Public Meetings - Kearney, Nebraska

The Kearney Planning Commission met on November 17, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. The commission considered several land-use applications, including an easement vacation, rezoning, final plat, and annexation for the Arbor View Third subdivision, preliminary and final plats for Prairie View Business Park Third, and a presentation and adoption of the City of Kearney Affordable Housing Action Plan. Consent Calendar - Minutes of October 20, 2023: Approved 8-0 (Baker abstained). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received on any agenda item. Discussion Items - Easement Vacation No. 2023-05: Jeremy Feusner (Nebraska Public Power District) presented a request to vacate a 153-foot by 15-foot public utility easement at 3103/3107 West Highway 30. A new triangular easement had been acquired to relocate underground utilities. Staff found the vacation compliant with the Unified Land Development Ordinance and recommended approval. - Rezoning No. 2023-18, Final Plat No. 2023-11, Annexation No. 2023-04 (Arbor View Third): Craig Bennett (Miller & Associates) presented for Fox Creek Development, LLC. The 14-lot, 4.75-acre project south of East 65th Street and Avenue R requested rezoning from AG to R1, final plat approval, and annexation. The site would be served by existing water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. Staff recommended approval of all three items. - Preliminary Plat No. 2023-12 and Final Plat No. 2023-12 (Prairie View Business Park Third): Bill Shapley (WWS Land, LLC) presented a 10.5-acre lot west of Imperial Avenue and north of East 45th Street, proposed for M1 (Limited Industrial) use. The plat included dedication of 50 feet of right-of-way along Imperial Avenue. The site would use individual septic and well water. Staff recommended approval of both plats. - Affordable Housing Action Plan: Melissa Doherty-O’Hara (City of Kearney) presented the plan, required by LB 866 (Municipal Density and Missing Middle Housing Act). The plan includes a housing snapshot, public engagement results (five listening sessions with six themes), and 21 action steps over 10 years. Key findings: 35.49% of land zoned for middle/multifamily housing; 26% of households cost-burdened; low residential permits in 2022 (69). Action steps include updating vacant lot inventory, creating a transition zoning district, and targeting TIF or reduced fees for affordable housing. The commission discussed the need for monitoring, the role of market forces, and the lack of housing inventory. The plan was recommended for approval to city council. - Discussion Item – Planned Developments: Member McGinnis requested a future discussion on planned developments; no specific action was taken. Key Outcomes - Easement Vacation No. 2023-05: Approved unanimously. - Rezoning No. 2023-18: Approved unanimously (8-0). - Final Plat No. 2023-11 (Arbor View Third): Approved unanimously. - Annexation No. 2023-04: Approved unanimously. - Preliminary Plat No. 2023-12 (Prairie View Business Park Third): Approved unanimously. - Final Plat No. 2023-12 (Prairie View Business Park Third): Approved unanimously. - Affordable Housing Action Plan: Recommended for approval (8-0) to city council for adoption at their first meeting in December 2023. - The meeting adjourned with a motion.

