City Council Work Session

CITY OF ABERDEEN Work Session October 20, 2025 A) CALL TO ORDER Council President Hiob called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m. in the second floor administrative conference room. B) ROLL CALL Present: Council President Adam Hiob Councilman William Montgomery, III Councilwoman Tandra Ridgley Absent: Mayor Patrick McGrady Councilman Timothy Lindecamp Also Present: Phyllis Grover, Director of Planning & Community Development; Henry Trabert, Chief of Police; Beth Boyson, Planning Commission Chair; Vickie Horne, Aberdeen Main Street Coordinator; Steve Horne, Economic Development Commission Chair; Monica Correll, City Clerk C) BUSINESS TOPICS C.1 Establishing A Government Shutdown Resource Guide Following attendance at energy conferences, Councilwoman Ridgley announced that they would partner with BGE for the purpose of providing a resource guide to help the community especially during the federal government shut down. A BGE open house would be scheduled and other assistance was discussed. C.2 Council Feedback on the Activity Center Letter to Harford County Government The Council discussed a draft letter concerning the conceptual plans for the future Aberdeen Activity Center. They discussed feedback on the letter and using the facility as a resilience hub. A final version would be prepared. Phyllis Grover updated the Council on outstanding issues following a traffic study: the State would like improvements at the intersection at Middelton Road and U.S. Route 22; the intersection of W. Bel Air Avenue and Middelton Road; and Beards Hill Road and W. Bel Air Avenue. A preliminary site plan could not be submitted until the traffic impact study was finalized. C.3 Rules of Procedure Amendment Proposed Updates to the Council Rules of Procedure.pdf 2025-10-20 Council Work Session Page 2 of 2 Amendments to the Council Rules of Procedure concerned utilizing video conferencing platforms with livestreaming and technical upgrades. The volunteer group, Heritage Trust, needed to be added under "Liaisons." C.4 Ripken Stadium Planning Council President Hiob shared a newspaper article regarding the future of Ripken Stadium: events, new uses, generating interest in tourism, etc. C.5 Westside Water Tank Exterior Design The Westside water tank was under construction and feedback was needed on what to paint on the tank to showcase Aberdeen. C.6 Trash Collect Services to Eligible Tax-Exempt Properties Trash collection services for residential/non-profit/not occupied by property owners were discussed for future consideration. C.7 Future Urban Design Study Ms. Grover explained that grant funds from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development were used to hire the firm, Mahan Rykiel Associates, Inc., for marketing purposes in the Main Street area and an urban design plan. She explained the scope of work for the Centennial Lane/Cypress Alley district implementation project. Council discussion followed on the potential opportunities of the project, effect on downtown assets, redevelopment potential, and adjustments to the scope of work. Other matters of discussion included the possibility of paid internship, updating the COOP (Continuity of Operations Plan), and updates on Farm Road and Railbird Alley. D) ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m. City Clerk