Aberdeen City Council meeting covering public comments about the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, a staff presentation on Bridal Creek (phase 3) daylighting and parking impacts, multiple budget ordinance readings for the 2027 budget and supplemental budget, several franchise/contract items, public-safety and parks updates, and assorted public comments. Council scheduled a seaport workshop and advanced several ordinance readings to later hearings.

Discussion Points

•Conceptual daylighting and habitat restoration goals.
•Concerns about missing minutes for 2021 and 2022 and bundled fundraising revenue.
•Council requested further clarification of fund transfers and vacant positions in Public Works.
•Dredging contract award to Brock authorized for mayoral execution.
•Estimated net loss of 22 parking stalls and options for restriping to maximize parking.
•Franchise ordinances advanced in procedural motions.
•Need for state coordination on culverts under Simpson Ave and fish passage.
•New animal-resistant receptacles installed at Morrison Park to reduce wildlife access.
•Police VIP volunteer hours quantified and fire department testing scheduled for recruitment.
•Request to receive initial documents before convening a full workshop.
•Resident recounted a bear sighting and praised dispatch responsiveness.
•Sales tax receipts strong (129% YTD), deferred sales-tax receipt of $40M reported as a large one-time item.
•Several funds show decreases due to one-time 2026 capital in prior year; staff explained transfers and position funding.
•Whether the seaport maintains a separate restoration fund and has a restoration plan.

Decisions

•Contract award authorized; franchise items to continue through readings.
•No formal actions; informational updates only.
•Post hearing for budget bill 26-22; accept first readings for bills 26-25 and 26-24.
•Proceed with design study; no funding decision at this meeting.
•Workshop to be scheduled; staff to gather records.

Directions

•Council to schedule a workshop once documents are available.
•Finance to include supplemental items in next reading packet.
•Parks department to track maintenance priorities and safety hazards (broken branch) and report back as needed.
•Public Works/consultant to produce parking/access analysis and coordinate with state agencies.
•Public Works to finalize procurement paperwork and bring contract for execution.
•Staff to publish budget materials and provide clarifications before public hearing.
•Staff to request and collect seaport records and provide a status update.

Oct

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 10-14-2026

Aberdeen City Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 14 that included a lengthy public-comment period focused on the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport and the fate of the Lady Washington, a detailed presentation on the North Avenue bridge replacement funding gap, several first-readings (including a franchise agreement) and routine appointments and policy votes.

Discussion Points

•Company representative requested approval to keep project schedule.
•Consent agenda included multiple routine votes and appointments.
•Council advanced first reading on consent agenda.
•Council confirmed these are procedural steps with opportunity for later review.
•Council debated scope and timeframe for records, including Coast Guard correspondence.
•Council emphasized that first reading is procedural and does not preclude amendments.
•Council recommended staff training and annual refreshers due to turnover.
•Council weighed delaying to pursue grants vs. obligating now and using local utility/TBD funds.
•Policy will standardize electronic records retention and reduce public-records search liability.
•Residents and former crew cited educational program loss and vessel deterioration; seaport attorney said records are available and audits exist.
•Staff available to answer finance questions prior to workshops.
•Staff explained grant history, obligation deadlines and an estimated $3.757M shortfall.

Decisions

•Budget first reading advanced; workshops scheduled.
•Consent items, appointments and first readings passed by voice vote.
•Electronic records retention policy adopted by voice vote.
•First reading advanced.
•Local-agency agreement authorization passed; staff to proceed with funding plan.
•Motion to request records approved by voice vote.

Directions

•Authorize local-agency agreement and finalize supplemental local funding using water, sewer and TBD funds.
•Council to schedule a follow-up workshop or public hearing including seaport leadership.
•Hold workshops and additional budget meetings for detailed review.
•Staff to complete ordinance language and subsequent readings.
•Staff to implement appointments and publish ordinance changes.
•Staff to prepare training proposals to accompany policy implementation.
•Staff to report back on bid results and any required adjustments.
•Staff to submit specified public-records requests and bring documents to council for review.

Oct

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 09-30-2026

Aberdeen City Council met for regular business, heard a vendor presentation on a resident-facing video/AI platform, received public comment on tourism and the local museum, took first reading on an ordinance amending AMC 3.24 (change funds), adopted a revised purchasing policy resolution, and passed a repeal of a separation-incentive ordinance; council also moved the proposed fiber franchise agreement to a future meeting and entered an executive session on potential litigation.