The Kearney City Council met on November 14, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting featured police commendations, a homelessness awareness proclamation, recognition of the Water Resource and Recovery Facility, six public hearings on development proposals, a 16-item consent agenda, and regular agenda items. All actions were approved with council members present voting in favor, with one council member (Nicola) absent throughout. Routine Business & Recognitions - Kearney Police Department Chief Waugh presented awards: Officers Schwartz and Dostel received Certificates of Accomendation for actions on May 14, 2023 (applying a tourniquet to a stabbing victim) and June 11, 2023 (compassionate follow-up with a grieving family). Officers Payton, Hughes, and CSO Van Horn received Lifesaving Awards for their March 6, 2023 response to a cardiac arrest, including CPR and AED use. Officer Stokey received a Lifesaving Award for rescuing a suicidal individual from the Yanney Park Tower on July 29, 2023. - Mayor Nikkila read a proclamation declaring November 11–18, 2023 as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Representatives from Community Action Partnership and other groups accepted; a speaker expressed support for the city's housing study and urged the council to consider city efforts to create additional affordable housing. - Superintendent Clint Smith accepted the 2023 Scott Wilbur Award - Best in Class Medium Size Facility for the Water Resource and Recovery Facility, noting the facility's performance during a major construction project and the loss of experienced staff. Consent Calendar - The council approved items 1–16 of the consent agenda unanimously (4-0, with one absent). Notable items included: - Minutes of October 24, 2023; claims approval. - Purchase of a 2024 Peterbilt refuse truck for $396,604.02. - Purchase of a 2024 Elgin Eagle street sweeper for $313,155.27. - Acceptance of a $190,291.00 pump station bid from Hanson Irrigation Inc. - Rejection of bids for the Yanney Playground Surface Project. - Resolutions approving employment agreements and amendments for the interim city manager and city manager. - Resolution approving a developer infrastructure agreement for BSB Addition. - Resolution approving a records management software upgrade for KPD and Buffalo County Sheriff's Office. - Purchases of a Kobus pipe puller ($72,620.00), mini excavator ($88,263.26), two Chevrolet pickups ($64,057.00 and $52,689.00). - Resolution approving an amended development agreement with GC Data Center Kearney, LLC. Public Hearings & Discussion Items - Stone Creek Second Subdivision (Public Hearings 1-3): Applicant Trenton Snow explained the need to rezone and plat a small tract at 2nd Avenue and 98th Street to comply with city regulations. The council closed the hearings and approved the land use map amendment (Resolution 2023-146), the rezoning to M-1 (Ordinance 8653), and the final plat and subdivision agreement (Resolution 2023-147). All votes were 4-0. - Greenhill Acres Subdivision Vacation (Public Hearing 4): Owner Andrew Hoffmeister testified that lot lines from a 1970s subdivision are obsolete due to topography and road changes. The council unanimously approved Ordinance 8654 vacating Lots 1-6. - Schumacher Fencing Rezoning and Planned Development (Public Hearings 5-6): Applicant Craig Bennon presented plans to rezone 3107 West Highway 30 to C-3/PD to allow gravel trailer storage, with fencing and landscaping screening. The council unanimously approved Ordinance 8655 and Resolution 2023-159. - Buffalo Island Second Subdivision (Regular Agenda Item 1): The council suspended rules and passed Ordinances 8650, 8651, and 8652 (easement vacation, lot vacation, and rezoning) on final reading by a 4-0 vote. - Open Account Claims (Regular Agenda Item 2): The council approved claims to Stanley Clouse ($601.45) and NPPD ($128,141.06) with Mayor Nikkila abstaining (3-0-1), and a claim to Goodwill ($116.36) with Council Member Bushcutter abstaining (3-0-1). Key Outcomes - All 9 resolutions and 5 ordinances were approved as described above. - No public comments were offered during any of the public hearings. - The meeting adjourned following the regular agenda, with the next meeting scheduled for a future date.

