Public Meetings - Aberdeen, South Dakota

Summary The Aberdeen City Council met on July 27, 2026, to approve consent calendar items, hear updates from the Economic Development Manager and the Convention and Visitors Bureau, approve a $250,000 pledge for the Dakota Prairie Museum expansion, adopt a working timeline for a data center ordinance, approve a resolution supporting affordable housing development, and approve several rezoning ordinances, bids, and pay requests. Key numbers include a 36% attendance increase at the museum, 71,000 website users for the CVB (up 49%), and a $68,000 grant for a bike park. Consent Calendar - Approved 7 items, including a new daycare licensee, with Councilmember Ronane abstaining from item B (Bravo). Public Comments & Testimony - Amber Schwab (Economic Development Manager) provided a monthly update on economic development and public information efforts. Key points: evaluation of city-owned facilities, assessment of Washington Building/Civic Arena/Civic Theater (state-funded, 30-45 days), housing and lodging priorities, collaboration with local organizations, successful America 250th parade (over 5,000 participants), and upcoming web pages for community initiatives and construction updates. Also announced a $68,000 grant for the bike park at Fifth Avenue Nature (total over $100,000). Discussion Items - Convention and Visitors Bureau Update (Casey Wisemantle): Presented 2026 vs 2025 website statistics: 71,000 users (up 49%), 67,000 new users (up 45%), 224 page views. Occupancy saw a 17.1% increase (Jan-May), highest in 10 years. SIC codes show lodging up 40.78%, eating up 9.53%, drinking up 1.96%. Councilmember Johnson noted a 61% drop in hunting page views; Casey attributed it partially to a social media hack. Seeking continued partnership and funding to expand marketing. - Dakota Prairie Museum Expansion Funding Request (Patricia, Director): Museum attendance up 36% this year. Expansion project with $7.5 million fundraising goal; city pledge of $250,000 would unlock a $1M challenge grant from Buntrock Foundation, bringing total early funding to $3M. Project cost estimated $10-15M, refined to prioritize needed spaces. City funds from promotional fund balances (2026 and 2027). Council approved unanimously. - Data Center Ordinance Timeline (City Attorney Ron): Proposed three public input sessions: data center industry (Aug 17), business interests (Sep 14), citizens (Aug 31). Councilman Johnson suggested switching citizens to Sep 14 to allow informed input after hearing experts. Motion to adopt timeline with that amendment passed unanimously. Further research on model ordinances and other communities' experiences requested from Amber. - Affordable Housing Developer Support (Astor LLC): Resolution supporting application to SD Housing Development Authority for phased development of 278 units near 25th Ave NE and N Harrison St. Council approved unanimously. - Rezoning Ordinances (First Readings): - Ordinance 260701: Rezone 210 and 316 Roosevelt St from R2 to C2 for highway commercial buffer (Aberdeen Development Corporation). Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 260702: Rezone 2016 Industrial Ave NE from R2 to I2 for industrial use. Approved unanimously with Councilmember Ward abstaining. - Ordinance (unnumbered): Rezone 824 3rd Ave SW from M to R3 for city property to be surplused to Midwest Street Medicine (volunteer medical care for unhoused). Approved unanimously. - Winter Deicing Salt Bid: Approved unanimously. - Second Street Bridge Preservation Project Proposal: Approved unanimously. - Pay Request for North Dakota Street Improvements: $2,144,589.08 plus change order $109,548 to Reede Construction. Total contract approx $2.76M. Approved unanimously. - Pay Requests for Water Tower Transmission Line: $574,513.09 to Domy Construction and $223,772.50 to Landmark Structures. Delay noted due to BNSF grade crossing work. Approved unanimously. - Bills and Payroll: Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved: Consent calendar (with one abstention), CVB report (no action, informational), Dakota Prairie Museum $250,000 pledge, data center ordinance timeline (with citizens' session moved to Sep 14), Astor LLC resolution, three rezoning ordinances (first readings), deicing salt bid, Second Street bridge proposal, North Dakota Street pay request, water tower pay request, bills/payroll. - Next Steps: CVB to continue seeking funding; data center ordinance public input sessions scheduled; Astor LLC to submit application; city staff to research model ordinances; BNSF to complete grade crossing; chip sealing ongoing; budget presentation next week (July 27 was a Monday, so next meeting likely Aug 3?). Promotional fund closes Aug 3. - Vote Tallies: All votes unanimous unless noted (abstentions: Ronane on consent item B, Ward on industrial rezoning).

