Public Meetings - Aberdeen, South Dakota

The Aberdeen City Council met on November 3, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included a proclamation designating Aberdeen as a Purple Heart City, approval of several business license transfers, pay requests for infrastructure projects, and a city manager's report. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Purple Heart City Proclamation: Mayor Travis Shunman read a proclamation declaring Aberdeen a Purple Heart City. Bill Flippo, representing the Military Order of the Purple Heart for North and South Dakota, noted that Aberdeen becomes the 53rd Purple Heart City in South Dakota, joining five reservations, two universities, and Interstate 90 as part of the Purple Heart Trail. There are an estimated 500,000 living Purple Heart recipients nationwide. Flippo presented coins to council members as a sign of inclusion. - Other consent items: Approved a daycare license renewal, a separate proclamation, a lottery notice, and retail liquor license renewals. Motion by Councilwoman Fulbert, second by Councilwoman Nelson, passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up for open forum. Discussion Items - License Transfers – Bon Express to Bon River LLC: Two public hearings were held for the transfer of a retail on/off-sale malt beverage, wine, and video license, and a retail on-sale liquor license from Bon Express (801 N. Highway 281) to Bon River LLC (doing business as Bon Express). Councilman Ronane noted the transfers were standard due to a business sale. Both transfers were approved unanimously. - One-Day Alcohol License: Approved a one-day on-sale beer, wine, and cider license for the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce to host a business after hours event at the Civic Arena (203 S. Washington Street). Motion by Councilman Ward, second by Councilman Johnson, passed unanimously. - Pay Requests – Water Tower and Transmission Line: Approved payments of $480,563.26 to Domy Construction and $744,866.50 to Landmark Structures for work on the water tower and transmission line east of 3M. City Engineer Stu reported that Domy has installed pipe up to 8th Avenue and Landmark has installed most pilings for the tower foundation. Payments were approved unanimously. - Pay Request – Concrete Maintenance Repair: Approved a final pay request of $137,959.53 plus a change order of $117,250.35 to CWF Masonry for concrete maintenance repairs. Stu noted the project is complete and money came from next year's chip seal budget. The mayor thanked CWF Masonry, Great Plains Concrete Pumping, and Jensen Rock and Sand for volunteering additional concrete work at a new playground near First Baptist Church. Payments approved unanimously. - Bills and Payroll: Approved payroll for the period October 19–November 1, 2025. Motion by Councilman Ward, second by Councilman Econger, passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Aberdeen was officially proclaimed a Purple Heart City, making it the 53rd such city in South Dakota. - All three business license transfers and one-day alcohol license were approved unanimously. - Two pay requests totaling over $1.1 million were approved for water tower/transmission line and concrete maintenance projects. - City Manager Robin reported upcoming visits to the DANR Board of Water and Natural Resources for SWROPS funding, and a water/sewer rate study draft report expected December 8, 2025. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:50 PM.

The Aberdeen City Council met on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes from October 20, 2025, a consent calendar with routine approvals, several new business items, and a detailed update on downtown parking improvements led by Lieutenant Brad Young. No public comments were received. Key decisions included the reappointment of Kathy Zur to the Housing Authority Board, the unanimous approval of Tanner John Dahl as the new police chief, and a permit for a new cannabis dispensary. Consent Calendar - Items A–H were approved unanimously, with Councilmember Ward abstaining from item 5A only. No other changes or discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak at the open forum. Discussion Items Reappointment to Aberdeen Housing Authority Board - Council approved the reappointment of Kathy Zur to a five‑year term ending December 31, 2030. Mayor noted her work with the homeless population and role at the Salvation Army. Motion by Councilmember Ronane, second by Ward; passed unanimously. Appointment of Police Chief - Council consented to City Manager Robin’s appointment of Tanner John Dahl as the new police chief, effective October 28, 2025. Outgoing Chief Dave expressed strong support, noting Tanner’s 23 years of service and leadership. Tanner thanked the council and praised Chief Dave. Unanimous roll‑call