Public Meetings - Kearney, Nebraska

The Kearney City Council met on April 28, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, multiple public hearings on zoning and development proposals, a contentious conditional use permit for an event venue, approvals of new subdivisions, and the appointment of an acting council member. Proclamations & Recognitions - ALS Awareness Month: The council proclaimed May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month. Ryan Hack spoke about his family's experience with ALS and thanked the council. - Kearney Elks Youth Week: The council proclaimed May 1–7, 2026 as Youth Week. Exalted Ruler Becky Woolway and Secretary Doug Kramer accepted the proclamation and highlighted the Elks' youth programs. Consent Calendar (Items 1–11) Approved unanimously with Council Member Moore abstaining on an unspecified item. Items included approval of minutes, claims, setting hearings, Cruise Nite 2026 agreement (Resolution 2026-48), appointment of Joshua Loghry to the Volunteer Fire Department (Resolution 2026-49), a change order and final payment for Younes Drive improvements, amended Purchase and Sale Agreement with Sequitor America (Resolution 2025-103A), appointment to Planning Commission, an agency agreement with NDOT Aeronautics for airport apron rehabilitation, Fire Station 3 GMP amendment, acceptance of developer-constructed improvements, and appointment of Pete Kotsiopulos as acting council member (moved to Regular Agenda). Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing 3 (Bluestem Glasshouse): Numerous residents spoke in opposition. Andrew Hoffmeister (5630 46th Ave) argued the use is commercial, not agricultural, and that the application lacked detail. Chuck Hogel (5820 53rd Ave) said the area was sold as residential-only and the venue would be dangerous on 56th Street. Brent Hobson (5520 West 60th) and Kyle Babel (6125 53rd Ave) cited traffic hazards, noise, and interference with school-age children. Greg Mead (5915 55th Ave) said $20 million in high-value homes would be affected. Tom Stover and Nate Hortman also expressed concerns about property values and noise. Hannah Connealy responded that they chose this location for its views and proximity to Kearney, and that the conditional use permit offers stronger enforcement than by-right uses. Discussion Items - Public Hearing 3 – Conditional Use Permit for Bluestem Glasshouse: The applicant, Hannah Connealy, proposed a 6,000 sq ft glass conservatory event venue on 40 acres zoned AG at West 56th Street. Planning Commission had recommended approval with 10 conditions. Council discussed the fit within an agricultural zone, traffic on 56th Street, noise, and compatibility with surrounding rural residential uses. City staff clarified that the conditional use permit allows oversight and revocation for violations. Council members expressed concerns about impacting existing homeowners' quality of life. A motion to deny the permit carried. - Public Hearing 4 – Multi-family development at 5110 Parklane Drive: Postponed to May 12, 2026 at the applicant's request. - Public Hearings 5–7 – 12 Kids Addition: Rezone from AG to R-2, final plat, and annexation for a 12.75-acre development with 43 duplex lots (86 units). Approved unanimously. - Public Hearings 8–10 – Spruce Hollow Estates Ninth Addition: Vacation of Outlot C, rezone from AG to R-1, final plat, and annexation for a 22.26-acre single-family development (46 lots). Approved unanimously. - Public Hearings 11–15 – Fountain Hills Sixteenth Addition: Multiple rezones (to R-1, R-2, C-2), final plat, and annexation for a 25-lot phase. Approved unanimously. - Public Hearings 16–17 – Sidewalk Easements: Acquisition of a sidewalk easement from Timm Grandview LLC (no cost) and a right-of-way/utility easement from Kearney Public Schools ($3,000) for the Avenue N signal project. Approved. - Public Hearing 18 – Liquor License for Number Juan Mex BBQ: Staff recommended the mayor send a letter of no recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to expedite processing. Council approved. Key Outcomes - Denied: Conditional Use Permit for Bluestem Glasshouse (agricultural market event venue) by a vote of 5-0 (apparent unanimous). - Approved: Rezoning, final plat, and annexation for 12 Kids Addition, Spruce Hollow Estates Ninth Addition, and Fountain Hills Sixteenth Addition. - Approved: Acquisition of sidewalk easements for Avenue N project. - Approved: Letter of no recommendation for Number Juan Mex BBQ liquor license. - Approved: Consent agenda items 1–11 (Moore abstained on one item). - Approved: Open account claim to Grant Buschkoetter for $282.50 (Buschkoetter abstained). - Approved: Appointment of Pete Kotsiopulos as acting council member for Alex Straatmann from July 13, 2026 to June 21, 2027.