The Aberdeen City Council met on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included approval of minutes from June 15, a consent calendar with routine items, multiple resolutions, appointments, presentations, and a city manager's report. Key actions included approving a resolution to apply for additional water tower funding, dissolving a TIF district, updating the employee handbook, and adopting new rules for special alcoholic beverage licenses. Consent Calendar - Routine city business items were approved with a motion and second, with Councilmember Rich abstaining on item 5D. The consent calendar included a notification of the Rivet Family Plot annexation petition, which will proceed to a public hearing at a later date. Presentations & Recognition - Society of 40 Men and 8 Horses presented awards: Law Officer of the Year to Officer Brady Worrell (recognized for proactive patrols and mentorship) and City of the Year to Aberdeen (recognized for support of veterans, memorials, and the upcoming Milwaukee Depot purchase). Both awards have advanced to the national level. - State Commander Al Oshner invited the public to a pancake feed on July 4th at the depot and encouraged veterans to join the organization. - City Manager Dave recognized Spencer Lux (Parks & Rec forestry) for 10 years of service. Discussion & Action Items - Water Tower Transmission Funding: Ted Dickey (NECOD) presented a preliminary worst-case scenario for a $2.5 million loan at 3.75% for 20 years to cover a funding shortfall for the northeast side water tower project. The city’s current rates would need to increase by $1.75 per user per month if the loan is fully utilized. Dickey estimated the likelihood of receiving grant funding as low. The council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 260606R authorizing the application for drinking water facilities funding. - Dissolution of TIF District 8: Created in 2007 to support ADC manufacturing infrastructure, the district’s final debt payment was made in May 2026. Staff recommended dissolution. The council approved the resolution (Councilmember Ward abstained). - Reappointment to Airport Board: Anthony Schwann was reappointed for a five-year term ending in 2031. Approved unanimously. - City Employee Handbook Update: The resolution adopted a revised employee handbook for non-union employees, aligning benefits (e.g., certification incentives, PTO, callback pay, longevity bonus, referral bonus) with the recently negotiated union contract. Approved unanimously. - Appointment to Board of Ethics: Guy Trennhale was appointed to fill a vacancy. Approved unanimously. - Public Works Facility Land Purchase: Final payment of an undisclosed amount for a 6.81-acre lot in Roosevelt Business Park was approved, completing the acquisition for the new public works facility. Councilmember Ward abstained. - Special Alcoholic Beverage License Rules: Resolution 260605R updated the 2012 rules, clarifying definitions of a sale, limiting applicants to city license holders or qualifying 501(c) organizations, setting fees in the city fee schedule, allowing stacked licenses for multi-day events (max 15 consecutive days), and requiring public hearings for organizational applicants. Approved unanimously. - Rezone Petition: Property at 402 15th Street South was rezoned from I2 and C2 to C2 to eliminate split zoning following a replat for a car wash expansion. The Planning Commission recommended approval. Approved unanimously. - Bus Barn Engineering Contract: A contract for architectural and engineering services (up to $84,004) for a new bus barn to store 10 vehicles was approved. The federal grant covers $67,236; the city pays the remainder. Approved unanimously. - Water Treatment Plant Roof Improvement Pay Request: A pay request of $486,671 to Skinner Roofing was approved; the project is one-third complete and on budget after a $220,000 change order reduction. Approved unanimously. - Bills and Payroll: Payroll for June 14–27 was approved (Councilmember Ward abstained). City Manager's Report - Recognition of Spencer Lux (10 years of service). - Weekend events: Arts in the Park (50th year) was successful. - Eighth Avenue water tower painting is underway; dome raising expected soon. - Water levels in Moccasin Creek and Foot Creek continue to be monitored; an improvised structure protects the water reclamation plant construction. City plans to post flow meter data on its website. - Construction projects (Eighth Avenue and North Dakota Street) are on or slightly ahead of schedule. Key Outcomes - Approved (roll call): Resolution to apply for $2.5 million water tower funding (unanimous). - Approved: Dissolution of TIF 8 (Ward abstained). - Approved: Reappointment of Anthony Schwann (unanimous). - Approved: Employee handbook update (unanimous). - Approved: Appointment of Guy Trennhale (unanimous). - Approved: Public works land purchase final payment (Ward abstained). - Approved: Special alcoholic beverage license rules (unanimous). - Approved: Rezone (unanimous). - Approved: Bus barn engineering contract (unanimous). - Approved: Water treatment roof pay request (unanimous). - Approved: Bills and payroll (Ward abstained).

