Public Meetings - Aberdeen, South Dakota

On November 2, 2026, the Aberdeen City Council held a regular meeting. The council approved routine agenda and minutes, advanced multiple water, parks, and rezoning ordinances, approved pay requests and a liquor license, appointed Ashley Wolf to the Planning Commission, and heard public comments on an EV-charging proposal and a city award. The city manager also reported on employee milestones, public-safety outreach, downtown wayfinding, sidewalk planning, and a new ambulance. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the October 26 meeting. - Approved the consent calendar: workers' compensation coverage for volunteers, a lottery notice for CASA, and a new residential building contractor's license. Public Comments & Testimony - Ron Krogman presented a 2026 City of the Year plaque to Aberdeen, saying the city was recognized for outstanding service to a national organization; he said the award was bestowed at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on September 26, 2026. He also announced a free community and veterans lunch at 1 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, which he referred to as the former Mohawk Depot building, and invited the public. Alan, who accepted the award, said South Dakota is one of only two states with a Gettysburg namesake. - Miranda Gowan, an Aberdeen resident and former automotive salesperson, expressed support for electric-vehicle opportunities and called an EV charging station near downtown a great idea. She said the Aberdeen Development Corporation is exploring a charging station in a downtown parking lot, cited Walmart and Ionna as aggressive charging-network builders, noted Ionna's founders include General Motors, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis, and said Litchfield partnered with ZEF Energy. She offered to help with legwork. Discussion Items - Second readings and adoptions advanced without changes: Ordinance 26103 for drinking-water facility improvements and a revenue bond; a water-system improvement surcharge ordinance; an ordinance establishing utility customer classifications and water service types conforming to solid waste provisions, with no rate changes; Ordinance 26106 supplementing parks, recreation, and forestry activities; Ordinance 26101, a C2-to-C3-R4 rezoning described as the American Bank First Edition; and Ordinance 26102, a C2 and R3 to C2 rezoning at 503 3rd Street North. The transcript labels the water-surcharge item as a second reading, while the staff comment referred to a first reading. - Held a public hearing and approved a retail on-off sale malt beverage and wine license for Mud Bugs Saloon at 414 South Main Street; no one spoke during the hearing. - Approved the appointment of Ashley Wolf to the Aberdeen City Planning Commission for a five-year term effective December 15, 2026; staff recommended her, citing community involvement and experience for the upcoming comprehensive-plan update. - Approved a $126,014.22 pay request to Wright and Sudlow for concrete maintenance and repair; staff said the work is winding down as asphalt becomes unavailable. - Approved a $495,489 pay request to Landmark Structures for the water tower and transmission line; staff said the project is near 98% complete, the tank holds 1.5 million gallons, first fill and bacteria testing were planned for Saturday, and the project is about three weeks ahead of schedule. - Approved a $241,366.60 pay request to Hydrotech Service of Pipestone for water-treatment pipe gallery valve replacements; staff said the valves are 40 to 90 years old and the work replaces approximately 80% of the valves in that area. - Approved claims and payroll for the pay period October 18 through October 31. City Manager Report - Recognized Captain Tony Bisby and Officer Erica Klein for 20 years with the Aberdeen Police Department and Wyatt Bill for five years at the water treatment plant. - Police Chief Tanner reported on a community survey seeking input on department performance and improvement areas; he said 70 to 80 responses had come in and the goal is an annual survey. He also described a downtown parking and wayfinding effort, with the next meeting in about two and a half weeks. - The city manager said a winter project will review sidewalk gaps and repair needs, with community-wide improvement areas discussed in spring. - An ambulance report noted the city took possession of a remount ambulance with a four-point patient-compartment harness and an updated narcotics refrigerator; state licensing was expected by Friday, with full service hoped for by the weekend. - The city manager thanked the council for discussion of the promotional fund and said discussions would continue on the golf fund and a lead service line presentation, with a work session to be scheduled. Key Outcomes - All motions carried; no opposing votes were recorded. The agenda, October 26 minutes, consent calendar, six ordinance items, Mud Bugs Saloon license, Ashley Wolf appointment, three pay requests, and claims and payroll were approved. - Staff will continue police community survey work, downtown parking and wayfinding planning, and the winter sidewalk-gap review. - The new ambulance was expected to receive state licensing by Friday and enter full service by the weekend. - A future work session is expected on the golf fund and lead service line.