vote (all ayes). Cannabis Dispensary Permit - City Attorney Ron Walked the council through an application from RBCX LLC (doing business as Turp City) for a medical marijuana dispensary at 3015 Sixth Avenue SE, Suite 1. He confirmed the application met state requirements. A councilmember asked about the name “Turp City.” The permit was approved via roll‑call: all ayes. Approval of Bills - Council approved all bills for the week, with Councilmember Ronane abstaining on the single payment to Dakota Bank. Roll‑call passed with all others supporting. City Manager’s Report & Downtown Parking Update - City Manager Robin briefed the council on recent meetings (Development Corporation, department heads, benefits committee) and a quarterly staff chili feed. - Chief Dave then introduced Lieutenant Brad Young, who presented a comprehensive update on downtown parking improvements: - Survey results: 58 responses (June 10 – August 8) identifying top concerns: parking lot maintenance/weed control, confusion over time limits, signage, lighting, and enforcement consistency. - Immediate actions: Hired Aberdeen Lawn Care for weed spraying and Park View Nursery to clean lots; adjusted all city lots to 24‑hour parking (eliminated one‑hour and two‑hour restrictions); updated lease permits with lot colors; replaced 36 faded handicapped signs; created a “Downtown Operations Team” with multiple city departments. - Long‑term plans: Chip‑sealing and repainting lines for asphalt lots (already on rotation), continued tree trimming, and routine landscaping. - New procedures: Lieutenant Young is the single point of contact for downtown parking, events, and construction closures to improve communication with businesses. - Council thanked Lieutenant Young for the thorough update; no questions from council members. Key Outcomes - Approved reappointment of Kathy Zur to the Aberdeen Housing Authority Board (unanimous). - Approved appointment of Tanner John Dahl as police chief (unanimous roll‑call). - Approved cannabis dispensary permit for Turp City (unanimous). - Approved weekly bill payments with one abstention on Dakota Bank item. - Acknowledged the downtown parking improvement plan and ongoing coordination among city departments. - Adjourned at approximately 6:00 PM.

The Aberdeen City Council met on October 20, 2025, with Deputy Mayor Alan Johnson presiding due to Mayor Shannon's absence. The council approved multiple agenda items, including consent calendar items, ordinances, agreements, grant awards, and pay requests. The meeting featured significant discussions on the voluntary annexation of the Brown County Fairgrounds and the creation of a hospital resource officer position at Avera St. Luke's. Consent Calendar - Approved nine consent items unanimously, including a special one-day alcoholic beverage license, transfers of malt beverage and wine licenses, a petition to rezone, requests from the Water Reclamation Facility, a community event permit, and a certificate of amendment for the regional railroad authority. Councilmember Nilsen abstained on item F. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up for open forum. Discussion Items - Old Business – Ordinance 25-1001 (Budget Supplement): Second reading and final adoption of a $1.189 million supplement for unanticipated projects. Approved unanimously (8-0). - Old Business – Ordinance 25-104 (Parks & Rec): Second reading of a quarterly ordinance allowing gift fund expenditures. Unanimously approved (8-0). - Old Business – Ordinance 25-103 (Fairgrounds Annexation): Second reading establishing the framework for the fairgrounds annexation agreement. City Attorney Ron Wager presented the details. Unanimously approved (8-0). - New Business – Fairgrounds Annexation Agreement with Brown County: Council approved the actual agreement to voluntarily annex the fairgrounds. Upon annexation, the area will be subject to municipal sales tax (including city and third-penny taxes), and those revenues will be remitted to the county. The city will not provide municipal services there. The county retains exclusive jurisdiction, cannot authorize off-sale alcohol or video lottery, and can de-annex. The agreement can be terminated by either party. The Brown County Commission approved it 5-0 on October 14. Council approved unanimously (8-0). The ordinance becomes effective 20 days after publication (October 23), with annexation expected by end of 2025 and first taxable transactions around April 1, 2026. - New Business – Downtown BID Board Appointments: Affirmed appointments of Ashley Wolfe and Riley Hupler to the Downtown Business Improvement District Board for terms ending December 31, 2027. Approved unanimously. - New Business – Hospital Resource Officer Agreement: Approved a one-year, auto-renewing agreement with Avera St. Luke's to provide a hospital