Discussion Points

•Council approved first reading with no changes.
•Council approved the resolution to adopt the revised policy.
•Council asked for more detail and legal/technical review before advancing.
•Multiple council members favored museum preservation but not city operation; a nonprofit partnership model was recommended.
•Presenters described build approach (overhead vs underground) and funding as privately provided.
•Speakers noted storage costs and the need to stabilize the collection before long‑term decisions.
•Staff introduced the ordinance and its purpose.
•Staff presented the updated purchasing policy.
•Vendor argued the chatbot should be trained only on city documents; council requested more pricing details and a pilot proposal.
•Vendor proposed admin moderation and a monthly analytics/health report; council sought clarity on how the tool would drive traffic to the city website.

Decisions

•First reading adopted.
•No final action tonight; item returned for more review.
•Resolution approved.

Directions

•Return franchise agreement to future agenda; staff to prepare full draft and technical attachments.
•Staff and the Museum Transition Committee to prepare proposals for partnership models and propose next steps at the upcoming workshop.
•Staff to follow up with vendor on pricing and pilot terms.
•Staff to implement the revised purchasing procedures and report back as required.
•Staff to return ordinance for next reading and publish required notices.

Sep

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 09-23-2026

Aberdeen City Council amended its agenda to hold an election for council president, elected Josh Francie on a 6–5 vote, heard public comments and a lengthy debate about the museum collection and a requested museum workshop, received library and economic development updates, reviewed 2027 revenue projections and approved multiple ordinance readings and administrative actions.

Discussion Points

•Assumption of 1% property tax increase and 5.6% sales-tax growth
•Authorization to award design contract for aeration improvements
•Concern over ongoing warehouse rental costs and who will steward the collection
•Confirmation of appointments for council representatives
•Introduction of new executive director and his local residency
•Multiple ordinance readings and procedural votes
•Need for certificate of occupancy work (fire suppression, sprinkler linkage, electrical inspection)
•Need for coordination with other city projects such as museum collection moves
•Procedural clarification about taking nominations first and whether to proceed to vote immediately.
•Programs to support business retention and workforce re-entry (MeetMeKey pilot)
•Reopening timeline estimate and ongoing listening sessions
•Requests for concrete cost estimates and possible grant funding sources
•Revenue projection methodology and one-time vs recurring receipts

Decisions

•Council approved scheduling a public workshop to include the transition committee
•Josh Francie elected council president by 6–5 tally.
•Several ordinances advanced in reading; contract award authorized; appointment resolutions recommended.

Directions

•Staff and transition committee to prepare cost estimates and workshop materials

Sep

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 09-09-2026

Aberdeen City Council held its September 29 meeting to handle routine business: roll call and nominations, several first readings of code amendments (parking, impound, animal control), a public hearing on an alley vacation, approval to declare surplus real estate and begin negotiations to sell 1121 North L Street, and community updates on the museum transition and a new Aberdeen Cares alternative-response team.

Discussion Points

•Aberdeen Cares launch connected three people to treatment on first day
•Concerns about inconsistent time allowances in code sections
•Concerns about selling to a single purchaser and undervaluation relative to tax records
•Introduction of first reading; no extended debate
•Language describing euthanasia should be softened and made precise
•Museum transition committee preparing building for temporary certificate of occupancy
•Request to clarify shelter holding periods and disposition process
•Staff committed to correct errors before second reading
•Staff intends to place an encumbrance preventing residential development and then appraise and negotiate
•Typographical errors in packet (penalty numeric display)

Decisions

•Declared property surplus and authorized negotiation
•First reading advanced
•First reading advanced to allow staff revisions
•First reading approved to advance

Directions

•Staff to correct numeric display and typos and return ordinance at second reading
•Staff to place encumbrance, obtain appraisal, and return negotiated terms for council approval
•Staff to prepare corrected/cleaned packet for second reading
•Staff to return with program metrics by end of month
•Staff to revise language and add procedural timeline details before second reading

Aug

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 08-26-2026

Aberdeen City Council held a meeting focused on disputed conduct by a long-serving parks board volunteer, public defenses of that volunteer, the launch of a new Aberdeen Cares Team outreach program funded in part by a $145,000 grant, adoption of a youth council ordinance (Bill 26-14), several routine grants and contract approvals, and a council vote to rescind municipal code chapter AMC 2.24.