The Kearney City Council met on October 24, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included public hearings on a property development, a postponement, approval of consent agenda items, and deferral of a claims item. Councilmembers were present: Mayor Jonathan Nikkila (presiding), Vice-President Randy Buschkoetter, Councilmember Tami James Moore. Two members were absent: Councilmember Kurt Schmidt and Councilmember Pete Kotsiopulos. Consent Calendar - The Council approved all 13 items on the Consent Agenda (IV-1 through IV-13) by a unanimous voice vote. Items included: approval of October 10, 2023 meeting minutes; approval of claims; receipt of Planning Commission recommendations and setting a November 14 hearing date; authorizing letters of no recommendation for two liquor license applications (Le Chateau No. 22 and Hunan’s Chinese Restaurant); purchase of a sewer combination jet/vacuum truck for $469,347.26; adoption of Resolution 2023-152 for the Developer Constructed Infrastructure Agreement for The Meadows First Addition; Resolution 2023-153 appointing a member to the Downtown Improvement Board; Resolution 2023-154 restricting parking on 6th and 7th Avenues per YMCA agreement; and payments for various infrastructure projects (WWTP Phase II, elevated water tower, booster pump stations, and mill & asphalt overlay). Public Hearings 1. Buffalo Island 2nd Subdivision (Public Hearings 1 & 2) - The Council conducted a combined public hearing on applications by John Krotz (applicant) for the owners to: (a) vacate a 40-foot wide ingress-egress access and utility easement; (b) vacate Lot 1 of Buffalo Island Subdivision; and (c) rezone from AG and RR-1 to RR-1 (Rural Standards) for property at 77 Sweetwater Avenue. The Planning Commission had recommended approval. John Krotz stated that the transactions would complete a previously started platting process, adding three acres and dividing two lots. No public testimony was offered. The Council closed the hearing and voted separately on the ordinances and the plat resolution. - Key Outcome: The Council approved Ordinance No. 8650, 8651, and 8652 on first reading by title only (motion by Councilmember Buschkoetter, seconded by Councilmember Moore; vote: Mayor aye, Councilmember Moore aye, Councilmember Buschkoetter aye; Councilmembers Schmidt and Kotsiopulos absent). The ordinance will be adopted at the next regular council meeting without further reading per state statute. The Council also adopted Resolution No. 2023-145 approving the Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Buffalo Island 2nd Subdivision, subject to the effective date of the three ordinances (same motion and vote). Discussion Items 2. Stone Creek 2nd Subdivision (Public Hearings 3, 4, 5) - The Council postponed public hearings on the application by Trenton Snow (surveyor) for James J. Nickman/Blue Water Investments, LLC for an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map (from RE to MU3), rezoning from AG to M-1, and approval of the Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Stone Creek Second Subdivision (southwest corner of 2nd Avenue and 98th Street). The postponement was to November 14, 2023 (motion by Councilmember Buschkoetter, seconded by Councilmember Moore; vote: Mayor aye, Councilmember Moore aye, Councilmember Buschkoetter aye; two absent). 3. Open Account Claims - The Council also postponed an item from the Regular Agenda regarding open account claims for Goodwill ($116.36) and NPPD ($119,189.55) to the November 14, 2023 meeting. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned following the reports.

The Planning Commission of Kearney, Nebraska, met on October 20, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of minutes, a subdivision vacation, two public hearings for a rezoning and planned development overlay for Schumacher Fencing, and informational reports. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the September 15, 2023, meeting were approved with a minor edit (correcting an omission of an open public hearing). The motion carried unanimously. - Subdivision Vacation No. 1980-05: Application by Andrew W. Hoffmeister to vacate Lots 1-6 of Greenhill Acres Subdivision (north of 56th Street, west of 46th Avenue). The applicant stated the property is their home, with no intent to redevelop, and the existing plat is outdated. Staff recommended approval, finding the vacation consistent with the comprehensive plan. The commission voted unanimously to approve. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made by individuals other than the applicants and staff during the hearings. Discussion Items - Rezoning No. 2023-17 and Planned Development Plan No. 2023-17 (Schumacher Fencing): Two hearings were held jointly for property at 3107 West Highway 30. Craig Bennett of Miller & Associates represented the applicant. The request was to rezone from C-3 (General Commercial) to C-3/PD (General Commercial/Planned Development Overlay) and approve a PD plan to allow a gravel storage area (rock, gravel, concrete) on the north side of the property, behind the building, instead of paved parking. The deviation from paving requirements was requested because the area would be used for storage of materials. To mitigate visual impact, the applicant proposed a six-foot opaque PVC fence and an additional seven spruce trees along the east side as an increase in minimum standards. Staff noted that the use (construction sales and service) permits outdoor storage as accessory if screened. The deviation would allow gravel instead of paved area. The commission discussed landscaping, potential future expansion, and screening from Highway 30 and the hike/bike trail. Staff recommended approval with the deviation and the added trees. The commission approved both the rezoning and the PD plan unanimously. Reports - Commissioner Reports: Commissioner Dave Malone reported on the Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association (NPZA) meeting held via Zoom. Topics included housing issues (presented by Aaron Sarrell from Dayton, Ohio), street width concerns, infill development, tax certificate sales, land banks, and community-supported agriculture. Commissioner noted that current high interest rates and infrastructure costs are slowing development. Staff reported that the city sees more remodeling permits than new commercial construction, and an affordable housing action plan is expected to be presented in coming weeks. Discussion also touched on the difficulty of finding construction workers and the state of housing inventory. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (unanimous). - Subdivision Vacation No. 1980-05 approved (unanimous). - Rezoning No. 2023-17 approved (unanimous) with the deviation to allow gravel parking and the increase in minimum standards of seven additional trees on the east side. - Planned Development Plan No. 2023-17 approved (unanimous) with the same conditions. - No further business; meeting adjourned.