The Aberdeen City Council met on June 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, a public hearing for a liquor license, a presentation on the Northern Innovation and Startup Center, approval of a hunting access contract with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, adoption of a general fund reserve policy, multiple construction pay requests and change orders, and the city manager's report. An executive session was held at the end for contractual matters. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent calendar (routine city business items) with Councilmember Ward abstaining from item L. Motion carried. Public Comments & Testimony - No one was signed up to speak at open forums. Discussion Items - Presentation – Northern Innovation and Startup Center: B. Smith, director, presented the annual report for 2025. Key statistics: 56 entrepreneurs helped, 30 actively building businesses, 36 tech workshops with average attendance of 26, 54% of participants from outside Aberdeen zip code. Events include Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition (June 29, 2026) and Technology & Entrepreneurship Summit (September 30, 2026). The center has exceeded its original goal of 25 entrepreneurs and 10 startups. No council action required. - Hunting Access and Habitat Contract: City Manager Dave and Joe Galbraith (GFP regional supervisor) presented a three-year contract allowing public hunting on a 40-acre city-owned parcel north of Aberdeen. The parcel is a former gravel pit/lime deposit site. GFP already leases an adjacent 20-acre county parcel. The contract was approved unanimously via roll call. - General Fund Reserve and Fund Balance Policy (Resolution 260604R): Finance Director Jordan McQuillen presented the policy establishing a 20% minimum reserve (15% operating + 5% stabilization) and a normal range up to 35% including a capital reserve. The policy reflects Aberdeen’s historical reserve levels and does not restrict future councils. Approved on first reading by roll call (all yes). - WRF Facility Improvement Pay Request: Amanda Fisher reported the project is 38% complete. Pay request to PKG Contracting for $2,635,000. Approved with Councilmember Nelson abstaining. - Airport Engineering Agreement: Authorized city manager to sign 2026 letter of agreement with Helms and Associates for miscellaneous airport engineering (not to exceed $15,000). Approved. - Airport Terminal Expansion Invoices: Approved three payments: Helms ($8,119.35 and $7,073.24) and Quest Construction ($92,727.08). The project is funded by federal and state grants with a local share of $60,000. - SRE Building Expansion Payment: Approved payment of $11,200.43 to Helms for design work on snow removal equipment building expansion (15% complete). - Water Tower Transmission Line Change Order: Approved change order for Schedule A adding $298,664 to Dadami Construction for levee crossing (alternate bid 1), concrete repairs, traffic detection cameras, and valve replacement at 8th Avenue North and Roosevelt Street. Discussion included project history, delays, and traffic concerns. Councilmember Ward asked about timeline; completion expected around August 1. - Claims and Payroll: Approved payroll period May 31–June 13 with several councilmembers abstaining on specific items (Dakota Bank, Banner, PKG, etc.). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved with one abstention. - One-Day Liquor License: Approved for Downtown Association. - Hunting Access Contract: Approved unanimously. - Resolution 260604R (Reserve Policy): Approved on first reading (all yes). - WRF Pay Request: Approved (Nelson abstained). - Airport Engineering Agreement: Approved. - Airport Terminal Expansion Invoices: Approved. - SRE Building Expansion Payment: Approved. - Water Tower Change Order: Approved. - Claims and Payroll: Approved with multiple abstentions. City Manager's Report - Recognized Officer Jeff Neal for 15 years of service with Aberdeen Police Department. - Announced retirement of Animal Control Officer John Weaver (last day June 18). - Provided update on rising water levels in Moccasin Creek and Foot Creek due to recent rain; no immediate concern but monitoring. - Noted 2027 general fund requests received; promotional request opportunity opening in July. - Discussed ongoing review of ordinances regarding motorized scooters, dirt bikes, and personal mobility devices. Police Chief Ron stated downtown sidewalks prohibit such devices and enforcement continues for traffic violations. The meeting then entered executive session to discuss contractual matters.

