Council approves rezoning, downtown land purchase and library appeal policy; votes at a glance

The Brookings City Council voted tonight on multiple ordinances and land‑use items. The council recorded affirmative votes and approved the following measures.

• Ordinance 25-027 — Budget amendment number 5 and purchase of property at 214 Front Street for downtown parking: Approved. The budget amendment totals $1,300,000 to cover land purchase, environmental study, appraisal and closing costs; staff recommended using the council’s financial policy funds for a one‑time infrastructure purchase. (Roll call recorded in favor.)

• Ordinance 25-024 — Establishing a citizens’ request-for-reconsideration appeal process for library materials (for obscene materials): Approved. The ordinance implements an appeal process the city must provide in response to a new state law, per staff and council discussion. Several council members expressed unease about their role but said the policy is required by statute. (Roll call recorded in favor.)

• Ordinance 25-023 — Amendment to Division 6 (Chapter 94) removing cannabis dispensaries as an allowable use in the B2A zoning district: Approved. Planning staff said there are no current dispensaries in B2A zones, so the change will not create nonconforming uses. The planning commission recommended approval. (Roll call recorded in favor.)

• Ordinance 25-025 — Rezone roughly 68 city‑owned properties to the newly created Civic District: Approved. The rezoning consolidates public uses (parks, substations, lift stations, trail corridors) under one zoning designation the planning commission unanimously recommended. A public commenter urged parks to be zoned separately to provide stronger protection; the council approved the ordinance. (Roll call recorded in favor.)

• Ordinance 25-026 — Rezoning property described as the south 110 feet of Outlet A in the SW Quarter in Section 20 (71630 Fourth Avenue) from A to B3 to enable redevelopment: Approved; planning commission recommended unanimously. (Roll call recorded in favor.)

• Preliminary plat — Block 21, Legacy Addition (approximately 3.3 acres east of 30 Fourth Avenue): Approved. The developer presented a preliminary drainage and grading plan; staff and the planning commission recommended approval. (Roll call recorded in favor.)

Several other routine items and first readings were on the agenda; the council removed from the consent agenda a resolution to designate an official newspaper and directed staff to publish required legal notices in the Volga Tribune while the city attorney reviews the matter.

Votes were recorded by roll call during the meeting; where the roll call was read the council recorded unanimous "ayes." Where recorded, the council did not register any "no," "abstain," or "recusal" votes on the items listed above.