Aberdeen City Council Meeting – June 15, 2026

The Aberdeen City Council met on June 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, a public hearing for a liquor license, a presentation on the Northern Innovation and Startup Center, approval of a hunting access contract with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, adoption of a general fund reserve policy, multiple construction pay requests and change orders, and the city manager's report. An executive session was held at the end for contractual matters.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent calendar (routine city business items) with Councilmember Ward abstaining from item L. Motion carried.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No one was signed up to speak at open forums.

Discussion Items

• Presentation – Northern Innovation and Startup Center: B. Smith, director, presented the annual report for 2025. Key statistics: 56 entrepreneurs helped, 30 actively building businesses, 36 tech workshops with average attendance of 26, 54% of participants from outside Aberdeen zip code. Events include Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition (June 29, 2026) and Technology & Entrepreneurship Summit (September 30, 2026). The center has exceeded its original goal of 25 entrepreneurs and 10 startups. No council action required.
• Hunting Access and Habitat Contract: City Manager Dave and Joe Galbraith (GFP regional supervisor) presented a three-year contract allowing public hunting on a 40-acre city-owned parcel north of Aberdeen. The parcel is a former gravel pit/lime deposit site. GFP already leases an adjacent 20-acre county parcel. The contract was approved unanimously via roll call.
• General Fund Reserve and Fund Balance Policy (Resolution 260604R): Finance Director Jordan McQuillen presented the policy establishing a 20% minimum reserve (15% operating + 5% stabilization) and a normal range up to 35% including a capital reserve. The policy reflects Aberdeen’s historical reserve levels and does not restrict future councils. Approved on first reading by roll call (all yes).
• WRF Facility Improvement Pay Request: Amanda Fisher reported the project is 38% complete. Pay request to PKG Contracting for $2,635,000. Approved with Councilmember Nelson abstaining.
• Airport Engineering Agreement: Authorized city manager to sign 2026 letter of agreement with Helms and Associates for miscellaneous airport engineering (not to exceed $15,000). Approved.
• Airport Terminal Expansion Invoices: Approved three payments: Helms ($8,119.35 and $7,073.24) and Quest Construction ($92,727.08). The project is funded by federal and state grants with a local share of ~$60,000.
• SRE Building Expansion Payment: Approved payment of $11,200.43 to Helms for design work on snow removal equipment building expansion (15% complete).
• Water Tower Transmission Line Change Order: Approved change order for Schedule A adding $298,664 to Dadami Construction for levee crossing (alternate bid 1), concrete repairs, traffic detection cameras, and valve replacement at 8th Avenue North and Roosevelt Street. Discussion included project history, delays, and traffic concerns. Councilmember Ward asked about timeline; completion expected around August 1.
• Claims and Payroll: Approved payroll period May 31–June 13 with several councilmembers abstaining on specific items (Dakota Bank, Banner, PKG, etc.).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved with one abstention.
• One-Day Liquor License: Approved for Downtown Association.
• Hunting Access Contract: Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 260604R (Reserve Policy): Approved on first reading (all yes).
• WRF Pay Request: Approved (Nelson abstained).
• Airport Engineering Agreement: Approved.
• Airport Terminal Expansion Invoices: Approved.
• SRE Building Expansion Payment: Approved.
• Water Tower Change Order: Approved.
• Claims and Payroll: Approved with multiple abstentions.

City Manager's Report

• Recognized Officer Jeff Neal for 15 years of service with Aberdeen Police Department.
• Announced retirement of Animal Control Officer John Weaver (last day June 18).
• Provided update on rising water levels in Moccasin Creek and Foot Creek due to recent rain; no immediate concern but monitoring.
• Noted 2027 general fund requests received; promotional request opportunity opening in July.
• Discussed ongoing review of ordinances regarding motorized scooters, dirt bikes, and personal mobility devices. Police Chief Ron stated downtown sidewalks prohibit such devices and enforcement continues for traffic violations.

The meeting then entered executive session to discuss contractual matters.