County Commission - Regular Meeting

Uh, welcome to Brookings County Commission meeting. It's Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025. We start the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Will you please stand? I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to Republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Item number three on the agenda is approval agenda. Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Have a motion, a second. Any additions, corrections? Um uh exact session SDCL12521 for personnel added at the end. Okay. Where is uh two parenthesy one?

Yeah. One 1252 one. Um the item number 12 personnel. Okay. Any other additions, corrections? All those in favor signify by saying I. I.

Post same sign. Motion carried. Item number four on the agenda is an invitation for citizen scheduled time on the commission agenda for an item not listed. There's a fivem minute time limit per person. Anyone wanting to speak during this agenda item must sign in prior to the start of the meeting. No commission action will be taken during this agenda item. Any requested action may be scheduled for a future meeting date. Uh we had nobody signed in this morning. So we move on to item number five, consent agenda items, which includes minutes, travel and education requests, personnel action notices, cellular authorizations, and human services report. Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Second.

I have a motion and a second. Any additions, corrections, any comments? Call the role, please. Vanderwal. Hi. Post. Hi. Miller. Hi. Hustler. Hi. Jensen. I. Motion carries. Item number six on the agenda is routine business. Approval of the claims. Uh, do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Motion and a second. Uh, additions, corrections? Hearing none. Call the role. Post. Hi. Miller. Hi. Hustler. Hi. Vanderwal. Hi. Jensen. Hi. Motion carries. Okay. Item number B. Start with the sheriff or highway department. Brian.

Morning.

Morning. Oh, before I get into my report here, um [snorts] been out as the snow and weather's been changing here. We've had an awful lot of change here in the last week, but uh I think the roads overall have been in pretty decent shape. Um we did not go out Saturday. We waited until Sunday morning and well, I guess uh now we got clear roads and hopeful for safe travel for everybody as the weather continues to uh be cold. But uh [snorts] overall, I think it's going fairly well. We got a fairly green crew, so we're training as we go. And uh [snorts] I think the crew is responding pretty well to how we're making our operations work and we're getting our routes covered. Uh secondly here, just kind of wanted to go over with the commission on what uh County Road 16A overall costs us. I know the the upper portion is kind of a lot of uh down in the weeds as far as what each particular item costs and how it's uh calculated. But uh the the bottom there for those 2 1/2 miles or 2.46 miles costs us about $115,000 a mile to put that uh uh double chip seal down in that bladder on County Road 16A. Is there any questions on any of this?

Any questions for Brian? I do know receiving a lot of comments on the road looks really good and everything. So,

um after the first of the year, I think I'm going to approach the commission about how we should move forward uh with 16A. I know we've gotten some recent traffic counts. Um, we're going to continue to try to collect traffic count data to uh decide how we're going to move forward. Um, I've been speaking with Banner. We have some structures that do need to be addressed and how we want to move forward with them. Uh, some leg work that I think that we could do to better position us to decide how we should move forward with that project. But, uh, just to kind of give the commission an update. Um, I haven't sent any of the information out. We just got it last Thursday and I didn't get a chance to send it out, but we're looking at 7-800 vehicles a day on that road. So, it is a very heavily traveled stretch of road. Um, but I think we need to have a plan in place looking ahead moving forward on the decisions that we can make to maybe better position us. uh one for future grants or two work we can do to uh help us make decisions on on what we can put in out there as far as structures and then down the long road it might not cost us much once we do decide to make something more permanent.

Brian, how many uh before we did the double chip seal, how many cars on on average a day do we have? 250 to 400. Okay. So, doubled

and you know, a lot of that uh it was hard to collect data on that Sean because Aurora was doing their uh water and sewer upgrades and then once the floodgates did open up, uh obviously that road was was rough. I mean, it was washboards from one end to the other and very dusty. So, I think a lot of the traveling public chose not to take it. But now that the uh bladder's been put out there, it's a it's a fairly decent road and that increased the traffic quite significantly. I know there's some that uh have talked to me about it. Uh they they didn't even know it was out there and one day they took it and it it was awfully nice. So now they continue to take it. [snorts] But, uh, overall, I think what we have out there right now is is going to be holding up well, um, for the traffic that's on it. But I think in the future, we do need to take a look uh, at what we can do to improve that corridor, especially the structures. [snorts]

You mentioned uh, further grants. Uh, the grant we applied through for through the state. Have we heard anything? I'll let Stacy talk on that. So the build grant for um planning that was we did not receive that. We were actually did a lot better on it. We did kind we had an afteraction meeting and there was certain criteria that you we had to meet and there were just a couple of the criteria that we scored a little too low on for that. Um you looking at maybe other ways. There was another grant for it was like rural and tribal access grant that we did um back in September, but we have not heard back on that one yet.

