The Brookings City Council meeting on November 26, 2024, highlighted several key developments and community initiatives aimed at enhancing local services and celebrating the upcoming holiday season.

One of the most notable announcements was the upcoming Mayor's Holiday Celebration, set for December 6 at the Dakota Bank Center. The event will feature a social gathering at 5 PM, followed by the presentation of the Mayor's Awards at 6 PM. Residents are encouraged to attend and celebrate the achievements of the award recipients.

In preparation for winter, city officials reminded residents to sign up for parking ban and snow alerts through the "Notify Me" service. Additionally, the city’s "Engage Brookings" platform allows citizens to report non-emergency snow-related concerns directly to the appropriate departments.

The progress report presented by Samantha Beckman, assistant to the city manager, also detailed significant infrastructure projects. The street maintenance and overlay project is nearing completion, while a pedestrian scramble project at the intersection of Main Avenue and Third Street is underway, with a completion target set for the end of 2024. This new pedestrian feature will allow all traffic lights to turn red simultaneously, providing a safe crossing for pedestrians.

The Brookings Regional Airport is in the midst of a two-year taxiway project, with the first phase completed this year and the entire project expected to finish by next fall. Meanwhile, the solid waste division is implementing a master plan, with a groundbreaking for new infrastructure planned for spring 2025.

The Brookings Police Department has been actively engaging with the community, hosting events such as a drug take-back initiative and a meal for local veterans in honor of Veterans Day. The department also welcomed two new officers during the meeting.

In a significant leadership change, the council announced the hiring of Troy Hughes as the new fire chief, succeeding Pete Bolzer, who will retire at the end of the year but remain part-time until Hughes takes over in May.

The Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department is preparing for the holiday season with decorations and a tree lighting ceremony. The department is also conducting a financial sustainability study to ensure long-term viability.

The meeting concluded with discussions on future agenda items, including the formation of an investigatory group to merge several local economic development organizations. This initiative aims to improve resource efficiency and better serve the community's economic goals.

As Brookings gears up for the holiday season and continues to enhance its infrastructure and community services, residents can look forward to a vibrant and engaged local government focused on their needs.