The Kearney City Council met on October 10, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting began with a moment of silence, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call (Mayor Claus and Council Member Moore were absent). The council addressed three sets of public hearings—two groups postponed to October 24, 2023, and one held for a property acquisition—then approved all consent agenda items and adjourned. No oral communications or regular agenda items were considered. Public Hearings - Public Hearings 1 & 2 (Buffalo Island 2nd Subdivision, 77 Sweetwater Avenue): Postponed to October 24, 2023, by unanimous vote (3 ayes: Learned, Nicolette, Buschkoetter; Mayor Claus and Moore absent). - Public Hearings 3, 4 & 5 (Stone Creek 2nd Subdivision, southwest corner of 2nd Avenue and 98th Street): Postponed to October 24, 2023, by unanimous vote (4 ayes: Learned, Nicolette, Buschkoetter, Lear; Mayor Claus and Moore absent). - Public Hearing 6 (Acquisition of Lot 5, Block 2, Tony H. Addition): City Attorney Michael Ty presented the proposed purchase of approximately 5.82 acres adjacent to the 30th Avenue overpass for $299,152. The property would be used for snow storage and staging for future road expansion, avoiding eminent domain. Staff negotiated the price, and closing would occur after title work. Council Member Learned asked about adjacent land ownership; Ty confirmed the city does not own land to the west (between Steinbrinks) and that owning this parcel would provide flexibility for future overpass expansion. No public testimony was offered. The hearing was closed, and Resolution No. 2023-148 approving the acquisition was adopted unanimously (3 ayes: Buschkoetter, Lear, Nicolette; Mayor Claus and Moore absent). Consent Agenda - Items 1–6 approved unanimously: - Approval of minutes from September 26, 2023. - Approval of claims. - Resolution No. 2023-149 establishing a weapons policy on city property per Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1202.01(3)(5). - Acceptance of bid for a sanitation rear-loading refuse compactor truck from Elliott Sanitation Equipment for $240,000. - Resolution No. 2023-150 approving Change Order No. 3 (-$121,090) with Sampson Construction for the Kearney Regional Airport box hangar (AIP Project No. 3-31-0045-035). - Resolution No. 2023-151 approving Certificate for Payment No. 13 ($2,090,158.71) to John T. Jones Construction for WWTP Phase II / Water Resource Recovery Facility. Key Outcomes - Public hearings 1–5 postponed to October 24, 2023. - Resolution No. 2023-148 adopted authorizing purchase of 5.82 acres (Lot 5, Tony H. Addition) for $299,152 for snow storage and future road expansion staging. - All six consent agenda items approved including routine approvals, a weapons policy, a refuse truck purchase, and two construction-related resolutions. - No other business was discussed; the meeting adjourned after roll call on the adjournment motion (unanimous).

