Public Meetings - Kearney, Nebraska

The Kearney City Council met on January 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a recognition ceremony for police sergeants, numerous public hearings on zoning, land use, and code amendments, and approval of consent agenda items. Key topics included the approval of the Oldfather First Addition development, a discussion on proposed short-term rental regulations, and a decision to postpone action on the code amendments. Recognition Ceremony - Police Chief Qualk recognized the promotions of Sergeant Derrick Hosick and Sergeant Austin Hibberd. Both officers were sworn in and received their badges. The chief highlighted their competency, character, and contributions to the police department and community. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the regular meetings on December 9, 2025, and December 16, 2025. - Approved the claims. - Reappointed Jonathan Nikkila to the Visit Kearney Board, appointed Kurt Schmidt and Tami James Moore to the Buffalo County Economic Development Council, and appointed Tami James Moore, Alex Straatmann, and Chuck Ogle to the Joint Airport Zoning Board. - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-6 reappointing city employee Brandon Shafto as City Street Superintendent for 2026. - Approved Resolution No. 2026-7 authorizing use of NorthWestern Energy funds to offset construction costs for an approximately 12,000 square foot aircraft maintenance facility at Kearney Regional Airport for Vertical Lift Maintenance Solutions, LLC. - Accepted the bid for the 2025 Part 4 Improvements (Box Butte) and adopted Resolution No. 2026-8 awarding the contract to Midlands Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $2,876,284.50, contingent upon EDA approval. - Authorized the Mayor to send a letter of no recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission for a Class D liquor license and manager application for The Cigarette Store LLC dba Smoker Friendly 014. Public Comments & Testimony - Tim Sinner, a local property owner, expressed concerns about the proposed short-term rental regulations. He argued that the new permits, fees, and penalties apply selectively to short-term rentals while long-term rentals and hotels are not similarly regulated. He questioned the complaint-driven enforcement and noted that short-term rental owners are local residents trying to afford their homes. - Tyler Wiltering, a property owner with Airbnbs, raised concerns about the cost of compliance (fees and occupancy tax) and the potential for non-compliant operators to undercut responsible owners. He also advocated for occupancy limits based on property size rather than a hard cap. - An additional speaker asked about the requirement for board of adjustment approval for downtown residential conversions and whether HOA protections would be in place. Discussion Items - Public hearings 1–10 were conducted. Hearings 1 (utility easement vacation), 2 (rezoning to AG), 3–7 (Oldfather First Addition: land use map amendments, rezoning, final plat, and annexation), and 10 (permanent right-of-way easement) were closed and approved unanimously. - Public hearings 8 and 9 (proposed code amendments to Chapter 12 and Chapter 46 regarding downtown residential uses and short-term rental regulations) were discussed extensively. City Planner Melissa Doherty O'Hara presented the proposed changes, which would allow adaptive reuse of one-story downtown buildings for residential use (up to 40%), require commercial use on street-facing facades, and establish a licensing and permitting system for short-term rentals. Council members raised questions about fees, inspections, enforcement, occupancy limits, and the collection of hotel occupation tax. Several council members expressed a desire for further review and public input. - Council members discussed the need for consistency in regulation across housing types and the importance of education for short-term rental operators. Key Outcomes - Public Hearing 1: Approved Ordinance No. 8777 vacating a 10' x 890' utility easement for OE Engines, LLC. (Unanimous) - Public Hearing 2: Approved Ordinance No. 8778 rezoning a parcel from R-1 to AG for NP Land Development, Inc. (Unanimous) - Public Hearing 3: Approved Resolution No. 2026-1 amending the Land Use Map to MU2 for a portion of the Oldfather First Addition. (Unanimous) - Public Hearing 4: Approved Resolution No. 2026-2 amending the Land Use Map to MU1 for another portion. (Unanimous) - Public Hearing 5: Approved Ordinance No. 8779 rezoning from AG to BP for the Oldfather First Addition. (Unanimous) - Public Hearing 6: Approved Resolution No. 2026-3 approving the final plat and subdivision agreement for Oldfather First Addition. (Unanimous) - Public Hearing 7: Approved Resolution No. 2026-4 approving the annexation of Oldfather First Addition. (Unanimous) - Public Hearings 8 and 9: Motion to postpone action on the proposed code amendments (Ordinance No. 8780 and 8781) to the January 27, 2026, City Council meeting. Passed on a roll call vote (Mayor Nikkila, Stratman, Bushcutter, Moore, Schmidt all in favor). - Public Hearing 10: Approved Resolution No. 2026-5 for a permanent right-of-way easement from Gary L. Henderson for Box Butte development. (Unanimous) - Consent agenda items 1–7 approved as a block. - The meeting adjourned after council reports.