And that one was supposed to be kind of first come first serve. Um but I don't know. I'd have to reach out to um whailing at at Manor to see kind of when we're expected to hear back on that one. I'm not sure when that is. Yeah. Be nice to check with them, see how it's going. So,

and lastly, I'd like to touch on Smar Avenue uh at our progress meeting last Wednesday. Um I think there was just some few minor items that uh the contractor needed to address before we opened that road up. We did have the road open through the weekend so we could move snow um through that corridor. Uh but officially tomorrow morning uh the the signs will be down on the city and the county side on their city side streets and our county road. It'll be open for the winter and then work will commence next July 6th, 2026 to finish that last phase. But some of the items that may need to be addressed that were touched on at that meeting is one seating uh on the phases one and two and then any of the additional dirt work that might need to happen before that takes place uh would be addressed then in the spring.

Okay. Any further questions? Thank you. Thank you. Marty from sheriff's office. [snorts] Good morning. Morning, Sheriff.

This is a quick overview of the jail. We're down in numbers right now, which is good. Uh we have 34 presently in in jail. 15 of those are are Brookings County inmates. Otherwise, we have two from the Flanju Sue tribe, uh, one from Hamlin, one from Moody. We have 11 US Marshall services uh, uh, right now 11. So, I think I told staff that they need to enjoy uh, they got a little pressure off them uh, right now, but that you never know when that's going to change. 247 is down, too. As far as participants as a total, we only have 89. We haven't seen that for a long time. Uh there's 38 still come in twice a day. Five remote breath tests. We have uh three on scram. [snorts] Uh UAS are 17. So uh uh we're down there a little bit too. So that kind of helps helps with staff and so forth. Uh the other thing is we're still working stop sign violations and uh at 204 and uh 471 uh you know we put some stuff on Facebook and we had a million2 views. [laughter] I think that's more than we have a population. So I'm sure it's not all South Dakota looking at that. But you can tell how Facebook can

can get that information out. and we've did some media releases and different things about stop signs and and uh u you know we're trying to do what we can to prevent any future accidents and so forth. So uh that intersection still is probably a priority uh we try to work when we can but when we had our first snow event it's hard to work stop sign and do those things when we're doing other things and helping cover um slideins and so forth on the interstate also. So other than that, uh, we continue to stay busy. So you guys have any questions. Okay. Thank you. That's it. Thank you, Sheriff.

Bob from the development. [snorts]

Good morning.

Morning, Bob. The last couple weeks we've had u we did get our local emergency planning grant submitted to DNR. We'll see that's typically done on a yearly basis at the end of November. We actually got to use 511 on the first snowfall. The first time it snowed and we had the 40 mph winds. The sheriff contacted me. I guess that's something we haven't really discussed a whole lot as a as a county, but um we have the ability now to go on 511, the statewide system, and advise no there's there's two things I can do. advise no travel or advise um there's another term for it but that it's just not they advise you not to travel at all and then there's no travel allowed I guess is the two categories and I typically rely on the sheriff's department typically the sheriff is the one that I I follow orders on that does the commission have a recommendation to do something else.

I don't believe um we do because the deputy and my justification on that is the deputies the sheriff has the deputies and they're out in the community and if the if the winds you know I can the winds can be blowing 40 miles an hour in town and nothing out out in the county. So we may not want the whole county, but the the stipulation is when we do no travel advice, it's countywide. Correct. So I think work with the sheriff and the highway department and and make a decision. Um um Murray can tomorrow the 1:00 that meeting with the DOT and who all is Bob? Are you involved with that also? Yep.

Okay, that's good. um get everybody involved, the state and and the surrounding communities too. So um put out I put out no unnecessary travel. Okay. Yeah, that was no travel advised, not not not road closed. Uh, commissioner, you have any feelings on what should be posted or shunt or um I think it's been going well the way in the past. So,

well, that was the first time we had to we got a chance to use it and there was a bug in it. They the highway was going out at 5:00 in the morning. So, I went on the computer at home at 4:45 and I tried to shut it off the the message and it wouldn't shut off. Mhm.

So, I contacted DOT at 8:00 when they came to work and it was a bug on their side. So, that shouldn't happen anymore. I should be able to if if the highway is going out at 5 and they recommend people can start traveling again, then we'll we'll pull it out. We don't want to we don't want to put it on and keep it on continuously cuz then people, you know, people do have to go to work and we understand all that, but we also don't want them on there if the winds are blowing 60 miles an hour and you got snow coming down. just dangerous. Very good. Well, yeah. And I'll be at that meeting tomorrow at 1:00 and we'll we can also discuss with the sheriff during that meeting. We do have a zoning meeting tonight. We got a PPC meeting on January 11th. And that's all I've got. Any questions?

Any questions, Bob? Thank you. Thank you. Okay, that concludes the department head reports. Uh we do have a scheduled 9:00, but uh we'll start on our uh regular business item eight. Um, letter A, action to approve resolution number 25-59, a 2026 bridge improvement grant resolution authorizing submission of applications structure 06-181-230. Do I have a motion to approve? Move to approve. Second.