The Aberdeen City Council held a special work session on 2026-11-02 at 22:30:26+00:00 to review surplus promotional-fund allocations and related community-event proposals. The main discussion covered the Dakota Prairie Museum capital commitment, a proposed economic-development-managed event fund, and a possible CVB fiscal/reporting role. The council took no final action on those items; staff was directed to return with an alternative resolution. The meeting also covered scheduling a golf-course presentation/lead-service-line work session and heard a library-led community celebration concept. Public Comments & Testimony - Casey, representing the CVB, reported that the CVB works more than 120 events per year; cited a ten-year average of about 158,000 hotel rooms booked in Aberdeen; reported 1.6 million visitors from more than 50 miles away for 2025 using a 90-minute duration through Placer AI; said 2025 lodging taxable receipts were $24 million and change, up 16.82% over 2024; eating was $80.5 million, up 8.3%; drinking was about $13 million and flat; the city promotional/triple B fund was $1.35 million for 2025 and the CVB allocation was $510,000; and the promotional fund was about $1 million in 2014. He said the CVB would work with the selected manager/organization and put Aberdeen first, urged the council not to overlook existing community work, and recommended working with community partners. He called the mayor's proposal to use the CVB as an accounting/reporting mechanism a great idea. - Kara, library director, presented the "Meet Your Neighbor" concept, formerly referred to as "Table of Plenty," as a community celebration/festival likely downtown in September or October with local vendors, food, music, and partnerships. She said the $10,000 proposal would support one large event plus micro events throughout the year, and distinguished it from Knight Foundation-funded micro events and other dinner/table concepts. Discussion Items - Dakota Prairie Museum: City Manager Dave McNeil asked the council to retain the $110,000 allocation toward the museum's two-year $250,000 capital campaign commitment, with $140,000 coming from next year's traditional fund allocation. He said he stood strongly behind keeping the commitment; one council member nodded support but said they would abstain from the rest of the promotional-fund discussion. - Community events fund: Amber, from economic development, proposed a $100,000 event/performance fund managed by economic development, with requests of $10,000 or less handled administratively and larger requests brought to council. She said this replaced the earlier idea of a joint full-time employee and slush fund. The fund would encourage more events, better use of existing facilities, and collaboration with NSU, Park Rec/Forestry, the CVB, chamber, arts council, Aberdeen Concert Association, and others; it could apply to any suitable venue, not only city or Northern facilities. She suggested $100,000 could support five to ten smaller event enhancements plus about $50,000 for one or two larger events. - Council concerns and positions: Members questioned whether $100,000 was enough for a stadium-filling act. Matt gave an example of a Craig Morgan show with a $40,000 artist guarantee plus about $20,000 in production costs, requiring 75% arena capacity to break even, with ticket prices from $35 to $95. Dave said running for-profit concerts to fill Dakota Bank Stadium was outside the normal purview of government. Council member Chad said the $100,000 approach was more palatable than a couple hundred thousand and liked not adding a new employee; Alan Johnson opposed adding layers of government and preferred directing funds to existing organizations or Northern-led efforts while acknowledging Amber's experience. Another council member supported having one ambitious coordinator align partners; another wanted focus on events that draw hotel stays and outside spending, not just more downtown attendees; another said hiring another person was out of the picture but more work remained. A council member floated reducing $187,000 to $100,000 and eliminating a $30,000 marketing line, leaving $117,000 to distribute among community partners. The mayor proposed using the CVB as an accounting, payment, and reporting mechanism for a dedicated line item while Amber and community partners lead. Jordan raised procurement, fund-balance reporting, audit-threshold, and refill questions; Amber said finance and the city manager would need to review each request and that refilling the fund was not guaranteed. - Golf course and lead service line scheduling: Due to time, the council did not take up the golf course presentation. Staff suggested scheduling the golf course slide deck/presentation along with a lead service line work session at a later full-hour work session. Key Outcomes - No final vote was taken on the promotional fund or event-fund proposals. The city manager was directed to return with an alternative resolution that preserves the Dakota Prairie Museum commitment and reflects council input on a reduced event fund/partnership approach, including the suggested CVB accounting/reporting role. - The golf course presentation and lead service line work session were to be scheduled together for a future meeting. - The "Meet Your Neighbor"/"Table of Plenty" concept was discussed with no formal action indicated. - The meeting adjourned by motion carried on a voice vote to move into the regular city council meeting.

The Aberdeen City Council met on October 26, 2026, for a regular session. Key actions included approving the previous meeting's minutes, hearing public comment regarding a proposed bike trail, receiving the annual audit presentation from ID Bailey, and approving first readings of several ordinances related to water and sewer rates, customer classifications, park budgets, and zoning changes. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda for the current meeting (motion and second, voice vote carried). - Approved the minutes from the October 19, 2026 meeting with a minor spelling correction on line 23 (Tim Hannigan's name). Motion by Councilmember Econger, second by Councilmember Liebelt, all in favor. - Approved a block of routine city business items (Consent Calendar) with a motion and second, voice vote carried. Public Comments & Testimony - Natasha Wells (Aberdeen resident): Expressed opposition to the proposed bike trail/skills park along Willow Drive, noting the area is a flood zone, contains a pump station subject to public works and homeland security requirements, and lacks prior resident involvement. She expressed support for locating the project at Melgard Park, citing support from the Aberdeen Skating Association, BMX, and Boys & Girls Club. She also noted that Jeff Swingler had resigned as president of the Babylon Aberdeen Cycling Association. The Mayor summarized her position as not supporting bike paths north of Willow Drive. ID Bailey Audit Presentation - Cameron (ID Bailey): Presented the city's annual audit for fiscal year 2025, issuing an unmodified (clean) opinion on all opinion units. The single audit tested the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (approximately $16 million of $29 million total federal expenditures); compliance was clean, but a material weakness in internal controls was noted due