resource officer (HRO). Chief McNeil explained the HRO will be on campus evenings, seven days a week, using multiple officers. The officer will respond to emergencies outside the hospital if needed. Approved unanimously. - New Business – Grants and Pay Requests: Approved multiple items including: - City manager signature on a $240,000 5310 grant for two buses for disabled/elderly (unanimous roll call). - City manager signature on a $366,085.13 5311 grant for transit operations (unanimous roll call). - Pay request 4 ($4,255,921) to PKG Contracting for Water Reclamation Facility improvements (concrete slab for aeration basin) – unanimous. - Joint funding payment of $26,080 to USGS for stream gauging stations (unanimous). - Pay request 2 ($266,705.89) to HF Jacobson for granular fill for the Public Works building foundation (unanimous). - Pay request 8 ($676,893.72) to Prompt Construction for 10th Avenue Southeast Bridge replacement (bridge deck concrete and steel) – unanimous. - Three payments for airport GA Apron Reconstruction Phase 2 (total $523,000) – unanimous. - Two payments for airport terminal expansion ($2,721 and $24,085) – unanimous. - Two payments for airport terminal access road/parking lot ($68,726 and $718,652) – unanimous. - Payment of $625 to Helms & Associates for a preconditioned air unit (VALE grant) – unanimous. - Claims and Payroll: Approved except Councilmember Ronane abstained on payment to Climate Control, and Councilmember Nilsen abstained on payment to Banner Associates. - City Manager Report: City Manager Robin Bob Zine noted upcoming quarterly Parks & Rec staff meetings, transition work with Deputy City Manager Dave, and appreciation for the police chief selection process. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 25-1001 (budget supplement) adopted unanimously (8-0). - Ordinance 25-104 (parks & rec) adopted unanimously (8-0). - Ordinance 25-103 (fairgrounds annexation framework) adopted unanimously (8-0). - Fairgrounds annexation agreement with Brown County approved unanimously (8-0). - Downtown BID board appointments approved unanimously. - Hospital resource officer agreement approved unanimously. - All grant approvals, pay requests, and the USGS agreement approved unanimously (various roll calls). - Claims and payroll approved with two abstentions. - Meeting adjourned.

The Aberdeen City Council met on October 6, 2025, and took final action to end the two-way Main Street proposal, replacing it with a $500,000 appropriation that includes $200,000 for manhole rehabilitation. The council also gave final adoption to the home daycare ordinance, approved first reading of the Brown County Fairgrounds annexation ordinance, appointed Police Chief Dave McNeil as incoming city manager, reviewed the FY2024 audit, and handled routine licenses, pay requests, and supplemental appropriations. Consent Calendar - Agenda amended to add a Boys & Girls Club raffle/lottery notification to the consent calendar; approved. - Minutes approved for the Sept. 22 regular council meeting and Sept. 26 special meeting. - Mayor Shoneman read a proclamation declaring Oct. 13-17, 2025 Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Week, marking the chamber's 141st anniversary and its support of more than 600 Aberdeen-area businesses; chamber representative Gail thanked the council. - The remaining consent calendar, including a second proclamation and routine city business, was approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak during the general comment period, despite a full house. - No testimony was offered at the public hearings for liquor license transfers, one-day liquor permits, or the fairgrounds annexation ordinance. Main Street Resolution Rescission and Replacement - Resolution 25-09-02R, which appropriated $200,000 for two-way Main Street reconstruction, was subject to a referendum petition. City Attorney Ron explained that state law (SDCL 9-8-11) gives the council power to repeal the resolution, no money had been spent, no contracts had been let, and rescission would end the two-way Main Street proposal while keeping one-way northbound traffic. - Councilman Dave, who supported two-way Main Street originally, said he would vote to rescind because a public vote could become a divisive distraction from bigger priorities such as Missouri River water; he also cited misinformation in the conversation. - Mayor Shoneman praised the petition drive, estimating 1,500-2,000 signatures, about 10 percent of registered Aberdeen voters. He cited a friend's sample of 60 people in which 40 signed immediately, 15 had already signed, 4 outside city limits wished they could sign, and 1 preferred two-way Main Street, which he described as 98 percent opposition in that sample. - Councilmember Charlotte said the petition showed the voters of Aberdeen are a force