And motion second. Comments? Yeah, I wanted to kind of note on this just so the new commissioners um understand the process. We were awarded a preliminary engineering grant for this structure uh in 2022. [snorts] And this recent uh most recent which was done this this last summer bridge inspection deemed this uh structure uh to be D-rated and Colin's going to come in and talk about talk to the commission and kind of touch on this at the next meeting. uh but with the D-rated uh load rating um that put this structure a little more eligible as far as the points that it would score in the program. So we feel that moving forward with this uh with the Brookings County being responsible for 20% of the project for replacement. Okay, [clears throat] any other questions? Okay. Hearing none. Call roll please.

Miller. Hi. Hustler. Hi. Vanderwal. Hi. Post. Hi. Jensen. Hi. Motion carries. Item B. Action approve. Agreement number 25-87 of Brookings County Detention Center inmate housing contract between Brookings County and Dual County. A motion approved. So moved. Second. A motion and second. Any comments? Any comments from the sheriff that are at the jail? Pretty routine, consistent with the other ones we have approved. Okay. No further comments. Call the roll, please. Hustler. Hi. Vanderwal. Hi. Post. Hi. Miller. Hi. Jensen. Hi.

Motion carries. Item C, action approve agreement number 25-88, a memorandum of understanding between SDSU and Brookings County regarding 4 programming and services. Do I have a motion approved? So moved. Second. I have a motion and a second. Any comments? This is a pretty standardou that we do um every year with SDSU extension. the amount the dollar amount that's budgeted for the salary is budgeted for budgeted for in 2026. Okay. Any questions? Hearing none. Call the role, please. Vanderwal.

I. Post. Hi. Miller. Hi. Hustler. Hi. Jensen. I. Motion carries. Item D. Action to approve agreement number 25-89. an application for occupancy of the rightaway county highway made by Chad Washi in Lake Si Township. Do I have a motion to approve? Second. A motion second. Any comments? I know Commissioner Vanderwal and myself had talked uh about this and I believe I don't want to speak for you, Kelly, but you did reach out to the neighboring land owner. So I don't see any issues with it.

Okay. [snorts] No further comments. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Post. Same sign. Motion carried. Item E, action approve agreement number 25-90, a three-year ESRI small municipal and county government enterprise agreement. Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. I have a motion in a second with comments. Sean,

um, this is a reoccurring agreement that we have every three years. It allows us to get uh the county is the entity that signs for this agreement and then we bill uh the city and BMU for each of them pay a third of it. We we share this agreement and the licensing that comes from it. Okay. Any questions from board comments? Okay. Thanks for your comments, Sean. We'll call the role, please. Post. I. Miller. I. Hustler. Hi. Vanderwal. Hi. Jensen. I.

Motion carries. Item F. Action. Approve and authorize IT administrator Sean Plowman to sign agreement number 25-91, a one-year licensing maintenance agreement for secure email licensing between Brookings County and Secure South Dakota. Do I have a motion approved? So moved. Second. Have a motion and a second. Comments.

Um several months ago you approved a memorandum of understanding with the secure SD group. They're the ones who are allocating the grant resource or the grant funds from uh 2024 uh Senate bill. This would replace and upgrade our existing email system for a minimum of one year. Um, if in the event the funds are not renewed, the cost would fall back on us, at which point we would evaluate what portions of this enhanced service we would want to keep and adjust our budget accordingly. This is something that we're already paying for ourselves. This is just an improvement upon what we have and um they're also paying for it.

Okay. Any comments? Hearing? None. Call roll. Miller. Hi. Hustler. Hi. Vanderwal. Hi. Post. Hi. Jensen. I. Motion carries. Item G. Action. Approve and authorize IT administrator Sean Plowman to sign agreement number 25-92. An agreement for the setup for a secure email solution between Brookings County and secure South Dakota. This is part of the same agreement just allowing the vendor to um do the setup. This is a one-time fee. The other one um the the previous agreement was a an annual expense.

Okay. Last three, they all kind of work together then. Uh just these two. Okay. The the next one is uh something different. All right. Any other questions? Hearing none. Call a roll. Hustler. Hi. Vanderwal. Hi. Post. Hi. Miller. Hi. Jensen. I. Motion carries. Item H. Action approve a quote from safe and secure for security upgrades at the highway grounds and weed and pest building. Do I have a motion to approve? So move. Second. I have a motion and a second. Comments.

U. This is an upgrade and expansion of the existing security system out at the highway department to include the former beta garage that we recently purchased. Um it it includes cameras and door control systems. Okay. And some of the equipment out there was actually utilized or not? Um, we were able to save money on some of the wiring, but the cameras themselves are from a manufacturer that quit selling in the United States in 2019. Um, so the cameras are quite old.