Discussion Points

•ACT is a nonemergency outreach program partnering with CAP and funded with a $145,000 AWC grant.
•Calls for a more narrowly focused ethics code to protect staff and volunteers.
•City administration characterized board president conduct as demeaning and disruptive to staff and board functioning.
•Council approved amendments and extensions to consulting and affiliation agreements.
•Council clarified the letter makes no financial guarantees.
•Council members questioned whether HR or the ethics process should be used instead of a resolution under the city charter.
•Council suspended rules to accept second reading and adopted the ordinance.
•Multiple volunteers and former staff testified to the volunteer's decades of service and urged council not to remove him without fuller process.
•Public and council concern that AMC 2.24 is broad and vulnerable to misuse as a political tool.
•Public hearing opened and closed; sponsors commended council members who advanced the ordinance.
•Referral pathways include hotline, nonemergency line and 911 triage; dispatch will determine co-response when appropriate.
•Representatives requested a municipal letter to support reestablishment efforts.
•Staff will bring an MOU and training for council approval.
•Surplus resolution and grant acceptance were presented and discussed briefly by finance and public safety staff.

Decisions

•AMC 2.24 rescinded; further drafting directed.
•Bill 26-14 adopted.
•Letter approved; no funding committed.
•No final removal vote during meeting; matter deferred.
•Planned Sept. 1 launch contingent on finalizing MOU and operational details.
•Surplus authorized; grant accepted; agreements approved.

Directions

•City Attorney to draft revised ethics language and return to council for review.
•Clerk to send letter and note that any financial support would require separate council approval.
•Staff to implement formation steps and outreach for the Youth Council.
•Staff to proceed with procurement and contract amendment execution.
•Staff to provide additional background documentation and HR/ethics reports for council review.
•Staff to return with MOU and finalized communications and training materials.

Jul

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 07-22-2026

Aberdeen City Council met July 27, 2026. The meeting included public comment urging a reduction in council size, a midyear budget update, a presentation from Twin Harbors Waterkeeper about contaminated industrial sites, discussion of franchise asset transfers for fiber infrastructure, first reading to create a youth council, and ethics-committee findings including a verbal admonishment for a council member.

Discussion Points

•Age range and composition of youth council (14–20; includes 8th graders) and chair/vice-chair roles.
•Committee found some allegations not sustained and one allegation sustained under AMC 2.24; significant council discussion focused on whether the ethics process was being weaponized and on staff/time impacts.
•Council asked about agency roles and emergency-response responsibilities.
•Council noted public-hearing requirements and language regarding public-health protections.
•Encourage outreach and applications from local youth.
•Partner CAP engaged and staff to build project plan.
•Presenter requested city engagement and a public meeting to discuss cleanup status and agency timelines.
•Target go-live date tentatively October 1 (possible September 1 if partner ready).

Decisions

•Accepted second reading to proceed toward final consideration.
•Council approved the ethics committee findings and issued a verbal admonishment.
•Council authorized acceptance of $145,000 AWC grant.
•First reading approved; item advances in ordinance process.

Directions

•Authorize acceptance of grant funding and allow staff to finalize agreements.
•Clerk/Legal to document admonishment in records and file any related paperwork.
•Return with final ordinance language as part of legislative process.
•Staff to prepare application materials and outreach plan.
•Staff to receive presenter PowerPoint and documents and follow up with Ecology/EPA for potential meeting organization.
•Staff to schedule public hearing and prepare final ordinance for approval.

Jul

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 07-22-2026

Aberdeen City Council met July 8, 2026. Public comment included requests on a mosaic display, fireworks restrictions and surveillance cameras; council received presentations from the Grays Harbor County Drug Task Force and the mobile-data firm Place (Placer); council approved a turf-grant resolution and several contracts and code amendments.