The Aberdeen City Council met on April 27, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included approval of routine items, a public hearing on a liquor license transfer, discussions on a license plate reader agreement (tabled), approval of a new fire truck purchase, a playground grant, and several rezonings. The City Manager reported on a WINS partnership meeting, spring cleanup, and upcoming road construction on North Dakota Street. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda and minutes from the April 20, 2026 meeting. - Approved eight items of routine city business without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Senator Perry from District 3 announced a gubernatorial debate watch event at 6:45 PM at a local venue (likely "Levity"), featuring four Republican primary contenders. He encouraged attendance and voting. Discussion Items - Liquor License Transfer (One-Legged Pheasant Brewery): Public hearing and approval to transfer retail on/off sale malt beverage license from One-Legged Pheasant Brewery LLC to OLP Brewing LLC (doing business as One-Legged Pheasant Brewing Company) at 723 South Main Street. Approved unanimously. - Appointment to Downtown BID Board: Approved appointment of Karsten Vetter to the Downtown Business Improvement District Board of Directors for a term ending May 18, 2029. Approved unanimously. - License Plate Reader Agreement (LPR): Chief John Dahl presented a proposal to sign an electronic use agreement with the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation for two automated license plate readers at a fixed location on U.S. Highway 281 in Melgard. Councilmembers raised concerns about data privacy, retention, and potential misuse. A motion to postpone (table) the item passed, allowing the chief to gather more information on data handling and duration. - Fire Truck Purchase: Approval of a $1.238 million purchase from McQueen Emergency Group for a Pierce Enforcer Heavy Duty Rescue Pumper to replace a 2008 Spartan unit. The new truck, identical to Rescue Two, will improve uniformity and is funded through the capital improvement plan with a 4-5 year build time. Approved with a roll call vote (all ayes). - Anderson Park Playground Grant: Resolution authorizing Parks and Recreation to apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant ($75,000) matching city funds ($75,000) for playground replacement at Anderson Park. The existing playground is about 30 years old. Approved with roll call (all ayes). - GPS Unit for Engineering: Purchase and trade-in of a GPS unit and data collector for land surveying, with $500 trade-in on non-working unit. Approved unanimously. - Rezoning (620 State St & 515 7th Ave SE): First reading of ordinance 260401 to rezone from R3 to C2 for future commercial development; planning commission recommended approval. Approved unanimously. - Rezoning (13 Roosevelt St S): First reading of ordinance 2060402 to rezone from R2 to M for a city park. Approved unanimously. - Rezoning (125 Lafayette St S): First reading to rezone from C2 to M for a city-owned holding pond north of the mall. Approved unanimously. - Utility Division Bid Tab: Approval of 2026 bid tab for water main and sewer pipe materials (schedules A-D) from Core & Main and Ferguson Waterworks, within budget. Approved unanimously. - Bills Approval: Approved payment of weekly bills. Key Outcomes - License plate reader agreement tabled pending further information on data retention and availability (motion by Councilman Ronane, second by Councilman Nowstrom; voice vote carried). - Fire truck purchase approved (roll call: 8 ayes, 0 nays). - Anderson Park playground grant application approved (roll call: 8 ayes, 0 nays). - All rezonings approved on first reading. - City Manager's Report: Upcoming partnership meeting on WINS project; thanks to Public Works for spring cleanup; North Dakota Street construction begins May 4, 2026 with temporary roads and detours, expected completion by October 2 (contract) or July 17 (contractor's schedule). Emergency access maintained. Council will continue outreach to affected residents.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting on April 20, 2026. Therefore, no summary can be generated from the available source material.