Um, and then we are expanding off of the highway department rather than getting a a completely new system. Okay, any questions from board? Hearing none. Call a roll. Vanderwal. Hi. Post. Hi. Miller. Hi. Hustler. Hi. Jensen. Hi. Motion carries. Question. Those cameras going to be able am I going to be able to monitor those cameras from my office? We can we'll have I'll have to let you know. Okay. [laughter]

I used to do that in the highway and I'm no longer do that. my office. Okay. Item I, action automatically supplement for unanticipated expense incurred and reimbursement made to the Brookings County in the amount of 348,448.15 for the Samra Avenue project receipt number 00753786 to general ledger line 201-4-311-4226. Do I have a motion to approve?

So move. Second. I have a motion in a second. Any comments? This is just reimbursement from the city of Vulga. Just as it says for that Samra Avenue project, we are um the county is paying those bills and then um we just seek reimbursement from the city of Vulga and I'm working with Banner to make sure that the improvements that are city-only improvements with Samra are getting built correctly as well. Okay, [clears throat] any questions? Hearing none. All those in favor signify by saying I. I

oppose. Same sign. Motion carried. Item J, action approve request to fill vacancy for part-time female correctional officer in a detention center. Do I have a motion approved? So moved. Second. I have a motion and second. Any comments? Hearing none. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.

Post same sign. Motion carried. Item K. Be it noted, Commission Chairperson Larry Jensen signed the following documents for the community development block grant for the Brookings Behavioral Health and Wellness Construction Project. Acceptance of work letter, certification of audit requirements for the year 24 and for the year 25 and the CDBG final financial statement, certificate of completion and administrative closeout form. These are all be noted items

and with these documents that officially closes out that CDBG grant for that project. So that is nice to have wrapped up by the end of the year. Okay. Um we have a couple minutes. Can you cover your report or should we wait? I think we can wait.

Yeah, let's wait on that. Uh we got a couple minute break here. Make you guys sweat a little bit for a couple minutes. [snorts] That's okay. I was going to that. yesterday.

[snorts] Okay, it it is 9:00 now. We have a scheduled agenda item. Um a public hearing and action to approve the liquor license renewal for Sheday Vineyard. Um have a motion to approve. So moved. Second.

I have a motion and a second. I now open a public hearing. Is there any proponents that would like to speak to this? [snorts] Morning everyone. I'm Dylan Ringling, owner of owner of Shotty Vineyard and Winery. Um obvious um our we had a new employee working that day and it was um she had actually hadn't even completed her serve safe yet. So now we're implementing um serve safe to be implemented. That's on our onboarding process now. So hopefully that will take care of any um further issues with this and they'll be well educated before they start their job on how to card somebody as they walk in the door. So keep that that was a result of compliance check.

That's right. Yep. Okay. Is that the only violation that you guys have had? We've had one like it was I want to say three or four years ago. So it was outside of the probationary period. So Okay. Any other comments from the board? [snorts] Um, any other proponents? Thank you.

Any other proponents? Any opponents? Any opponents that would like to speak? I would now close the public hearing and entertain any comments from the board. Any comments from the board? I just like to see that you are going through the programs and the certification classes and make sure that everybody's doing what they need to do to be compliant. So

the only comment that I would have uh Jenna Baker in the finance office is um as Dylan stated, Shade Vineyard did fail the most recent compliance check. Um and our ordinance requires any of those entities that do fail the compliance check um they're required to come before the commission before you approve or deny their renewal for the next year. So this is as it states um they're applying to renew their on sale liquor license for 2026. But due to the uh failed compliance check, they are required to come before you um before you make that um approval or denial.

Okay. Any other comments? The sheriff? No, I don't. They're making an effort to uh get certified and so forth are employees, so I'm I'm okay with it. Okay. No further comments. Call a roll, please. Post. Hi. Miller. Hi. Hustler. Hi. Vanderwal. Hi. Jensen. I. Motion carries.

Okay. Item B on the schedule agenda items. We have the Dubrook FFA agricultural issues team presentation. Um Ashley Whis and advisor. If you like to come forward and introduce yourselves. So, I will introduce kind of why we're here. Um, so one of the leadership development events that FFA members, which I I don't know how many of you are familiar with FFA, Kelly, I know you are. Um, so the students, these students behind us have picked the agricultural issues competition. And so within that contest what they do is they are supposed to pick a somewhat controversial issue within the agricultural industry. So it can fall under um the food industry, animal, plant, environmental etc. Um these students have chosen wind energy and they are not allowed to take a stance. So they are only allowed to present pros and cons. As a team we are not allowed to say one or the other. we're supposed to remain as neutral as possible while kind of giving the opinions of both sides. Um, so they're scored on their presentation. Um, which they actually for their presentation they act out kind of a county commission meeting of sorts about wind energy. Um, and so they have some students on the pro side, some students on the con side. they have to present it in front of at least five stakeholder groups prior to our state competition which happens on Sunday and Monday. Um and then at the end they are quizzed by the judges and have to answer questions while still remaining neutral. So we have to take all of our personal

opinions about how we feel about wind energy out of it. So um these students have been working on this for probably what a month. our state or our districts was the 17th of November and they had to start this prior. Um along with their presentation, they have to turn in a paper portfolio walking through the advantages of it, disadvantages of it, the historical background of the topic, things like that. So, I will let them present. Um if you guys have any questions for them at the end, I'm sure they would love to be quizzed about wind energy. Um, sometimes they get people that actually know something to ask them questions and sometimes they have people that don't know anything about wind energy. So, um, do you guys have any questions before they start? No. Okay, I will let them go then. [snorts]

