ABERDEEN, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- At Monday night’s Aberdeen City Council, the council address a pair of ordinances addressing parking specifically in downtown Aberdeen.

Aberdeen City Attorney Ron Wager(Wag-er) talks about the first ordinance dealing with repealing the Parking Board. Wager talks about the board that was introduced back in 2019.

Wager explains the purpose of the ordinance.

Wager inform the council that the Aberdeen Downtown Association was in support of this ordinance.

The ordinance was approved by the council.  This also would expand the purpose of the Downtown Business Improvement District.

The second ordinance address public parking regulations with the main focus being downtown.

Wager talks about this ordinance.

Wager talks about appointing a public parking manager to handle this responsibility.

One key part of this ordinance is dealing with the issue of no traffic zone for special events.  Wager explains.

Aberdeen Police Chief Dave McNeil felt this was needed to better help downtown businesses in Aberdeen.

One concern raised by the ordinance was the issues of denials if any, Councilwoman Tiffany Langer proposed an amendment to addressed that.

Councilwoman Erin Fouberg concern about the amendment is following the first amendment right to assemble wouldn’t be violated.

Attorney Wager responded to those concerns.

Opposing the amendment was Councilman Rich Ward who felt he wanted to see the process play out and maybe address this if needed later.

Councilman David Novstrup supported the amendment and explains why.

The council approved the amendment on a 6-2 vote.  Ward and Fouberg both opposed the amendment.

The council did approve the amendment on a 8-0 vote.  Second reading of both ordinances will take place at the next City Council meeting on Monday, November 19th.

Once approved, Chief McNeil has appointed Lt. Brad Jung(Young) to be the public parking manager.