Aberdeen names longtime assistant Jeremy Thorstenson public works director as major projects move forward
May 18, 2026 | City of Aberdeen, Brown County, South Dakota
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The Aberdeen City Council appointed Jeremy Thorstenson as the city’s public works director and approved a series of contracts and pay requests tied to ongoing public-works projects.
City manager Dave told the council the city separated the city engineer and public-works director roles after the long-term city engineer retired, and staff recommended promoting Thorstenson, the assistant public works director. Dave said Thorstenson has “32 years of experience” and multiple certifications, and staff recommended the appointment. The council approved the appointment by voice vote.
Council then approved a pay request tied to consulting services for the Public Works Maintenance Building (HKG Architects). Thorstenson said site work is underway and staff had reviewed the invoice, recommending payment because charges were “consistent with the scope of the services authorized for the project.”
On a separate item, the council authorized a $70,600 contract with Barton Heating & Air Conditioning to install additional ventilation and carbon-monoxide detectors in four city shop buildings. Dave said the city solicited three quotes and selected the mid-range proposal because staff and the risk manager were comfortable with Barton’s availability and past performance.
The council also approved pay request No. 11 for the wastewater resource facility (WRF) improvements: staff reported the project is about 35% complete and recommended payment of $3,010,687.75 to PKG Contracting for concrete work, equipment deliveries and related construction; Amanda, wastewater staff, said some components are behind schedule but the contractor is working to catch up.
Finally, Thorstenson recommended authorizing purchases of diesel and gasoline via existing state contract pricing (a common annual practice to secure competitive tanker and bulk prices). He said the state-awarded contracts allow the city to ‘‘piggyback’’ on a competitive bid and that the contract prices are lower than retail pump prices.
The council approved the appointments, contracts and pay requests by roll call or voice votes as recorded. The city manager also announced a May 26 work session that will include public-works topics including the DOT plan for the 6th Avenue Bridge reconstruction and construction impacts on local streets.
City manager Dave told the council the city separated the city engineer and public-works director roles after the long-term city engineer retired, and staff recommended promoting Thorstenson, the assistant public works director. Dave said Thorstenson has “32 years of experience” and multiple certifications, and staff recommended the appointment. The council approved the appointment by voice vote.
Council then approved a pay request tied to consulting services for the Public Works Maintenance Building (HKG Architects). Thorstenson said site work is underway and staff had reviewed the invoice, recommending payment because charges were “consistent with the scope of the services authorized for the project.”
On a separate item, the council authorized a $70,600 contract with Barton Heating & Air Conditioning to install additional ventilation and carbon-monoxide detectors in four city shop buildings. Dave said the city solicited three quotes and selected the mid-range proposal because staff and the risk manager were comfortable with Barton’s availability and past performance.
The council also approved pay request No. 11 for the wastewater resource facility (WRF) improvements: staff reported the project is about 35% complete and recommended payment of $3,010,687.75 to PKG Contracting for concrete work, equipment deliveries and related construction; Amanda, wastewater staff, said some components are behind schedule but the contractor is working to catch up.
Finally, Thorstenson recommended authorizing purchases of diesel and gasoline via existing state contract pricing (a common annual practice to secure competitive tanker and bulk prices). He said the state-awarded contracts allow the city to ‘‘piggyback’’ on a competitive bid and that the contract prices are lower than retail pump prices.
The council approved the appointments, contracts and pay requests by roll call or voice votes as recorded. The city manager also announced a May 26 work session that will include public-works topics including the DOT plan for the 6th Avenue Bridge reconstruction and construction impacts on local streets.
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