Aberdeen City Council Meeting – December 1, 2025

The Aberdeen City Council convened on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting covered routine approvals, two annexations, payment requests for infrastructure projects, a vehicle purchase, first reading of the annual salary ordinance, and a city manager’s report highlighting snow removal operations and staff recognitions. The meeting also honored City Engineer Robin on his retirement.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approval: Motion by Councilman E. Cogger, seconded by Councilman Nelson; approved unanimously.
• Minutes Approval: Minutes from November 24, 2025, approved by motion (Econger, second Nobstrup); all ayes.
• Consent Calendar Items (A–G): Approved by motion (Liebelt, second eConger); all ayes. Items were described as routine, with no public discussion.

Discussion Items

• Second Reading & Final Adoption – Rezoning 119 North Washington Street (C3 to R2): No changes from first reading. Motion by Ward, second Johnson; roll call vote – all nine council members and the mayor voted aye. Carried.
• Second Reading & Final Adoption – Ordinance 251104 (Right-of-Way Reclassification, Nicholas Drive to Short Ridge Drive): Correction of a miscategorization in a golf course development. No changes. Motion by Johnson, second eConger; roll call – all ayes. Carried.
• Annexation of Brown County Fairgrounds (Resolution 25-12-01R): City Manager noted red‑line language added to incorporate the annexation agreement. Motion by Ronane, second Ward. Council had previously discussed the matter; roll call all ayes. Carried.
• Annexation of Municipal Water Tower Property (at Fairgrounds): A separate parcel owned by the city, surrounded by fairgrounds, now adjacent after the fairgrounds annexation. Staff recommended approval. Motion by Ward, second Nobstrup. Council clarified that the parcel would remain annexed even if the surrounding area were later de‑annexed. Roll call all ayes. Carried.
• Pay Requests for Water Tower and Transmission Line:
  • Schedule A – Dami Construction Inc.: $1,234,250.59 for water main installation and stockpile materials.
  • Schedule B – Landmark Structures (Fort Worth, TX): $748,319 for foundation, piling cap, and pipe encasement. City Engineer Stu Nelson reported both contractors progressing despite snow delays. Motion by Johnson, second Ward; approved unanimously.
• Purchase of 2026 Ford One‑Ton AWD Cargo Van: Budgeted at $55,000; final price slightly under. Van will be used for meter replacement and curb stop maintenance, replacing a 2010 model to be surplused. Motion by Councilmember Foberg, second Ward; approved.
• First Reading – Salary and Wage Ordinance for 2026: Required by SDCL 19‑14‑28. Provides a 2.5% step increase plus 3.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for non‑police/fire employees (total 6%). The compensation study calls for grid adjustments every other year. Councilmembers expressed support for competitive wages. Motion by Ronane, second Ward; roll call – all ayes. Carried.
• Bills and Payroll: Motion by Liebelt, second Nelson. Councilmember Ronane abstained on payments to Plains Commerce Bank, Neil Bellica, Dave Schumacher, and Climate Control; Mayor Shauniman abstained on payment to Climate Control; otherwise approved.

City Manager’s Report

• Community Event Permit – Parade of Lights: Scheduled for December 13, 2025, on Main Street. Because of timing, it was administratively approved and not on the consent agenda. Staff recommended approval.
• Employee Service Recognitions: Stuart Donaldson (Fire Department, 10 years) and Levi Christensen (Public Works, 10 years). Both were commended for their service.
• Snow Removal Operations: Two snow events since the last meeting required emergency snow removal. The first event resulted in 438 parking tickets; the second, 399 tickets. These numbers are higher than desired. City Manager encouraged residents to sign up for text alerts at aberdeen.sd.us. The public works, parks and rec, and police departments worked together during holiday garbage collection. City Engineer noted there are approximately 130–135 miles of roadway to clear. Most tickets were concentrated near Northern State University and hospital areas. An appeal process exists through the police department.
• Upcoming Work Session: December 8, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. to review the water and sewer rate study by Banner and Associates.
• Retirement of City Engineer Robin: This was Robin’s last council meeting after 30+ years of service. Multiple council members expressed gratitude for his leadership, institutional knowledge, and mentorship. A retirement reception will be held December 11, 2025, from 2:00–4:30 p.m. at KO Lee Library.

Key Outcomes

• Approved unanimously: Consent calendar, meeting minutes, agenda.
• Final adoption of two ordinances: Rezoning (119 N. Washington) and right‑of‑way reclassification (Ordinance 251104) – both passed 9‑0 (plus mayor).
• Annexation approved: Brown County Fairgrounds (Resolution 25-12-01R) and adjacent water tower property – both passed unanimously.
• Payment requests approved: $1,234,250.59 to Dami Construction and $748,319 to Landmark Structures.
• Vehicle purchase approved: 2026 Ford cargo van (under $55,000 budget).
• First reading of salary ordinance passed unanimously (final reading at a future meeting).
• Bills and payroll approved with two abstentions.
• Administrative approval noted for the Parade of Lights community event.
• Council acknowledged snow removal efforts and high ticket numbers; residents encouraged to sign up for alerts.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately [time not stated] following a motion by Liebelt.