Aberdeen City Council Meeting – October 26, 2026

The Aberdeen City Council met on October 26, 2026, for a regular session. Key actions included approving the previous meeting's minutes, hearing public comment regarding a proposed bike trail, receiving the annual audit presentation from ID Bailey, and approving first readings of several ordinances related to water and sewer rates, customer classifications, park budgets, and zoning changes. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda for the current meeting (motion and second, voice vote carried).
• Approved the minutes from the October 19, 2026 meeting with a minor spelling correction on line 23 (Tim Hannigan's name). Motion by Councilmember Econger, second by Councilmember Liebelt, all in favor.
• Approved a block of routine city business items (Consent Calendar) with a motion and second, voice vote carried.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Natasha Wells (Aberdeen resident): Expressed opposition to the proposed bike trail/skills park along Willow Drive, noting the area is a flood zone, contains a pump station subject to public works and homeland security requirements, and lacks prior resident involvement. She expressed support for locating the project at Melgard Park, citing support from the Aberdeen Skating Association, BMX, and Boys & Girls Club. She also noted that Jeff Swingler had resigned as president of the Babylon Aberdeen Cycling Association. The Mayor summarized her position as not supporting bike paths north of Willow Drive.

ID Bailey Audit Presentation

• Cameron (ID Bailey): Presented the city's annual audit for fiscal year 2025, issuing an unmodified (clean) opinion on all opinion units. The single audit tested the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (approximately $16 million of $29 million total federal expenditures); compliance was clean, but a material weakness in internal controls was noted due to a missing review of the required annual report (one-shot reporting). Other material weaknesses were identified in capital assets accounting, long-term debt accounting, and audit adjustments. Government-wide cash and investments totaled $60 million, with a $19.2 million bond issuance driving an increase in fund balance. The general fund's unrestricted fund balance was $10.6 million, well above the city's internal 20% target and the GFOA's two-month recommendation. The water and sewer funds both showed improved operating income (water: $2.1 million; sewer: $1.9 million) and strong liquidity (current ratio > 2). Discussion followed regarding revenue stability and fund balance thresholds; staff expressed confidence in the current budget.

First Reading of Ordinances

• Ordinance for Water Facility Improvements (2.5 million SRF loan): Authorized the issuance of $2.5 million in State Revolving Fund loans at 3.75% for 20 years to complete water system improvements. Public hearing held, state water board approved. Approved unanimously on first reading.
• Ordinance for Water Surcharge (26104): Established a monthly surcharge of $1.75 per user (approximately $21 per year) to repay the SRF loan, effective January 1, 2027. Approved unanimously on first reading.
• Ordinance for Utility Customer Classifications (26105): Created five customer classes (residential, multifamily, commercial, institutional, industrial) to better reflect system demands; does not change current rates but provides a framework for future rate design. Staff noted most communities have similar tiered structures. Approved unanimously on first reading.
• Ordinance to Supplement Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Budget (26106): Authorized budget transfers using funds from the parks gift fund and promotion fund. Approved unanimously on first reading.
• Ordinance to Rezone Property at 326th Avenue Southeast (C2 to C2/R4): Allowed a bank to construct a new facility and demolish the old one; Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Approved unanimously on first reading.
• Ordinance to Rezone Property at 503 3rd Street North (C2 to R3 and C2): Created legal lots for a business and adjacent rental residence; Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Approved unanimously on first reading.

Public Works Pay Application

• Approved the fourth pay application ($100,000) for the public works maintenance building project, reflecting work completed through September 30, 2026. Staff noted that previous applications were delayed due to processing, and the next application is expected in November. Approved unanimously.

Bills for the Week

• Approved payment of the weekly bills, with two council members abstaining on items related to the municipal league and a service charge. Motion carried.

City Manager's Report

• Dave Lott (City Manager): Recognized Melanie Padal (10 years in HR) and Kent Weary (10 years with the fire department, hazardous materials specialist). Schedule a work session for November 2, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss promotional fund surplus and golf course contract (which automatically renews in 2027). Noted that Parks Director Matt Braun will hold two listening sessions on the nature area issue. Data center timeline update expected by November 16. Announced a Northwestern Energy public input meeting on November 23 at 5:30 p.m. (same time as council meeting), acknowledging a possible quorum.

Key Outcomes

• All votes on ordinances and applications were unanimous.
• Public comment on the bike trail project was recorded and city staff committed to additional listening sessions.
• The council will hold a work session on November 2, 2026 to address promotional fund surplus and the golf course contract.
• The audit findings were accepted; staff will continue to improve internal controls.