to a missing review of the required annual report (one-shot reporting). Other material weaknesses were identified in capital assets accounting, long-term debt accounting, and audit adjustments. Government-wide cash and investments totaled $60 million, with a $19.2 million bond issuance driving an increase in fund balance. The general fund's unrestricted fund balance was $10.6 million, well above the city's internal 20% target and the GFOA's two-month recommendation. The water and sewer funds both showed improved operating income (water: $2.1 million; sewer: $1.9 million) and strong liquidity (current ratio 2). Discussion followed regarding revenue stability and fund balance thresholds; staff expressed confidence in the current budget. First Reading of Ordinances - Ordinance for Water Facility Improvements (2.5 million SRF loan): Authorized the issuance of $2.5 million in State Revolving Fund loans at 3.75% for 20 years to complete water system improvements. Public hearing held, state water board approved. Approved unanimously on first reading. - Ordinance for Water Surcharge (26104): Established a monthly surcharge of $1.75 per user (approximately $21 per year) to repay the SRF loan, effective January 1, 2027. Approved unanimously on first reading. - Ordinance for Utility Customer Classifications (26105): Created five customer classes (residential, multifamily, commercial, institutional, industrial) to better reflect system demands; does not change current rates but provides a framework for future rate design. Staff noted most communities have similar tiered structures. Approved unanimously on first reading. - Ordinance to Supplement Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Budget (26106): Authorized budget transfers using funds from the parks gift fund and promotion fund. Approved unanimously on first reading. - Ordinance to Rezone Property at 326th Avenue Southeast (C2 to C2/R4): Allowed a bank to construct a new facility and demolish the old one; Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Approved unanimously on first reading. - Ordinance to Rezone Property at 503 3rd Street North (C2 to R3 and C2): Created legal lots for a business and adjacent rental residence; Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Approved unanimously on first reading. Public Works Pay Application - Approved the fourth pay application ($100,000) for the public works maintenance building project, reflecting work completed through September 30, 2026. Staff noted that previous applications were delayed due to processing, and the next application is expected in November. Approved unanimously. Bills for the Week - Approved payment of the weekly bills, with two council members abstaining on items related to the municipal league and a service charge. Motion carried. City Manager's Report - Dave Lott (City Manager): Recognized Melanie Padal (10 years in HR) and Kent Weary (10 years with the fire department, hazardous materials specialist). Schedule a work session for November 2, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss promotional fund surplus and golf course contract (which automatically renews in 2027). Noted that Parks Director Matt Braun will hold two listening sessions on the nature area issue. Data center timeline update expected by November 16. Announced a Northwestern Energy public input meeting on November 23 at 5:30 p.m. (same time as council meeting), acknowledging a possible quorum. Key Outcomes - All votes on ordinances and applications were unanimous. - Public comment on the bike trail project was recorded and city staff committed to additional listening sessions. - The council will hold a work session on November 2, 2026 to address promotional fund surplus and the golf course contract. - The audit findings were accepted; staff will continue to improve internal controls.

The Aberdeen City Council met at 5:30 PM on Monday, October 19, 2026, with Mayor Shauniman presiding. The meeting opened with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the agenda as modified, and approval of the October 5, 2026 minutes. The council then handled a consent calendar, a $350,000 promotional fund allocation resolution, a South Dakota Housing Development Authority application, a cannabis dispensary permit, wastewater and public works payments, a bike-skills park agreement, an extension of the data center moratorium, and multiple transit and airport items. This summary is based on the raw transcript; no agenda or minutes were available. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent calendar, including a proclamation designating October 19-25, 2026 as Free Speech Week and encouraging participation in Northern State University events. The consent calendar carried with one abstention noted on item C-5C. Public Comments & Testimony - Bike skills park agreement: Kathy Hall, Ronald Hall, Joe Barnett, Yop Bola, and Linda Hunt commented. Kathy Hall, Ronald Hall, Joe Barnett, and Yop Bola generally supported the idea of a bike skills park but opposed placing it in the nature area, citing existing use of the area for walking, wildlife, and off-leash dog exercise, and said the public received insufficient notice and details. Ronald Hall offered alternative locations, including areas near the Strode Center and Bear Park. Linda Hunt said she was not strongly against the project but agreed with the open-space and dog-use concerns. - Data center moratorium extension: Clark Thayers, Janelle, and Jason Swatis all supported extending the moratorium. Clark Thayers said the developer had not been a good neighbor and urged a citizen-led task force. Janelle raised concerns about water sales and urged the council to consider banning data centers. Jason Swatis raised noise, light, and air-quality concerns. The mayor responded to the water-sale point, saying the sale was about one million gallons over two months, roughly one-eighth of one day's city-wide usage, purchased through a metered hydrant. Discussion Items - Promotional Fund Resolution 26102R: City Manager Dave McNeil, Dr. LaFave of Northern State University, and Amber Schwab presented the proposed $350,000 promotional fund allocation. Allocations included $110,000 for the Dakota Prairie Museum capital campaign, $30,000 to split with the NSU Foundation for an arts and events coordinator, $187,000 for events expected to be replenished by ticket sales, $10,000 for a library-led community event called 'Table of Plenty,' and $13,000 toward a $43,000 wolf sculpture project. Council members questioned why this was brought outside the usual promotional fund application process and whether ongoing allocations assumed repeated surpluses. The council voted to table the item for one week; Councilman Foberg abstained. - HOMES, Inc. housing grant: Darren Beckis of HOMES, Inc. requested authorization to apply for a South Dakota Housing Development Authority grant for workforce and affordable housing. The resolution supports a project on city-owned South 12th Street property with about 50 lots; phase one is estimated at $2.05 million, and the grant and loan program can provide up to $500,000. The resolution passed, with Councilman Ronane abstaining. - Cannabis dispensary permit: The council approved Genesis Farms LLC's dispensary permit for 115 South Main Street. Staff said all legal requirements were met. It would