The Aberdeen City Council met on April 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting covered routine approvals, several public hearings, and a major debate over establishing Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District No. 45 for the Roosevelt Business Park. After substantial discussion and a failed initial motion, the council approved a revised TIF amount. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent calendar, which included items related to the Career Learning Center's 40th anniversary and licensing issues. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up for open forum. Discussion Items - Rezoning (Ordinance 260301): Petition to rezone 903 25th Avenue Northeast from A1 to R2. Staff recommended approval. The council voted unanimously (9-0) to approve. - Subdivision (Ordinance 260302): Approval of a subdivision plat. Staff recommended approval. The council voted unanimously (9-0) to approve. - Signage Regulations (Ordinance 260305): Second reading and final adoption of an ordinance amending signage regulations. The council voted unanimously (9-0) to approve. - New Retail On-Off Sale Wine and Cider License: Costa Brava LLC, dba Costa Brava Peruvian Kitchen at 104 South Main Street. The council voted unanimously (voice vote) to approve. - TIF District No. 45 (Roosevelt Business Park): - Background: The Aberdeen Development Corporation (ADC) requested establishment of a TIF district to finance infrastructure for Roosevelt Business Park, a 56.55-acre development west of the East Business Park. The project includes water, sewer, and storm drainage improvements. - Financial Details: ADC originally requested $5.519 million in TIF reimbursement, later updated to $6.929 million. Notable was a $3.5 million federal EDA grant and a Future Funds grant for both Roosevelt and the separate Rivet Business Park. - Council Discussion: Councilmembers expressed concerns about changing numbers, the inclusion of financing costs, and the overall total exceeding projected tax increment. Councilmember Econger offered a motion to set the TIF amount at $2,347,641 (including interest at 6.5%), which failed on a roll call vote (3 ayes, 5 nays, with Mayor Shoneman voting nay). - Final Approval: Councilmember Foberg moved to approve the TIF at a total aggregate amount of $4,137,000 (including a $500,000 grant from Future Funds to be allocated to the project). The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (8-0; one councilmember abstained according to transcript? Actually the roll call showed all ayes). Key Outcomes - Approved Ordinances (260301, 260302, 260305): All three ordinances passed with unanimous roll call votes (9-0). - Alcohol License: Approved by voice vote. - TIF District No. 45: Approved at an aggregate amount of $4,137,000 including a $500,000 grant. The resolution was adopted by a unanimous roll call vote. - Police Pistol Surplus: Approved by voice vote to allow surplus of a 9mm pistol for Officer Mike Lucky upon retirement, with $600 reimbursement from the FOP union. - Transit Dispatch Software: Approved a five-year contract with Tripmaster CTS software for $56,625 for the first year. Unanimous roll call vote. - Dome Construction Payment: Approved payment of $1,335,927.05 to Landmark Structures for Schedule B on the dome project. Unanimous roll call vote. - Sanitary Sewer Lining Project: Approved payment of $323,323.50 for sewer lining in the old industrial park. Unanimous voice vote. - Claims and Payroll: Approved by unanimous voice vote. - City Manager's Report: Noted the fifth ambulance in operation; recognition of Fire Marshal Max Stoltenberg's 15 years of service; update on water plant inspection; city engineer recruitment; public works facility bid opening (recommendation expected April 20); spring residential cleanup (April 24 – May 2); Parks Board/City Council work session (scheduled for April 27); and a working field trip to Pittsburgh, Kansas to study similar community development projects.

