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Home My WebLink AboutSCMinutes_2024_01_10City of Brookings Sustainability Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday,January 10,2024 4:00 PM City &County Government Hall Room 300 Sustainability Council Members:Bruce Pengra,Cynthia Kunkel,Kyle Jamison,Louis Hesler,Albert Patin,Samuel Krueger,Anthony Shanks,Robin Buterbaugh,Emily Abele,Kiley Rath,and SDSU Student Representative Valentyna Stopul.City Staff:Samantha Beckman Assistant to the City Manager. 1.Call to Order Meeting called to order by A.Shanks 2.Approval of the Agenda Moved:L.Hesler Second:A.Shanks Aye:All Opposed:None 3.Approval of the Minutes Moved:A.Patin Second:E.Abele Aye:All Opposed:None 4.Open Forum At this time,any member of the public may request time on the agenda for an item not listed.Items are not typically scheduled for the end of the meeting;however,very brief announcements of invitations will be allowed at this time. 5.City Update -Sign up for snow alerts on the Brookings city website. -Brookings and SDSU day at the capital is coming up. -Library and Activity Center kickoff event took place:looking at the future of the two buildings. -Developers Breakfast started with the city:biannually conversations. -Feb.15th 9:00-10:30 coffee hour with City Council &Downtown Brookings:bring questions,ideas,and concerns. -Jan.10th curbside pickup for Christmas Trees. -New Solid Waste Manager:Charlie Kuhn. -City manager:Marketplace Land Sale update. -10 acres of city-owned land to Ryan Companies.A special election on Jan. 30 will decide the matter.The amended sale plan,priced at $1.40 per square foot,aims to develop four pad-ready sites.The City Manager highlights the need for infrastructure.Aldi,a Midwest furniture company, and other retail businesses show interest.The project aims to boost economic impact,with a new grocery store generating property and sales tax revenue.The project aims to reduce retail leakage,keeping business within Brookings rather than diverting to other cities. -Proposing an alternative date for the next meeting (currently scheduled for Feb 14,will be in touch about the new date). 6.Stormwater Best Practices,Charlie Richter,City Engineer Seeking to invest in green initiatives like rain barrels and native plantings,the city aims to align efforts with the SDSU Native Plants Initiative and local greenhouses.The introduction of the idea to NPA Laura Perkins involves a budget of approximately $10,000.Exploring sample programs and educational opportunities for the community, the rain garden by the city building's parking lot showcases native plant use,with additional examples in McCrory Gardens and the Agricultural Heritage Museum. Partnering with local landscaping companies is under consideration.R. Buterbaugh will obtain a quote for rain barrels,while E.Abele suggests hosting a workshop for community education,offering participants a rain barrel.BMU suppor ts the initiative to promote water conservation.Next steps include reaching out to coordinators of past rain barrel programs and contacting local nurseries. The initial plan involves purchasing 40 rain barrels for around $2,000,allocating $1,000 for education,$5,000 for native plant initiatives (with $100-200 vouchers for households),and around $2,000 for promotional materials,including websites,social media,a city council presentation,and print media. 7.Discussion &Action on Mission Statement Update A.Shanks:Moving forward looking to incorporate more socially inclined language. Proposed Language:To champion sustainability in the heart of Brookings,our council unites volunteers,businesses,and residents. We're committed to creating a resilient and eco-conscious community, fostering environmental,social,and economic well-being.Through education,innovation,and collaborative action,we strive for a greener, healthier,and more equitable future.Join us in building a legacy of sustainability that reflects our pride in the City of Brookings and inspires communities far beyond. 8.Updates on the 2023/2024 Budget -Waiting on a response for printing the Now Mow May signs. -Seed packets have been ordered. -Reusable bags have been purchased as well. -Holding off on conference registration. -Still have $2000 remaining in the budget. 9.Discussion/Possible Action on Liaison Positions Will continue this discussion at the next meeting. 10.Discussion/Possible Action on Subcommittee Membership and Structure a.Marketing and Communication:Motion to approve the spending of up to $1000 for 150 tote bags. Moved:K.Rath Second:A.Patin Aye:All Opposed:None b.Climate Action Plan:As the new chair A.Shanks is requesting that B.Pengra would take the lead on the further initiatives regarding the climate action plan. c.Waste:A.Patin. d.Energy:Looking to implement energy efficient brochures for appliances in places of business related to BMU rebates. e.Local Foods:No Updates 11.Upcoming Community Events The BSC would like to continue to participate in all the community events hosted in 2023 such as Earth day at SDSU,and the Garden discovery festival at McCrory Gardens, with the additional participation in the Brookings Farmers Market;the exact dates and frequency of participation at the farmers market will be decided at a later date. The events discussed are: 12.Bee City USA As part of the 2024 agenda members of the BSC would like to take steps on making brookings an officially recognized ‘Bee City USA.’R.Buterbaugh and L.Helser will look into next steps toward this goal. 13.Updates/Reports from Subcommittees a.Parks and Recreation Board:No Updates b.Human Rights Commission:No Updates 14.Updates from Liaisons a.Parks and Recreation Board:No Updates b.Human Rights Commission Liaison:No Updates 12.Call for Future Agenda Items None 13.Adjourn Motion to Adjourn Moved:A.Patin Second:E.Abele Aye:All Opposed:None Respectfully submitted,Samuel Krueger