be Genesis Farms' third location and the city's fifth of six permitted dispensaries. Police reported little to no criminal contact with existing dispensaries. - One-day alcohol license: The council approved the Chamber of Commerce's one-day retail on-sale alcohol license for Business After Hours at Avera St. Luke's on October 21, 2026. - Wastewater treatment plant payment: The council approved Pay Request 16 for $2.24 million to PKG Contracting for the RWRF Phase 1 improvement project. Engineering reports put completion at 51%, including stored materials. Councilman Nelson abstained. - Bike skills park agreement: The council considered an agreement with the Aberdeen Cycling Association for use and maintenance of trails and a skills park in the nature area. Parks staff said the site is public works land, not park land. Leadership Aberdeen raised about $43,000, and a state RTP grant awarded $68,000. Parks staff noted the grant is tied to this location and would be at risk if the project changed significantly. After public testimony, the council tabled the item until November 2, 2026 for further collaboration and public input. - Data center moratorium extension: The council held a public hearing and approved a resolution extending the data center moratorium from November 18, 2026 to July 1, 2027, or until the earlier effective date of a permanent data center ordinance. Councilman Ronane's amendment adding 'including a crypto mining facility' to the moratorium was approved, and the amended resolution passed. - USGS stream gauge agreement: The council approved the joint funding agreement with the USGS Dakota Water Science Center for stream gauges in the amount of $26,750. - Street mill and overlay improvements: The council approved payment of $508,792 to Jensen Rock and Sand and a change order of $68,605 for the 2026 mill and overlay project. The project came in under its $600,000 budget and covered 16 blocks instead of the original 13. - Public works maintenance building: The council approved Pay Request 3 for $167,796.22 to Quest Construction, with most of the amount related to stockpiled materials. - Transit grants: The council approved a $4,500 equipment grant with a $900 city match, a $220,000 rolling stock grant with a $44,000 city match, and a $406,907 grant for Ride Line operating and administrative expenses. - Airport items: The council approved airport board recommendations including Helms & Associates invoices totaling $14,161.81 and $7,673.48, a Quest Construction change order of $34,850.40 and pay estimate of $7,459, a $375 invoice for a preconditioned air unit delayed to the first quarter of 2027, a $92,403.56 design invoice for the snow removal equipment building expansion, a $7,875 professional services invoice, surplus of a 2004 International passenger bus, five-year in-terminal car rental concessions with minimum annual guarantees of $25,000 and $45,000, and a five-year off-terminal Dollar Rent A Car concession at 12% of gross revenue. - Bills and payroll: The council approved bills and payroll with noted abstentions related to Banner and PKG. - City manager's report: Dave gave no report. The council then moved into executive session to discuss contractual matters; no additional open-session action was recorded in the transcript. Key Outcomes - Promotional Fund Resolution 26102R was tabled until the next city council meeting to allow further discussion; Foberg abstained from the tabling vote. - The HOMES, Inc. housing grant application resolution was approved; Ronane abstained. The application was expected to be submitted that week, with an award decision possible as early as November and construction possible in 2027 if awarded. - The Genesis Farms cannabis dispensary permit was approved unanimously. - The Chamber of Commerce one-day alcohol license was approved unanimously. - The $2.24 million wastewater treatment pay request was approved; Nelson abstained. - The bike skills park agreement was tabled until November 2, 2026. - The data center moratorium extension was approved as amended, extending the moratorium to July 1, 2027, and adding crypto mining facilities to the moratorium. - All listed USGS, street overlay, public works building, transit, airport, surplus, concession, and bills/payroll items were approved as presented.

This regular meeting of the Aberdeen City Council began at 5:30 PM with a roll call and pledge of allegiance. The council addressed public comments on data centers and homelessness, approved routine consent items, adopted a budget ordinance, and took initial steps to extend the data center moratorium. Several contractor payments were approved, while one professional services agreement was tabled for further review. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda with minor modifications and the minutes from the previous meeting. - Approved seven routine items of city business by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Vicky Wilson expressed strong concerns about data centers, citing a perceived lack of transparency by city and county officials. She stated that quality of life has declined with each major industry, referenced unmet promises regarding road improvements near the beef plant, and urged the council to slow the data center process and conduct thorough research before making decisions. She also questioned the city's recent push for a three-mile jurisdiction at city limits, suggesting it is tied to a data center purchase south of Aberdeen. - Todd Campbell shared his personal negative experience living near a large data center in Frederick County, Virginia (2100 acres, 1 gigawatt phase of 5 gigawatts planned). He described a 25-30% loss in property value, disruptive noise (including bone conduction that even affected his sleep despite his deafness), increased dust requiring frequent filter changes, and heavy traffic. He recommended the city establish baseline measurements for sound (full spectrum) and air quality before approving any data center, and to enforce strict mitigation measures. - Melanie Bobby (Vice Chair of Aberdeen New Start) reported that 26 people are currently living outdoors in tents or vehicles as winter approaches. She requested the council prioritize an emergency shelter and noted that numbers have increased compared to previous years. She detailed ongoing efforts by local nonprofits, including a car repair program, but emphasized the need for permanent shelter funding. The city manager responded later in the meeting (see City Manager's Report). - Janelle Meyer spoke against data centers, highlighting housing impacts (citing Allendale, ND where construction workers doubled or tripled rental rates), water concerns (mentioning flush and fill operations trucking nearly a million gallons of Aberdeen water to Allendale since June 9th, and risks of bacteria and chemicals), and the short functional lifespan of data centers (5-7 years). She advocated for a one-year or permanent moratorium. She stayed for the new business agenda item on extending the moratorium. Discussion Items - Extension of Data Center Moratorium (New Business): City Attorney Ron presented a proposal to publish a notice of public hearing to consider extending the existing moratorium on data center building permits (set to expire November 18, 2026) to July 1, 2027. He explained the legal limits on moratoriums (maximum one year plus extension for extenuating circumstances, not to exceed two years). The council approved the notice of public hearing with a roll call vote (all ayes). Councilwoman David emphasized the council's commitment to transparency and noted ongoing conversations about housing and emergency shelter, urging the public to engage with council members directly. - HKG Architects Agreement Tabled (New Business): A proposed agreement for $426,000 in professional services during construction of the public works maintenance building was tabled after Councilman Ronane raised concerns about prior overruns on the original design contract (which he stated had reached $1,045,000 vs. an undetermined original amount). The motion to table was approved by voice vote, with direction to staff to provide a detailed breakdown of past and current costs and to compare against the project budget. Key Outcomes - Approved: Notice of public hearing to extend the data center moratorium (published in newspaper, public hearing set for the next regular meeting in two weeks). - Approved (Unanimous Roll Call): Second reading and final adoption of Ordinance supplementing the 2026 budget for Parks and Recreation. - Approved (Roll Call): Payment of $20,000 retainage to Reedy Construction for North Soda Roadway Improvements (project complete). - Approved (Roll Call): Two payments for water tower transmission lines: $108,686.49 to Dominic Construction (Schedule A) and $99,892.52 to Landmark Structures (Schedule B). Both projects are ahead of schedule. - Approved (Roll Call): Two payments totaling $270,000 to Skinner Roofing for water treatment plant roof project (76% complete). - Tabled (Voice Vote): Agreement with HKG Architects ($426,000) for public works maintenance building construction services; staff to provide cost history and budget comparison. - Approved (Roll Call): Payment of claims and payroll for period September 20 - October 3. City Manager's Report - City Manager Dave reported that a meeting has been scheduled with Brown County to discuss collaborative emergency shelter options for the homeless. He also noted he and Ron will attend the Brown County Commission meeting the next day to propose a joint data center task force. He highlighted the groundbreaking of Roosevelt Business Park and the new public works facility, and reminded that Aberdeen is hosting the South Dakota Municipal League conference that week, thanking staff and local business donors.

On Monday, September 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM, the Aberdeen City Council met at City Hall to conduct routine business, hear public comments, and discuss several items including data center ordinances, housing initiatives, and infrastructure projects. Deputy Mayor Johnson presided in the absence of the Mayor. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approved – Motion by Nilsen, second by Econger; voice vote carried. - Minutes Approved – September 21, 2026 minutes; motion by Econger, second by Liebelt; voice vote carried. - Consent Agenda Items (C1-C6) – Included routine approvals and the lead service line replacement plan update. Councilmember Ward abstained from item C3; Councilmember Ronane abstained from item D. After discussion, motion and second carried with two abstentions noted. Public Comments & Testimony - Clark Theres – Criticized lack of transparency regarding the ADC's land sale to Green Vault Power, noting a $350,000 profit and potential conflict of interest for Councilmember Ward. Cited that water was trucked to a North Dakota company approximately 200 times (1 million gallons). Asked for Ward's recusal, a “no direct grid access” ordinance for data centers, and extension of the moratorium to June 1, 2027. Volunteered to serve as a liaison between city, county, and citizens. - Melanie Bobby (Vice Chair, Aberdeen New Start) – Stated there are 26 known individuals sleeping in tents or cars despite ability to pay rent, due to lack of housing. Requested an emergency winter shelter and offered volunteer help from her organization. - Natasha Wells – Expressed frustration over water being hauled to North Dakota, decreased water pressure in July, and increased water bills. Called for better community engagement and transparency. Asked Councilmember Ward to recuse himself or resign. - Jamie Shaw (Vice President, Sunny Day Outreach) – Described homelessness crisis, collaboration with coalitions (Salvation Army, Midwest Street Medicine, etc.), and urged council to act before Aberdeen becomes like Sioux Falls. Challenged council members to consider they could be helping family members. - Tim Hannigan (CEO, Aberdeen Development Corporation) – Clarified that ADC has no NDAs with data center companies, no active projects, no direct contact with data center tenants. ADC advocates for a reasonable ordinance and supports a timely but thorough process. Emphasized accurate information for council and community. Discussion Items - Old Business – Two ordinances received final adoption: - Ordinance 260902: Rezone 24 North State Street from I2 to R3. Approved unanimously (roll call). - Ordinance 2609-03: Amend off-street parking and loading regulations. Approved unanimously (roll call). - New Business – Items included: - National Award – Ron Krogman (40 & 8 organization) announced Aberdeen was named National City of the Year by La Société des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux, with official proclamation from Gettysburg, PA. - Special Beer License – One-day license for Unity for Life (Stella Maris at Sacred Heart Parish). Approved unanimously. - Budget Supplement (Ordinance 260904) – Transfer for Storybook Land activities. Approved unanimously. - Pay Requests – Lime slacker replacement ($39,127) and water tower/transmission line ($238,592) both approved unanimously. - Legal Services – Payment to Woods Fuller ($68,380) for Winds Water Project agreement; Aberdeen's share $32,074. Approved unanimously. - Data Center Ordinance Working Drafts – City Attorney Ron Wager presented three very rough draft ordinances (sales tax refund, extra-territorial zoning, and data center regulation). He noted none are ready for public review and the timeline will be delayed. Council will consider extending the moratorium next week. Councilman Nostrup asked about open meeting law compliance for sharing drafts—Attorney explained proper procedures. Key Outcomes - Both rezoning and parking ordinances passed unanimously (second reading). - All pay requests and licenses approved unanimously, with specific abstentions noted on consent items. - Data center ordinance timeline missed: no first reading next week; attorney to propose resolution extending moratorium. - City Manager Dave McNeil introduced housing initiative: city-owned land near Riverside Cemetery being explored for affordable housing (mortgages $150,000–$200,000) in partnership with nonprofits. Amber Schwab reported on identifying development-ready sites (20+ lots) and potential TAP grant (first in Region 8). - Upcoming events: South Dakota Municipal League Conference in Aberdeen, groundbreaking for Public Works facility at Roosevelt Industrial Park (October 5, 1 PM), and community development workshops with Peter Calthorpe. - City acknowledged Jordan Majeski's 10 years of service with the police department and successful Gypsy Day Parade.