Deputy Mayor Johnson presided over the March 23, 2026, meeting of the Aberdeen City Council, with Mayor Solomon absent. The council approved the agenda with a minor correction, approved the March 16 minutes, and handled a consent calendar of five items. New business included property tax abatements, a PEG fund MOU with the school district, two rezoning ordinances, and a comprehensive sign code update. The city manager reported on personnel recognitions, a retirement, a joint work session, and a water treatment plant turbidity event. The meeting concluded with an executive session for legal consultation. Consent Calendar - Approved reports from four city boards. - Approved an event permit for the Shrine Circus (April 1–4). - Approved a lottery notice for the Stretoma Club. - Approved three contractor licenses. Discussion Items - Property Tax Abatements (Item A): Staff presented three abatement requests: two residential assessment freezes and one correction for Mitchell Park (parkland) with a valuation of $1,084.29, not $7,521 as originally listed. Staff recommended approval. The council approved unanimously via roll call. - PEG Fund MOU with Aberdeen School District (Item B): City Manager Dave McNeil explained the proposed MOU allocates half of the city's cable franchise PEG fee revenues to the school district for capital expenditures, totaling $188,626.52. The city will retain the other half for collaborative content programming. The council approved unanimously. - Rezone from A1 to A2 (Ordinance 260301, Item C): A one-acre parcel at 903 25th Avenue Northeast, a holdover from agricultural zoning, will be rezoned to medium-density residential for a single-family home. Staff recommended approval. The council approved unanimously. - Rezone from R2 to M (Ordinance 260302, Item D): The property at 1400 South Third Street (Simmons School Subdivision) was rezoned from medium-density residential to municipal use to accommodate a public educational institution. Staff recommended approval. The council approved unanimously. - Sign Regulations Amendment (Ordinance 260305, Item E): Community Development Director Ken presented a comprehensive update to Chapter 60 of the city code. Changes include allowances for off-premise signage in agricultural districts, clarified institutional signage definitions, larger signs for schools/hospitals, construction site and subdivision signs, extended portable sign durations, non-rigid materials, new neighborhood identification signs, and rummage sale signs on private property. The Planning Commission recommended approval on March 17. Councilmember Ronane voted no, citing concerns. The motion passed 7–1, with a second reading pending. - Claims and Payroll (Item 8): Approved with two abstentions: Councilmember Foberg abstained from the payment to Parent Connection, and Councilmember Nielsen abstained from the payment to Banner Associates. - City Manager Report: Recognitions included Officer Patrick Ott (Exchange Club Officer of the Year), Paula Nelson (30 years of service), and Firefighter Carter Deal (Firefighter of the Year). Stu Nelson is retiring; a retirement party is set for April 22 (2–4 p.m. at KO Lee Library). A joint work session with the Parks and Rec Board is tentatively scheduled for April 13. Webb Water will hold a ribbon cutting for its treatment plant expansion on April 8. Water Treatment Plant Director Jim Ackerman addressed a February turbidity spike (reached 0.27, exceeding the 0.10 notification threshold), caused by a failed booster pump and chemical feed line. He noted no health effects and that an external expert, Dr. Delvin De Boer, will evaluate the plant in early April to prevent recurrence. Councilmember Carl Perry also recognized Kevin Fiedler (Book of Golden Deeds), Sanders Soenvac (commercial Proudly We Hill Award), and the Colts (individual Proudly We Hill Award). Key Outcomes - Approved three property tax abatements (unanimous). - Approved the PEG fund MOU with the school district (unanimous). - Approved Ordinance 260301 (unanimous). - Approved Ordinance 260302 (unanimous). - Approved Ordinance 260305 on first reading (7–1, with Councilmember Ronane dissenting); second reading scheduled for the next meeting. - Approved claims and payroll with two abstentions. - The council moved into executive session to consult with legal counsel.

