HomeMy WebLinkAboutSCMinutes_2024_03_13City of Brookings
Sustainability Council Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, March 13, 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: R. Buterbaugh Second: B. Pengra
Aye: All Opposed: None
3. Approval of the Minutes
Moved: B. Pengra Second: R. Buterbaugh
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
- City Council meeting was held on carrying over 2300 from the 2023 BSC budget
- No Mow May is good to go for the year
- Golf course is now open
- Street department is starting dust control around the city
- Six mile creek study was well attended
- Stormwater department is looking at blockages
- Downtown master plan open house is March 25th-27th at 5-7 at City Hall - Council
Chambers
- April 9th is council member elections
6.Presenter: Kristin Zimmerman - Parks, Recreation & Forestry
Director
1.Food Forest: feasibility on the city side, operation costs are looking too high,
lack of staff to properly maintain it. There is the potential to look at alternative
options such as an edible food guide. The Brookings city staff toured the food
forest in Luverne, it was very nice however the garden is staffed by a full time
gardener. If the project is to move forward it will need to be on a much smaller
scale. Potential avenues to move forward are still an option.
a.Comments from the BSC: Perhaps start with a smaller garden space
located near the Public Gardens, or partnering with private
organizations such as Brookings Food Pantry or United Way.
b.McCrory Gardens is may be interested in looking into a partnership
opportunity to create a campus Food Forest attached to the existing
gardens.
c.Potential to incorporate native edible plants within the Dakota Nature
Park.
d.Three potential smaller locations moving forward within the city.
i.North of the Community gardens 5-10 trees
ii.Native edible plants placed throughout the Dakota Nature Park
iii.Partnership with United Way
2.National Parks Recreation Cohort Opportunity:
a. Submit a packet in order to receive a grant of $10,000 to fund a project
to increase environmental sustainability. More information will be sent
to Robin Buterbaugh.
3. Golf Course:
a. Audubon society looks at creating more natural areas within golf
courses. The city is beginning the discussion on transitioning the rough
spots within the golf course into more native habitat areas.
4. Downtown at Sundown:
a. The Parks and Rec. would like the BSC to partner with the event to
create seed balls. (Will take place in August)
5. Update on the bike trails: currently printing new maps, and working on the bike
master plan, focus for this year is between 17th and Orchard.
7.Stormwater Best Practices Program Update/Discussion Planning
to reimburse up to half of a $125-$250 in native plant purchases. 40
vouchers initially to get the program started.
Planning to start selling the rainwater barrels in April. (sample barrel is in
the office) the purchase window will be open for about 1 month, with a
fixed date for pickup. Purchases without the subsidy will also be
available. Will need to talk about marketing with the city.
a.Garden Discovery Festival Planning (May 19)
1.The BSC needs to fill out a registration form, A. Shanks
will take care of registration.
8.Sustainability Conference presentation - Albert
Due to time this topic was moved to the next meeting.
9. No Mow May Updates
The signs have been ordered and are scheduled to be delivered to the city building
10. Action List for SDSU Students
a. SDSU old president's house: raised garden beds project.
11. Discussion & Action on Mission Statement Update
a. 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 ecologically-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.
Due to time this topic was moved to the next meeting.
12. 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
Arts in the Park involvement?
13. Adjourn
Motion to Adjourn
Moved: B. Pengra Second: S. Krueger
Aye: All Opposed: None
Respectfully submitted, Samuel Krueger