City Council

CITY OF ABERDEEN Council Meeting April 13, 2026 A) CALL TO ORDER Mayor McGrady called the Council Meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. in the Council Chambers. B) ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Patrick McGrady Council President Adam Hiob Councilman Montgomery Councilwoman Tandra Ridgley Councilman Darin Wassum Also Present: Phyllis Grover, Director of Planning & Community Development; Henry Trabert, Chief of Police; Opiribo Jack, Director of Finance; Monica Correll, City Clerk C) OPENING PRAYER The opening prayer was given by Elder John Landbeck, Jr., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. D) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Montgomery. E) APPROVAL OF MINUTES E.1 March 9, 2026 Council Meeting 2026-03-09 Council Meeting Minutes.pdf E.2 March 16, 2026 Work Session 2026-03-16 Work Session Minutes.pdf E.3 March 23, 2026 Council Meeting 2026-03-23 Council Meeting Minutes.pdf A motion was made by Councilman Montgomery and seconded by Councilman Wassum to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2026 Council Meeting, March 16, 2026 Work Session, and the March 23, 2026 Council Meeting. The motion carried by a vote of 4 – yes; 0 – no. Ayes: Council President Hiob, Councilman Montgomery, Councilwoman Tandra Ridgley, Councilman Wassum Nays: None 2026-04-13 Council Meeting Page 2 of 3 F) STATEMENT OF CLOSED MEETING - None G) PRESENTATIONS - None H) PUBLIC HEARINGS H.1 Ordinance No. 26-O-01, Amendment of FY 2026 Budget (1) [2nd meeting] Ordinance No. 26-O-01, Amendment of FY 2026 Budget (1).pdf Budget_Amendment_Narrative_-_Ordinance_No_26-O-01_-_3-23-26.pdf FY_2026_Budget_Amendment_3-23-26_Spreadsheet.pdf There were no public comments. I) PUBLIC COMMENT Robert Hartman, 226 Paradise Road: Mr. Hartman commented on the County budget and the funding for the Aberdeen Activity Center. He felt that traffic laws should be enforced. Maria Montgomery, 544 Beards Hill Road: Ms. Montgomery reminded everyone to call animal control instead of handling animal problems on their own. J) LEGISLATION UNDER CONSIDERATION - None K) PENDING LEGISLATION K.1 Ordinance No. 26-O-01, Amendment of FY 2026 Budget (1) [2nd meeting] Ordinance No. 26-O-01, Amendment of FY 2026 Budget (1).pdf FY_2026_Budget_Amendment_3-23-26_Spreadsheet.pdf Budget_Amendment_Narrative_-_Ordinance_No_26-O-01_-_3-23-26.pdf The Mayor explained certain aspects of the ordinance such as renovation of 18 N. Howard Street, project restore requests, and monetary matters. L) UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None M) NEW BUSINESS M.1 Appointments - Personnel The Mayor introduced Eric Daxon, a candidate for the position of Director for the Department of Public Works. Mr. Daxon spoke about his experience and goals for the Department of Public Works. Council discussion followed. 2026-04-13 Council Meeting Page 3 of 3 Mayor McGrady nominated Eric Daxon as Director of the Department of Public Works. The nomination carried by a vote of 4 – yes; 0 – no. Ayes: Council President Hiob, Councilman Montgomery, Councilwoman Tandra Ridgley, Councilman Wassum N) UPDATES FROM STAFF The Chief reminded pedestrians to use crosswalks and warned drivers to be alert and yield to pedestrians. Mr. Jack reported that Finance was working on the fiscal year 2027 budget. O) PUBLIC COMMENT Robert Hartman, 226 Paradise Road: Mr. Hartman asked for the State of the City address. Terrell Boothe, 137 S. Rogers Street: Mr. Boothe asked for a transit-oriented development study. P) BUSINESS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL (with Liaison Reports) The Council reported on their activities and commented on Planning Commission matters, new restaurants and businesses, Maryland General Assembly bills, and Maryland Municipal League scholarships for high school seniors. The Mayor summarized fiscal year 2027 budget items with focus on property tax reduction, water/sewer rate increase, and employee health care. Q) ANNOUNCEMENTS The Mayor made the following announcements: Economic Development Commission, Wednesday, April 15, Council Chambers, 8:30 a.m. Earth Day, Saturday, April 18, Festival Park, 11 a.m. Council Work Session, Monday, April 20, 2nd Floor Administrative Conference Room, 6 p.m. Heritage Trust Meeting, Thursday, April 23, Council Chambers, 6:30 p.m. Regular Council Meeting, Monday, April 27, Council Chambers, 7 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting, Thursday, May 13, Council Chambers, 6 p.m. Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, Festival Park, 11 AM - 6 p.m. City Hall Closed on Monday, May 25, Memorial Day. Aberdeen 250 Freedom 5K Run & Walk, Sat., June 27, Festival Park, 8 a.m. Aberdeen 250 Run & Walk.png Armed Forces Day 2026.png R) CLOSED MEETING - None S) ADJOURNMENT: Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. City Clerk