The Kearney Planning Commission convened on April 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers. The commission approved a telecommunications tower conditional use permit, two rezoning requests, a preliminary and final plat for a business park subdivision, a rezoning and setback vacation for rural residential lots, a subdivision vacation, a future land use map amendment and rezoning for a downtown property, and a rezoning of city-owned properties. All votes were unanimous except for one abstention on the minutes approval. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission approved the minutes of the March 20, 2026, meeting by a vote of 5-0-1 (Baker abstained). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public testified during any of the public hearings. For item 5 (Rezoning No. 2026-08), staff reported three phone calls and one email inquiring about the proposal, with one caller concerned that a nursing home might be built. No opposition was expressed. Discussion Items - Item 4 – Conditional Use Permit 2026-03 (Telecommunications Tower): Woody Krog of Buell Consulting, representing The Towers LLC (applicant), presented a proposal for an 85-foot monopole (90 feet including lightning rod) on agriculturally zoned land at 11th Street and 30th Avenue. The tower will be built to suit Verizon Wireless and can accommodate up to three carriers. Staff recommended approval with conditions including a maximum height of 90 feet, maintained screening, and notification of ownership changes. The commission approved unanimously. - Item 5 – Rezoning 2026-08 (2500 Block West 49th Street): Casey Brandt, applicant, requested rezoning from R-1 (Urban Residential Single-Family Low Density) to R-1D (Residential District) for three lots (about 48,000 sq ft) owned by Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. The area has remained vacant since plating in 2014. Staff found the rezoning compatible with the future land use designation and surrounding development. The commission approved unanimously. - Items 6-8 – Butler Third Subdivision (56th Street and Chase Avenue): Craig Bennett of Miller & Associates, representing Butler Machinery Company, presented three related applications: - Rezoning 2026-09: 4.71 acres from AG (Agricultural) to BP (Business Park) to match adjacent zoning. - Preliminary Plat 2026-04: Revised plat of 71.79 acres reflecting updated infrastructure and a new lot for McClintock development. - Final Plat 2026-05: 5.05 acres including dedicated right-of-way. Staff found all proposals consistent with the comprehensive plan. The commission approved each unanimously. - Items 9-10 – Turkey Creek Lots 5 & 6 Rezoning and Setback Vacation: Craig Bennett presented for owners Rodney L. Hinz, Deone R. Hinz, Jirayus Tan Chaowalit, and Annette F. Chaowalit. The properties are currently zoned RR-1/PD (Rural Residential with Planned Development Overlay). The request was to rezone to RR-2/PD (Intermediate Standards) to allow front and rear yard setbacks to reduce from 50 feet to 40 feet (front) and 30 feet (rear), while maintaining 25-foot side yard setbacks. Staff recommended approval, noting that the RR-2 district is compatible with the existing rural estates future land use. The commission approved both the rezoning and the setback vacation unanimously. - Item 11 – Subdivision Vacation 2013-20 (Lot 7, Turkey Creek Second Subdivision): Craig Bennett, for Turkey Creek Properties LLC, requested vacating Lot 7 (1.93 acres) to return it to unplatted status. The lot is currently used as a soccer field and is not intended for development. Staff recommended approval. The commission approved unanimously. - Items 12-13 – 2017 Avenue B Future Land Use Map Amendment and Rezoning: Craig Bennett, representing Caliber Nebraska LLC, requested: - Future Land Use Map Amendment 2026-02: Change from Medium Density Residential (MDR) to Central Business District (CBD). - Rezoning 2026-11: From M-1 (Limited Industrial) to CBD (Kearney Center Mixed Use). The site has been cleared of previous industrial buildings. Staff noted the CBD district is less intense and will allow flexible parking requirements. The commission approved both unanimously. - Item 14 – Rezoning 2026-12 (City-Owned Properties): City Planner Melissa Scott-Pandorf presented a request to rezone multiple city-owned parcels (2010 Avenue B, 120 East Railroad Street, 2017 & 2025 Avenue A) from M-1 to CBD to achieve zoning consistency with surrounding downtown uses. No development is