Discussion Points

•72-hour limit to keep windows boarded unless replacement ordered and proof shown.
•Claim that FLOC automated license-plate surveillance violates privacy and creates legal risk.
•Clarifications about sidewalk/pest-control scope and enforcement approach.
•Council members present voted yes; motion passed.
•Council recorded voice vote and passed the resolution.
•Exception/process for properties on the National Historic Register.
•Funding reliance on opioid abatement settlement funds and seized assets.
•Funding: staff cited an applied-for ~$300,000 project and grant support; local match discussed.
•Local metrics presented: resident population (~17,000), employees (~11,000), park-level visitation figures.
•Motion to recommend mayor sign grant with state Recreation and Conservation Office for turf installation at Bishop Complex.
•Overview of Placer's data sources, privacy safeguards, and validation methods.
•Pricing discussion (ballpark $19,000/year) and product scope (exclusions for certain property types).
•References to University of Washington audit and a Skagit County court ruling; mention of state legislation.
•Reported seizure totals and active investigations in 2026.
•Request to remove cameras and consider local ordinance banning automated plate readers.
•Scope covers seven crossings and aims to evaluate safety improvements needed for a quiet zone.
•Stakeholder outreach with railroads and Port of Grays Harbor is required.
•Task force mission, multi-jurisdictional structure and investigative focus.
•Third reading of Title 17 amendment and recorded roll-call vote taken.

Decisions

•Authorized mayor to execute consultant agreement
•Bill 26-07 adopted
•Bill 26-13 passed first reading
•Resolution 2026-27 approved

Directions

•Staff to continue coordinating with FRA and finalize consultant agreement.
•Staff to handle National Historic Register cases separately and provide proof-of-order processes.

Jul

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 07-08-2026

Aberdeen City Council met July 8, 2026. The council heard a presentation from location-analytics firm Placer, approved several grant and contract recommendations including a turf installation grant (Resolution 2026-27) and a consultant contract to study railroad crossing eliminations, and passed a Title 17 zoning code amendment on third reading. Public commenters urged stricter fireworks restrictions and removal/audit of automated license-plate readers.

Discussion Points

•Council approved several consent and recommendation items and set dates for budget workshops and next steps on youth council planning.
•Placer estimates a ballpark annual price around $19,000 for a one‑year contract and offers unlimited users for city departments.
•Placer excludes certain sensitive property types from reporting, and claims 92–97% accuracy against private-sector benchmarks.
•Placer’s data comes from an anonymized panel of ~30,000,000 devices and is used to infer residents, workers and visitors.
•Potential traffic migration and business/truck-route impacts if crossings are closed; need for traffic analysis and stakeholder outreach.
•Project history and prior committee work; grant award (March 2025) and RFQ process; seven crossings under review.
•Public commenters urged stronger fireworks restrictions and an independent audit or removal of automated license‑plate readers (Flock).
•Target completion July 2027 if funding and approvals proceed.

Decisions

•Council approved moving forward with consultant agreement to study crossing eliminations and safety improvements.
•No contract or formal action taken at this meeting.
•Resolution 2026‑27 recommendation approved; Brycer Advisory Group agreement recommendation approved; Title 17 zoning amendment passed on third reading.

Directions

•Authorize mayor to execute professional services agreement; finalize grant paperwork and proceed to contract execution; schedule public outreach.
•City staff to obtain contract details, data samples, privacy safeguards and a procurement estimate for council review.
•Council to consider youth council ad hoc committee and return proposals.
•Proceed with grant execution and contract finalization; staff to prepare procurement and privacy follow-up items.

Jun

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 06-24-2026

Aberdeen City Council met June 24, 2026; the council approved three ordinances on ambulance/utility and rate-relief items, authorized intercity EMS and FEMA agreements, rejected a proposed Forge Fiber franchise, and heard a lengthy presentation from the Downtown Aberdeen Association on microgrants and events.

Discussion Points

•Building official presented a change from vacant commercial program to citywide vacant property registration moving enforcement into the property maintenance code and enabling daily fines for noncompliance.
•Change registration from vacant commercial only to citywide vacant property registration.
•Council member raised legal concerns regarding the Forge Fiber franchise and lack of documented rights.
•DAA described microgrant counts, grant aggregate, lighting initiatives supported by Home Depot, volunteer-hour tallies and signature events.
•Expectation of increased paperwork for code enforcement but faster compliance outcomes.
•Move enforcement into property maintenance code to allow daily fines for noncompliance.
•Public comment invited for several ordinance changes; none were offered for the three finance-related hearings.

Decisions

•Adopted Bills 26-11, 26-05, 26-10.
•Approved EMS interlocal agreement as amended.
•Rejected Bill 26-08 (Forge Fiber franchise).

