Aberdeen City Council Meeting - April 6, 2026

The Aberdeen City Council met on April 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting covered routine approvals, several public hearings, and a major debate over establishing Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District No. 45 for the Roosevelt Business Park. After substantial discussion and a failed initial motion, the council approved a revised TIF amount.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent calendar, which included items related to the Career Learning Center's 40th anniversary and licensing issues.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up for open forum.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning (Ordinance 260301): Petition to rezone 903 25th Avenue Northeast from A1 to R2. Staff recommended approval. The council voted unanimously (9-0) to approve.
• Subdivision (Ordinance 260302): Approval of a subdivision plat. Staff recommended approval. The council voted unanimously (9-0) to approve.
• Signage Regulations (Ordinance 260305): Second reading and final adoption of an ordinance amending signage regulations. The council voted unanimously (9-0) to approve.
• New Retail On-Off Sale Wine and Cider License: Costa Brava LLC, dba Costa Brava Peruvian Kitchen at 104 South Main Street. The council voted unanimously (voice vote) to approve.
• TIF District No. 45 (Roosevelt Business Park):
  • Background: The Aberdeen Development Corporation (ADC) requested establishment of a TIF district to finance infrastructure for Roosevelt Business Park, a 56.55-acre development west of the East Business Park. The project includes water, sewer, and storm drainage improvements.
  • Financial Details: ADC originally requested $5.519 million in TIF reimbursement, later updated to $6.929 million. Notable was a $3.5 million federal EDA grant and a Future Funds grant for both Roosevelt and the separate Rivet Business Park.
  • Council Discussion: Councilmembers expressed concerns about changing numbers, the inclusion of financing costs, and the overall total exceeding projected tax increment. Councilmember Econger offered a motion to set the TIF amount at $2,347,641 (including interest at 6.5%), which failed on a roll call vote (3 ayes, 5 nays, with Mayor Shoneman voting nay).
  • Final Approval: Councilmember Foberg moved to approve the TIF at a total aggregate amount of $4,137,000 (including a $500,000 grant from Future Funds to be allocated to the project). The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (8-0; one councilmember abstained according to transcript? Actually the roll call showed all ayes).

Key Outcomes

• Approved Ordinances (260301, 260302, 260305): All three ordinances passed with unanimous roll call votes (9-0).
• Alcohol License: Approved by voice vote.
• TIF District No. 45: Approved at an aggregate amount of $4,137,000 including a $500,000 grant. The resolution was adopted by a unanimous roll call vote.
• Police Pistol Surplus: Approved by voice vote to allow surplus of a 9mm pistol for Officer Mike Lucky upon retirement, with $600 reimbursement from the FOP union.
• Transit Dispatch Software: Approved a five-year contract with Tripmaster CTS software for $56,625 for the first year. Unanimous roll call vote.
• Dome Construction Payment: Approved payment of $1,335,927.05 to Landmark Structures for Schedule B on the dome project. Unanimous roll call vote.
• Sanitary Sewer Lining Project: Approved payment of $323,323.50 for sewer lining in the old industrial park. Unanimous voice vote.
• Claims and Payroll: Approved by unanimous voice vote.
• City Manager's Report: Noted the fifth ambulance in operation; recognition of Fire Marshal Max Stoltenberg's 15 years of service; update on water plant inspection; city engineer recruitment; public works facility bid opening (recommendation expected April 20); spring residential cleanup (April 24 – May 2); Parks Board/City Council work session (scheduled for April 27); and a working field trip to Pittsburgh, Kansas to study similar community development projects.