planned. Staff recommended approval. The commission approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Conditional Use Permit 2026-03 (Telecommunications Tower): Approved unanimously with conditions limiting height to 90 feet, requiring ongoing screening, and 30-day notification of ownership changes. - Rezoning 2026-08 (West 49th Street): Approved unanimously. - Rezoning 2026-09, Preliminary Plat 2026-04, Final Plat 2026-05 (Butler Third Subdivision): Each approved unanimously. - Rezoning 2026-10 and Setback Vacation 2026-01 (Turkey Creek Lots 5 & 6): Approved unanimously. - Subdivision Vacation 2013-20 (Turkey Creek Lot 7): Approved unanimously. - Future Land Use Map Amendment 2026-02 and Rezoning 2026-11 (2017 Avenue B): Both approved unanimously. - Rezoning 2026-12 (City-Owned Properties): Approved unanimously. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after staff reports regarding email phishing scams targeting planning commission members.

The Kearney City Council met on April 14, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Mayor Jonathan Nikkila was absent; Vice-President Randy Buschkoetter presided. The council approved a consent agenda, a tax increment financing (TIF) redevelopment project, and plans and specifications for a downtown festoon lighting project. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the regular meeting held March 24, 2026. - Approved the claims. - Adopted Resolution No. 2023-152A amending the Developer Constructed Infrastructure Agreement for The Meadows First Addition. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-34 approving the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet ½ ton pickup for $48,668.00 for the Utilities Department. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-35 approving a Property Maintenance and Lease Agreement with B & B Bendfeldt Farms, LLC for a 20-acre tract. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-36 approving Kyle Robinson as a member of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department. Public Comments & Testimony - No oral communications or public testimony were presented. Discussion Items - Redevelopment Project – B&H Investments, Inc. (TIF): Brian presented the project, which had been approved by the Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) on April 6, 2026. The project involves a combination office and warehouse on Lot 1, Oldfather First Addition, with eligible project costs of approximately $822,000. The council discussed the rendering and the need for TIF to make the project economically feasible. The council then approved Resolution No. 2026-37, including findings that the project would not occur without TIF, that the benefits are in the long-term best interest of the community, and granting 100% of the annual increment in real estate taxes up to the certified eligible costs for a period not to exceed 15 years, beginning with tax year 2026. The chairman and legal counsel were authorized to negotiate and execute a redevelopment contract. - Downtown Kearney Festoon Lighting Project: Andy Harder, Director of Public Works, presented the plans and specifications for Phase 1 of the project. The project covers Central Avenue from 21st to 24th Streets and involves removing traffic signal systems, installing custom lighted structures (22-foot tall, 18-inch square poles with mesh paneling and string lighting), and converting the intersections to four-way stop signs. The Downtown Improvement Board recommended the design, which is modern to complement the historic brick buildings. The poles will have four different panel designs rotated at each intersection. The project also includes a bid option for planter bases and seating. Traffic signals will be removed, and the city will reuse parts. The fire department supported the stop-sign approach. No pushback from businesses was reported. The council approved the plans and specifications and set the bid opening date for May 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with an award possible on May 12, 2026, and construction targeted for completion by the end of November 2026. No funds were appropriated at this meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution No. 2026-37 for the B&H Investments TIF redevelopment project (unanimous: 4-0, with two absent). - Approved the plans and specifications for the Downtown Kearney Festoon Lighting Project and set the bid opening date (unanimous: 4-0, with two absent). - The meeting adjourned.

