Aberdeen City Council Meeting: January 20, 2026

The Aberdeen City Council met on January 20, 2026, to approve routine items, adopt several ordinances on first reading, authorize purchases, and discuss the WINDS water project. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by local Boy Scouts and a proclamation in support of mental health workplace initiatives by Northeast Mental Health Center.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar, comprising 13 items of routine city business, was approved unanimously. Councilman Nelson abstained from items 5H and 5I.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation for Mental Health: The council issued a proclamation supporting the "Check-In SpeakUp" pledge, presented by Susan Corner of Northeast Mental Health Center, encouraging workplace mental wellness.
• Appointment to Housing Authority: Jamie Gabb was appointed to the Aberdeen Housing Authority for a term ending in 2028. Approved.
• Liquor Licenses: Approved a one-day retail on-sale liquor license for NSU Foundation (NSU Bourbon and Bruce event on April 24, 2026) and a one-day beer/wine license for the Chamber's Business After Hours on February 12, 2026.
• Purchase of Defibrillators: Authorized the purchase of 24 automated external defibrillators from Avara Heart Hospital for $36,556, replacing outdated units in city buildings. Fire Chief Dave explained the need. Approved by roll call (8 ayes).
• Professional Consultant Services: Approved an agreement with Robin Bobzin for consulting on municipal water and flood control projects, including the WINDS project, water source evaluation, and levee recertification. Also authorized the city manager to delegate authority to Bobzin to act on the city's behalf, with council ratification. Approved by roll call.
• First Reading – Budget Supplement Ordinance: A first reading of an ordinance to supplement the 2026 budget for unanticipated projects, including contributions to the promotion fund ($350,000), library materials, longevity pay from the new union contract, open gov budgeting software, and a new HR position. The HR position was discussed as a way to improve safety, compliance, and performance management. Approved by roll call.
• Combined Election Agreement: Approved a combined election agreement with Brown County, Aberdeen School District, and Britton-Hecla School District (Langford withdrew). Staff cited higher turnout. Approved.
• WRF Improvements Pay Request: Approved a pay request of $1,089,701.69 to PKG Contracting for wastewater treatment plant improvements. Winter work slowed progress. Councilman Nelson abstained. Approved by roll call (7 ayes, 1 abstention).
• Rejection of Bids – Courtroom Security: Rejected all bids for the magistrate courtroom security remodel because bids exceeded the $206,000 estimate. The project will be re-scoped to qualify for a 75% state UJS grant. Approved by roll call.
• First Reading – Taxicab and Motor Bus Ordinance: Approved a first reading of an ordinance updating taxi regulations to current state law, allowing the finance office to issue licenses, and tightening background check requirements for violent crimes. Developed with input from local taxi operators. Approved by roll call.
• First Reading – Solid Waste Collections Ordinance: Approved a first reading of an ordinance clarifying recycling fee authority, updating yard waste definitions (state mandate), and shifting some rulemaking to the public works director. Included discussion of future automated garbage trucks. Approved by roll call.
• Public Works Building Pay Request: Approved a pay request of $45,716.15 to Jacobson's Sons for granular fill material for the new public works building. This released retainage. Approved by roll call.
• Bus Purchase Payment: Approved a payment of $20,175.15 to Foreman for a 12+2 bus (gasoline). The bus is delivered tomorrow; grant covers $114,325.85. Approved by roll call.
• Airport Improvement Payments: Approved multiple payments to Helms & Associates for airport projects:
  • $4,836 for terminal access road and parking lot project administration.
  • $762.50 for pre-conditioned air conditioning unit administrative work.
  • $8,400.32 for building expansion design work.
  • $460.37 (added agenda item) for runway rehabilitation and lighting improvements (discussion of failing LED lights; warranty replacement in progress).
  • $304.45 (added agenda item) for apron reconstruction phase two closeout. All approved by roll call.
• Claims Approval: Approved the weekly bills. Councilman Nelson abstained from payments to Banner Associates and PKG Contracting. Approved by roll call.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All agenda items and motions carried with large majorities. Specific roll calls are noted above.
• Ordinances: First readings passed for budget supplement, taxicab regulations, and solid waste collections ordinances; second readings will follow.
• Appointments & Contracts: Jamie Gabb appointed to Housing Authority; consulting agreement with Robin Bobzin approved; multiple purchase orders and pay requests authorized.
• Rejected Bids: Courtroom security project bids rejected; re-scoping planned with potential state grant.
• Next Steps: City Manager Dave reported $20.3 million in WINDS funding passed Congress; delegation to attend Rural Water Conference in D.C. Feb 4-6; Parks & Rec State of the Parks address Jan 29.