Aberdeen City Council Meeting - April 27, 2026

The Aberdeen City Council met on April 27, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included approval of routine items, a public hearing on a liquor license transfer, discussions on a license plate reader agreement (tabled), approval of a new fire truck purchase, a playground grant, and several rezonings. The City Manager reported on a WINS partnership meeting, spring cleanup, and upcoming road construction on North Dakota Street.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda and minutes from the April 20, 2026 meeting.
• Approved eight items of routine city business without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Senator Perry from District 3 announced a gubernatorial debate watch event at 6:45 PM at a local venue (likely "Levity"), featuring four Republican primary contenders. He encouraged attendance and voting.

Discussion Items

• Liquor License Transfer (One-Legged Pheasant Brewery): Public hearing and approval to transfer retail on/off sale malt beverage license from One-Legged Pheasant Brewery LLC to OLP Brewing LLC (doing business as One-Legged Pheasant Brewing Company) at 723 South Main Street. Approved unanimously.
• Appointment to Downtown BID Board: Approved appointment of Karsten Vetter to the Downtown Business Improvement District Board of Directors for a term ending May 18, 2029. Approved unanimously.
• License Plate Reader Agreement (LPR): Chief John Dahl presented a proposal to sign an electronic use agreement with the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation for two automated license plate readers at a fixed location on U.S. Highway 281 in Melgard. Councilmembers raised concerns about data privacy, retention, and potential misuse. A motion to postpone (table) the item passed, allowing the chief to gather more information on data handling and duration.
• Fire Truck Purchase: Approval of a $1.238 million purchase from McQueen Emergency Group for a Pierce Enforcer Heavy Duty Rescue Pumper to replace a 2008 Spartan unit. The new truck, identical to Rescue Two, will improve uniformity and is funded through the capital improvement plan with a 4-5 year build time. Approved with a roll call vote (all ayes).
• Anderson Park Playground Grant: Resolution authorizing Parks and Recreation to apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant ($75,000) matching city funds ($75,000) for playground replacement at Anderson Park. The existing playground is about 30 years old. Approved with roll call (all ayes).
• GPS Unit for Engineering: Purchase and trade-in of a GPS unit and data collector for land surveying, with $500 trade-in on non-working unit. Approved unanimously.
• Rezoning (620 State St & 515 7th Ave SE): First reading of ordinance 260401 to rezone from R3 to C2 for future commercial development; planning commission recommended approval. Approved unanimously.
• Rezoning (13 Roosevelt St S): First reading of ordinance 2060402 to rezone from R2 to M for a city park. Approved unanimously.
• Rezoning (125 Lafayette St S): First reading to rezone from C2 to M for a city-owned holding pond north of the mall. Approved unanimously.
• Utility Division Bid Tab: Approval of 2026 bid tab for water main and sewer pipe materials (schedules A-D) from Core & Main and Ferguson Waterworks, within budget. Approved unanimously.
• Bills Approval: Approved payment of weekly bills.

Key Outcomes

• License plate reader agreement tabled pending further information on data retention and availability (motion by Councilman Ronane, second by Councilman Nowstrom; voice vote carried).
• Fire truck purchase approved (roll call: 8 ayes, 0 nays).
• Anderson Park playground grant application approved (roll call: 8 ayes, 0 nays).
• All rezonings approved on first reading.
• City Manager's Report: Upcoming partnership meeting on WINS project; thanks to Public Works for spring cleanup; North Dakota Street construction begins May 4, 2026 with temporary roads and detours, expected completion by October 2 (contract) or July 17 (contractor's schedule). Emergency access maintained. Council will continue outreach to affected residents.