The Kearney City Council met on March 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, an Open Meetings Act announcement, and roll call. The main business included a proclamation for Severe Weather Awareness Week, a presentation by the emergency management director, and unanimous approval of eight consent agenda items. No public hearings, regular agenda items, or public comments were conducted. Consent Calendar - Minutes & Claims: Approved minutes of the March 10, 2026, regular meeting and the claims list. - Planning Commission Recommendations: Set April 28, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. as the hearing date for applicable applications. - Vehicle Purchase (Resolution 2026-29): Approved the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD for $52,878 from Sid Dillon Chevrolet (Nebraska State Bid Contract 16215) for the Utilities Department – Wastewater Treatment Division. - Generator Purchase (Resolution 2026-30): Approved the purchase of a 60 kW propane generator and transfer switch for $49,070 from Nebraska Generator Service (Sourcewell Contract 092222-CMM) for the Utilities Department – Wastewater Treatment Division. - Infrastructure Agreement Closure (Resolution 2026-31): Accepted the developer-requested closure of the Developer Constructed Infrastructure Agreement for Prairie Meadows Addition, as no infrastructure was constructed and no obligations remain. - Fire Station 3 GMP Amendment (Resolution 2026-32): Approved Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with MCL Construction for Construction Manager at Risk services, amending the Guaranteed Maximum Price for Fire Station 3. - Airport Apron Reconstruction Change Order (Resolution 2026-33): Approved Change Order No. 3 for $201,554.37 and a 15‑calendar‑day increase to Phase 3A and total project duration, submitted by Constructors, Inc. (Grant No. 3-31-0045-040/041/042) for the apron reconstruction project at Kearney Regional Airport. Discussion Items Proclamation for Severe Weather Awareness Week - Mayor Nikkila read a proclamation declaring March 23–27, 2026, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Nebraska, highlighting the risks of tornadoes, floods, hail, and damaging winds. - Darren Lewis, Emergency Management Director for Buffalo County and the City of Kearney, provided an update: - Statewide Tornado Drill: Scheduled for March 25, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., with sirens sounded in every Buffalo County community, including Kearney. - Spotter Training Cancellation: A severe weather spotter training class originally planned for March 26 was canceled due to low expected attendance (conflicting with a Husker basketball game). Nearby classes are scheduled April 1 in Hastings (Adams County) and April 15 in Minden (Kearney County). - Spotter Organizations: Official spotters must be affiliated with fire, law enforcement, or amateur radio; Buffalo County has a good cadre. - Emergency Operations: The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is opened during severe weather events; council members have a seat in the EOC during large-scale disasters. - Public Tornado Shelters: Clarified that Kearney and Buffalo County do not have public tornado shelters; residents are encouraged to identify safe spaces before storms. - Warning Systems: - Outdoor sirens are for people outdoors; they are not designed to wake people indoors. Siren activation covers tornadoes, straight-line winds of 70–80 mph, hail ≥2.75 inches (tennis ball size), and other life‑threatening events (e.g., hazardous material releases or wildfires). - Buffalo Watch: A free app (via Buffalo County website) offering 54 weather notification options; users should select only relevant alerts. Uses geo-targeting for tornado warnings. - IPAWS: FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System can send alerts to all cell phones in a targeted area for life‑threatening events (e.g., evacuations). - Fire Weather: Nebraska is experiencing its highest fire weather conditions in recent history; Buffalo County has been fortunate but unburned fuel remains. Critical fire weather expected in the coming week. Reports - Council members commended the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) wrestling team for winning the national championship. - City Clerk Peggy recognized staff member Jake for handling clerk duties during her absence at a conference. Key Outcomes - Proclamation Approved: The council unanimously approved the Severe Weather Awareness Week proclamation. - Consent Agenda Approved: All eight consent agenda items (Resolutions 2026-29 through 2026-33 and other routine items) were approved by a unanimous roll‑call vote (Mayor Nikkila, Council members Schmidt, Stratman, and Buschkoetter – no dissents recorded). - No Other Business: No items were removed from the consent agenda; no public hearings, unfinished business, regular agenda, or public comments occurred. The meeting adjourned shortly after reports.