to be reckoned with; Councilman Chad said the majority of people he talked to were neutral but there was disinformation, and he supported keeping the one-way configuration because that is what the public indicated. - Another council member praised the petition effort as direct democracy and encouraged residents to support downtown businesses. - The council voted 8-0 to rescind and repeal Resolution 25-09-02R. - The council then considered replacement Resolution 25-10-01R. An amendment by Councilman Johnson, seconded by Councilman Econger, divided the $500,000 into $300,000 undesignated for streets and bridges (Main Street to remain one-way northbound) and $200,000 for manhole rehabilitation. The amendment and the amended resolution were both approved 8-0. Mayor Shoneman said two-way Main Street was 'done and buried,' replaced by $200,000 for manhole rehabilitation. Home Daycare Ordinance - Second Reading and Final Adoption - Ordinance 25-09-02, updating home daycare regulations, was given final adoption. Staff reported no changes since first reading and positive feedback from daycare providers. - Councilman Chad proposed an amendment to Section 14-138 to clarify building code requirements and reduce ambiguity in the discretion of the building official and fire marshal. Staff and the City Attorney said it was not a substantial change requiring another reading. The amendment was approved 8-0. - The ordinance was then adopted 8-0. FY2024 Audited Financial Statements - Cameron Zent of ID Bailey presented the audit. The city received clean unmodified opinions on the financial statements and major federal program compliance. - Three internal control deficiencies were reported as material weaknesses, the same three as last year: auditor assistance in preparing the financial statements and schedule of expenditures of federal awards; audit adjustments; and capital assets. The single audit had no federal findings; the Airport Improvement Program was tested as the major federal program. - New standards GASB 101 and GASB 102 were implemented; the extended leave bank was recorded as a liability and no additional risk disclosures were required. - Governmental and business-type cash and investments totaled just shy of $44 million, down from $45.6 million. Governmental assets decreased about $3.5 million, while business-type cash and investments increased about $1.8 million. - General fund revenues were about $30.5 million, up about $860,000 (2.9 percent), with 75 percent from property and sales taxes. General fund expenditures were $26.08 million, up about $1.2 million (5 percent), with about half for public safety, 29 percent for public works, and about 15 percent for general government and administration. - The general fund balance was $13.6 million, about 58 percent unassigned, with about $5.1 million committed from a COVID-era ordinance. - Special sales tax revenues were about $12.3 million, up about $400,000 (3.4 percent); expenditures were about $7.3 million, down about 21 percent; and the fund balance rose about $800,000 to about $5.3 million. - The water fund had operating revenue of $7.9 million, up 8 percent, and operating income up 32 percent to just over $1.2 million. The sewer fund had revenue of $5.4 million, up 17 percent, and operating income up 87 percent to just over $1.6 million. - In Q&A, the auditor said finance processes have improved and the city does not necessarily need an additional CPA position; the city has no minimum fund balance policy; bond ratings serve as a general financial-health gauge. Liquor License and Permit Approvals - Public hearing held and approved transfer of the retail on/off sale malt beverage and South Dakota farm wine license from Waller Incorporated d/b/a Palm Garden Thai Cuisine to Rakeen Restaurant d/b/a the same name. - Approved a special one-day retail on-sale beer license to the Downtown Association for the Oct. 9 Brew Walk. - Approved a one-day retail on-sale beer, wine, and cider license to Aberdeen Store d/b/a Market on the Plaza for an Oct. 18 event at Refuge Retreats. Audit Services Agreement - Approved a master services agreement with ID Bailey for independent audit services for 2025, 2026, and 2027, following an RFP process. Finance Director Jordan noted the previous five-year agreement ended with FY2024. Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance - First Reading - Approved first reading of a supplemental appropriations ordinance covering insurance claims, finance-software upgrades, a police canine vehicle, a fire department vehicle, a USAR trailer, purchase of the PC nursing building with promotion-fund cash, and replenishment of unemployment claim funds. - Councilman Ronane successfully moved to remove the $16,000 election funding line item from the ordinance; the amendment and first reading both passed 8-0. Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Supplemental Appropriation - First Reading - Approved first reading of the quarterly supplemental appropriation for parks and recreation donations, the parks direct gift fund, the 208 parks and rec fund, and the cemetery perpetual fund. Brown County Fairgrounds Annexation Ordinance - First Reading - Held a public hearing with no testimony. The Planning Commission had recommended approval on Sept. 30. - The ordinance amends zoning Chapter 60, defines the fairgrounds, and exempts it from city ordinances as part of a Brown County Fairgrounds annexation agreement. - City Attorney Ron explained that sales tax generated at the fairgrounds would be remitted by the city to the county for fairgrounds improvements in lieu of city-provided services; at least one-third must go to capital improvements; the county could de-annex; the city would not interfere with county operations; and the county would not issue liquor licenses enabling video lottery placement that would add to the city's total. The agreement is for 25 years, with sales tax collection expected after April 1, 2026. - The mayor said the agreement addresses a long-standing issue and the fair board had voted to approve it. The first reading was approved 8-0. City Manager Appointment - The council appointed Police Chief Dave McNeil as city manager for an indefinite term, effective when current City Manager Robin's duties cease. Robin announced Sept. 22 that he would resign effective Dec. 12, 2025. McNeil is expected to identify his police chief replacement by the end of October and work closely with Robin during the transition. - Approved 8-0. Employee Benefits Broker - Approved engaging Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) for employee benefit administration and strategic planning. HR Manager Kristen said comparable cities Brookings and Watertown, along with the state of South Dakota, use MMA; this would be the city's first third-party benefits broker. Special Olympics Bowling Tournament Display - Approved a temporary display of inflatables and advertising at Village Bowl Oct. 31-Nov. 2 for the South Dakota Special Olympics bowling tournament. Pay Requests and Bills - Pay request No. 1 for Public Works Building granular fill material to H.F. Jacobson Sons: $160,821, less 10 percent retainage (net about $144,736). - Pay request No. 7 for 10th Avenue Bridge replacement frame construction: $356,182; bridge deck concrete pour expected within the next two weeks. - Sanitary sewer pipeline pay request No. 2: $162,000 with a $70,149 change order to Municipal Pipe Tool Company; the project added about 750 feet of 12-inch pipe and 400 feet of 8-inch lining, and the Washington Street section required a different lining than records indicated. - CWF Masonry concrete repair pay request No. 2: $1,003,850 with a $60,512 change order for additional curb and gutter work; the mayor thanked CWF Masonry and Corey for donating concrete work for a park near First Baptist Church. - Bills and payroll for Sept. 21-Oct. 4 were approved; Councilman Ronane and Mayor Shoneman abstained, and the motion carried. City Manager's Report and Next Steps - Outgoing City Manager Robin said transition meetings with Chief McNeil are happening daily; three city employees received certificates of appreciation: Roman Scalren (30 years), Tim Blue (30 years), and Robin Hornseth (25 years). - At the South Dakota Municipal League, property taxes were a major topic; a presentation by Amber Schwab focused on council communication and community engagement. Airport staff also assisted Pierre with a weather observer/ASOS issue. - Council members thanked City Attorney Ron for ordinance work and HR Manager Kristen Kroll for running the city manager search, estimated to have saved the city about $40,000-$80,000. Key Outcomes - Resolution 25-09-02R was rescinded and replaced by Resolution 25-10-01R, retaining one-way northbound Main Street and allocating $300,000 for streets/bridges and $200,000 for manhole rehabilitation; both votes were 8-0. - Home daycare Ordinance 25-09-02 was adopted 8-0 with the clarifying building-code amendment. - FY2024 audit accepted; clean opinions issued with three material weaknesses and no single-audit findings. - Liquor license transfers, one-day permits, the audit services agreement, supplemental appropriation first readings, the fairgrounds annexation first reading, the city manager appointment, the benefits broker engagement, and the Special Olympics display were all approved. - Pay requests and bills were approved; bills/payroll carried with two abstentions. - Next steps include second readings of the supplemental ordinances, county action on the fairgrounds annexation agreement, and completion of the capital improvement plan; two-way Main Street was discontinued.