The Kearney City Council met on September 26, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine business, a consent agenda, and three regular agenda items: a tax increment financing (TIF) request for a new office building, a staff update on the Sanitation Department (which received the Nebraska Recycling Council Green Team of the Year Award), and an open account claim to Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). All consent agenda items were approved unanimously, and the regular agenda items were acted upon with one abstention on the NPPD claim. Consent Calendar - Approved Minutes of the Special Meeting on September 11, 2023, and Regular Meeting on September 12, 2023. - Approved Claims as presented. - Received Planning Commission recommendations and set October 10, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. for public hearings. - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-139 revoking a prior interlocal financing agreement and approving an updated agreement with Buffalo County for shared costs of constructing Talmadge Street from 15th Avenue to Yanney Avenue and north. - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-140 removing an approximately 80-foot section of parking on the west side of Central Avenue east of Hobby Lobby (11 East 39th Street). - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-132A setting the 2023 City of Kearney property tax request at a different amount than the preliminary request. - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-141 approving a real estate purchase agreement for Lot 5, Block 2, Tony H. Addition (property from William G. Hines Jr. and Becky A. Hines). - Accepted proposals for Millennial Park Playground Structure (Cunningham Recreation, $85,000) and Millennial Park Splashpad (Outdoor Recreation Products, $124,221.98). - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-142 approving Change Order No. 3 for the Terminal Building Expansion Project at Kearney Regional Airport (increase of $34,651 and 21 days). - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-143 approving revised Park and Recreation Rules and Regulations as recommended by the Advisory Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners. Discussion Items - Tax Increment Financing for Kearney Partnership (220 11th Avenue): - Finance Director Kayla James presented the proposal: a 12,400-square-foot single-level office building with exposed wood, glue-laminated framing, and brick veneer. The total new valuation is estimated at $1,950,665, with an incremental valuation of $1,921,940 generating an estimated annual increment of $35,776. The Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) recommended granting 100% of the annual increment for up to 15 years, not to exceed certified eligible project costs of $934,600. - Council Member Pete Kotsiopulos questioned why the building's estimated value was only $2 million when construction costs were around $5 million. James explained that recent projects have been under-assessed, and the CRA approved 100% to allow capturing future valuation increases if they occur. The incremental amount is capped at eligible costs. - The council approved the finding that the project would not be economically feasible without TIF, that it would not occur otherwise, and that it is in the long-term best interest of the community. Resolution No. 2023-144 was adopted, granting 100% of the annual increment for up to 15 years starting with tax year 2024 (per the motion; the agenda stated tax year 2023, but the motion specified 2024). - Sanitation Department Update and Green Team Award: - Sanitation Superintendent Steve Hart and Household Hazardous Waste Coordinator Shauna Petzold presented an overview of the recycling and household hazardous waste programs. Key statistics: approximately 8,000 homes participate in curbside recycling, 500 commercial accounts, and over 215 semi-loads of recyclables shipped annually. The household hazardous waste program recycles 11,000–12,000 gallons of used motor oil each year. The department has received over $2 million in grants over 30 years. - The department recently received the Nebraska Recycling Council Green Team of the Year Award. - Council members asked about electronic waste, food waste, plastic contamination, and participation rates. Hart noted that about 5–6% of collected materials are not recyclable, and that the city's simple co-mingling system leads to high participation. He also mentioned future plans for solar energy and rigid plastics recycling. - Council praised the program and staff for their efficiency and environmental impact. - Open Account Claim to NPPD: - The council considered an open account claim to Nebraska Public Power District in the amount of $120,144.58. The motion to approve was made and seconded. On roll call, Mayor Nikkila abstained; Council Members Buschkoetter, Lear, and Nicola voted in favor. The claim was approved. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items 1–11 approved unanimously. - Resolution No. 2023-144 approved (TIF for Kearney Partnership) with a vote of 4 in favor (Council Members Moore, Kotsiopulos, Schmidt, and James Moore? The roll call: "Mayor class more. Nicola. Hi." It appears all present voted yes; no opposition noted. The motion passed. - Sanitation Department update received; no formal action required. - Open account claim to NPPD approved (4-0-1, with Mayor Nikkila abstaining). - Council Member comments: Mayor Nikkila noted upcoming projects (Millennial Park, Talmadge Street paving, Yanney Park pavilion, airport terminal ribbon cutting, hangar construction) and announced his retirement, receiving appreciation from colleagues.