The Kearney Planning Commission met on March 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers. Chairperson Dave Malone presided (acting chair after previous resignation). Commissioners present: Malone, Rickard, Yaw, Baker, Scott-Pandorf, Dakan, McGuinness. Commissioner Cochran was absent. The commission considered multiple zoning, conditional use permit, plat, and annexation items, with many approvals advancing to the Kearney City Council. Consent Calendar - Minutes of February 20, 2026 – Approved unanimously by roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 6 (Bluestem Glasshouse CUP): Public comments were received via email from Nancy S. Breberg (read into record). Oral testimony from Kyle Babel (6125 53rd Avenue) expressed concerns about light pollution, noise, traffic, and the venue’s fit with the rural residential character. Andrew Hoffmeister (5630 46th Avenue) argued the proposal constituted a civic/commercial use rather than an agricultural market and raised concerns about liquor licenses, parking, and land-use compatibility. No other public testimony was offered on other items except item 7 and item 17. - Item 7 (Hilltop Mall Apartments PD): Judy Hoffman (8775 2nd Avenue) spoke about potential parking overflow onto Parklane Drive and traffic congestion on 48th Street. - Item 17–22 (Fountain Hills Sixteenth Addition): Kevin Matson (1405 West 50th Street) asked about a potential lot purchase and was directed to a future administrative lot split. Discussion Items - Item 4 – Rezoning 2026-02 (2106 Avenue E): Applicant Zachary Wolf requested rezoning from M-1 (Limited Industrial) to R-3 (Urban Residential Multi-Family Medium Density) to allow a duplex. Staff recommended approval, noting compatibility and long-standing residential use. Approved unanimously. - Item 5 – Conditional Use Permit 2026-01 (546 Sweetwater Avenue): Terry Dolzall (representing Vertical Bridge/Verizon) presented a proposal for a 165‑foot telecommunications monopole tower with space for three carriers. Staff recommended approval with conditions on height, screening, and ownership notification. Approved unanimously. - Item 6 – Conditional Use Permit 2026-02 (Bluestem Glasshouse): Applicants Hannah Connealy and Grant Calarose (with architect Matthew Klaus) proposed an agricultural market/community event venue with a glass conservatory on AG‑zoned land west of 56th Street. Staff recommended approval with 10 conditions (hours, setbacks, lighting, parking, etc.). After public testimony and commissioner discussion, the motion carried 6‑0 (Baker absent later in meeting). - Item 7 – Planned Development Plan 1991-07, Folder 5 (5110 Parklane Drive): Jacob Reiter (Olsen Engineers) presented a 75‑unit multi-family development (three buildings, one two‑story and two three‑story) on a vacant lot adjacent to Hilltop Mall. Staff recommended approval with conditions to add a street tree and finalize a parking agreement with the mall. Approved unanimously. - Items 8–11 – 12 Kids Addition: Craig Bennett (Miller & Associates) presented a rezoning, preliminary plat, final plat, and annexation for 12.75 acres south of 11th Street (between Avenue H and Avenue M) to create 43 duplex lots (86 units) with R‑2 zoning. All items approved unanimously. - Items 12–16 – Spruce Hollow Estates Ninth Addition: Craig Bennett presented a subdivision vacation, rezoning to R‑1, preliminary and final plats, and annexation for 22 acres north of 56th Street near Buffalo Hills Elementary School, creating 46 single‑family lots. All items approved unanimously. - Items 17–22 – Fountain Hills Sixteenth Addition: Craig Bennett presented three rezonings (portions to R‑1, R‑2, and C‑2) plus preliminary plat, final plat (eastern portion), and annexation for 36 acres at the southeast corner of 54th Street and 15th Avenue. The final plat includes 25 lots (mix of single‑family and duplex). All items approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All rezoning, conditional use permit, subdivision plat, and annexation items were approved by the commission, with the following forwarded to the Kearney City Council for final action (scheduled April 28, 2026): - Item 6 (Bluestem Glasshouse CUP) – Approved 6‑0. - Item 7 (Hilltop Mall Apartments PD) – Approved unanimously (with additional condition on parking agreement). - All other items (4, 5, 8–22) approved unanimously. - Staff conditions attached to Item 5 and Item 6 are binding; the parking agreement for Item 7 must be submitted before council consideration. - The meeting adjourned after item 23 (reports) with no further business.