The Kearney Planning Commission met on December 19, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers. The commission considered a consent calendar item, nine public hearings, and two code amendments. All actions were taken unanimously unless noted. Key items included an easement vacation for Blueprint Engines, a rezoning to agricultural for a lake parcel, and a comprehensive set of approvals (future land use amendments, rezoning, preliminary and final plats, and annexation) for the 174‑acre Oldfather property – which also generated extended discussion about future street connectivity. The commission also approved two code amendments concerning short‑term rentals and downtown residential regulations. Consent Calendar - Minutes of November 21, 2025 – Approved as written. (Vote: 6‑0‑2 abstentions (Dakan, Baker), 2 absent (Scott‑Pandorf, Cochrane).) Discussion Items Item 4 – Easement Vacation No. 2025‑04 (2915 Marshall Avenue) - Applicant Craig Bennett (Miller & Associates) requested vacation of the north 10 feet of the east 890 feet of Lot 2, Cherry Avenue Industrial Park – a utility easement that limits building expansion for OE Engines/Blueprint Engines. Staff found no infrastructure in the easement and recommended approval. No public testimony. Item 5 – Rezoning No. 2025‑16 (Stoneridge Lake area) - Bennett requested rezoning of approximately 30 acres (the lake and its banks) from R‑1 (Urban Residential Single‑Family) back to AG (Agricultural). The property is outside city limits and was rezoned in 2007 in anticipation of development that never occurred. The future land use map designation (Parks/Open Space and LDR) would not change. Staff recommended approval. Public speaker Tim Norwood (6104 K Avenue) noted the county already taxes the property as agricultural. The commission approved. Items 6‑11 – Oldfather Property Package (174 acres north of 11th Street, west of 24th Avenue) - Future Land Use Map Amendment No. 2025‑03 (Item 6): Unified existing LDR, MDR, MU1 designations into Office/Commercial Retail Mixed Use (MU2) for the western portion and Neighborhood Mixed Use (MU1) for the eastern portion. Approved. - Future Land Use Map Amendment No. 2025‑04 (Item 7): Changed remaining area from LDR and MDR to MU1. Approved. - Rezoning No. 2025‑17 (Item 8): Rezoned a 3.57‑acre lot (vacant land west of 2915 West 16th Street) from AG to BP (Business Park) to allow a one‑lot subdivision (Oldfather First Addition). Approved. - Preliminary Plat No. 2025‑13 (Item 9): Preliminary plat for the entire 174‑acre site showing 14th Street, Yannie Avenue, and a future 12th Street connection. After discussion with landowner Mitch Humphrey (Buffalo Survey Inc.), who expressed concerns about access to his adjacent 8‑acre strip, the commission adopted a motion that included extending 12th Street east to the property line. Approved with that condition. - Final Plat No. 2025‑13A (Item 10): Final plat for the 3.57‑acre lot (Oldfather First Addition). Approved. - Annexation No. 2025‑03 (Item 11): Annexation of the 3.57‑acre lot into city limits. Approved. Items 12‑13 – Code Amendments (Short‑Term Rentals and Downtown Residential) - Code Amendment No. 2025‑01 (Item 12): Added definitions for “Short‑term Rental” and “Sleeping Area” to Chapter 12 of the Unified Land Development Ordinance. Staff noted a subcommittee (Dave, Rich, John, Jeff) met three times and added occupancy limits (max 12), an appeals process, and enforcement provisions. Commissioner Brent Yaw expressed opposition, arguing it over‑regulates short‑term rentals while ignoring long‑term rental issues. Commissioners John Rickard and Jeff Baker supported the amendment as a safety‑focused starting point. Approved. - Code Amendment No. 2025‑02 (Item 13): Revised Chapter 46 to regulate downtown residential uses – limiting residential on ground floors in the CBD, requiring a Board of Adjustments hearing for conversions in multi‑story buildings, and restricting single‑story buildings to 40% residential. Commissioner Yaw voiced strong opposition, warning it would harm downtown vitality. Approved. Key Outcomes - Easement Vacation No. 2025‑04 – Approved unanimously (6‑0‑2). - Rezoning No. 2025‑16 – Approved unanimously (6‑0‑2). - Future Land Use Map Amendments No. 2025‑03 and No. 2025‑04 – Approved unanimously (7‑0‑1, 7‑0‑1). - Rezoning No. 2025‑17 – Approved unanimously (7‑0‑1). - Preliminary Plat No. 2025‑13 – Approved unanimously (7‑0‑1) with the condition that 12th Street be extended east to the abutting property line. - Final Plat No. 2025‑13A – Approved unanimously (7‑0‑1). - Annexation No. 2025‑03 – Approved unanimously (7‑0‑1). - Code Amendment No. 2025‑01 – Approved (7‑0‑1). - Code Amendment No. 2025‑02 – Approved (7‑0‑1). - The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:45 a.m.

