Aberdeen City Council Meeting - September 22, 2025

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.