Directions

•Code enforcement to implement vacant property registration procedures and prepare fee resolution if needed.
•Council encouraged continued communication and was invited to attend DAA roundtables and events.
•Staff to finalize EMS agreement with Cosmopoulos and return executed documents.
•Staff to prepare ordinance and accompanying fee resolution and return to council for first reading.
•Staff to re-draft franchise language or supply documentation clarifying rights before returning Forge Fiber matter.

Jun

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 06-10-2026

City council meeting in Aberdeen on 2026-06-10 covering public comment, a community coordination meeting on homelessness/substance-use services and a proposed ‘Aberdeen Cares’ co-response team, major capital-project schedule slips, Port of Grace Harbor annual update, and several first-reading ordinances and interlocal agreements.

Discussion Points

•Group decided to apply for a $200,000 AWC grant to create an 'Aberdeen Cares' alternative/co‑response team; CAP would add two staff if funded.
•Many motions were voice votes; some items were first readings and require subsequent readings for final adoption.
•May 8 coordination meeting identified housing gaps and need for transitional housing; participants considered co‑response coordination viable.
•Multiple capital projects showed schedule slips caused by permitting delays, consultant delivery problems and unforeseen site conditions.
•Museum contract was approved after prior suggestion to table for legal review; one councilor opposed the authorization.
•Participants found that some clients using state assistance reside in Aberdeen and that the city hosts a high concentration of re‑entry housing; this shaped the group's aims.
•Pump‑station construction postponed due to missing fish‑screen scope and HPA requirements; staff aim to resolve this summer and start construction next June.
•US‑101 safety project is consuming high staff hours and contributing to increased overtime.

Decisions

•Council directed staff to pursue a behavioral‑health workshop and authorized staff to apply for the AWC grant (application decision by staff; no final appropriation recorded).
•Multiple approvals recorded as adopted or advanced; detailed roll‑call tallies not read into the record for most items.
•No immediate capital appropriation decisions recorded; staff to present options in the budget cycle.

Directions

•Mayor's office to execute the museum contract and museum committee to proceed with deaccession procedures.
•Post project list on the city website for transparency, per council request.
•Staff to apply for the Association of Washington Cities grant for $200,000 and return with implementation plans if awarded.
•Staff to return first‑reading ordinances for subsequent readings or final adoption as required.
•Staff to return with budget‑cycle options to add project‑management capacity and other 'toolbox' measures.
•Staff to schedule a dedicated workshop with local behavioral‑health partners and the Department of Health to continue planning and address language/access needs.

May

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 05-27-2026

Aberdeen City Council met May 27, 2026. The meeting included a presentation by the Shahis River Stewardship Project, an extended discussion and motion to obtain a cost estimate to install a Portland Loo (permanent public restroom) near the Tesla charging station, several routine resolutions (a $13,253.50 transfer to a customer assistance fund, surplus of a 2007 Ford F-150, maintenance agreement approvals and recommended opioid-abatement expenditures), and multiple public comments about restroom access and youth recognition.

Discussion Points

•22 community cleanups in one month+ resulting in over 100 bags of trash removed; stewardship of ~3,000 acres in coordination with DNR and other agencies.
•Operations: concerns about vandalism, sharps disposal, cameras, cleaning/maintenance responsibilities, and utility connections (4-inch cast iron receiver, holding tank option).
•Partnerships with state and federal agencies for training, marine debris removal and volunteer programs.
•Product features: stainless steel modular design, blue lights to deter drug use, anti-graffiti coating, vandal-resistant fixtures, 1.28 gpf pressure flush, cold-weather kits to 5°F/20°F.
•Relocation: unit weighs ~6,000 lb and requires crane; relocation possible but not trivial.
•Requests for a 2,000–2,500 sq ft hub and help identifying property.
•Site options: Tesla charging station/gateway area, Broadway plaza (future), parking-lot parcel near downtown drugstore, alley/median.
•Transfer of late-fee revenue to customer assistance; surplus of a city vehicle; approval of maintenance agreement with Striker Medical Equipment; adoption of student-recognition proclamation.

Decisions

•All items approved by voice vote; proclamation adopted.
•Council voted unanimously (11–0) to approve staff preparing the cost estimate; this did not authorize purchase.
•No formal action; council encouraged staff follow-up.