The Kearney Planning Commission met on September 15, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of the previous meeting's minutes, two separate development proposals (Buffalo Island 2nd Subdivision and Stone Creek Second Subdivision), and a staff report on the city's Affordable Housing Action Plan. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the meeting held August 18, 2023. Motion by Commissioner [not named], seconded, passed unanimously via roll call. Public Comments & Testimony - No comments were offered by members of the general public. Applicants spoke during the hearings. Discussion Items Buffalo Island 2nd Subdivision (Items 4–7) - Subdivision Vacation No. 2021-22 – Applicant John Krotz (77 Sweetwater Avenue) requested vacation of Lot 1 of Buffalo Island Subdivision to enlarge his parcel. He explained that state requirements for well and septic separation required additional space, so he purchased three more acres to the north and east. The vacation would allow a new three-lot subdivision. Staff (Melissa Scott-Pandorf) found the proposal compatible with the comprehensive plan and zoning standards, and recommended approval. - Rezoning No. 2023-15 – From District AG (Agricultural) and District RR-1 (Rural Residential, Rural Standards) to District RR-1 (Rural Residential, Rural Standards) for the entire tract. Staff recommended approval. - Preliminary Plat No. 2023-09 and Final Plat No. 2023-09 – For Buffalo Island 2nd Subdivision, creating three lots. Krotz noted the largest lot would be sold to a neighbor for a camper (unlikely to require a well), and the end lot would remain with Larry Kinkade for hunting. Staff recommended approval. All four items approved unanimously via separate roll-call votes. Stone Creek Second Subdivision (Items 8–11) - Future Land Use Amendment No. 2023-02 – To change the Land Use Map designation from RE (Rural Estates) to MU3 (Commercial Mixed Use) for a tract at the southwest corner of 2nd Avenue and 98th Street. Applicant Trenton Snow (surveyor for Blue Water Investments, LLC) stated the owner, Jim Nickman, plans to construct a storage building. The property is accessed via a 60-foot ingress-egress easement that will not be dedicated to the county. Staff found the amendment consistent with development trends along 2nd Avenue and recommended approval. - Rezoning No. 2023-16 – From District AG (Agricultural) to District M-1 (Limited Industrial). Staff recommended approval. - Preliminary Plat No. 2023-10 and Final Plat No. 2023-10 – For Stone Creek Second Subdivision, creating a single lot. Setbacks from 2nd Avenue and the easement were platted. Staff noted drainage will be addressed at the building permit stage. All four items approved unanimously via separate roll-call votes. Key Outcomes - All agenda items were approved unanimously by the commission. - Staff announced a virtual Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association workshop on October 13, 2023; the city will cover registration fees for commissioners. - Melissa Scott-Pandorf reported on the city's Affordable Housing Action Plan, required by state statute. Stakeholder engagement meetings have begun: an open public meeting was held the evening of September 14 (6–8 p.m.) at the library, with seven attendees. Another open public meeting is scheduled for late September. Commissioner volunteers are needed for the community leaders group; only one commissioner had volunteered as of the meeting. Builders, surveyors, and design professionals will meet on the following Tuesday, September 19, at 2 p.m. Staff will provide meeting details to commissioners via email. - The meeting adjourned after reports.