The Aberdeen City Council met on March 16, 2026, to address routine approvals, public concerns, and several new business items including ordinances on firearms, emergency ambulance replacement, infrastructure payments, and annexations. The meeting began with roll call, pledges, and approval of the agenda and minutes from March 2, 2026. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent calendar items, including the lease of the municipal hangar (new bids to be issued for a five-year term starting July 1, 2026), payroll amendments, and other routine approvals. Councilmember Chad abstained on items 5F and 5G. The motion carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Brian and Kaylee Lloyd spoke about a recurring sewer backup issue affecting their home. They reported spending over $8,000 on services like Sewer Dog and Poo Fighters, which indicated the problem lies with a shared private sewer line. They expressed financial hardship and requested city assistance to avoid further damage and a potential $25,000–$50,000 rerouting cost. The mayor and staff committed to reviewing the situation with Jeremy and following up. Discussion Items - Final Adoption of Ordinance 260303 (Firearms): Approved after second reading. The ordinance allows waterfowl hunting within city limits under same restrictions as pheasant hunting, with a one-mile police enforcement jurisdiction for noise. One public comment raised concerns about wounded geese and enforcement, but the police chief confirmed capacity. Roll call vote: all aye. - Final Adoption of Ordinance 260304 (Air Guns and Hoax Weapons): Approved without further comment. Roll call vote: all aye. - Emergency Ambulance Remount: Approved to proceed with a $212,780 remount from Premier Specialty Vehicles (gas-powered chassis) to replace a damaged 2013 Ford F550 Horton ambulance, funded through general fund contingency, reserves, and spending reductions. The fleet was reduced to four ambulances after a February 18 collision. A loaner ambulance will be provided after 90 days. Roll call vote: all aye. - Wastewater Reclamation Facility (WRF) Improvements Pay Request: Approved pay request of $1,421,539.52 to PKG Contracting for ongoing work including biofilter demolition, aeration basin concrete, and splitter box pours. Councilmember Nilson abstained. Motion carried. - Purchase of 2026 Ford Explorer: Approved for $43,661 (state bid) to replace a 2007 Dodge Durango for personnel transport and pretreatment sampling. Roll call vote: all aye. - Voluntary Annexation (2801 13th Ave SE): Approved to annex approximately 11 acres plus 2.3 acres of right-of-way, zoned agricultural to be rezoned R2 medium-density residential. Roll call vote: all aye. - Voluntary Annexation (1020 Melgard Road South): Approved to annex approximately 40.5 acres for future residential development, similarly rezoned. Roll call vote: all aye. - SD DOT Bridge Rehabilitation Agreements: Approved agreements for overlay work on the Second Street overpass bridge decks. Funding and timeline: late 2026 to early 2027 construction season; traffic likely reduced to two lanes. Roll call vote: all aye. - Airport Payments (Three Items): Approved final payments for: 1. Runway 13/31 rehab and lighting: $372.90 (Helms) and $12,133.45 (Ephraimson Electric) – project complete. 2. Terminal access road and parking lot: $10,621.04 (Helms) and $129,694.99 (Domy Construction) – final closeout. 3. Multiple airport projects: $1,530.06 (APron reconstruction), $4,817.61 (terminal expansion), $500 (preconditioned air unit), and $8,400.32 (SRE building expansion) – various stages. All roll call votes: all aye. - Claims and Payroll: Approved payment of all bills. Mayor abstained from payment to Climate Control and Sewer Duck; Councilmember Johnson abstained from reimbursement to himself. Motion carried. Key Outcomes - Firearms ordinances adopted: Final reading approved for Ordinance 260303 (waterfowl hunting) and 260304 (air guns). - Emergency ambulance replacement approved: $212,780 remount from Premier Specialty Vehicles, with funding from contingency and reserves. - WRF pay request approved: $1.42 million for ongoing treatment plant improvements. - Ford Explorer purchased: $43,661 from state bid for wastewater department. - Two annexations approved: 11 and 40.5 acres respectively, both rezoned to R2 medium-density residential. - Bridge rehabilitation agreements approved: Overlay work on Second Street overpass scheduled for 2026–2027. - Airport projects closeout and payments approved: Multiple invoices for runway, terminal, and equipment. - Sewer issue referred to staff: The Lloyds' situation will be reviewed by Jeremy and the mayor, with a follow-up promised. - City manager's report: Recognized Jory Coonsman for five years of library service; discussed recent snow removal event (3.7 inches, 410–420 parking tickets issued, vs. 550 in previous event).