The Aberdeen City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting featured extensive public comment and council discussion on data center regulations, approval of the 2027 budget, a property gift to Midwest Street Medicine, and allocation of promotion funds. The council heard from two citizens opposing data centers, debated a wide range of potential ordinance provisions, and took action on numerous routine items. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda with an adjustment moving item 7D to 7A. - Approved minutes from the September 8 and September 14 meetings. - Approved six consent items: a rezoning, a lottery notice, a temporary noise variance for police low-light training (October 5–8, 7–10:30 PM at the city firearms range), and a community event permit for the Aberdeen Downtown Association’s Downtown Brew Walk (October 8). All passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Lisa Ronane requested that the council extend the data center moratorium, citing new information. She noted that the draft ordinance from August 31 lacked an environmental impact study requirement. She reported an audible hum from the Ellendale data center (air-cooled) and challenged each council member to visit the site. - Janelle Meyer urged the council to vote against data centers, arguing they consume thousands of acres of land, millions of gallons of water daily, strain the electrical grid, produce constant low-frequency noise harming residents and livestock, and create fewer than 30 permanent jobs. She stated that the long-term harm outweighs short-term corporate investments. Discussion Items Data Center Ordinance (Item 7A – moved from 7D) City Manager Dave McNeil and City Attorney Ron introduced the discussion. They clarified that no data center application is pending, no non-disclosure agreements have been signed, and the council cannot call an advisory election. The council must adopt an ordinance to either prohibit, limit, or regulate data centers (per state law effective July 1). A draft sales tax refund repeal for data centers was also proposed. Council members then shared detailed “wish lists” for potential ordinance provisions: - Councilman Nielsen: Support extending zoning jurisdiction up to three miles beyond city limits; favor a 5 MW cap (not 10); appreciation for staff reports. - Councilman Econger: Proposed a 5 MW per facility cap, a citywide total cap of 15 MW, an 18-month build-out window, noise limits (70 dB at property line with no tonal variation 15%), closed-loop cooling, water chemical restrictions, proximity buffers, independent city testing and semi-annual reporting, no tax breaks, a power agreement protecting residential customers, and a housing plan for construction workers. - Councilman Ward: Advocated for tiered scrutiny based on project size rather than arbitrary megawatt limits; recommended requiring more proof (noise modeling, water analysis, road planning) as size increases; suggested community benefit agreements (e.g., $1M per MW). - Councilman Liebelt: Prioritized requiring data center companies to provide their own housing for employees, citing housing strain from Ellendale. - Councilman Ronane: Supported either prohibition or very robust regulation; emphasized expanding zoning jurisdiction to a three-mile extra-territorial zone; called for a ban on NDAs for all city business; demanded real accountability (ability to shut down violators). - Councilman Floberg: Raised concerns about future-proofing definitions, sunset clauses, and the possibility that “data center” definitions may become obsolete; suggested thinking about what kind of computing industry Aberdeen wants to attract. - Deputy Mayor Johnson: Proposed extending the moratorium to approximately June 1, 2027, due to the Ellendale project’s housing impacts; suggested allowing only data centers up to 10 MW, prohibiting hyperscale campuses, no tax breaks, no TIF, I-2 zoning with special exception, closed-loop cooling, developer-funded infrastructure, and workforce/housing analysis. Discussion also included the need to get accurate information on Ellendale’s timeline and a general sense that the council wants a tiered ordinance with strong enforcement. City Attorney Ron indicated he would draft two ordinances: one to repeal the sales tax refund for data centers and a second with robust requirements. The council did not vote on substantive ordinance language but provided direction. Promotion Funds Allocation (Resolution 260902R) Council debated an amendment to reduce the Aberdeen Downtown Association allocation from $125,000 to $124,999 to avoid a financial review requirement. The amendment failed 1-8. The original allocation of $125,000 (and all other allocations in the proposed chart) were then approved on a roll call vote (8-0). Total promotional fund distribution is $1,750,000. Other Discussion Items - Ordinance 260901 (2027 Budget) – Second reading and final adoption; passed unanimously on roll call. - Resolution 260904R (Surplus Property Gift) – Declared surplus the house at 824 Third Avenue SW and gifted it to Midwest Street Medicine for a walk-in clinic/headquarters, with a five-year use requirement; passed unanimously. - Ordinance 260902 (Rezone 24 North State Street) – Rezone from I-2 to R-2 to match existing single-family use; approved unanimously. - Ordinance 260903 (Off-Street Parking Updates) – Amended sections 60-159 and 60-160 to modernize parking standards; approved unanimously. - Pay Request 15 – Water Reclamation Facility – $2,561,414.94 to PKG Contracting; approved 8-0-1 (Nielsen abstained). - Byrne Grant Application – Authorized application for about $21,000 to split with Brown County Sheriff; used to upgrade less-lethal munition launchers; approved unanimously. - Pay Request 2 and Change Order 1 – Water Treatment Plant – $41,289 base plus $4,272.47 change order for added steps; approved unanimously. - Snow Removal Services Bids – Approved 2026-2027 contract awards; approved unanimously. - Ride Line Grant Extension – Extended grant 81238 for bus storage facility planning to December 31, 2026; approved unanimously. - Claims and Payroll – Approved as presented. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously. - 2027 budget (Ordinance 260901) adopted unanimously. - Surplus property gift to Midwest Street Medicine approved unanimously. - Promotion funds resolution (260902R) approved with original $125,000 for Aberdeen Downtown Association (amendment failed). - All remaining consent and new business items approved as noted, most unanimously. - Data center ordinance: Council directed staff to draft a comprehensive ordinance based on the wish list, including size caps (likely 5-10 MW), strict noise and water standards, no tax breaks, potential zoning jurisdiction expansion, and strong enforcement. The council will consider extending the moratorium resolution at a future meeting; timeline remains ambitious with a target to present a draft at the next meeting (September 28). - City manager’s report: Confirmed water sales to Ellendale facility (over 1 million gallons in two months) are within capacity; announced a housing and workforce update from the economic development director for the next meeting.

