HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMinutes_2014_06_24 J 213
Brookings City Council
June 24, 2014
The Brookings City Council held a meeting on Tuesday,June 24, 2014 at 5:00 p.m., at City Hall
with the following members present: Mayor Tim Reed, Council Members Keith Corbett, Dan
Hansen, Ope Niemeyer,Tom Bezdichek (arrived 5:10 p.m.) and Jael Thorpe. John Kubal was
absent. City Attorney Steve Britzman, City �Vlanager Jeffrey Weldon and City Clerk Shari
Thornes were also present.
�xecutive Session. A motion was made by fViemeyer, seconded by Hansen, to enter into
executive session at 5:02 p.m. to consult with legal counsel or reviewing communications from
legal counsel about proposed or pending cantractual matters and to discuss marketing or
pricing strategies by a board or commission of a business owned by the state or any of its
political subdivisions, when public discussion may be harmful to the competitive position of the
business with the City Council, City IVlanager, City Clerk, City,4ttorney, and Mike Struck present.
,4 motion was made by IViemeyer, seconded by Hansen,to exit executive session at 5:52 p.m.
G:�O g�.�n. �t�guOar�ouncol Nt�eting
�Corasent A�enda. A motion was made by Corbett, seconded by Hansen, to approve the consent
agenda.
A. Action to approve the agenda.
B. Action to approve the June 10 Council IVleeting Minutes.
All present voted yes; motion carried.
IVlavor's Annual S�ate of�he City Messa�e.
2014 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
BY YVIAYOR TIM FZEED
"Brookings continues to be the place to Bring Your Dreams. Because of past investments and
hard work, our community is resilient and growing. I feel we are poised for continued
prosperity and growth. Our City Government is progressive. We are a benefactor of a growing
University that provides us with economic, entertainment, and cultural benefits. Plus the
community has non-governmental organizations that continue to improve and help make this
City a special place.
David Brooks of the IVew York Times recently opined about the structures of growth. IVot
growth as in bigger, but growth as in progress. Brooks speaks to how we think growth is linear,
you get better each day. In realitythere are ups and downs in progress, and we all know losing
that last pound is harder than the first ten. Growth is normally logarithmic or exponential. At
times we see huge improvements and others it seems to be a struggle. David's column made
me realize that it is important to understand we are currently in an exponential growth curve
and what that means. He points out when experiencing exponential growth we can't sit back
and relax. In that type of growth environment it doesn't get easier; we have an uphill climb to
make sure Brookings remains the place to Bring Your Dreams.
Below is a summary of where we are and how we can continue to grow.
I used the picture of the Visitor Center within our
award winning Nature Park to show what can be
accomplished. Taking this area from a closed
�.. \� landfill to a Nature Park took a vision. We need
��"'�• -'`�-�, �»;��, �� . - # �o have a vision of what's next for Brookings.
�; �� ��;�:�� ��� �1�� ' �;�';��
k « �� ,i�' `
�.:�
���
e;K3f�*�r,�,, r„
��t,. �>
SALES TAX REVEfNUE
Let's start with sales tax revenue, our 15t and 2nd Penny had an 8.9% revenue increase in 2013.
Please note that the increase includes taxes paid on equipment and some construction supplies
in building the Bel Brands Plant. IVluch of these funds will be rebated to Bel Brands. We don't
know what our exact growth is but we did achieve a 5.5% growth in retail sales in a sluggish
21 �
economy. Although that growth is great the Council has identified a continued need for retail
expansion in its 2014 strategic plan. We are a growing city and sales tax is still our largest
revenue source. We must continue to aggressively work to stop retail leakage. For the first five
months of 2014 our sales tax revenue is up more than 18%. Again, some of the increase will be
rebated back to Bel Brands.
�
` '"`"�` `` �' '� ��� � The 3rd Penny or Triple B had no growth
�`�'��� A trend�
`�.���� 'k°`�"'�,"�"''S.5"`'-2°lZ ;;5��,�,�i ' compared to 2012. So far, for the first
8.49G increase �' jR10.1?00
^ ss.s�ro.u�v ' ��SO� ,---.% five months of 2014, the Triple B is up
� s�-����� '; _ ;�,o.� 4J5%. I'm hoping that last year's
'4.5`�-�.�v , 555°.""° results were a one-year issue, and we
.. 54,0€)O�.WQ �'. . . 55(X),EXx� � . . .
�� �,� in r, 12 ,� ��v �� �a �� �z 13 will continue to see growth this year.
