Council approves naming training tower for Chief Pete Bolzer and several resolutions on sidewalks, floodplain fines and right‑of‑way purchase

The Brookings City Council voted on a set of resolutions and ordinances, approving the naming of the city fire training tower for longtime Fire Chief Pete Bolzer and adopting measures on sidewalk repairs, floodplain‑related fines and a right‑of‑way purchase for 20th Street South.

Naming the training tower: Council approved Resolution 25‑033 to name the city's fire-training tower in honor of Chief Pete Bolzer, who is retiring after more than 25 years with the Brookings Fire Department and more than 45 years in emergency services. City staff recommended the action, noting Bolzer's emphasis on firefighter safety and training. The motion to approve received a second and passed on a recorded roll call with Mayor Neimeyer and council members voting in the affirmative.

Sidewalk repair assessments: The council approved Resolution 25‑032, which determines the necessity of repairing and installing sidewalks identified in the city's annual sidewalk program and authorizes staff to bid the project. Public Works Director John Thompson said staff identified 68 locations in 2024; 13 are city responsibility and 55 are the responsibility of abutting property owners. Of the private parcels, 28 owners opted into the city repair project, one owner already completed repairs, two will hire contractors and 24 had not responded. Owners who opt in will be assessed repair costs plus a 6% administrative fee; qualifying low‑income property owners can be referred to the Interlakes Community Action Partnership (ICAP) for assistance.

Floodplain‑ordinance fines: The council approved Resolution 25‑035 to establish fines tied to the city’s recently amended floodplain ordinance (Ordinance 25‑010). Public Works staff said the ordinance language, required to maintain participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, includes enforcement provisions and allows the council by resolution to adopt penalties. The council adopted a tiered fine schedule (first offense $300 plus court costs; higher amounts for subsequent offenses) and directed staff to attempt cooperative correction with property owners before seeking enforcement through the courts.

Right‑of‑way acquisition for 20th Street South: The council approved Resolution 25‑031 authorizing the city manager to acquire approximately 7,938 square feet of property from the Paul E. Moriarty Living Trust for future right‑of‑way at an agreed price of $158,005.22. Staff said the purchase secures alignment ahead of anticipated development on the northwestern corner and that sufficient funds exist in the 2025 capital budget.

Roll calls and voting: Each resolution was approved after motions and seconds; roll calls recorded council members voting in the affirmative on the listed items. The council also approved routine consent-agenda items earlier in the meeting.

No litigation, annexation or zoning changes were enacted as part of these votes; implementation steps include bidding the sidewalk work, referral of qualifying owners to ICAP for assistance and finalizing acquisition paperwork for the right‑of‑way.