Aberdeen City Council Meeting – February 23, 2026

The Aberdeen City Council met on February 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included approval of routine items, multiple second readings of ordinances, public hearings for liquor license transfers and rezones, approval of several construction bids, and a city manager’s report on recent snow removal operations and an ambulance accident. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda and minutes from the February 17 meeting.
• Approved four routine items of city business, including a proclamation designating February 28 as Sandy Sullivan Day in honor of her community service.

Discussion Items

• Second Reading – Artificial Turf Ordinance: Approved an ordinance amending landscape regulations to permit artificial turf. No community input or changes since first reading.
• Second Reading – Private Ambulance Services Ordinance: Approved an ordinance updating regulations for private ambulance services, aligning with 2024 state law. No changes.
• Second Reading – Sewer System Improvements Bond Ordinance: Approved a $30 million, 30-year Clean Water Revolving Fund revenue bond at 3.75% interest. The SRF surcharge of $16.50 will be addressed in the next ordinance.
• Second Reading – Sewer Surcharge Ordinance: Approved an ordinance establishing a higher sewer surcharge to fund the SRF loan, as previously included in the rate study.
• Public Hearing – One-Day Liquor License: Approved a one-day on-sale liquor license for the Boys Club Winefest event on March 28.
• Public Hearing – Liquor License Transfer: Approved the transfer of an on-sale malt beverage and wine license from Wallar Inc. (dba Palm Garden Thai Cuisine) to new owners.
• Resolution – Dakota Estates Subdivision Improvements: Approved acceptance of public improvements (streets, water, sewer, storm sewer) in the Dakota Estates subdivision after warranty period and inspection.
• Public Hearing – Rezone 3304 Harrison Street (R3 to M): Approved first reading of a petition to rezone property for a city park and water retention pond in the Happy North subdivision. Staff noted the pond needs slope stabilization before acceptance.
• Public Hearing – Rezone 2006 Lawson Street (R2 to M): Approved first reading of a similar rezone for a city park in Happy Central subdivision.
• Public Hearing – Rezone 4406 8th Avenue NE (I1 to M): Approved first reading to rezone the site of the new Northeast Water Tower to the appropriate zoning.
• Supergraphic Sign Permit: Approved permission for two existing murals on a building in the central business district, with the condition they be maintained per city code.
• Brownfield Grant Assessment: Authorized the city manager to sign a consent form for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) Brownfield Grant Assessment of three city-owned facilities: the Civic Arena, Washington Building, and Civic Theater. The assessment will identify potential environmental liabilities and abatement costs. No demolition is planned.
• Seal Coat Aggregates Bids: Approved bids for 2026 chip-sealing rock, with prices slightly above last year.
• Asphaltic Concrete and Surfacing Repair Mix Bids: Approved bids from Leans, Jensen’s, and Dunnock Brothers for patching materials, with prices identical to last year.
• 2026 Road Oil Bid: Approved the bid from Jeb Roll for oil used in chip sealing, with prices similar to last year.
• Annual Concrete Work Bid: Approved bid from CWF Concrete Masonry for $139,057.80 for project 2026-1.
• Accessible Sidewalk Quadrant Improvements Bid: Approved bid from CWF Concrete for $171,009.28 for ADA ramp improvements.
• Street Maintenance Concrete Repair Bid: Approved bid from Wright & Sudlow for $238,351 for curb and gutter repair ahead of chip sealing.
• Water Treatment Plant Pipe Gallery Valve Replacement Bid: Approved bid from Hydrotech (Minnesota) for replacing valves and controls, some original to the 1934 building.
• North Dakota Street Reconstruction Bid: Approved bid from Reedy Construction for $2,636,134.75 for reconstruction of Dakota Street north of Fairgrounds Road (less than 3/4 mile), including storm sewer and bike trail. The project is enabled by the boundary line highway agreement with the county and is scheduled for summer 2026.
• Claims and Payroll: Approved with two abstentions: Councilmember Foberg abstained on the service charge to Dakota Bank; Councilmember Nelson abstained on payment to Banner Associates; and the mayor abstained on payment to Climate Control and Sewer Duck.

City Manager’s Report

• Snow Removal Update: City Manager Dave reported on the February blizzard response. Public works crews worked long hours; the water treatment plant had staff stranded. The ambulance involved in an accident was responding to a call in Groton; all crew members are back to work. The city is exploring options to replace or rebuild the ambulance, which may take 2–3 years.
• Snow Removal Process: The downtown area was cleared last to allow businesses time to shovel. About 30–50% of businesses still had snow remained. A snow blade went through a school zone during dismissal at Simmons Elementary, causing concern. The city will ensure this does not recur. The snow was heavy due to rain and ice underneath, slowing operations.
• Snow Gates Discussion: The city manager mentioned considering snow gates for future use, but noted they would change operations, increase costs, and not guarantee elimination of snow in driveways. Public works director Stu added that snow gates would extend removal time and may not be effective in all conditions.

Key Outcomes

• All seven ordinances passed on second reading unanimously (8-0 or 9-0 roll calls, with the mayor voting).
• All liquor licenses, rezones, and permits were approved unanimously.
• All construction bids were approved unanimously.
• Claims and payroll were approved with two abstentions and one conditional abstention.
• The city will continue to evaluate snow gates and adjust snow removal procedures to avoid school zone conflicts.
• The ambulance replacement process will be expedited, with a focus on finding a chassis for the existing capsule.