HomeMy WebLinkAboutSCMinutes_2024_10_16City of Brookings
Sustainability Council Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 4:00 PM City/County Government Center; Room 300
Sustainability Council Members: Bruce Pengra, Cynthia Kunkel, Louis Hesler, Albert Patin, Samuel
Krueger, Anthony Shanks, Robin Buterbaugh, Emily Abele, Kiley Rath, Kyle Jamison, and SDSU Student
Representative Valentyna Stopul, City Staff: Samantha Beckman Assistant to the City Manager
1. Call to Order
T. Shanks
2. Approval of the [Ammended] Agenda
Motion to Approve: R. Buterbaugh
Second: A. Patin
Aye: All Opposed: None
3. Approval of Minutes
Motion to Approve: L. Hesler
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 - Samantha Beckman
● Landfill parking lot pavement complete
● Landfill equipment building in progress
● Collection truck (1/3) wrapped in vinyl recycling awareness messaging; debuted
at Hobo Day parade
● Master Transportation Plan ongoing
● Parks Staff + Robin attended National Recreation and Parks Association
Sustainability in Practice 8-week cohort
● Solventum coming to a November City Council meeting for PFAS update
● Parks Department has started to weatherize locations/irrigation
● Pickleball Courts completed
● R. Buterbaugh: Urban Forestry Initiative/Stormwater Master Program: Community of
Harrisonbuerg Virginia – Community Conservation Initiatives has it under one umbrella.
● Charlie Kuhn - Solid Waste Manager:
○ Two more recycling trucks will be wrapped by the end of the year.
○ New Christmas Lights Recycling Program beginning this year at 6 locations
(emptied weekly) throughout Brookings starting in November.
● Jessica Wellu–Communications Specialist primarily work working with Public Works
initiatives.
6. No Mow May/Bee City Updates
● No Mow May - R. Buterbaugh:
○ Talked through complaints that came up last year, and talked through
alternatives.
○ Discontinuing No Mow May has been recommended; would need to rescind city
ordinance for it.
○ Now Mow May was great for raising awareness, but moving forward, we will
focus on Bee City USA, which we are approved to move forward with the
application process.
■ Under that umbrella: supporting and expanding initiatives for rain
gardens, native grasses etc.
● Bee City USA - A. Shanks: Currently refining the application with the Parks Department.
Will take Draft Resolution in front of City Council within the next couple of months. Goal
to submit application by the end of the year.
7. Bylaws Discussion
8. Discussion & Action on Mission Statement Update
● 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.
9. 2024/2025 Strategic Plan - Accomplished/Future Objectives
● Amend Goal 1B: to say “...sustainability-themed promotion (i.e. social media, etc.)”
● Amend Goal 1C: to update with “No Mow May” alternatives. “Transition from ‘No Mow
May’ to support ‘Bee City, USA’ Resolution and initiatives.”
● Amend Goal 2C: Omit first sentence.
● Amend Goal 3B to state “...encourage usage of local financial resources promoting
energy efficiency.
● Amend Goal 4A: “City of Brookings to provide social media posts on waste reductions
methods.”
● Amend Goal 4C: delete “manual.”
● Rewrite Goals 5A and 5B.
10. 2024/2025 Budget Discussion
a. Motion to approve $500 additional 5 decently sized trees for Food Forest.
Moved: E. Abele Second: A. Patin Aye: All Opposed: None
b. Motion to apportion $500 additional for fencing to surround the Food Forest.
Moved: R. Buterbaugh Second: E. Abele Aye: All Opposed: None
11. Updates/Reports from Subcommittees
a. Education and Outreach
i. No Updates
b. Climate Action Plan
i. No Updates
c. Waste
i. No Updates
d. Energy
i. No Updates
e. Local Foods
i. R. Buterbaugh: Soil Testing will happen by next month - City will be billed.
Ii. Food Forest signage in the works. Goal to order by end of year.
12. Updates from Liaisons
a. Parks and Recreation Board
i. No Updates
b. Planning Commission
i. No Updates
c. Historic Preservation
i. No Updates
d. Local Emergency Planning Commission
i. No Updates
e. BATA
i. No Updates
Call for Future Agenda Items
None
13. Adjourn
Motion to Adjourn: E. Abele
Second: A. Patin Aye: All Opposed: None
Respectfully submitted by Kiley Rath.