You'll understand. Introduce yourselves. I'm Maddie. I'm Charlie Olsen. I'm Rean Davis. I'm Hayden Cooper. I'm Claire Dorby. I'm Bailey. Okay. Good morning everyone. I now call this meeting of the Brookings County Zoning Board to order. Today we're hearing input on the proposed Prair Ridge Wind Project, a 60 turbine development planned across roughly 25,000 acres of farmland in eastern Brookings County. As a reminder, this is a public hearing and no final decision will be made tonight. We ask that speakers keep comments respectful and to the point. We'll begin with those in favor.

Thank you, Chair Taylor. My name is Tom Larson and my family has farmed near Vulga for over 40 years. When approached by Prairie Ridge Renewables, I did my homework. In South Dakota, wind is a major and growing part of our energy mix. Wind supplied approximately 59% of the state's instate electricity generation in 2024 as issued by the US energy information administration. The lease agreement that I signed will pay about $6 to $8,000 per megawatt of installed turbine capacity calculated through land. This is consistent with national trends of $5 to $8,000 per year. With two turbines each rated at 2 megawatts each, that means there's 12 to $16,000 income per year that I can use towards variable crop input costs, equipment repairs, and gives my children a reason to stay in agriculture. The footprint of each turbine is minimal, less than an acre per unit, so I can continue to graze livestock and plant crops right up to the base. This helps diversify my income without giving up the lands production role.

Thank you, Mr. Larson. Next, we'll hear from a nearby resident with concerns.

Good morning. I'm Karen Johnson and I live about a half mile from one of the proposed turbine sites. While I care deeply about the livelihoods of farmers and the quality of air, I'm also concerned about the quality of life in our area. These wind turbines will be 500 ft tall with rotating blades and blinking lights visible from multiple parts of our communities. Another thing is that we live in the cau prairie which is which done in a research by the game fishing parks is one of the most wind-rich areas. Additionally, the property values of our home done of thing done in a rural community close to us had showed that property values decrease when they're located next to these wind towers. Finally, the roads in our area were built decades ago, and all this heavy equipment on our gravel roads create washboard. So, I ask that the board make firm commitments that the the roads will be repaired.

Thank you, Miss Johnson. Next, we hear from Mark Davis, a project manager with Prairie Ridge Renewables.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm Mark Davis with Prairie Ridge Renewables. Before I begin, I'd like to address Karen's point of roadwork commitments. We have already begun writing up plans for how we can be of help to the county in keeping near gravel roads in tip-top shape. Now, our project will bring major benefits to Brookings County. To give perspective, South Dakota currently has around 3,450 megawatts of installed wind capacity across 25 active wind farms as supplied by the US Energy Information Administration. If our 60 turbine project averages 2 megawatts each, we're talking about 120 megawatts of installed capacity. At the state tax rate of $3,000 per megawatt of name plate capacity annually as supplied by the South Dakota Department of Revenue, that equates to nearly $360,000 per year of capacity tax paid to the state and county. Further, our company projects around 100 construction jobs for buildup and 8 to 10 full-time maintenance position positions once operational. We have art we have conducted preliminary wildlife studies and reference to South Dakota's game fish and parks sighting guidelines which note that the Prairie Catau region is a sensitive corridor. The lease payments for land owners will be structured as a national average indicates around $5,000 to $8,000 per megawatt. We're committed to working with you in in setting turbine spacing, lighting mitigations, and public communications.

Mr. Davis, thank you for the information. Could you clarify what happens in 25 years when these turbines are no are no longer efficient? Who pays for the restoration? And if they are not restored, where do you recycle them?

Absolutely. Our standard lease agreement includes a decommissioning bond. The contract stipulates that at the end of the 20 to 25 year operational period, the turbine and any related infrastructure will be removed and the land returned to its prior condition. Most turbines are sent to landfills, but some companies are developing and using alternatives such as mechanical shredding for cement production or more advanced thermal recycling options. Further, the bond is held by the county to guarantee compliance even if ownership changes. Thank you, Mr. Davis.