�-� Two new hotels are in the planning
s.00�. s�ct.o��.�Y�u
���;,, �-�--- _, , stages, one with a convention and
sc�,ax,.cra
,�;,,, ,,' �'• ��� banquet space. I hope these
2�13 Apr 3.27: 5�.�.�
z�u'a �lAApr3:�;, - investments will help with Triple B
f��'�� $20'0°�'`�" ' growth. This funds our economic and
. Q�0':,, , b\�orl:f,rce���p 430. ul ,.� . . �� . . ,
Ob J� 1U ii 12 13 GS 09 IU 11 �2 13 VISItOr IIIVeSt�7lellt$.
tlj'OO�I IZ�S
BUILDING PERMITS
Another good sign for our economy are building permits. In 2013, 54 permits were issued for a
total value of more than $58 million dollars. It is important to note that Bel Brands
construction was a large part of the 2013 building permit value.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Unemployment in Brookings continued to fall in 2013. 2012 average level was 3.8% and 2013 is
3.2%. It looks like the unemployment rate has leveled off. April 2013 was 3.2% and there was
no change for April of 2014. AI Heuton's report of workforce growth of 430 over the last year
was good news.
Work force development has been a key issue for the Council during 2013. And as Mr. Heuton
commented, it is going to keep us busy for the next 10 years. Where can the Council directly
affect attracting and retaining a work force? - Community amenities. More on this later.
2013 PROIECT HIGHLIGHTS
2013 was much different than 2012. Although we still have
several large scale projects it was much less than 2012. Some
highlights of 2013 projects.
32"d Avenue—Completing the Foster Industrial Park. —Okay "�'_�
this picture just shows the start of the project but we all .,'�
know it is complete. �,
�++c._ .,,,,,.,.,,..a�
Main Avenue
r�, � �
�""� ~ South —A lot of planning was completed in 2013.
�L-..: . ': ,�,..,
,� .. .�''�.
�'=:;�{�`';:-��---r This picture shows the start of the project this
�. - -, .=
�� -�`�:�"" - � spring—
.: �.._a. ..�:Y
„-7"�'i:='`� _
_. �_
- � �_. �,
. -- t
when it wasn't raining. � ��` � �A�
#.�„ '`� � -,��_ ..
Bel Brands Digester—City Hall normally � .,.,r.�� ��• � , �''
�.t ° , ..>� k� � ;,,i�,
constructs building, roads, drainage—as ,;,.�� .e� , �y� ;.,�,�
you can see this was a different project -- �?
_ �' ` � j `�.� ,.
with tanks, pipes, values and computer ` M' �,
controls. But with help from Brookings '^�� .�:�'�'�'� ' ^!
Municipal Utilities we complete d it an d are �+�'' �� �� �' �
� . .��''' ���`+�-
_ ;.�`,�• ,
.
j 215
in the process of turning it over to Bel Brands to operate.
And the Nature Park had many of its sub-projects completed like the new bridge across the
ponds.
A list of some of the other projects completed:
• Debt Analysis
• Lean Government
• Time Card System
• Airport project planning and construction
• Rotary Park Storm Drainage
• 20th and Medary Avenue Storm Drainage
• Signalization at 12th Street South and 17th Avenue
• Gateway Project, Phase II
• Recodification
• Engage Brookings
• Smart phones rolled out to city personal
• Expanded East Fire Station
• Brookings Public Library's 100t"Anniversary
The Council receives annual reports from all the Departments highlighting all of great work that
was accomplished in 2013. Thank you to all the Departments.
2013 was a great year for the city. But how do make sure 2014-2024 are great years?
SETTING THE BAR
In 2002 shortly after the opening of the Larson Ice Arena, Brookings hosted the State Hockey
Tournament. While watching it on N I saw someone holding a sign sign trying to get the
attention of then Sioux Fall's Mayor Munson, letting him know that this was what an Ice Arena
looked like. I wasn't a part of City Council at the time, but I remember the pride in seeing that
sign. We were ahead of Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls is now in the process of building a new ice arena
this year.
A couple of weeks ago Watertown announced an overwhelming approval by its citizens to build
a new$25 million recreation center. Remember in 2010 when we overtook Watertown as the
4th largest City? I think they do.
The bar has been raised. We have done a great job over the past several years making sure city
infrastructure; roads, buildings, and equipment are a good as possible to insure good
government services. Now it is time to look at amenities for our citizens. We need to attract
and retain a work force. We need to attract and retain young families, mobile professionals,
and retires to keep this community vibrant. I don't believe we would be talking about the
success of Brookings if it wasn't for the investments in Larson Ice Arena,SDSU Performing Arts
Center, Swiftel Center, Library Expansion, and many other projects. Amenities are crucia)to our
future success. It is time we focus our investments on proposed community amenities like:
• An indoor practice and tennis facility
21 �
• The Performing Arts Center Expansion —a new performing arts theater
,.�tK�,- ! :'�/:
)+'.�� ^> >� . .•�}' '„�„''�_"�..�,', +"�/
o ,+.., `.r.t�LL ,"� .. ��yM�M�
w`e..++r—i6�nti.-.e..ehsw.�„� . —---- - _- "�
�±M�. ���. �Y.. . ,..+
,�''��� ��+ ' �- w� 7��, -1
. � y¢
i 1� _��
' .,,�.,l .t��w '�i11f! : ..�'��a `' � ��[.'��.- �
� .:�,�I
• The Boys & Girls Teen Center
Much more detail will be needed
before we make any decisions. We
.�� may need to make some tough
; ��� budget priority decisions to
' � accomplish projects like these. But
- if we don't, we fall behind and if we
fall behind, so will our revenue and
success.