The Kearney City Council convened on March 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting featured recognition of a long-serving planning commissioner, a proclamation for Nebraska Senior Games Week, a public comment on immigration enforcement and police transparency, public hearings on a zoning change, approval of multiple consent items, and action on open account claims. All substantive votes were unanimous with minor abstentions. Recognition and Proclamations - Recognition of Stan Dart: The Council honored Planning Commission Chairperson Stan Dart for 34 years of service, the longest-tenured planning commissioner. Council members and staff praised his leadership in comprehensive plans, housing studies, and code revisions. Mr. Dart shared anecdotes from his tenure, including work on signage codes and a Walmart building design. - Proclamation for Nebraska Senior Games Week: The Council proclaimed March 16–22, 2026, as Nebraska Senior Games Week. A parks department representative noted that over 600 athletes from 69 Nebraska communities and 27 states participated in the 2024 games; registration for 2026 opens May 15. Public Comments & Testimony - Brad Stephen for Kearney Indivisible: Mr. Stephen presented an open letter signed by over 512 residents urging the Council to reject any 287(g) agreement with ICE and to adopt a policy requiring law enforcement officers to display identification and refrain from wearing masks (except SWAT). He argued that 287(g) agreements increase fear and racial profiling and that masked officers undermine accountability. Council members thanked him for sharing his views. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the February 24, 2026, regular meeting. - Approved the Claims. - Approved Resolution No. 2026-24 for NorthWestern Energy funds for Banks Wraps & Signs expansion. - Approved plans and specifications for the Kearney Regional Airport Rehabilitation Apron and Taxilanes Project and set bid opening for April 2, 2026. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-25 accepting public improvements for Saadi First Addition. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-26 approving payment of $76,808.70 to Midlands Contracting, Inc. for the 2025 Part 4 Improvements (Box Butte). - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-27 for purchase of a Case Backhoe Loader for $210,605.55. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-28 for purchase of a 150 Kw Propane Generator for $81,490.00. - Accepted bids for 2026 Parks Concrete Projects: awarded to Dan Roeder Concrete, Tri City Concrete, and Dandee Concrete with total amounts of $10,790.10, $11,200.00, and $5,875.00 respectively. Discussion Items - Public Hearings 1 & 2 – 860 East 1st Street Land Use and Rezoning: Craig Bennett of Miller & Associates presented on behalf of owner Merilyn J. Macomber. The 6.93-acre lot (Lot 2, Abood Addition) is currently zoned RR-1 (Rural Residential) and designated as General Commercial and Urban Reserve on the Future Land Use Map. The request was to amend the Future Land Use Map to General Commercial and rezone the property to C-3 (General Commercial). The Planning Commission recommended approval. Council clarified that future commercial development would need to connect to city water and sewer, and the applicant would pay connection fees. No public testimony was offered. Key Outcomes - Resolution No. 2026-23 (Future Land Use Map amendment for 860 East 1st Street): Adopted unanimously (5-0). - Ordinance No. 8783 (Rezoning to C-3 for 860 East 1st Street): Passed unanimously on final reading with suspension of the three-reading rule (5-0). - Consent Agenda Ordinances 8784–8786 (Paving, Water, and Sanitary Sewer Improvement Districts for Oldfather First Addition and Brookestone Gardens Addition): Passed unanimously on first reading and final passage (5-0 each). - Open Account Claim – Antelope ($160.00): Approved with Council members Stratman and Moore abstaining (voting record incomplete in transcript). - Open Account Claim – Jonathan Nikkila ($328.45): Approved 4-1, with Mayor Nikkila abstaining. - Reports: Council members congratulated the Kearney High girls basketball team and wished the UNK wrestling team success at the national championship.