Hi, I'm Ryan Olsen and I currently own Atoria Village in Atoria. I have owned this cafe for nearly 10 years and I've already seen the major con the major impacts on previous construction projects in our area. When any of these construction projects are happening in or around Atoria, it brings a large number of customers to my cafe. When these construction workers are out working hard all day, my cafe is a place for them to come in and relax. They can enjoy delicious food and drink and even play on the video lottery machines. This altogether directly contributes to my ability in expanding my cafe and making new menu, kitchen, and customer seating area improvements. This is a great point you bring to the table. As a local in my hometown cafe, it's a little absurd to me walking in and not being able to find a spot. This also makes me wonder how you'll be able to continue running your business after these projects are over. With the workers coming in for breakfast, lunch, supper, and enjoying the extra amenities, my cafe will be bringing in major extra income. This income will be helpful for me to expanding my cafe and continuing to attract customers from near and far, making an even better hometown hangout. Thank you to you all. Next, we hear from Dr. Emily Peterson of the South Dakota Wildlife Federation. Hello everyone. I'm Dr. Emily Peterson, an environmentalist and advocate for wildlife. While we at the South Dakota Wildlife Federation support clean energy, we must pay attention to the potential trade-offs. The Prairie Catau region is noted in state guidelines by the Gamefish and Parks Department as unique and particularly sensitive to wind project sightings because of its ice age glacial features and high average wind speeds. According to Land, South Dakota's average wind speed is around 21.3 miles per hour. This ranks South Dakota in the top 10 windiest states in America. In 2017, wind energy contributed to around 30% of South

Dakota's electricity. According to the Clean Grid Alliance, this is now closer to 59%. That rapid increase poses serious questions about cumulative wildlife impact. For example, migratory birds and bats can be seriously impacted by wind turbines. Every year across America, there are approximately 681,000 birds killed according to the American Bird Conservancy. This is an alarming number considering the vital role these birds play in our ecosystems, spreading seeds and controlling pests. We are asking that the board require the monitoring of bird and bat mortality rates post construction, setting back the placement of these turbines from known wetlands and wildlife habitats and placing the turbines on already disturbed grounds whenever possible. We are not opposing wind in principle, just asking for careful strategic sighting so the future generations can inherit both renewable energy and thriving wildlife. Dr. Peterson, I appreciate your perspective. The reason I decided to put the turbines on my land was because I'm trying to keep my farm running for the next generation. With crop prices volatile and input costs rising, the payments give me stability. From our perspective, the turbines are a second crop of sorts. They don't stop me from farming the land. And yes, I'm willing to support mitigation measures to protect wildlife and habitat.

Thank you to you both. Next, we hear from Commissioner Blake Jensen.

Thank you, Chair Taylor. I've listened to the comments and I appreciate the depth of concern and hope. Our region is heavily dependent on agriculture, but we're also seeing demographic shifts, farm consolidation, and economic pressure. Projects like this offer additional revenue, but we must ensure local residents are heard and local roads, schools, and ecosystems are supported. I think the board should consider the following as a part of its recommendation process. A road repair agreement funded by the developer. Uh, a community fund for local infrastructure and schools financed by turbine tax revenue. a wildlife monitoring and reporting system with community access to results and a transparent decommissioning and bond requirement. Wind energy can absolutely be a part of our future, but with the community, not at the expense of the community.

Thank you, Commissioner Jensen. Today, we've heard from a number of stakeholders. Farmers seeking stability, residents concerned about noise and aesthetic, environmental advocate protecting habitat, business in need of customer, and industry offering economic opportunity. Wind has become a major factor in South Dakota's energy future. And as the US Energy Information Administration states, wind currently supplies nearly 60% of our instate electricity generation. This is about more than turbines. It's about land use, identity, economy, and ecology. Thank you for your comments. Meeting adjourned. [applause]

It's okay. So, that's all we have. If you guys have any questions for them, feel free to ask. Or any feedback, input, anything. Like I said, our state competition, um, we leave on Sunday. They compete Sunday night and they'll get results on Monday. And so if there's anything you feel like we should add or take out or anything like that, we're open to any feedback or questions. But we really appreciate you guys letting us come and take some of your valuable time. The kids were a little excited to get out of school, I think. But um it's always nice for them to present in front of a more high-profile, if you will, um audience than just um our local people in white that know them and have known them for years. So, thank you.

Any commission? Think you guys did an amazing job. Uh just we probably do shouldn't have told you this before, but uh you know, we are live stream so more than just us saw this today. So, at least you're uh weren't too too nervous, but good job and good luck this weekend. Thank you. Where's the where's the competition at the next step? Um the state competition is in Rapid City. It's in Rapid.

Yep. So, the top the top two teams from each of our districts. So, we have eight districts in our state. Um the top two teams from each district move on to state. So, we were second in our district. Um so, there'll be 16 teams roughly if they all brought two teams at state. And then the top team at state competition will move on to compete next October in Indianapolis at the national convention. Yep. Very impressive. You guys did a really good job. Um I'm I'm amazed. You give me hope in the next generation. Well done. Very thorough. The apron was a nice touch. [laughter] Well done.

They do have they do have posters that like talk about who they are and give their names, but we just thought that was a lot to lug around as we're we're have another presentation later today. Okay. Um, so we didn't bring those, but that does add a little special effect to what they do as well. So, yeah. Yeah, that's a nice touch. So, C, I'm looking forward to hearing how you guys do. Thank you. Thank you. Congratulations. You guys did an amazing job. You're going to represent Dubrook and Brookings Dual Counties very well. Keep your heads high and uh good luck. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, good luck guys. Thank you.

