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Votes at a glance: Aberdeen council approves rezoning, right-of-way ordinance, Fairgrounds annexation and multiple approvals
Summary
The Aberdeen City Council approved a series of motions including a rezoning for North Washington Street, adoption of an ordinance altering a public right-of-way, annexation of the Brown County Fairgrounds, annexation of a municipal water-tower parcel, contract payment requests and authorization of a vehicle purchase. Several abstentions were recorded on bills and payroll.
The Aberdeen City Council adopted multiple items during its meeting, including land-use and annexation measures, contract payments tied to the city's new water tower, and routine fiscal approvals.
Among the formal actions, council members voted to adopt a rezoning ordinance to change a parcel on North Washington Street from C-3 to R-2. Councilman Ward moved to approve and Councilman Johnson seconded; the ordinance passed after a roll-call vote with all recorded members voting 'aye.'
The council also completed a second reading and final adoption of "ordinance 25 11 o 4," described at the meeting as changing a portion of public right-of-way from Nicholas Drive to Shortridge Drive in a golf-course development; staff reported no changes since the first reading and the ordinance passed on roll call.
Council adopted resolution 25-12-1R to annex the Brown County Fairgrounds into the City of Aberdeen and incorporate the Fairgrounds annexation agreement by reference. Council then approved annexation of a separately owned municipal water-tower parcel that is surrounded by the fairgrounds; staff explained the parcel is city-owned but had been outside city limits.
On project payments, the council approved two contractor pay requests for the water-tower project: Tadami Construction Incorporated, Schedule A, $1,234,250.59 (groundwork and water-main installation/stockpile materials); Landmark Structures, Schedule B, $748,319.75 (tower foundation and pipe encasement). Project staff recommended approval, noting work continues despite snow delays.
Council authorized the purchase of a 2026 Ford 1-ton all-wheel-drive cargo van from Pearson under the South Dakota State bid structure to replace a 2010 vehicle; staff said about $55,000 was budgeted for the purchase. The van will be used for meter replacement and curb-stop maintenance.
The council approved a first reading of the annual salary and wage ordinance for 2026 as required by South Dakota law (SDCL 19-14-28). Staff said the package applies a two-and-a-half-step increase plus a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment (a roughly 6% increase) to most positions, excluding police and fire. The ordinance was adopted on first reading to take effect for payroll on or after Jan. 1, 2026.
The council approved bills and payroll for the week. Several abstentions were recorded: Council member Boberg abstained on one vote; Council member Ronin abstained on payments to Plains Commerce Bank, Neil Bellica, Dave Schumacher and Climate Control but voted 'aye' on the balance; Mayor Shahnemann abstained on the payment to Climate Control. After those abstentions the motion carried.
The meeting adjourned after closing remarks and thanks to retiring staff, and council information items including an administrative approval for the Parade of Lights on Dec. 13.
Votes and formal motions recorded during the meeting are reflected in the council's minutes and roll-call transcripts.
