Open Forum:
City Representatives addressed the Students’ Association Oct. 29 and shared information about the Brookings master plan and city budget.
City reps. Andrew Rasmussen and Brianna Doran addressed the senate with information on the newly approved downtown Brookings master plan.
The 90-page document is available on the city’s website and details the vision for the next several decades of downtown Brookings. Doran explained some projects like the renovation of the armory into a hotel slash boutique and possibly event space.
“Once that project gets going it will kind of become a catalyst for other downtown improvements,” said Doran.
The city also wants to improve safety downtown with the “Lights, Camera, Action” plan. This plan would upgrade camera and lighting systems and streamlining in alleyways, Doran said.
Rasmussen discussed the budget that will be voted on at the next city council meeting. The overall budget is $73.1 million and Rasmussen broke down the percentages.
24% Police Department
23% Public Works
19% Parks and Rec
15% Finance and Administration
7% Library
7% Other agencies with the city
5% Fire
“There are a couple of fun projects including an inclusive park on the south side of Brookings at about $900,000, and renovations to the skate park which would be about $315,000,” Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen and Doran also discussed the construction website for the city of Brookings, https://brookingscommunityconstruction.info, where anyone in the community can view construction projects in real time.
Old Business:
A resolution (Resolution 24-7-R) which stated that the senate would inform students of the parking situation on campus passed unanimously.
Another resolution (Resolution 24-8-R) passed unanimously, which encouraged registered voters to be educated on the general election.
New Business:
Senators acknowledged November as Native American Heritage month and encouraged students to participate in events to commemorate Native American Heritage Month with Commemoration 24-4-C.
Students’ Association also acknowledged First Generation College Celebration Day with Commemoration 24-5-C and encouraged students to use resources and learn more about First Generation Day. First Generation College Celebration Day is on Nov. 8.