That was fun. Okay, back to our agenda. Uh, item number nine is commission department director's report. The work plan was included with my staff report. Um, everything that you see in red is new information or updated information from the last time this was presented. So, um, Brian helped, uh, Brian and Bob always helped me with with this with this report, getting me all of the information that they are aware of. Um, as far as all of the big projects are concerned with highway, um, just other projects going on uh, with highway, other bridge projects. Um so far for the rural access infrastructure um these are not approved yet. Uh you can see there Eureka Lake and Sterling Bulga. I am still working with a couple of townships who submitted some information but that it wasn't complete. So I'm kind of still working with them. So there might be some additions there. Um, and then, uh, Bob has submitted some information here, some updated information regarding the Big Sue, uh, river diversion, some information about the the carbon pipeline subcommittee, which has now um, been kind of put to rest after that, the ordinance 257 um, will become effective tomorrow. Samra Avenue. Just a quick update there. Um phases one, two, one, and two pretty much complete now. Phase three, again, as Brian had mentioned earlier in the meeting, will begin in um July of 2026.

Some capital improvements, new HVAC, and now also new boilers for this building um for next year. courthouse. The main thing there is um interior painting. I forgot to add carpet as well is going to be put at the courthouse next year. Um so personnel the the uh basically the the we have three uh three-year contracts that will start here in January for both both of our both highway or both union groups with highway and sheriff. So those are the updates unless you have any other questions for me on that information. Otherwise, um, each of you also received a letter from Banner regarding that diversion channel, the Big Sue River diversion channel. That was included in my packet. And then also, I think I handed out each of your letters this morning with that. Other than that, um, just some upcoming dates. Uh, tonight is the egg appreciation banquet. I know I have RSVPd for a few a couple I think three of you to attend that tonight. Tomorrow, an addition that came in in late last week was um the mayor's holiday celebration and awards. Again, that's tomorrow out at the Dakota Bank Center. It starts at 6 o'clock. Um, I don't think there's any need to RSVP for that, but I think all of you probably received maybe an email invitation for that. Um, Thursday, for those who have RSVPd for uh the innovation campus celebration out at the research park, that starts at 5:00. And then just kind of looking out a little ways, offices will close at noon on Christmas Eve day. We'll be closed Christmas Day. We'll be closed New Year's Day. And then something to kind

of put on your calendars, a little bit a little ways out yet, January 21st is Brookings Day at the Capitol. So, make sure that's on your calendars if you want to attend that and we'll be getting some more information as that gets a little bit closer. Um, that's all I have unless you have questions for me. Any questions to the board?

Okay, thank you. [snorts] Item number 10 on the agenda is states attorney's office report. [snorts] Item number 11 uh commissioner reports and discuss items. Commissioner Vanderwal. Thank you. On uh Tuesday, November 18, I attended the 4H recognition night at the Brookings Outdoor Adventure Center. Uh very well attended. They had to set up additional tables and chairs for that evening. great to see all the interest in that program and the weather was great that evening and then yesterday um December 1 at 11 I was on the webinar with uh the state association the topic yesterday was about data centers so dual counties chairman of commissioners was on along with a guy from Ellenale North Dakota very very interesting and that's my report thank you [snorts]

okay commissioner post. Nothing to report. [clears throat] Mr. Miller,

thank you. On the 19th, I attended the beta board meeting. Um, enjoying that role and I'm constantly amazed by the number of people that use that 160,000 rides a year. Um, that's a big operation and the number of buses. They they are facing some real budget challenges coming up with things happening at the federal level. So, they've got some challenges to figure out there. And then yesterday, I also attended the South Dakota county's Zoom and I uh I agree with Kelly that was very informative. Don Flity from Ellenale did a great job of explaining those data centers and what a huge role that's going to have in our future and it's it's here [snorts] to stay and how do we get ready for that? How do we prepare for that? So, that's my report.

Thank you, Commissioner Hustler.

Yeah. So on the 19th uh I we I attended the BEEDC board meeting uh over at the innovation uh and of course with the merger uh approaching the BDC is looking at how they're going to um transition over to that one entity uh with the four that are that are combined uh looking for looking at uh different fundings and and uh and that uh where their money and fundings are going to go and how that's going to all operate. Uh and then on the 25th I attended the merger board meeting. Um, of course, uh, we're in the process of the CEO search, uh, which, uh, if numbers, uh, if numbers, I think numbers have escaped me, but we've received close to 30 applications for that CEO, um, from, uh, in and around the area um to outside the area, which uh, we will start interviews and that, um, after it's been uh, uh, weed weeded down uh, for quality candidates uh sometime in January with hopefully uh the the CEO starting uh end of January. Um but then they've also with that merged organization we're going through branding and uh and going through everything to create that new organization through the four uh and then on the first yesterday attended the BCOAC board meeting out at the outdoor adventure center. uh uh got numbers uh which Joe will probably present to us after the first of the year. But uh um the programming in that in in that area has just exploded in the last 6 months and uh it's nice to see the how that is uh how that is really expanding. Um and then on discussion items, I guess I've I've been reached out to by several uh

