City of Aberdeen

Key discussions included public comment regarding proposed Ordinance No. 25-O-16, specifically concerning amended parking requirements for cannabis dispensaries, with requests for transparency in amendment tracking. The Council considered and adopted amendments 1 through 18 of Ordinance No. 25-O-16 (Development Code Revision), pending final legal review of Amendment 19. In New Business, Elizabeth Thompson was nominated and confirmed as City Attorney. Staff updates covered securing a $2 million earmark for the Swan Meadows infrastructure project and a $300,000 earmark for outdoor activities improvements. The Mayor also highlighted ongoing snow removal efforts and sidewalk clearance concerns. Under business of the Council, the Aberdeen Downtown Revitalization Fund proposal, involving the purchase and funding of improvements at 18 Howard Street and the purchase of 20 Howard Street, was approved with a $670,000 expenditure.

The meeting included a discussion between the Chairperson and the Mayor concerning the proposed budget and strategic plan. The Heritage Trust members formally approved the final version of both the budget and the strategic plan. The meeting adjourned early to prepare for a subsequent Speakers Series event featuring the President of the Aberdeen Historical Museum.

The work session primarily focused on two business topics. First, the introduction and discussion of Elizabeth Thompson, the nominee for City Attorney, including a review of her resume and a draft retainer agreement with Stark and Keenan. Council members questioned her experience and potential conflicts of interest, noting that the formal approval would occur at the next regular Council meeting. Second, the Council discussed proposed amendments to Ordinance No. 25-O-16, Development Code Revision. Specific amendments addressed nonconforming uses, legal fee reimbursement, parking requirements in the TOD, and short-term recreational vehicle occupancy. The consensus was to incorporate amendments 1 through 18 into a draft ordinance for public review before final adoption at the subsequent meeting on February 23.

Key discussion topics included the Treasurer's Report, which detailed fund balances and noted an outstanding invoice. The Harford County Economic Development update covered upcoming events like the Harford Level Up and the release of the Government Impact Report, along with tourism metrics and the approaching grant season. The APG update mentioned Colonel Johnson's attendance at the Chamber Luncheon. Planning and Community Development reported on a development code amendment ordinance concerning cannabis dispensary regulations and parking standards, noting receipt of a $100,000 grant for façade improvements. Main Street activities included scheduling Earth Day, Taste of Aberdeen, and the Tower Rocks event. Upper Chesapeake Hospital reported on reduced ER LWBS due to facility improvements. Other business involved Wayfinding Signs, with motions passed to update signage content and add parking signs; Mayor's Two-Year Initiatives focusing on visitor spending tracking and grant requests; Pickleball Tournaments supporting women in crisis; America 250 Planning, including website development and sponsorship needs; and updates on the Italian Festival recruitment. The City Council provided an update regarding a $300,000 grant received for an outdoor Activity Center.

The work session addressed several key business topics. The Mayor presented revised 2-Year Vision priorities aligned with COA Strategic Goals for 2026, receiving general support with focus on prioritization, tax policy, downtown revitalization, and infrastructure. The Council reviewed proposed Development Code amendments intended to modernize zoning standards and address nonconforming uses; direction was given to staff to revise language and obtain legal feedback on specific areas like panhandle lot standards and parking requirements. The session included discussion on Ordinance No. 26-O-02, proposing adjustments to the funding formula for the Aberdeen Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., including removing the $500,000 cap and adjusting the minimum floor; the ordinance was tabled pending receipt of the Fire Department's detailed multi-year financial plan. Finally, the Council discussed a proposal to create the Aberdeen Downtown Revitalization Fund (ADRF) to reinvest profits from Howard Street properties into future downtown projects, providing general support for the concept.