On September 22, 2025, the Aberdeen City Council met and approved a plan to convert downtown Main Street from one-way to two-way traffic, following extensive public comment and council debate. The meeting also approved the 2026 budget, adopted a capital improvement plan, and passed the first reading of a home daycare ordinance. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda with additions: public hearing (item 5G) and a one-day alcohol license for refuge retreats (item 5I). - Approved proclamations, reports, lottery notice, water/sewer contractor license, malt beverage transfer, and daycare license renewal. Public Comments & Testimony - Brett Fisher (property owner, 500 block S. Main): Opposed the two-way conversion, citing loss of parking (10+ spots) and safety concerns. He warned of a possible referendum if the project passed. - John Eichinger: Opposed, stating "if it ain't broke, why fix it?" and criticized city spending priorities. - Stuart Burks: Opposed, urged letting the people vote on major projects, sharing a story about a recall election in West Covina, CA. - Jean-Christophe (bakery owner downtown): Supported the two-way conversion, believing it would increase business and encourage use of underutilized parking structures. - Dawn Shepherd: Opposed, detailed congestion at the 500 block, said state DOT may require a no-right-turn-on-red, and argued $200,000 could be spent on more urgent street repairs. - Bill Cantaloupe: Strongly supported two-way Main Street, citing historic vibrancy and examples from other South Dakota cities. He argued congestion is good for retail. - Spencer Summers: Indicated he had nothing to share. Discussion Items - Old Business: Second reading and final adoption of Ordinance 250901 (2026 appropriations budget). Passed unanimously on roll call. - New Business: - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Resolution 250901R (2026-2030, excluding Main Street): Approved unanimously after a separate vote to avoid tying the full CIP to the Main Street issue. - Main Street Two-Way Conversion: Council debated the motion. Councilman Johnson presented a lengthy opposition citing grassroots opposition, parking loss, safety issues, and flawed study assumptions. Councilman Knobstrup and others supported the change, citing potential traffic increases and downtown revitalization. Councilman Ronane suggested postponing until a full infrastructure rebuild. Mayor spoke in favor, arguing delay makes projects more expensive. - First reading of Ordinance 250902 (home daycare regulations): Proposed by city staff to streamline licensing, create small family daycare option, and improve resources. Unanimously approved first reading. - Approved bids for 2025-26 snow removal services (modest cost increases noted). - Approved Change Order No. 1 for the Aberdeen Water Tower and Transmission Line Project, reducing costs by $520,000. - Approved pay request for street maintenance concrete repair (CWF Masonry, $82,531.87). - Approved bills and payroll for September 7-20, with one abstention (Councilmember Foberg abstained on item 5I earlier). - City manager reported on employee service awards and upcoming events. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved with additions (5-0 voice vote). - Budget ordinance 250901 (2026 appropriations): Adopted unanimously (roll call 9-0). - CIP resolution 250901R (excluding Main Street): Approved unanimously (roll call 9-0). - Motion to configure Main Street for two-way traffic: Passed 5-4 (roll call: Foberg, Ward, Nelson, Norpstrup, Mayor in favor; Ronane, Liebelt, Johnson, Conger opposed). - Motion to use Option 1 (two lanes) for the conversion: Passed 6-3 (roll call: Norpstrup, Nelson, Conger, Ward, Foberg, Mayor in favor; Johnson, Liebelt, Ronane opposed). - Resolution 250902R as amended (appropriating $200,000 for Main Street and $300,000 undesignated): Approved 6-3 (roll call: Norpstrup, Nelson, Conger, Ward, Foberg, Mayor in favor; Johnson, Liebelt, Ronane opposed). - Daycare ordinance (250902) first reading: Approved unanimously (roll call 9-0). - Snow removal bids: Approved (roll call 9-0). - Change order (water tower): Approved (roll call 9-0). - Concrete repair pay request: Approved (roll call 9-0). - Bills and payroll: Approved with one abstention (roll call 8-0-1). - A special meeting was called for September 26, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. to interview city manager finalists in executive session.

