Time for ‘snow’ business

Council approves snow removal contracts, other business

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BROOKINGS – The Brookings City Council approved snow removal bids this week, just before the forecasted winter weather coming into the area.

Matt Bartley, superintendent of the city’s Street Department, explained the bids.  

“And don’t say that four-letter word, Matt,” Mayor Keith Corbett cautioned Bartley.

It’s an annual process to accept the bids which are usually the same year-to-year, Bartley said. The change this year is adding two extra side dumps to the bids, he noted.

“And that makes for doing our removal process way more efficient, especially in the downtown area,” Bartley said.

The bids were ranked in order of cost per hour of equipment or cost per cubic yard of equipment, he said. 

The total budgeted is $98,880, according to the attachment to the agenda available on the city’s website.

“They get ranked that way to provide the best value for the city’s dollar,” Bartley said, adding that is how his department calls the contractors out for their operation.

Councilor Leah Brink asked how much of the work gets done by city employees versus the contractors.

“Our employees will be first and foremost on it; the contractors are called in as an extra needed basis. If we can handle the snow amounts on our own, we will,” Bartley said.

Electric utilities 

The council approved a resolution urging the state Legislature to protect consumer choice and the ability of municipal electric utilities to annex service territory.

“In the 2019 Legislature, Senate Bill 66 was introduced by rural electric cooperatives,” according to a memo by City Manager Paul Briseno attached to the agenda.

“This initiative would place a freeze on any electric service territory growth. After much discussion, the item was referred to a summer committee. A series of two hearings were held with a third later this fall. The City of Brookings or BMU have been present at all discussions,” according to Briseno’s memo. 

“The City of Brookings and BMU oppose legislation that would restrict the electric utilities growth. Specifically, the restrictions would not allow service for business or residential expansion outside existing city limits,” according to Briseno’s memo.

“BMU and the City of Brookings has joined efforts with other utilizes to create the Coalition to Protect Consumer Choice,” according to Briseno’s memo. “It’s imperative Brookings supports consumer choice as it:

  Ensures a consistent competitive service/rate for our residents 

  Provides a reliable, robust system for our businesses 

  Capacity to attain the community’s desired future through a resilient system that grants an ability to attract businesses and jobs 

  Revenue received from the utility assist in attainment of our quality of life, livability, safe neighborhoods, school funding, and welcoming community.”

Consent agenda

In other business, the council approved:

• Rezoning two lots in the Folsom Addition at 166 and 170 First Ave. S. from R-3A to B-3 District;

• A liquor operating agreement five-year-renewal for Jim’s Tap, 390 Main Ave.;

• Setting a public hearing for Oct. 22 for the sidewalk assessment project.

Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.