BROOKINGS – The Brookings City Council approved new options for bufferyards and waived building permit fees for a proposed affordable housing development on Tuesday. The councilors will also look into the policy on retention ponds at a future meeting.
Bufferyards
Mike Struck, director of Community Development, explained the current ordinance requires landscaped areas to serve as bufferyards between residential properties and business/industrial zoned properties.
The goal of the new ordinance is to provide an option for a smaller bufferyard with vertical screening, like trees and shrubs, for privacy.
Referring to Councilor Holly Tilton Byrne’s question from a previous meeting about permeable surfaces and how trees affect storm water drainage, Struck said he had done some research with the U.S. Forest Service,
Trees can absorb water, he confirmed. The example is a 100-foot tree with approximately 200,000 leaves, “which can absorb about 11,000 gallons of water during a single growing season,” he said. “So that gives you an idea of the impact trees can have.”
Fedora Sutton asked if the new policy pertained to retention ponds.
“This is in regards to commercial and industrial zoned properties that would abut a residential district boundary line,” Struck said. “We allow retention ponds to be located within our setbacks. This wouldn’t necessarily impact that. … This is more looking at buildings and parking lot type structures.”
Councilor Patty Bacon expressed appreciation to everyone who worked on the changes.
“Hopefully, it’ll set a good example,” she said.
Tilton Byrne appreciated the additional research on the drainage issues and said she hopes people will plant trees.
“I would be excited to see some 100-foot trees,” she said.
Later in the meeting, Tilton Byrne requested that the council look into the city’s policy on public and private retention ponds.
“Our community has recently suffered the tragic loss of a young child due to a drowning in a retention pond,” she said referencing the death of Molu Zarpeleh, 10, on July 2.
Tilton Byrne wanted to look at regulations and best practices, especially considering deaths, lining material, barriers whether natural or fencing, drop-off rate of the pond and any other issues.
The council approved adding the topic to a future agenda.
Edgebrook Townhomes
City Manager Paul Briseno explained the proposed Edgebrook Townhome Development will be affordable housing. The development is planned for property southwest of the intersection of 20th Street South and 22nd Avenue South, directly west of Hillside Mobile Home Court
Haan Development was requesting the estimated building permit fee of $15,000 be waived, which the council approved. The request is in line with the Brookings Affordable Housing Task Force’s desired outcomes, Briseno said. There is a precedent already set with Habitat for Humanity and ICAP affordable developments, he added.
“In 2012, Haan Development constructed the Brookings Prairie View Townhomes which contain 40 units. … The units are income based,” according to a memo by Briseno attached to the council agenda.
“In 2017, the Brookings Affordable Housing Task Force submitted its findings to the City Council. Within the report, a need was defined for renter-occupied affordable housing. It is assumed the income and affordable ranges within the report were based on 2015 census/HUD data. The report showed a need for income-based rentals for households making $49,999 or less annually,” according to Briseno’s memo.
Haan Development is seeking housing tax credits for the 40-unit Edgebrook Townhome development, according to Briseno’s memo.
“Their application is due Aug. 31. If approved, the units would be income and rent restricted for affordable workforce housing. The income thresholds are 30-60% of the area median income as defined by HUD for Brookings County,” according to Briseno’s memo.
Bacon, who is a member of the Affordable Housing Task Force, thanked Haan Development for trying to address the issues.
Councilor Leah Brink had reviewed the recommendations from the Affordable Housing Task Force and asked if the council has determined what its priorities are for those recommendations.
It was part of the city council’s prior strategic plan, to provide affordable workforce housing, Briseno said.
The council did review it at a retreat, and came to consensus on the items, Bacon said.
Councilor Joey Collins said he visited the site.
“And I think it’s the perfect spot and it fits very well with our program,” he said. “I think it’s something that we need.”
Tilton Byrne said she appreciated the innovativeness of the project to address the affordable housing issues that the council’s been discussing for several years.
“It’s nice to see a little bit of action on some of those affordable housing initiatives, and so I commend the creativeness of this,” she said.
Other items
The council heard a presentation by Ashley Rentsch, deputy finance manager, on the 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Audit Summary, and a presentation by Chief Financial Officer Erick Rangel on the city’s second quarter finances.
The council approved:
• A conditional use permit for a proposed concrete plant at 302 32nd Ave. S. Two conditions were included: a row of trees must be planted, and outdoor storage is prohibited.
• The consolidated fee schedule
• A preliminary plat in Southland Addition and 23rd Avenue South in Bluegill Third Addition because the developer wants to extend 23rd Street South rather than 22nd Street South, as it will work better with the design concept.
• A malt license with video lottery for Carpy’s Pub at 714 22nd Ave. S.
• Rezoning lots in Skinner’s Third Addition from residence to business.
Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.