several citizens um uh in regards to our non-mandated funds. um uh specifically to um to our non-mandated funds that uh for the Brookings Library and I wanted to bring up and for possible discussion for the board. Uh I think this is the where we where we can talk about that on really what our what our ideas were behind that when we when we talked in June about those non-mandated funds. um you know, if I remember right, and with with the monies that we've that we've been allocated uh that we allocated through there, um correct me if I'm wrong, but uh the Brookings Library asked for $35,000 in in funding. Is that correct? And we've historically given 25,000. Yeah.

And this year, um we reallocated some of those to uh different areas. Um I believe what was it? 5,000 uh 5,000 extra to the domestic abuse shelter um because of their increase increased [snorts] needs. Uh 5,000 additional to the United Way for their increased needs and and federal funding cuts. And then the new one that we did was the IAP 60 plus uh meals. Is that correct? Or what was that? 60s plus dining was new. And then the funding for United Way was also new for 2026.

Yes. Yep. So, I mean, I I think uh I think there's some there's some issues out there that uh that got posted online and of course you got to take everything online with a grain of salt, but um you know uh through the you know, reviewing the the letter and the the questions that or the the requests that we received from the public library. Um, and we received this I think in April if I remember right. Um, down under funding on that. It it seemed like they they kind of teed up a little bit that they were possibly looking at funding cuts and and looking at other ways to increase revenue. And I I believe that the issue with them possibly charging out of or out of city residents was already in the back of their minds. And what did what was our what was our uh um percentage of funding that we or that we reallocated? Was it

one was it 1% of their total budget? What they presented to us was approximately a $ 1.5 million budget that they have for the Brookings Public Library. We reduced our funding from 25,000 to$10,000. So $15,000 which would represent about 1% of their budget. Okay. [snorts] And all of these numbers and everything for ours and the city is online right for anybody to to look at for those. Okay. I don't know if any other commissioners have any any questions or any concerns or any any uh ideas that they'd like to

I I'd just like to say when we begin our budget process in June uh we start the day out uh it's all u scheduled uh each department comes in and makes a request at the end of the day we get down to the nan non-mandated uh request uh believe there's 22 different entities here that uh apply for our non-mandated funds and uh we go down through those. Uh we try to stay as consistent as possible. Um we did have a couple new ones this year like you like Hustler said the uh community action the 60 plus dining and also the United Way uh we funded those and um and uh the firefighters associations the true budget of of uh equipment needs and also with the domestic abuse shelter we increased um I felt we justified uh what we did there um as we move forward Um we don't know what's going to happen with the property tax in the near future. Uh and uh whatever happens out in pier will happen. Uh how much it'll affect us, I have no idea. Uh but these non-mandated I mean in the near future these could actually go away if uh if funding is reduced and we have to use this money elsewhere. Um, I felt we were fair with what we've done and uh I just uh hopefully uh clear the air and get the facts out there, the dollar amounts that we actually cut from the city library. Any other commissioner? Any comments?

Well, I I had a couple people reach out to me as well about this. there was some concerns [snorts] and uh one of them stated that they were disappointed that we decided to charge for the cards. I just want to make it very clear that we had no role in that. The city or the library made that decision. That was not our role. Um we did spend a fair amount of time on this and chatting. It's, you know, times are tough and we've got limited funds and we had to make some tough decisions. And when you look at the numbers that by the libraryies numbers, 7% of the county population has a library card. That's a pretty small number. So, we're elected to represent the majority and we gave what we could and we have again limited resources to spread out there. But I I would like to reiterate what Larry said. I think there was some bad press put out there that um that the commission decided to do this. We we did not. We're trying to do the best we can with the limited sources resources that we have. So

thank you Mr. Vander. I just you guys have done a great job of expressing my my thoughts as well. um as a as a commission, we're elected to to represent and to do the best job with what we can and the information that we have at the time. That's that's my point. Thank you.

Okay. Thank you. Back to uh commissioner reports. Um I also attended the 4 awards night that evening. There was well over 200 people there. Like uh Commissioner Vanderwell said, they had to set up extra tables and um there was a lot of awards handed out and um kudos to the staff and and everybody for a good evening and how they had it all set up on December 1st. Also attended the BCAC advisory board meeting. Um like Sean said, uh numbers keep increasing. Um I believe attendance was up over 4%. And uh also the programming coming up in this uh next year is uh they've already had more requests and uh for uh different training and uh such out there. So that's going well with that. Uh concludes my report. Um item number 12 uh executive session accordance with South Dakota codified law 1-25-2 parenthesy 1 personnel. Do I have a motion to enter?

So move second. Have a motion and second. All in favor signify by saying I. I post same sign. Motion carried.