Directions

•Council to share city-owned property leads and staff to follow up with the group.
•Staff to obtain cost estimate and feasibility assessment for installing a Portland Loo at the Tesla charging station area, including utility and site-prep costs, options for power (solar/hybrid), sharps container, vinyl wrap, and holding-tank alternatives when sewer is not suitable.
•Staff to process transfers and contracts per standard procedures.

May

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 05-13-2026

Aberdeen City Council met May 13, 2026. Council authorized the mayor to seek $4.1 million from a community foundation for library capital improvements and approved $150,000 for public outreach and preliminary design of a Broadway pedestrian plaza; residents raised multiple public-safety concerns during public comment.

Discussion Points

•Ameresco described scope (HVAC, elevator, plumbing, tenant improvements) and reduced cost estimates from earlier figures; staff noted equipment lead times.
•Council acknowledged the complaints and noted volunteer cleanup efforts.
•Council approved multiple consent- and action-items including the library request, Broadway planning funding, and a task order for reservoir work.
•Council member recused due to subcontractor relationship; recusal recorded prior to the vote.
•Council members raised concerns about restroom access, parking loss and competing city priorities.
•Library advisory board recommended use of a donor-designated facility fund for facility work.
•Residents described specific violent encounters, drug use in public, and sanitation issues downtown.
•Staff described COG planning grant and preliminary traffic memo as rationale for moving to outreach and design.
•Staff were directed to post TIP documents, pursue outreach and design for Broadway, and submit the foundation request for the library.

Decisions

•Council authorized $150,000 for outreach and preliminary design; motion passed 9–3.
•Council authorized the mayor to submit the $4.1M request and approved the amended contract with Ameresco.
•Motion to allocate $150,000 for Broadway outreach and preliminary design (approved 9–3).
•Motion to submit $4.1M request and to approve amended contract with Ameresco (approved).
•No formal policy action taken at this meeting; council requested staff follow-up.
•Other resolutions adopted as noted above.

Directions

•Council to follow up on advisory-committee application status where residents inquired.
•Council will receive follow-up reports and contracting details.
•Staff to hold public workshops with businesses and residents and produce preliminary designs, including restroom siting options.
•Staff to post TIP materials on the website ahead of the May 27 hearing, begin Broadway outreach workshops and submit the foundation request letter for the library.
•Staff to return to council with implementation timeline and construction phasing to minimize service disruption.
•Staff to review leash and assault ordinances and report back.
•Staff to submit the foundation request letter and proceed with contracting steps if funding is secured.

May

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 04-29-2026

City council meeting in Aberdeen on April 29, 2026: council received a legislative update including state funding wins for the city, heard a fire department presentation on a community risk-reduction program, reviewed finance reports (including a proposed disability low‑income utility rate), approved several interlocal agreements and routine ordinances, and authorized an attorney contract for a dam licensing matter.

Discussion Points

•Attorney contract for dam licensing authorized with discussion on hourly rates
•Bill 26‑03 adopted on third reading with roll‑call yes votes recorded
•City secured $35.5M for flood project and ~ $71M for U.S. 12 crossing
•CRR program aims to reduce non‑emergency 911 calls through assessments and referrals
•HB 24.89 did not advance; HB 2266 passed to increase supportive housing capacity
•Legislature authorized budget moves (income tax above $1M and sales tax eliminations) with downstream effect on local revenues
•Multiple interlocal agreements for animal boarding approved by voice vote
•Program partners include local aging, health, and social services organizations
•Revenue at expected 25% for Q1; expenditures higher due to insurance and EMS subsidy
•Staff modeling a disability low‑income utility rate for future council consideration
•Undesignated reserves $3.5M (~59 days cash); 90‑day target remains

Decisions

•Adopted Bill 26‑03; approved interlocal agreements; authorized legal representation
•Schedule budget workshops for June 3 and September 2

Directions

•Continue interim outreach and education with state legislators
•Prepare strategy to defend remaining flood project funding in next biennium
•Staff to finalize and execute contracts and publish ordinances as required
•Staff to return with customer and fiscal impact estimates for the proposed disability rate

Apr

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 04-22-2026

Aberdeen City Council met March 25, 2026, heard public comments about museum projects and neighborhood cleanups, and approved a set of procurement and ordinance items including a sign-contract, several ordinance readings and local proclamations before moving into a short closed session.

