BROOKINGS – The Brookings City Council will cover a variety of topics ranging from COVID-19, to a proposed Public Works Department to the future of the Old Armory at Tuesday’s meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.
Old Armory
The council will consider approving a developmental agreement between the city of Brookings and Linchpin Corporation for the redevelopment of the Armory in downtown Brookings and construction of a hotel and parking ramp, according to an attachment to the council agenda.
Linchpin Corporation was selected by the city council as the preferred team in November 2019 after completing a request for proposals, according to the attachment.
“Linchpin Corp. submitted a concept whereby the exterior Armory structure would be restored and the interior modifications would consist of office/commercial space, meeting space, and restaurant and lounge,” according to the attachment.
“The boutique hotel will consist of 60-70 rooms above a two-level parking garage with 90 parking stalls. The proposal is a two-phase construction project with the Armory renovations occurring in phase I carrying a renovation cost of $3.36 million. Phase II consists of the hotel and parking garage with an estimated cost of $12.3 million. The total cost of the project would be approximately $15.7 million,” according to the attachment.
The city would front the costs of the Armory roof repairs – estimated at $130,000 – and be reimbursed through tax increment, according to the attachment.
Ord. 20-028
Ordinance 20-028 is an emergency ordinance amending Emergency Ordinance 20-010, to extend and to comprehensively adopt provisions to address a public health crisis and to revise certain measures which are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the city and are necessary to slow the community spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the City of Brookings, according to an agenda attachment.
“The current ordinance (Phase 3) is set to expire Nov. 7. Based on threshold metrics, an extension is warranted of the ordinance regulating bars, restaurants, salons, retail and requires face coverings for indoor businesses and indoor public spaces,” according to the attachment.
“Further discussion is desired of Council to determine if specific regulation should be augmented. Brookings is in substantial spread with all triggers met but hospitalization. Staff recommends renewal of the existing ordinance and any amendments,” according to the attachment.
“On Sept. 2, City Council renewed the existing 20-010 ordinance that requires bars, restaurants, casinos, grocery, retail, and fitness businesses to operate at half capacity and all employees are required to wear face coverings at all times. The ordinance has other requirements outlined,” according to the attachment.
“Sept. 8, Council approved an amendment that mandated face coverings where social distancing could not be achieved for indoor businesses and public places. A resolution was passed further detailing the implementation of the mask mandate,” according to the attachment.
Public Works Dept.
The council will have a public hearing on a proposed Public Works Department.
“The city manager is recommending a reorganization with the establishment of a Public Works Department to develop a more cohesive department with coordinated efforts of services for the community,” according to an attachment.
“The department would contain the divisions of Engineering, Solid Waste, and Streets. This recommendation does not add any new employees and has no impact on the General Fund. The restructuring allows for a future savings in salaries with a reduction of departments/directors,” according to the attachment.
Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.
