Councilwoman Langer questions need for private investigator to ask about her children
Councilwoman Tiffany Langer has questioned the need for a private investigator to ask about the care of her children as part of what could be an investigation into Aberdeen City Council matters.
In a printed statement distributed to the council Monday at the end of the regular meeting, Langer said she was told on May 9 by her former babysitter that the care provider was contacted by a private investigator.
"The questions ranged from when they were with adults, to whom they are with and where. (The babysitter) was told this information was being gathered for potential city council matters," Langer's statement read.
Following the city meeting, Langer said she doesn't know who hired the private investigator, only, she said, that the name of her babysitter was provided by a member of the council. While Langer said she understands that she is a public official, she questions the need for an investigator to ask about her children.
"This kind of behavior does not belong in city government, and I will continue to advocate for a non-partisan, honest and transparent council," she said in her written statement.
Prior to distributing the statement, Langer asked each member of the council to read her statement and call her with questions.
"I want to get back to what we were meant to do," she said.
The issue is the latest conflict within the council. In recent weeks, campaign material issued by Andy Schaunaman that claimed that Aberdeen was just "one vote" from hiring a "liberal city manager" sparked controversy.
More: City council members, candidates have different takes on breach-of-confidence concern
The only vote to hire a city manager was a 9-0 tally in spring 2020, sparking questions about the "one vote" claim and whether there was some sort of breach of confidence concerning personnel matters. The issue was discussed by the city council earlier this month.
Any Schaunaman is the brother of Mayor Travis Schaunaman and is running for a council seat in the Northeast District.
Park alcohol policy adopted
A policy governing where alcohol can be consumed or purchased on city park property and in related facilities, and under what conditions, was approved by the council.
The overriding theme of the policy is that alcohol consumption is prohibited at any planned youth event. Provisions allow for the consumption of alcohol in certain places and also the consumption or sale of alcohol during a planned event. These events require a facility permit and, if alcohol is to be sold, a license to sell.
The Aberdeen Park and Recreation Board reviewed and adopted the policy at its May meeting.
Councilman Rob Ronayne praised the work that went into drafting the policy.
"Holy catfish that was a lot of work going through all the areas and thinking about how this should be," he said.
More: Updated alcohol ordinance approved by Aberdeen Park and Recreation Board
In other action, the council:
Approved an updated cooperative use agreement between the city and the Aberdeen School District with respect to the use of public facilities. The update reflects the name change of the Clark Swisher Activities Complex to the Brownell Activities Complex, which is at Central High School.
Approved a $200,000 grant agreement with the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development and the Aberdeen Regional Airport. It approves a marketing agreement with Hub City Radio, which includes on-air promotions as well as digital and social media. Funding for the grant was approved by the South Dakota Legislature in 2021.
This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Tiffany Langer questions the need for PI to ask about her children