Discussion Points

•Announcement of museum 'America 250' passport and plan to sell at county museums for $3 each.
•Budget shortfall for signage project after LTAC grant lapse; staff indicated the cost is about $17,000.
•Finance discussed funding approaches for the customer assistance program fund.
•Invitation to council for a May 7 ribbon-cutting at the Moore Building.
•Public vote on five artifacts to choose a community display piece; target display by June and before July 4.
•Public works presented three procurement/grant items including a flood-reduction grant that depends on Department of Ecology agreement.

Decisions

•Bill 26-01 and Bill 26-02 adopted.
•Contract with CNVsign & Electric approved.
•Public-works authorizations approved.

Directions

•Finance to return with funding plan for customer assistance program.
•Public Works to execute approved contracts and proceed with Ecology grant paperwork.

Mar

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 03-25-2026

Aberdeen City Council met March 25, 2026. The meeting included public comments about street safety and downtown homelessness, a detailed 2025 budget review showing higher-than-expected revenues and tightened reserves, a library presentation and concerns about a LEED-dependent state grant, and first readings of two ordinances plus authorization to execute a materials testing contract.

Discussion Points

•2025 revenue exceeded projections by 7% (~$1.6M) driven by construction activity; expenditures were under budget by ~2%.
•Authorization for a materials testing contract was approved to allow staff to execute the agreement.
•First readings were procedural and carried by voice vote; no final adoptions occurred.
•Library capital project estimated at $5.2M but would rise to about $6.2M if LEED certification costs (~$1M) are required to pursue a Department of Commerce grant.
•Net undesignated reserves are $4.4M (~73 days), below a 90-day target; the city will add $988,000 to reserves instead of the planned $1,160,000.
•Sanitation issues near downtown dumpsters, including human waste and cut locks impacting local businesses.
•Speeding and safety hazards on McFarland Street; proposal to install speed bumps between Exchange and Coolidge.

Decisions

•First readings advanced; contract authorization approved.
•No final decision on applying for the LEED-dependent grant; staff to return with options and legally cleared proposals.
•No formal council action or vote on speed bumps or sanitation measures at this meeting.

Directions

•City Attorney to prepare ordinance language and next steps for subsequent readings.
•Mayor and staff requested contact information from commenters for follow-up and noted summer coordination with community resource organizations.
•Public Works to finalize the MTC contract and return with execution confirmation.
•Staff flagged grant timelines (application due April 15; funds, if awarded, would be awarded in July 2027) and cautioned about the risk of delaying construction for an uncertain award.
•Staff will bring building plans to the library board for review and aim to present a recommendation to the council at the April meeting for Community Foundation consideration.
•Topics may be addressed at scheduled town halls in May.

Mar

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 03-11-2026

The Aberdeen City Council held a public hearing on proposed changes to the ambulance and emergency services (EMS) utility fees, heard extensive public comment on affordability and service sustainability, and debated a resolution to update EMS fees and charges.

Discussion Points

•Council adopted the plan and moved on to procedural updates and appointments.
•Council members debated urgency versus additional study and demanded consideration of mitigation programs.
•No public comment was received during the stormwater public hearing.
•Presenter summarized a 2024 cost-of-service study indicating a $2.4M general-fund subsidy for EMS in 2025 and recommended a rate structure to move toward full cost recovery.
•Residents urged phased increases, targeted discounts for seniors/disabled, or alternative funding (levy) and cited hardship and potential displacement.

Decisions

•Adoption of the 2026 stormwater management program and approval of right-of-way procedural update and committee appointments.
•Council conducted a roll-call vote on the EMS-fee resolution; transcript records '7 ayes, 3 noes' but contains ambiguous phrasing about whether the resolution passed; certified minutes should be checked for the official outcome.

Directions

•Staff to continue researching mitigation options (discounts, alternative funding models, contract terms) and next cost-of-service study due in 2028.

Feb

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 02-11-2026

Aberdeen City Council met to hear public comment on an EMS fee, approve routine consent items, receive a wide-ranging fourth-quarter metrics presentation from city administration, review the 2026 capital projects program (about $35.66 million) and vote on contracts and surplus property sales.

