BROOKINGS – The Brookings City Council will have a study session to discuss the creation of a Public Works Department and the city’s mask mandate at 5 p.m. Tuesday. That’s followed by a regular meeting to look at two proposed ordinances: a first reading to amend Ordinance 20-010 and discussion and possible first hearing on an ordinance to amend Ordinance 20-005.

Public works

At the Oct. 13 meeting, the council decided on further discussion about creating a Public Works Department and re-structuring three departments under Public Works and three others under the chief financial officer. 

“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 to the agenda, available on the city’s website.

“The department would contain the functions of engineering, stormwater, airport, snow removal, mosquito control, street maintenance, fleet, landfill and refuse collection. 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 less departments/directors,” according to the attachment.

“The current structure does not allow for effective and efficient management. When open positions occur, staff is tasked with determining the greatest use of operational resources. The current structure has been in place since 2000 with the exception of the Community Development Department addition. No legislative action was taken formally to incorporate this department,” according to Briseno’s memo.

Ordinance renewal, mask mandate

The council will discuss renewing Ordinance 20-010 and the mask mandate during the study session. Existing Ord. 20-010 was renewed Sept. 2; the council approved a mask mandate on Sept. 8.

“The current ordinance (Phase 3) is set to expire Nov. 7,” according to an attachment. 

“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. Further discussion is desired of Council to determine if specific regulation should be augmented,” according to the attachment. 

“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.

Additional insight will be given at the study session from local professionals including epidemiologist Bonny Specker, Health System President and CEO Jason Merkley, Sanford RN Clinic Director Amy Hockett, Avera Clinic Director Patrick Siegling, SDSU President Barry Dunn, and Brookings School District Superintendent Klint Willert, according to Briseno’s memo.

Ordinance 20-028

Ordinance 20-028 is an emergency ordinance to amend Ordinance 20-010.

“At the Sept. 22 meeting, City Council requested further discussions of the 50% occupancy limitations within the Phase 3 ordinance,” according to Briseno’s memo.

“Two of the three metrics within the guiding document have been triggered. Brookings has seen an increase in cases and percentage of positive over the past two weeks.

The state of South Dakota Department of Health now provides a report of regional hospitalization and capacity. Further discussion of transitioning between phases should occur,” according to Briseno’s memo.

“A renewal of ordinance 20-010 and face covering ordinance is recommended. In summary the renewal defines requirements of businesses and residents: 

Restaurants/bars 

• Maximum of 10 customers or 50% occupancy, whichever is greater, with occupancy capacity posted at front entry 

• Groups of 10 or less and 6 feet apart 

• Cleaning of high-touch areas/materials between users 

• Screening employees recommended 

• Employees required to wear masks 

• Cleaning of used spaces before and after each customer 

• No self-serve buffets or salad bars 

• No sharing of condiments unless wiped between use 

Grocery, casino, gyms and recreational facilities 

• Cleaning of equipment after use by customer and/or employee 

• Maximum of 10 customers or 50% occupancy, whichever is greater, with occupancy capacity posted at front entry 

• Employees of grocery stores will wear masks 

• Protective measures/operations will be provided 

Salons/barber shops 

• Customers 6 feet spacing and recommend service by appointment-only 

• Employees will wear masks 

• Clean equipment before and after each customer 

• Adequate social distancing for waiting customers 

Face covering required if adequate social distancing cannot be achieved 

• Required for all indoor businesses and indoor public spaces 

• Required for all City permitted events 

• Exceptions include children under 5, medical conditions, religious place, educational units, certain non-profits, organized sports activity that have an approved plan 

Administrative exemptions allow for requested flexibility. 

Businesses and residents who violate sections of this ordinance will be subject to fines. 

Ordinance 20-029

Ordinance 20-029 is a  proposed emergency ordinance to amend Ordinance 20-005. 

“Based on threshold metrics at the time of the first reading, the transition to Phase 2 could be warranted. This item is placed on the agenda for the first hearing to ensure quick action should Phase 2 (be) necessary,” according to the attachment.

Returning to Phase 2, which the city implemented in March at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, could include the closure of bars, restaurants, salons, theaters, gyms, and other facilities, according to a memo from Briseno. Carryout was permitted.

“The City collaborated with many local professionals to develop a weekly report to monitor COVID-19 within Brookings. The guiding document considers metrics of control, testing and hospitalization. Additionally, an ordinance phasing was created based on previous ordinances. The transition between these phases is guided by the weekly data. Currently the City of Brookings is in Phase 3, which is moderate,” according to Briseno’s memo.

With either of the proposed ordinances on Tuesday’s agenda, the council has the option to hold first readings, deny them, or refer them to a work session for further discussion.

Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.