a Planned Development District; and adoption of the Brookings Area Transportation Plan and a Vision Zero safety goal. Because only the agenda is available and minutes have not been published, the city's record does not yet show which items passed, failed, or were tabled, nor any vote tallies.

Disability Awareness Committee — June 25

The Brookings Disability Awareness Committee agenda included discussions on e-scooter accessibility and voting accessibility in Brookings, along with work-plan items for an ADA proclamation and a social media campaign involving promotional merchandise. Minutes are not yet published, so no actions are confirmed.

Quorum notices — June 27 and July 4

The City Council posted several quorum notices for community events rather than formal meetings. On June 27, council members were notified as potentially attending PRIDE in the Park at Pioneer Park (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) and the 111th Annual Firefighter's Street Dance. On July 4, notices covered the 42nd Annual 4th of July Parade and the Uncle Sam Jam at Larson Ice Center, 924 32nd Ave. Each notice stated that no official city business would be conducted.

Coming up

Planning Commission — July 7

Agenda items include a side yard setback variance for 309 and 315 Thunder Lane; a conditional use permit for off-site parking for the South Dakota State Foundation; rezoning of multiple lots in Third Addition from B-4 to B-2 District; and annexation of Outlot F and Outlot G in Section Twenty.

Sustainability Council — July 8

The council is scheduled to review its budget and receive updates on Pollinator Day, rabbit control, the Adopt-A-Park program, and the Make America Beautiful initiative.

Historic Preservation Commission — July 9

The commission will review state case reports for proposed window changes at 324 Main Avenue and for 816 4th Street, plus planning items for the 2027 Mayor's Awards and Trolley Rides.

Note: All recent meeting summaries listed above are based on agendas only. Minutes have not been published for any of the June 23, June 25, June 27, or July 4 gatherings, so no votes, decisions, or dollar amounts are confirmed in the available record.

Brookings City Council considers rezoning, budget amendment; planning items ahead

The Brookings City Council on June 23 looked at a major rezoning, a mid-year budget change, and adoption of a transportation safety plan, though minutes have not been published to confirm any votes. The agenda-only records indicate council members were scheduled to address land use, city finances, and public art.

Council agenda highlights

The June 23 docket included an ordinance to rezone Block 2 of Northern Plains Addition to a Planned Development District, a move that could shape future growth in that area. Council was also set to vote on Ordinance 26-020, a fourth budget amendment for fiscal year 2026, along with an update to subdivision design standards.

A public art installation for Dakota Nature Park was on the table with a contract award to DJR Design Studio. The council further planned to adopt the Brookings Area Transportation Plan and a Vision Zero safety goal, an initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities.

Because official minutes remain unavailable, final outcomes of those items are not yet known.

Other recent notices

Several notices of quorum were filed in late June and early July for community events where council members attended without conducting business: PRIDE in the Park at Pioneer Park on June 27, the 111th Annual Firefighter’s Street Dance that same evening, the 42nd Annual 4th of July Parade, and the Uncle Sam Jam at Larson Ice Center on July 4.

The Brookings Disability Awareness Committee met June 25 to discuss e-scooter and voting accessibility, plan an ADA proclamation, and develop a social media campaign with promotional materials. No minutes were issued.

Coming up

• **July 7 – Planning Commission**: The agenda includes a side yard setback variance for 309 and 315 Thunder Lane, a conditional use permit for off-site parking for the South Dakota State Foundation, rezoning of several lots in Third Addition from B-4 to B-2 District, and annexation of Outlots F and G in Section Twenty.
• **July 8 – Sustainability Council**: Members will review the budget, hear updates on Pollinator Day and the Adopt-A-Park program, and discuss rabbit control and a Make America Beautiful initiative.
• **July 9 – Historic Preservation Commission**: The commission will examine state case reports for 324 Main Avenue (window proposals) and 816 4th Street, plan the 2027 Mayor’s Awards, and prepare for Trolley Rides.