Aberdeen City Council Meeting - February 2, 2026

The Aberdeen City Council met on February 2, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes, consent calendar items, new business resolutions, and reports from the City Manager and City Engineer. Key highlights included updates on a major infrastructure project, a new appointment to the Airport Board, and the announcement of the City Engineer's retirement.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent calendar unanimously. During discussion, City Engineer Stu provided details on an upcoming infrastructure project: bidding on February 17, a pre-construction meeting in late March or early April, and a completion date expected by the end of October. Liquidated damages for delays were mentioned. The project has been a long-standing community priority.

New Business

• Resolution for Clean Water SRF Application (CW06): Approved unanimously via roll call vote. This resolution replaces a December resolution and confirms the City Manager as the authorized representative to transact business on behalf of the city. The state (Danner) requested resubmission with updated language.
• Appointment of Aaron Smith to Aberdeen Airport Board: Approved unanimously. Councilmember Ronane noted that Carl Perry is stepping down and thanked him for his service; Councilmember Liebelt expressed confidence that Smith would fill the role well. Smith serves as president of the local hockey team, the Wings.
• Resolution for Bridge Reinspection Program (260103R): Approved unanimously via roll call. City Engineer Stu explained that the city enters this agreement annually with the DOT. IMEG has been the consultant for 13–14 years. Bridges are inspected on a rotating schedule of 2–4 years, with the city paying 20% of the cost and the DOT covering 80%. The 10th Avenue Bridge is on this year's inspection list. Councilmember Liebelt quipped that he gave the bridge a shake and it seemed solid.
• Approval of Claims and Payroll: Approved unanimously via roll call. The payroll period was January 25 through February 7. Councilmember Liebelt noted $42.50 name badges in the bills.

City Manager's Report

• City Manager Dave reported that the search for a new library director is in final stages. Four highly qualified applicants remain; interviews will be held on February 9 and 10 with two panels (library board, city manager/HR, and employees).
• Several council and staff members will attend Municipal Day in Pierre, including the annual rib feed and legislative update. The manager suggested attending HB 1005, which concerns tax exemptions for data centers.
• A delegation from the council will attend the DC Rural Water Conference to meet with congressional representatives and the Bureau of Reclamation regarding a $20 million allocation for water funding. The president has signed the allocation, and the city is in a good position.
• The City Manager is researching resources for a strategic planning process to develop a roadmap for the city's future.
• City Engineer Stu announced his retirement after nearly 30 years of service, effective April 2026. He expressed gratitude for the support of the council and staff, highlighting accomplishments such as drainage improvements that reduced overpass flooding. He noted that the dredging project has hauled 285 loads of material using 15 trucks. Stu also mentioned that he recently learned he will become a grandfather for the first time.
• The council celebrated Aaron Key's 20-year anniversary with the city. Key works in the forestry department, which remains busy in winter trimming trees and supporting the dredging project.

Key Outcomes

• All agenda items were approved unanimously.
• No old business was discussed.
• The meeting was adjourned by motion.