BROOKINGS – The Brookings City Council will conduct a study session Tuesday on three topics: outside agency funding, future growth in the city of Brookings, and fireworks in city limits.

The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the City & County Government Center.

Outside Agency Funding

The United Way will present the 2021 outside agency funding recommendations, according to an attachment.

“The City Council's direction assisted in the creation of an impact rubric for strategic funding. Approximately $266,500 was budgeted for social service agencies,” according to the attachment.

“Annually, the City Council commits a portion of the budget for outside agency funding. The 2021 budget contains $1.4 million for outside agencies. Approximately $225,500 of the 2021 funds were committed to nonprofits through the new United Way funding process,” according to a memo by City Manager Paul Briseno.

“In December, the City Council committed an additional $41,000 in one-time funding due to COVID-19. The United Way received all city social service requests. Total available funds for distribution is $266,500,” according to Briseno’s memo.

“The 2021 city funding request for social service agencies is $293,500 from 11 local agencies,” according to Briseno’s memo. The difference in the total amount of requested funding and the recommended funding is $27,000.

Attached to the document on the website are each agency’s request and recommended funding levels, from BATA’s request for $115,000 to the Helpline Center’s request for $1,000.

“The United Way committee reviewed applications in December. An impact rubric created through the City Council’s priorities assisted in providing a recommendation,” according to Briseno’s memo.

Heidi Gullickson is the executive director of the Brookings Area United Way.

“Heidi Gullickson will present the recommendation, rubric, and prioritization to the City Council at the study session,” according to Briseno’s memo.

“The City Council will review the United Way Outside Agency 2021 recommendations. On Jan. 26, the City Council will make a final determination for appropriate distribution of funds,” according to Briseno’s memo.

Future growth

“The City invested in a new GIS division that has worked seamlessly with the Development Review Team (DRT). Staff developed a presentation of existing and future residential, commercial, and industrial development based on strategic plans,” according to Briseno’s memo.

“The City of Brookings has a progressive group of staff available to review projects. The DRT works with project representatives to identify opportunities and resolve potential issues before plans are finalized. This process is designed to save time and money,” according to Briseno’s memo.

“Attendees present an overview, location, and any concerns about their project. Complete development plans are not necessary for the initial meeting; however, any support information provided is appreciated and helps facilitate a better discussion. All discussion at DRT is confidential,” according to Briseno’s memo.

“The presentation is given to the Council and public for informational purposes only. The information will assist in proper development that protects neighborhoods and fosters efficient and effective processes for all,” according to Briseno’s memo.

Fireworks

“A request for the review of fireworks within Brookings city limits for the 2021 Fourth of July holiday was made. State law allows the discharge of fireworks at the discretion of municipalities. City code does not allow discharge, but for special events through a process. City Council will need to determine if Brookings will allow the discharge of fireworks within the city limits,” according to an attachment to the agenda.

“Council Member (Leah) Brink requested the review of fireworks within Brookings city limits for the 2021 Fourth of July holiday,” according to Briseno’s memo.

A memo by City Attorney Steve Britzman discusses the city’s code of ordinances that prohibits the use of fireworks in the city, storage of combustible material, and periods during which use of consumer fireworks is permitted – the violation of which is a misdemeanor.

The city code on fireworks is included as an attachment to the agenda.

“Staff recommends the City Council determine if the discharge of fireworks is desired in Brookings. If desired, staff will work towards a recommended code revision,” according to Briseno’s memo.

Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.