Aberdeen City Council Live Blog: Landbeck Criticizes McGrady

Next council meeting is Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.

7:40 p.m.

Mayor Michael Bennett thanks voters for coming out during the municipal election.

He attended the National League of Cities conference in Phoenix, AZ, on behalf of the Maryland Municipal League. He said it was an opportunity to look at city issues at a national perspective.

He said he attended Thanksgiving in Nashville, TN, with his family. He hopes to see people at the Christmas Street Parade

7:37 p.m.

Councilman Bruce Garner reminds the city that the forecast is sunny weather for the Christmas Street Celebration.

7:34 p.m.

Councilwoman Ruth Ann Young said this can be a beginning for Aberdeen in a sense of building community now that the election is over.

7:33 p.m.

When talking about the recent municipal election, Councilwoman Sandy Landbeck, a registered Republican for many years, references President George Washington's farewell address on how political parties can be destructive.

She said citizens were susceptible to rhetoric from challenger Patrick McGrady on talks about cutting taxes. Landbeck said she felt "uncomfortable" that people were questioning the purpose of what City Council had completed in recent years. She pledges to be clearer about initiatives for the city.

7:24 p.m.

Councilwoman Ruth Elliott reminds the city that the Aberdeen Heritage Trust is conducting a contest to encourage people to decorate their homes this holiday season.

7:22 p.m.

City Manager Doug Miller encourages Aberdeen residents to check out the Christmas Street Parade on Dec. 3 at Festival Park.

7:20 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

City Council accepts the bid in a 5-0 vote.

7:13 p.m.

Moxley's Inc. has bid to provide a utility body and crane for a truck to be used in storm drain works. The bid price is $19,800. Director of Public Works Matt Lapinsky recommends the bid to City Council members.

7:10 p.m.

Director of Finance Opiribo Jack is presenting a statement of the city's audited financial statements for fiscal year 2011. Patch will publish the complete summary in an upcoming post.

7:09 p.m.

Chief of Police Henry Trabert asks people to donate toys and food at the Aberdeen Police Station. It runs through Dec. 23.

7:07 p.m.

Janice Grant talks during public comment. Help Hands Ministries, located at 3237 Level Road, is looking for cooks to volunteer at an event on Dec. 3.

7:06 p.m.

One hundred fifty-seven municipalities will recognize Muncipal Government Works Month.

7:03 p.m.

APG Chaplain LTC Jimmy C. Davis Jr. delivers the opening prayer.

7:01 p.m.

The roll was called. All four council members and Mayor Michael Bennett are present.

6:57 p.m.

The city's general fund had a budgetary surplus of $2.1 million, according to the Aberdeen's audited financial statements for Fiscal Year 2011.

6:54 p.m.

There's three people in attendance.

6:49 p.m.

Tonight's agenda includes:

• Proclamation in recognition of Municipal Government Works Month
• Fiscal Year 2011 Audit report from the Director of Finance Opiribo Jack
• Bid Awarded by the Department of Public Works
• Announcement of Chrismas Street Celebration and Parade on Dec. 3