The Kearney City Council met on September 12, 2023, at 5:30 PM in City Hall to conduct four public hearings, approve a 15-item consent agenda, adopt a salary ordinance, and adopt the city budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the August 22, 2023 regular meeting. - Approved the claims as presented. - Approved the Keno Committee’s recommendation on allocation of non-departmental Keno funds for outside agencies. - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-130 increasing “Budget Authority” by an additional one percent ($170,213.56) to be carried over as unused budget authority for 2024-2025. - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-131 repealing Resolution No. 2023-19 and adopting the 2023-2024 Comprehensive Fee Schedule. - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-132 setting the 2023 City property tax request at a different amount than the preliminary request set by the Buffalo County Clerk. - Approved the Offstreet Parking District No. 1 budget and budget statement for 2023-2024 and adopted Resolution No. 2023-133. - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-134 approving the Kearney Area Solid Waste Agency budget for 2023-2024. - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-135 authorizing the Mayor to sign the Municipal Annual Certification of Program Compliance Form 2023 to the Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards. - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-136 approving Change Order No. 2 (decrease of $51,615.00 and two-day contract time increase) for the Box Hangar at Kearney Regional Airport. - Authorized letters of no recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission for manager applications from Walmart Inc. (dba Walmart 598) and Gas Solutions Inc. (dba Shop EZ). - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-137 approving Application and Certificate for Payment No. 15 ($282,690.00) for the 2.0 MG Elevated Water Tower. - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-138 (amended) approving Change Order No. 2 (decrease of $17,436.00), Final Payment No. 7 ($66,072.73), and Certificate of Substantial Completion for the 2022 Part 3 Improvement – 11th Street (A Avenue to F Avenue). - Approved the annual renewal of the manufactured home court license for East Lawn Mobile Homes Estates through May 31, 2024. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council during oral communication or during any of the four public hearings. Discussion Items - Public Hearing 1 – Conditional Use Permit for Resource Extraction (Richter Property): Mitch Humphrey of Buffalo Surveying Corporation represented Kenneth E. Richter, Trustee. The 29.33-acre site, located west and south of 7310 2nd Avenue, is zoned AG Agricultural. The proposed conditional use permit mirrors conditions of a previously approved permit for the Blessing Premier property, but without a 100-foot buffer yard (no residential adjacency). A 20-foot buffer yard along the highway and two lines circumventing the Great Plains site are required. Hours of operation are standard. Floodplain areas will not be disturbed. The permit is for five years with automatic renewal. The council approved the permit after questions about duration. - Public Hearings 2 & 3 – Rezone and Final Plat for Petersen Estates: Trenton Snow, surveyor for Joshua B. Petersen Trustee, presented a proposal for a four-lot rural residential subdivision (RR-1 zoning) located ¼ mile north of 11th Street on the west side of Sweetwater Avenue. Lots will be a minimum of three acres, served by private well and septic. Access via a new street (14th Street) off Sweetwater, ending in a temporary cul-de-sac; the street will become a county road with county RL2 standards. Drainage concerns raised at the planning commission were addressed: impermeable surfaces will be managed at the building permit stage, and no part of the site lies in the 100-year floodplain. The council approved the rezoning and final plat separately. - Public Hearing 4 – One- & Six-Year Street Improvement Plan: Andy Harder, Director of Public Works, presented the plan for 2024–2030. No public comments were received. The council adopted Resolution No. 2023-129 approving the plan. - Consent Agenda Ordinances: Ordinance No. 8648, repealing Ordinance No. 8643 and adopting the annual salary ordinance, was approved. - Regular Agenda – Budget Adoption: Ordinance No. 8649 adopting the City of Kearney 2023-2024 fiscal year budget and the budget statement as the Annual Appropriation Bill was approved. Council Member thanked Kayla and staff for their work; noted potential issues with interest rates for next year. - Council Reports: Council Member reported meetings with Kearney Regional regarding future development (cancer center progressing), tour of the engagement center at the university, the Yanni pavilion and gardens nearing completion, and announced the airport terminal open house on November 1, 2023 (time to be determined). Key Outcomes - Unanimous votes on all items: each motion passed with all present members voting aye. - Resource Extraction Permit (Richter): Conditional use permit approved for five years with automatic renewal barring complaints. - Petersen Estates: Rezone (Ordinance 8647) and final plat (Resolution 2023-128) approved; new street (14th Street) will be a county road. - Street Plan: One- and Six-Year Street Improvement Plan adopted. - Budget: 2023-2024 city budget adopted; property tax request set; budget authority increased. - Liquor Licenses: Letters of no recommendation sent for manager applications; no council opposition. - Airport Terminal: Open house scheduled for November 1, 2023.