The Aberdeen City Council met on February 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included approval of routine items, multiple second readings of ordinances, public hearings for liquor license transfers and rezones, approval of several construction bids, and a city manager’s report on recent snow removal operations and an ambulance accident. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda and minutes from the February 17 meeting. - Approved four routine items of city business, including a proclamation designating February 28 as Sandy Sullivan Day in honor of her community service. Discussion Items - Second Reading – Artificial Turf Ordinance: Approved an ordinance amending landscape regulations to permit artificial turf. No community input or changes since first reading. - Second Reading – Private Ambulance Services Ordinance: Approved an ordinance updating regulations for private ambulance services, aligning with 2024 state law. No changes. - Second Reading – Sewer System Improvements Bond Ordinance: Approved a $30 million, 30-year Clean Water Revolving Fund revenue bond at 3.75% interest. The SRF surcharge of $16.50 will be addressed in the next ordinance. - Second Reading – Sewer Surcharge Ordinance: Approved an ordinance establishing a higher sewer surcharge to fund the SRF loan, as previously included in the rate study. - Public Hearing – One-Day Liquor License: Approved a one-day on-sale liquor license for the Boys Club Winefest event on March 28. - Public Hearing – Liquor License Transfer: Approved the transfer of an on-sale malt beverage and wine license from Wallar Inc. (dba Palm Garden Thai Cuisine) to new owners. - Resolution – Dakota Estates Subdivision Improvements: Approved acceptance of public improvements (streets, water, sewer, storm sewer) in the Dakota Estates subdivision after warranty period and inspection. - Public Hearing – Rezone 3304 Harrison Street (R3 to M): Approved first reading of a petition to rezone property for a city park and water retention pond in the Happy North subdivision. Staff noted the pond needs slope stabilization before acceptance. - Public Hearing – Rezone 2006 Lawson Street (R2 to M): Approved first reading of a similar rezone for a city park in Happy Central subdivision. - Public Hearing – Rezone 4406 8th Avenue NE (I1 to M): Approved first reading to rezone the site of the new Northeast Water Tower to the appropriate zoning. - Supergraphic Sign Permit: Approved permission for two existing murals on a building in the central business district, with the condition they be maintained per city code. - Brownfield Grant Assessment: Authorized the city manager to sign a consent form for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) Brownfield Grant Assessment of three city-owned facilities: the Civic Arena, Washington Building, and Civic Theater. The assessment will identify potential environmental liabilities and abatement costs. No demolition is planned. - Seal Coat Aggregates Bids: Approved bids for 2026 chip-sealing rock, with prices slightly above last year. - Asphaltic Concrete and Surfacing Repair Mix Bids: Approved bids from Leans, Jensen’s, and Dunnock Brothers for patching materials, with prices identical to last year. - 2026 Road Oil Bid: Approved the bid from Jeb Roll for oil used in chip sealing, with prices similar to last year. - Annual Concrete Work Bid: Approved bid from CWF Concrete Masonry for $139,057.80 for project 2026-1. - Accessible Sidewalk Quadrant Improvements Bid: Approved bid from CWF Concrete for $171,009.28 for ADA ramp improvements. - Street Maintenance Concrete Repair Bid: Approved bid from Wright & Sudlow for $238,351 for curb and gutter repair ahead of chip sealing. - Water Treatment Plant Pipe Gallery Valve Replacement Bid: Approved bid from Hydrotech (Minnesota) for replacing valves and controls, some original to the 1934 building. - North Dakota Street Reconstruction Bid: Approved bid from Reedy Construction for $2,636,134.75 for reconstruction of Dakota Street north of Fairgrounds Road (less than 3/4 mile), including storm sewer and bike trail. The project is enabled by the boundary line highway agreement with the county and is scheduled for summer 2026. - Claims and Payroll: Approved with two abstentions: Councilmember Foberg abstained on the service charge to Dakota Bank; Councilmember Nelson abstained on payment to Banner Associates; and the mayor abstained on payment to Climate Control and Sewer Duck. City Manager’s Report - Snow Removal Update: City Manager Dave reported on the February blizzard response. Public works crews worked long hours; the water treatment plant had staff stranded. The ambulance involved in an accident was responding to a call in Groton; all crew members are back to work. The city is exploring options to replace or rebuild the ambulance, which may take 2–3 years. - Snow Removal Process: The downtown area was cleared last to allow businesses time to shovel. About 30–50% of businesses still had snow remained. A snow blade went through a school zone during dismissal at Simmons Elementary, causing concern. The city will ensure this does not recur. The snow was heavy due to rain and ice underneath, slowing operations. - Snow Gates Discussion: The city manager mentioned considering snow gates for future use, but noted they would change operations, increase costs, and not guarantee elimination of snow in driveways. Public works director Stu added that snow gates would extend removal time and may not be effective in all conditions. Key Outcomes - All seven ordinances passed on second reading unanimously (8-0 or 9-0 roll calls, with the mayor voting). - All liquor licenses, rezones, and permits were approved unanimously. - All construction bids were approved unanimously. - Claims and payroll were approved with two abstentions and one conditional abstention. - The city will continue to evaluate snow gates and adjust snow removal procedures to avoid school zone conflicts. - The ambulance replacement process will be expedited, with a focus on finding a chassis for the existing capsule.