FOCUS AREAS FOR 2014
Here are a several areas that I think we should also focus on during 2014.
Expanded retail options are always asked for during conversation with constituents. And the
more sales tax revenue we retain in Brookings,the more we can improve the city and the
services it provides. Retail attraction is a marathon; let's not give up.
We need to continue to focus on becoming a high performing city government. Please
continue to embrace lean practices. Let's provide great services efficiently.
I believe we do a good job on transparency, but always need to look for new opportunities to
share information with the public. I have been reading with interest that several city
governments are using the internet to share all financial records of the city. I believe that a
citizen should be able to see details of all expenditures of the city. This is a topic I hope to bring
to the Council's attention in 2014 or early 2015.
The Sustainability Council will present in July an indicator system to provide guidance on what
initiatives would provide the most value. We need to continue to make sure we are looking
toward a sustainable future for the City of Brookings.
So much more that could be discussed. Consider this a taste of the exciting opportunities for
Brookings.
A big thank you to the citizens of Brookings, our volunteer boards and committee members,
Jeff and his staff,the City Clerk's Office, and my fellow Council Members. Without ALL of you,
none of our accomplishments would be possible. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this
great City."
Presentation of City of Brookin�s Annual Financial Report. Representatives from BKD, LLP
presented the City of Brookings 2013 Annual Financial Report. No action was taken.
Brookin�s Health Svstems Financial Report. Representatives from Brookings Health Systems
provided the City Council with a financial report and update on current and pending issues.
The Council will review a letter of support for Brookings Health Systems regarding the impact of
State of South Dakota's Health Plan on the Brookings Health System at the July 8th meeting.
En�ineering Consultants Report regardin�Airport Draina�e. Bob Babcock, Helms &
Associates, provided an update on the storm drainage for the Airport Project. Thorpe left at
7:30 p.m.
J 217
A motion was made by Bezdichek, seconded by Niemeyer, directing the consulting engineer to
prepare a design modification to the airport drainage plan to pick up the 24" culvert crossing gtn
Street South. All present voted yes; motion carried.
First Readin�—Ordinance 10-14. A first reading was held on Ordinance No. 10-14, an
Ordinance rezoning the Christie Heights Addition in the SW%of the NW%of Section 2-T109N-
R50W from an Agricultural A District to a Residence R-1B and R-2 District (26t"St. So. and
Western Ave.) Public Hearing: July 8, 2014.
First Readin�—Ordinance 11-14. First reading was held on Ordinance No. 11-14, an Ordinance
rezoning the Christie Third Addition in the NW%of Section 2-T109N-RSOW from an Agricultural
A District to a Residence R-1B District (26th St. So.). Public Hearing: July 8, 2014.
First Readin�—Ordinance 12-14. First reading was held on Ordinance No. 12-14, an Ordinance
rezoning the east 675' of the west 1,075' of the north 157' of the south 670' from a Residence
R-3 District to a Business B-2 District; and the east 245' of the north 157' of the south 670'from
a Residence R-3 District to a Business B-2A District, all in the SW%of the SW%of Section 36-
T110N-R50W (20th St. So. across from soccer complex). Public Hearing: July 8, 2014.
First Readin�—Ordinance 13-14. First reading was held on Ordinance No. 13-14, an Ordinance
amending Chapter 94, Zoning, creating the Airport AP District. Public Hearing: July 22, 2014.
Revised Preliminarv Plat. A public hearing was held on a revised Preliminary Plat of the Christie
Heights Addition in the SW%of the NW%of Section 2-T109N-R50W. No public comment. A
motion was made by Hansen, seconded by Corbett,to approve. All present voted yes; motion
carried. Thorpe returned at 7:40 p.m.
Review of Citv of Brookin�s 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan. City Manager Jeff Weldon
reviewed the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. No action was taken.
Action to aapoint the Deputv Mavor. A motion was made by Hansen, seconded by Niemeyer,
to appoint Keith Corbett as the Deputy Mayor. Term expires June 1, 2015. All present voted
yes; motion carried.
Council Toaics for future discussion. A motion was made by Hansen, seconded by Corbett,to
consider requiring a drainage plan as part of a rezoning request in the Joint Jurisdictional Area.
Discussion: This item will be discussed at a future study session and will also require County
Commission concurrence. All present voted yes; motion carried.
Adiourn. A motion was made by Hansen, seconded by Reed,to adjourn. All present voted yes;
motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:15 p.m.
CITY OF BROOKIIVGS
�.�T�r r�� :�. .
„���r ��INCUNP�'�O �/�
rJ� � , 'F
CJ i•
: S}�R c;� Tim Reed, Mayor
9�3 9
P•� �
�0��'� ... '•�:C
.�',�O
S UTH•VP �'v
✓ N
Shari Thornes, City Clerk
i