This was the third of three informational meetings held by the Aberdeen City Council to gather public input for drafting an ordinance that limits, prohibits, or regulates data centers within city limits. The meeting took place at 5:30 PM in the historic civic theater, with Deputy Mayor presiding (Mayor Shahneman absent). No action was taken; the council listened to 18 registered speakers. A moratorium on data center permits remains in effect until November 18, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Peggy Cootermarsh asked council members to declare their position on data centers and urged them to consider the long-term consequences for grandchildren. - Clark Thares recommended the ordinance prohibit direct grid connection, mandate independent noise/vibration studies (including tonal noise), prohibit tax breaks or TIF funding, limit campus size to 5 MW, restrict foreign ownership, and extend the moratorium by six months with a citizen task force. He cited examples from Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, and Mandan, North Dakota. - Ryan Clay (owner, One-Legged Pheasant Brewery) raised economic concerns: data centers consume far more electricity than all Aberdeen households combined; his business already saw a 34% electric bill increase; and residential bills in other areas rose up to 267% due to data center activity. He urged prohibition. - Don Shepherd detailed four noise types—ambient, vibrations, infrasound, and tonal noise—and their health impacts (heart attacks, blood pressure, sleep disruption). He urged strict noise provisions requiring modern equipment. - Kirby Fessler (case manager, Northeastern Mental Health Center) warned about “AI psychosis”—psychotic symptoms triggered by AI interactions—and argued that allowing a data center would support these harmful technologies. - Tasha Wells opposed data centers, calling for a comprehensive task force and industrial hygienist studies on sound and health, and recommended prohibiting permits within city limits due to impacts on vulnerable populations. - Lindsay Marzanell (born and raised Aberdonian) opposed on grounds of water cost, morality of data content (e.g., child porn, Flock cameras), and AI risks. She questioned why Aberdeen would host data for surveillance technologies rejected by the community. - Marion Callis (from Watonka) shared experience with the Leola data center proposal, stressing that developers may not disclose tonal noise issues. She urged careful vetting and warned of misinformation from promoters. - Janelle Meyer strongly opposed, listing threats to water (300,000–500,000 gallons/day), wildlife, local hunting tourism ($287 million pheasant, $160 million deer), housing (price out renters), and agriculture (livestock stress from noise). - Tony Jones favored good corporate citizenship but cautioned against excessive tax breaks that shift burdens to residents. He suggested requiring data centers to give back a percentage of their capacity (e.g., for education or GIS). - Rich Hilgeman raised transparency concerns, warning against overuse of executive sessions, NDAs, and attempts to avoid quorum (e.g., dinner invitations). - Lisa Ronin questioned why an ordinance was being drafted without first asking citizens if they want a data center. She cited environmental impacts (flooding, wildlife, water use up to 5 million gallons/day), health risks (asthma, premature deaths from emissions), and called for full disclosure of any NDAs. - Ann Stein expressed general concern for health, land, and wildlife. - Natalie Vernon opposed, emphasizing the housing crisis (renters already struggling with Ellendale workers filling hotels); she recommended extending the moratorium. - Janet O'Connell opposed, detailing air pollution (2.2% of national greenhouse gas emissions), water (human priority over data centers), noise, and light pollution (disrupts circadian rhythms and wildlife). - Aaron Redner offered five principles for the ordinance: 40% local jobs at prevailing wages with apprenticeships; annual environmental disclosures; fairness for impacted residents (13% below poverty); independent audits and subsidy clawbacks; and a community benefit fund tied to project scale. - Denzel Eisenbach spoke in favor of data centers, proposing mitigation technologies such as using waste heat for geothermal energy, integrating wastewater treatment, and burning garbage for energy (Swedish model). He offered a 45-point plan. - Brody Mueller (operations director at Midwest Street Medicine, speaking as citizen) opposed, citing loss of half of Section 8 housing, lack of shelter, rising hotel prices (tourism down), and strained resources; he also noted AI leaders calling for a slowdown. - Brooke Whitney (Lakota, mother of four, caregiver) opposed, stressing that water is life, high costs would fall on residents, and demanded transparency on council NDAs. She feared inability to pay for husband’s cancer medication or electric bills. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions were taken at this listening session. - The council will consider public input along with prior presentations from industry and business leaders (August 17 and August 31). - Draft language for a data center ordinance will be presented at a city council meeting on September 28, 2026. - A public hearing and first reading of the ordinance is scheduled for October 26, 2026. - Final approval is expected on November 2, 2026, with the ordinance potentially taking effect on November 25, 2026. - The existing moratorium on data center permits expires on November 18, 2026.

