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Brookings Historic Preservation Commission
June 13, 2024 Minutes
A meeting of the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission was held on Thursday, June 13, 2024 in the
Brookings City & County Government Center. Members present: Nathaniel Condelli, Tom Thaden,
Matthew Weiss, Janet Merriman and Sandra Callies. Also present were Samantha Beckman, Assistant to
the City Manager, Kirsten Gjesdal, Downtown Brookings Executive Director and Ryan Miller, City Planner.
Call to Order
Weiss called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
A motion was made by Merriman and seconded by Condelli to approve the agenda. All present voted aye.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Merriman and seconded by Thaden to approve the May 9, 2024 minutes. All
present voted aye.
11.1 Review Updates
There is one outstanding 11.1 review for 312 8th Avenue. A Case Report has been requested by the State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). There may be addition upcoming 11.1 applications for review.
Other Items & Reports.
a. Downtown Master Plan Updates:
Beckman stated that the consultants are in the refining stage of the plan concepts. A final
open house is tentatively planned for August 7. A final draft will tentatively be ready around
September for review and adoption by the City Council.
The goals of the plan are to stimulate private investment, establish a place to live, create
signature gathering space, improve access and circulation, and strengthen downtown as a
destination.
Weiss asked if the consultants have identified any issues in the plan. Gjesdal noted issues
such as cleanliness, building maintenance, connectivity and walkability, parking, disconnect
between property owners and tenants and the historic review process.
Merriman described the BHPC’s efforts recently on promotion and education related to the
11.1 review process.
b. Incentives Report
Beckman mentioned a few incentive programs being explored as part of the master plan
including a grant and loan program for facades and a downtown revitalization investment
program.
Weiss asked if there were peer city reviews during the exploration process. Weiss noted a
façade easement program that was highlighted at a recent historic preservation conference.
Beckman stated that peer cities and a façade easement program were reviewed during this
process.
Weiss noted a lack of residential presence in the downtown area. Beckman noted that the
consultants have identified the potential to add as many as 90 additional residential units in
the downtown area. Gjesdal noted the financial resources needed to spur additional
residential investment in downtown.
c. Preservation Month Recap:
Thaden stated that the Brookings Register published stories on churches that are in or were
historically located in the historic districts. Thaden mentioned that the archi-treasure exhibit
in the library went well.
Merriman recapped the open house. Tables were hosted by Paula Carson, Ryan Miller, Chuck
Bennis, Sandra Callies, Janet Merriman, Janet Gritzner and Tom Thaden. One table provided
an opportunity for attendees to provide feedback. Advertising was done via direct mail
postcards, the town and country shopper and Facebook.
d. Subcommittee Updates:
i. Survey
No updates.
ii. Public Education
No updates.
iii. Codes & Design
The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 26 at 5:00 PM
iv. Incentives & Partnership
The first meeting will be held on Thursday, May 27 at 5:00 PM
e. Recap of CLG Conference:
Gritzner, Krueger, Weiss and Miller attended the conference. Weiss mentioned that
connections were formed with preservation commission from Deadwood and Vermillion.
Miller mentioned an observation about special setback allowances in the historic district that
was toured.
f. Trolley Rides Planning
Weiss mentioned that a tentative date has been set with McCrossan for August 29. This is the
final Downtown at Sundown planned for 2024. The budget includes $500 for McCrossan and
$250 for advertising.
Merriman discussed potential advertising options including more on-site advertising to direct
people to the trolley pick up location. Weiss has been in coordination with Kelsey Doom and
there might be some cross advertising opportunities. Weiss requested an advertising strategy
be presented at the July BHPC meeting. Weiss will begin work on the press release and street
closure permit. Merriman will work on an advertising strategy.
Upcoming Events
a. NAPC Forum in West Palm Beach, FL, July 31-Aug 4
Other Announcements
Thaden mentioned that the first batch of scans has been received from SDSU. Some of the information
includes a past power point describing the CLG’s responsibilities and articles from Remembering Our Past.
Callies mentioned discussions that took place at the open house regarding a potential expansion at Mt.
Calvary Lutheran church and how the BHPC can navigate potential conflicts between the church’s plans
and the role of historic preservation. This led to discussion on the BHPC’s broader role in redevelopment
within the 6th Street Commercial Corridor.
Weiss mentioned that the Disability Awareness Committee has previously sponsored and hosted treats
for the Community Band but have declined to do so this year and a new sponsor and host is needed. This
would involve a financial commitment of about $450 as well as a one time commitment to serve ice
cream on July 21. Weiss mentioned that SHPO confirmed that CLG funds could not be used for the treats.
Members discussed the difficulty in finding donations as well as limited time availability and chose to not
pursue hosting and sponsoring the event.
Miller mentioned that the Pioneer Park Bandshell rededication event will be held on Sunday, July 7.
Next Scheduled Meeting
• The next meeting will be Thursday, July 11, 2024.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
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Matt Weiss, Chair Ryan Miller, City Planner