The Brookings City Council convened on November 26, 2024, to address several key agenda items, including employee agreements, a change order for a street maintenance project, and a commercial corridor design review.

The meeting began with a discussion on audit payments related to sales tax revenue discrepancies identified in late 2022. Councilmember Wendell sought clarification on the nature of these payments, which stemmed from businesses not properly collecting or remitting taxes. City staff explained that the state Department of Revenue assisted in identifying the issues, although the audit process took considerable time.

Next, the council reviewed and approved a new three-year agreement with Teamsters Local Union Number 120, representing police employees. This updated contract, effective from 2025 to 2027, includes a 2.5% cost of living adjustment and a potential 2% merit increase for employees, ensuring that salary expenses remain aligned with revenue fluctuations. The council unanimously approved this agreement after a motion and second were made.

Following this, the council addressed a similar agreement for city general employees, also represented by Teamsters Local Union Number 120. This contract mirrors the police agreement in terms of salary adjustments and benefits, and it was likewise approved unanimously.

The council then moved on to a resolution authorizing a change order for the 2024 Street Maintenance and Overlay Project. City Engineer Charlie Richter presented the need for additional work due to unforeseen subsurface conditions on Seventh Street and the resurfacing of Fourteenth Avenue. The change order, totaling approximately $127,605, was approved, bringing the total contract value to just under the engineer's estimate.

In the latter part of the meeting, a public hearing was held regarding a commercial corridor design review for a proposed convenience store and car wash at the intersection of 22nd Avenue and 20th Street South. Community Development Director Mike Struck outlined the unique circumstances affecting the site, including a utility easement that necessitated a greater setback than typically required. The planning commission recommended approval of the project with two exceptions regarding setbacks, which the council also approved after a motion and public comment.

Overall, the meeting concluded with a series of approvals that reflect the council's commitment to maintaining city services and infrastructure while addressing community development needs. The next steps will involve implementing the approved agreements and overseeing the ongoing projects discussed during the meeting.