The Kearney City Council met on February 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The main item was a public hearing to adopt a resolution placing a ballot question on the May 12, 2026 primary election authorizing the city to establish a Good Life District Economic Development Program. The council also approved consent agenda items, an ordinance amending school zone regulations, and received reports. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the February 10, 2025 regular meeting. - Approved the claims. - Received recommendations from Planning Commission and set March 10, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. for hearings. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-19 accepting public improvements for Arbor View Third and Arbor View Fourth, Phase I. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-20 updating the 2006 policy for Capital Improvement Projects/Sales Tax. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-21 approving a non-exclusive public ROW license agreement with ALLO Asset Entity 1, LLC. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-22 approving Change Order No. 1 for the 2025 Part 4 Improvements (Box Butte) in the amount of $8,300.00. - Authorized the Mayor to send a letter of no recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission regarding a manager application for Smoker Friendly 017. Public Comments & Testimony - Jacob Bono Larchick (2009 Fifth Avenue, Kearney) suggested removing minimum parking mandates for businesses in the Good Life District to allow more building space and increase property tax revenue. He noted that the parking lot for Texas T-Bone is four times larger than the building. Discussion Items - City Manager Brenda Jensen presented an overview of the Good Life District program. Key points: - The program incentivizes transformational projects attracting out-of-state visitors and new-to-market retailers. - Requirements: more than $100 million in new investment within 10 years, 20% of sales to out-of-state residents, 50 new jobs; 30-year program (approved July 2025, runs to July 2055). - No new taxes; half of the state sales tax (5.5%) collected in the district is rebated to the city (2.75%) for development costs within the district. - The district covers about 200 acres north of the interstate, west of 2nd Avenue. Current developments: Sportsplex, Drop Zone, Texas T-Bone, Riverside Animal Hospital. - The ballot question is required by state law; it authorizes the council to adopt a program. The question includes language about local option sales taxes and occupation taxes (antiquated but mandated), and clarifies no property tax dollars will be used. - If the vote fails, the city still receives rebated funds but can only spend on basic infrastructure (water, sewer, paving), not on landscaping, signage, or developer refunds. - The district overlaps with the Sportsplex turnback tax area; the two programs are maximized to capture additional state sales tax rebates. - Council members expressed support: - Council Member Schmidt noted the program is a "no-brainer" because half the sales tax returns locally instead of going to Lincoln, and more development reduces property tax burdens. - Council Member Moore highlighted the positive impression created by interstate development and the benefit to south Kearney. - Council Member Kotsiopulos (or Stratman, per transcript) emphasized the need for public education given the complexity of the ballot question. - Council Member Buschkoetter noted the importance of keeping the election on the primary date to reduce costs and skepticism. Key Outcomes - Public Hearing 1 closed and Resolution No. 2026-18 adopted unanimously (roll call: Mayor Nikkila, Council Member Moore, Council Member Schmidt, and Council Member Kotsiopulos/Stratman voted aye) to submit the Good Life District ballot question to voters on May 12, 2026. - Consent Agenda items 1 through 8 approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda Ordinance: Ordinance No. 8782 (amending Section 8-805 "School zones") was read by number only, suspended the three-reading rule, and passed on final reading unanimously. - No regular agenda items. - Reports included appreciation for Sportsplex staff and recognition of departing county official Kelly John.