Discussion Points

•2026 capital budget: $35,660,000 allocated across multiple funds and projects; heavy reliance on grants and some debt service.
•Administration explained that state law (RCW) treats EMS charges as a fee for cost-of-service rather than a property-tax levy, and that levies require voter approval and are often capped or rejected.
•Consent agenda approved; lodging-tax grants, Verra Street contract award, and surplus property designation passed by voice vote.
•Equipment downtime (tractor truck) and data-reporting issues with 911 noted as contributors.
•Police rifle surplus was discussed (buyers, suppressors), but no recorded vote in transcript.
•Resident urged adopting the EMS fee now to avoid general-fund cuts and long-term higher costs.
•Staff secured $1.6 million grant for Farragut pump station and plan to internalize construction management for certain projects to reduce consultant costs.
•Training-hour targets exceeded; inspection and response-time targets missed.

Decisions

•Consent agenda approved; lodging-tax grants authorized; Verra Street contract awarded to Mottwood Inc.; property at 2704 designated surplus and authorized for sale.
•No final contract awards for major projects were approved in this presentation; council was briefed and staff will return with awards.
•No formal policy decisions recorded; follow-up reporting and potential operational changes planned.
•No formal vote on adopting the EMS fee was recorded in this meeting transcript.

Directions

•Administration offered to meet individually with residents and to provide follow-up information at subsequent meetings.
•Chiefs to provide full department reports in April 2026; HR director to implement succession-planning/mentorship program.
•Public Works to return with contract-award documentation; Real Estate/Community Development to prepare surplus sale paperwork; Police to clarify surplus procedures.
•Staff will return specific contract awards to council for approval and continue interagency grant reporting and reimbursements.

Feb

Regular Aberdeen City Council Meeting 01-28-2026

City council heard public comment about an EMS rate increase, set a public hearing on EMS utility rates, approved an interlocal EMS services agreement with Cosmopolis, received a year-end Community Development report, heard a flood mitigation presentation from the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority, and voted to send a letter opposing House Bill 2489.

Discussion Points

•Abatement workload and cost concerns; 49 active abatement cases noted.
•Presentation described history of basin work and emphasized pumps and levees as the solution for low-lying areas.
•Presenter outlined planned request for Farragut pump funding and improvements to forecasting via additional gauges and NWS collaboration.
•Public commenter and members said HB 2489 would limit local authority to address homelessness and require services cities cannot afford.
•Record permit revenue and permit counts; types of housing included in permit totals.
•Resident public comment urged placing EMS charges on the tax rolls rather than monthly bills and called a proposed $67/month charge unaffordable.

Decisions

•Approved interlocal EMS agreement with Cosmopolis for 2026.
•Motion passed by roll call vote, 10–2.

Directions

•Director Scott to email the written year-end report to council members.
•Prepare and send a letter of opposition and testify before legislative committees.
•Set public hearing for March 11, 2026, per RCW 35.21.766.

Dec

Aberdeen Council Meeting 12-10-2025

Aberdeen City Council met on Dec. 10, 2025. Council heard multiple public comments raising concerns about tiered water billing and EMS fee increases, received a third-quarter performance report, approved several labor contracts and procurement actions, and directed staff to review an EMS resolution for compliance.

Discussion Points

•A Cosmopolis interlocal was withdrawn.
•Agreements were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
•Approvals included intergovernmental agreements, procurement awards and plan adoption.
•Council suspended rules to adopt the ordinance the same night.
•Council thanked HR and contract counsel for their work.
•Hearing opened and closed; no public testimony.
•Public commenters described rising water bills, tiering concerns and affordability for seniors.
•Quarterly metrics presented across public safety, infrastructure, fiscal and outreach areas.
•Staff acknowledged unmet goals (EMS dispatch-to-en-route times, catch-basin inspections).
•Staff reported the municipal code language around EMS fees appears noncompliant with state law and needs review.

Decisions

•Bill 25-16 adopted to lower senior income threshold from 300% to 200% of poverty guidelines.
•Council adopted multiple collective bargaining agreements for 2026–2028.
•Council voted to repeal EMS resolution 25-10 to allow staff to update municipal code and conduct research.
•Multiple agreements and procurement actions were authorized at the meeting.

Directions

•Clerk to publish executed agreements.
•HR to publish the executed agreements and implement contract provisions.
•Public Works to execute contracts and report back on implementation.
•Staff directed to work with city attorney to research statute-of-limitations and whether credits are due.
•Staff to codify threshold and implement administrative changes.
•Staff to return missing data as available in the fourth-quarter report.
•Staff to return with recommendations in January.

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