The Aberdeen City Council met on September 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM with Deputy Mayor Johnson presiding in the absence of Mayor Shahneman. The council addressed a wide range of items including the 2027 budget and capital improvement plan, liquor licenses, a data center public input meeting, airport projects, and a proclamation. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda as amended. - Approved minutes from the regular meeting of August 24 and special meeting of August 31. - Approved a proclamation declaring September 14-18, 2026, as Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. The proclamation highlighted the nearly 3,300 DSPs working for 21 community support providers and the South Dakota Developmental Center. Councilmembers Ronane and Norstrup abstained on consent item C (not specified in transcript). - Approved several consent items including a proclamation read aloud, followed by a photo opportunity. - Deputy Mayor Johnson noted impressive year-over-year gains in passenger accounts at the airport, with increases of approximately 8% and 7% in the last two years. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during open forum or public hearings. Discussion Items - 2027 Appropriations Ordinance (Budget): City Manager David McGill presented the budget, emphasizing collaboration with department heads and line-by-line review. Finance Director Jordan described two modifications: a $120,000 re-categorization from health and welfare to economic development (net zero effect) and consolidation of the downtown BID district into the general fund. The new OpenGov online budget tool was demonstrated, providing transparency. Councilmember Johnson praised the transparency. Councilmember asked about a $5,000 decrease in Meals on Wheels; staff attributed it to fewer clients. The public hearing was closed, and the ordinance passed first reading unanimously. - 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): McGill highlighted major investments including North Dakota Street Road, water transmission line, and water tower. City Engineer Leaf discussed pavement condition index, traffic counts, and coordination with sewer/water projects. A potential delay of the Sixth Avenue Bridge project was noted, with possible reallocation of funds to other road improvements. The CIP also includes a sewer line study and interior drainage study. Approved unanimously. - Data Center Public Input Meeting Procedures: The council approved procedures for a special meeting on September 14, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Aberdeen Civic Theater. The meeting will be a listening session with 3-minute speaking slots, registration until 6 PM, and no debate. City Attorney Ron amended two typographical/consistency errors in the procedures. The timeline includes a draft ordinance two weeks later, council revisions, and public hearings on October 20 and 26, with a potential second reading on November 2. The current moratorium on data centers sunsets November 18. - Airport Terminal Expansion Pay Requests: Dustin Flewelling presented three payments: Helms & Associates invoices 18 ($3,894.61) and 6 ($10,047.45) for engineering services, and Quest Construction pay estimate 7 ($814,362.92) for work through August 22. Funding sources: state $1.2M, federal grants, and $60,000 local share. Anticipated completion by end of September 2026. Approved. - Preconditioned Air (PCA) Unit Payment: Helms & Associates invoice 9 for $375 for assistance on acquiring a PCA unit (95% federal, 5% city). Delivery expected Q3 2026. Approved. - Snow Removal Equipment (SRE) Building Expansion Design: Payment of $28,001.07 to Helms & Associates for 30% complete design services. Funding: 95% federal, 2.5% state, 2.5% city. Expansion will also house the airfield electrical vault. Approved. - 2027-2037 Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP): Approved the ACIP and pre-application for SRE building expansion and airfield electrical vault relocation. Previously presented May 4, 2026. Unanimous. Key Outcomes - Appropriations Ordinance (Budget): Public hearing held; first reading approved unanimously. Final adoption expected at later meeting. - Capital Improvement Plan: Final adoption approved unanimously. - Liquor Licenses for BB's Chop House: Malt beverage/farm wine license (item C) approved unanimously with abstentions on consent item C (unrelated). On-off sale wine/cider license (item D) approved unanimously. - Data Center Meeting Procedures: Approved as amended unanimously. - Pay Requests: All four pay requests (sewer lining $20,293; water tower $189,098; airport terminal $828,304.98 combined; PCA unit $375; SRE design $28,001.07) approved unanimously. - Airport CIP: Approved unanimously. - Claims: $2 million in accounts payable and payroll/benefits approved unanimously. - City Manager Report: Recognized Don Thorstenson (10 years, campground/concessions) and Keith Knowledge (20 years, heavy equipment operator). Announced 9/11 memorial events and Presentation Peace Circle opening on September 10.