Summary On September 11, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., the Kearney City Council held a special meeting to conduct three public hearings: the City of Kearney 2023-2024 Fiscal Year Budget, the 2023 property tax request, and the Offstreet Parking District No. 1 Budget. Finance Director Kayla James presented the budget details. No members of the public spoke during any of the hearings. The council voted to close each hearing and adjourned. Discussion Items - City of Kearney Budget for 2023-2024 - Finance Director Kayla James presented the proposed budget. Total expenditures are $159,441,000, down $8 million (5.87%) from the prior year. The general fund budget is $35,778,000, up $2.3 million (7%). Other funds total $123,662,857, down $10 million (8%) due to extraordinary items in the prior year (e.g., $15 million more in enterprise funds, $7 million more for sewer, $7.6 million less for airport). - General fund expenditures are outpacing revenues, leading to a declining fund balance. The fund balance policy targets 25% of general fund expenditures; the projected balance is $7.5 million, which is below the 25% threshold. Council members noted the trend and discussed the need to monitor expenditures. - Personal services include a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, costing approximately $500,000 for governmental funds and $200,000 for enterprise funds. Staffing increases from 341 to 346 employees, adding one maintenance worker in water and one communication specialist in police. - Health and dental premiums are budgeted to increase 6%, with employee premium collections rising $398,000 to cover $469,000 in increased costs. The city is self-funded; medical claims are expected to rise $300,000, health reinsurance $105,000, and other items $35,000. - Capital outlay: $77 million total, down $8.2 million (9.6%). The top nine capital projects account for 78% of capital expenditures, led by the sportsplex ($33 million), wastewater treatment ($19 million), and others. - Revenue projections: $27–28 million in tax revenues; property tax levy remains at $0.148887 per $100 valuation, still the lowest among first-class cities in Nebraska. Sales tax revenue shows a 4.48% average increase, with June 2023 at 5.6%. - Fee schedule changes (to be approved on September 12) include: tipping fee for uncompacted waste from $35 to $42/ton (15% increase), compacted waste from $27.50 to $35/ton (effective January 1, 2024), sanitation collection from $15 to $16/month, sanitary sewer 7.5% increase for five years, stormwater residential from $2 to $3/month, non-residential from $6 to $8/month. Water rates unchanged. - Council members discussed the impact of state mandates, health insurance costs, and the city's conservative borrowing practices. Council Member Kotsiopulos expressed frustration with state-level criticism of local budget decisions, noting the city's historically low tax rate and responsible management. - Setting the 2023 Property Tax Request - The city's 2023 property tax request is $4,679,086 for the general fund and $288,529 for the public safety tax anticipation bond fund, totaling $4,967,615. This is different from the preliminary amount set by the Buffalo County Clerk, necessitating a public hearing. A resolution for approval is scheduled for the next regular council meeting. - Offstreet Parking District No. 1 Budget for 2023-2024 - The district is estimated to end fiscal year 2023 with a fund balance of $131,375. Projected revenues for 2023-2024 are $63,097 (including $58,697 from property tax, $3,000 from events, $400 interest, and a $1,000 donation from the Central Nebraska Car Club). Budgeted expenditures are $184,471.78, though this includes a contingency amount to keep the fund balance at $1,000. The property tax request allows a 2.5% increase. Key Outcomes - Motion to close the public hearing on the City of Kearney Budget for 2023-2024 passed with a vote of 4-0 (Council Member Nikkila absent, Mayor Nikkila and Council Members Moore, Schmidt, Kotsiopulos, and Buschkoetter in favor; Council Member Nikkila absent). - Motion to close the public hearing on setting the 2023 City of Kearney property tax request passed with a vote of 4-0 (same roll call, with Council Member Nikkila absent). - Motion to close the public hearing on the Offstreet Parking District No. 1 Budget for 2023-2024 passed with a vote of 4-0 (same roll call). - Motion to adjourn passed unanimously. No further actions were taken; the resolutions for the property tax request and fee schedule changes are scheduled for the next regular council meeting on September 12, 2023.