The Planning Commission met on February 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, public hearings on a future land use map amendment and a rezoning for the same property, and reports. All motions passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the December 19, 2025, meeting were approved by unanimous vote (motion by Malone, second by Dakan). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the hearings. Discussion Items - Future Land Use Map Amendment No. 2026-01 & Rezoning No. 2026-01 (Lot 2, Abood Addition, 860 East 1st Street): The applicant, Craig Bennett of Miller & Associates, represented property owner Merilyn J. Macomber and her grandson Talon Boeburn, who plans commercial development. The 6.93-acre flag lot is currently zoned RR-1 (Rural Residential) and has a Future Land Use designation of General Commercial (COM) and Urban Reserve (UR). The request was to amend the FLU to all COM and rezone to C-3 (General Commercial). Bennett detailed the site’s infrastructure (16-inch water main, 15-inch sanitary sewer) and noted prior discussions with adjacent landowners about stormwater detention. Staff representative Melissa Scott-Pandorf presented staff’s findings: the amendment is consistent with the trend of development along East First Street, compatible with adjacent zoning, and aligns with the 2016 Comprehensive Plan. Staff recommended approval of both items. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Future Land Use Map Amendment No. 2026-01: Moved by Yaw, seconded by Dakan. Unanimous approval (all present voting aye; Baker and Rickard absent). - Motion to Approve Rezoning No. 2026-01: Moved by Yaw, seconded by Dakan. Unanimous approval. - Reports: Staff reminded commissioners of the Nebraska Planning and Zoning Conference (March 4–6) with deadline for sign-up by noon that day. Chairperson Dave Malone announced his retirement from the commission after 34 years of service, noting this was his last meeting. Note: The meeting adjourned after the reports.

The Kearney City Council met on February 10, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting included three public hearings on sanitary sewer and utility easements, followed by approval of the consent agenda, which featured a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) for improvements to the softball field at Dryden Park. No public comments were received, and no unfinished business was discussed. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the January 27, 2026 regular meeting. - Approved the claims. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-16 accepting public improvements under the Developer Constructed Infrastructure Agreement for Arbor View Second; 63rd Street. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-17 approving the MOU with the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska for the UNK softball field at Dryden Park. Council Members Tami James Moore and Kurt Schmidt disclosed that they had no conflict of interest regarding the MOU, having confirmed with the city attorney that they were not involved in the contract’s creation and had no oversight obligations. The MOU maintains public access to Dryden Park and the field, with improvements funded by UNK and community donors. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council on any agenda item. Discussion Items - Public Hearings on Easement Acquisitions (Items III-1,2,3): The council held three public hearings together but voted separately on each. The easements are for permanent sanitary sewer and utility purposes to serve the development on 39th and Antelope, following subdivision of Lot 3 in Saadi First. Specific parcels included: - 0.05 acres from Camil Saadi, Managing Member of WinStar Enterprise, LLC (permanent 10-foot sanitary sewer easement). - 0.003 acres from Jeffery S. and Kimberly A. Baker (permanent sanitary sewer easement). - 0.02 acres from Jeffery S. and Kimberly A. Baker (permanent 5-foot utility easement). The council closed the hearings and adopted the corresponding resolutions without public comment. - UNK Softball Field MOU: Council members expressed support for the partnership. Council Member Tami James Moore highlighted that the MOU exemplifies Kearney’s collaborative approach, noting that the city will continue to maintain Dryden Park, the field remains available for public use, and improvements are funded by UNK and donors. Mayor Jonathan Nikkila thanked Mark Bauer from UNK and praised the partnership for enhancing the field’s college feel while benefiting the neighborhood. Key Outcomes - Resolution No. 2026-13: Adopted (7-0 roll call) to accept the permanent sanitary sewer easement from Camil Saadi/WinStar Enterprise LLC. - Resolution No. 2026-14: Adopted (7-0 roll call) to accept the permanent sanitary sewer easement from Jeffery S. and Kimberly A. Baker. - Resolution No. 2026-15: Adopted (7-0 roll call) to accept the permanent utility easement from Jeffery S. and Kimberly A. Baker. - Consent Agenda (Items IV-1 through IV-4): Approved unanimously (7-0 roll call). - The meeting adjourned without further business.