The Aberdeen City Council met on September 15, 2025, at 22:30 UTC. The meeting included approval of the 2026 budget appropriations ordinance on first reading, a public hearing on the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) featuring extensive debate on converting Main Street to two-way traffic, and approval of several pay requests for city infrastructure projects. The council also allocated promotional funds and heard public comments on meeting accessibility. Consent Calendar - Approved routine consent calendar items, including a proclamation for the rededication of the HP Gerber Education Building at Northern State University on September 19, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Dawn Shepard (Aberdeen resident) raised concerns about the city's online meeting accessibility: TV broadcasts often blank, poor audio, or showing previous week's meetings; videos posted on the city website are delayed (last week's meeting still not available). She requested faster posting for public and council preparation. City Manager Jordan explained recent upgrades to Zoom recording and that videos are typically posted the next day on YouTube, but special meetings are not recorded—this was the cause of the delay. - Jim Fisher (Aberdeen resident, former store owner) spoke during the CIP public hearing on the Main Street two-way conversion. He argued against the plan, citing safety risks (right-turn lane on 500 block would remove parked cars as a buffer, leaving pedestrians inches from traffic), loss of 24–29 parking spots hurting downtown businesses, and that increased traffic does not guarantee increased sales. He also noted that three of twelve alleys are not usable for deliveries as promised, and questioned the cost reduction from $1.4 million to $200,000, calling it unrealistic. He urged the council to verify sources and studies. Discussion Items - First Reading of Ordinance 250901 – 2026 Appropriations Budget: City Manager Jordan presented the budget, unchanged from August except for correcting Moccasin Creek transfer misclassification. The budget includes raises recommended by the previous compensation study and is balanced. Council approved unanimously (10-0). - Public Hearing on 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) – Main Street Two-Way Conversion: The hearing focused on the plan's Main Street component. City Attorney Ron explained that next week the council will vote on two separate resolutions: one for the bulk of the CIP, and one specifically for the Main Street two-way conversion, to allow a clear up-or-down vote and potentially a referendum. Councilmembers expressed positions: - Councilmember David Ward opposed the turning lane option, supporting a simple two-way conversion without a turning lane. He estimated cost under $200,000 (with state light assistance $500–600k), minimal parking loss (one spot per block), and cited examples from other cities (Watertown, Chattanooga) where two-way streets increased sales, property values, and safety. He noted that main street infrastructure (water, sewer, pavement) will need replacement within 10 years, making now a low-cost time to test the change. - Councilmember (Foberg) shared his retail background, emphasizing that businesses reliant on foot traffic need more people downtown. He supported the two-way conversion without a turning lane as a reversible experiment. - Councilmember (Econger) supported two-way Main, citing traffic count data (750 more cars expected), improved safety by reducing through traffic, and the need for better parking signage. He noted that a prospective retail business struggled to locate downtown due to low traffic counts. - Councilmember (Nobstrup) echoed that all council members want the best for the community and urged constructive dialogue. - Promotion Fund Allocation (Resolution): The council approved allocation of promotional funds to community organizations for 2026, with $55,000 left unallocated as reserve. Some councilmembers abstained on the Educational Impact Campaign allocation. The fund is derived from taxes on lodging, alcohol, and food (BBB). - Pay Requests: - WRF Improvements (Pay Request 3) – $1,889,480 to PKG Contracting. Approved unanimously. - NECOG Administration – $10,000 to Northeast Council of Governments for Clean Water Act revolving fund and ARPA administration. Approved. - 10th Avenue Bridge Replacement – $431,566 to Prom Construction. Approved. - Airport Preconditioned Air Units, Runway Lighting, Terminal Expansion – $2,055, $63.41, and $2,675.33 respectively to Helms & Associates. Approved. - Airport Apron Reconstruction Phase II – $72,973.88 to Helms and $1,320,890.34 to Reedy Construction. Approved. - Terminal Access Road & Parking Lot – $11,497 to Helms, $191,649.31 to Domy Construction, and a decrease of $23,808.90 for change order. Approved. - Bills: Approved with some abstentions (Councilmember Ronane abstained on a payment to Banner Associates). Key Outcomes - Budget First Reading: Passed unanimously (10-0). Second reading scheduled for next week. - Capital Improvement Plan: Public hearing closed. The council will vote next week on two resolutions: one for the general CIP, and one specifically for the Main Street two-way conversion (either two-lane or three-lane with turning lane). - Promotion Fund: Approved (9-0, with two abstentions on one item). - All Pay Requests: Approved unanimously (10-0) with the exception of one abstention on a bill payment. - Next Steps: City Manager Robin noted upcoming meetings and budget follow-up. Council will revisit Main Street decision next week.