The Kearney City Council met on December 16, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on a utility easement, approval of consent agenda items and a consent ordinance, a regular agenda item, and council reports with farewell remarks. Public Hearing - The council conducted a public hearing on the proposed acquisition of a 5.00-foot utility easement from Timothy J. Norwood, Sr., member of Fox Creek Development LLC, for part of Lot 1, Block 2, Arbor View Fourth. Utility Director Sarah Son explained the easement is needed to run conduit for a streetlight along East 64th Street. No public testimony was offered. The council closed the hearing and adopted Resolution 2025-161 unanimously. Consent Agenda - The council approved all nine items on the consent agenda (Resolutions 2025-162 through 2025-167 and other routine actions) by unanimous vote. Items included: - Approval of claims. - Setting January 13, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. for a hearing on Planning Commission recommendations. - Authorizing a letter of no recommendation for a Class IK liquor license for Sodexo America, LLC dba Nebraska Student Union. - Approving a keno license for Endgame West, LLC dba Big Red Keno at CJV Investments, LLC. - Approving a $59,871.96 invoice for concrete crushing services from Ben Pavelka Excavating and Crushing LLC. - Approving a use and operations agreement with Apollo Med Flight at Kearney Regional Airport. - Approving a lease of six pieces of equipment for Meadowlark Hills Golf Course from Van Wall Equipment utilizing the Sourcewell cooperative. - Approving purchase of a dump truck and snow plow for $263,737.00 for the Utilities Department – Sewer Collection Division. - Approving Change Order No. 3 (decrease of $2,115.48) and final payment for the 30th Avenue Overpass Rehabilitation project. Consent Agenda Ordinance - The council adopted Ordinance No. 8772A on final passage, correcting the rezoning of property at 119 Central Avenue from BP (Business Park District) to C-3 (General Commercial District). This corrected a previous action from the December 9, 2025 council meeting. The ordinance was approved with suspension of three readings and publication as required. Regular Agenda - The council approved an open account claim to the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) – the Antelope in the amount of $60.00. Council members Stratman and Moore abstained from the vote. Reports and Adjournment - Council members offered holiday greetings and farewell remarks to Brad (presumably the assistant city manager) who is leaving for a position in Denver. They also noted the funeral of Terry Eric, a former volunteer firefighter, and thanked the public works director for new crosswalk signs at 9th Avenue. The meeting adjourned.

The Kearney City Council met on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 18 East 22nd Street. The meeting began with a moment of silence, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. Major agenda items included recognition of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, four public hearings on zoning and plat approvals, approval of the consent agenda, and public comment regarding Oxford Houses. Fire Department Service Awards & Training Certificates - Fire Chief Aaron Jameson presented service awards for years of service: Tyler Vlasin and Mathew Begnoche (10 years), Dave Krueger and Lonny Reeder (15 years), Jerry Folck and Eric “Ric” Pulliam (20 years), Jason Whalen (25 years), Todd “Walt” Walton (30 years), and Jerry Thompson (35 years). Jerry Thompson was recognized for 35 years of service (joined 1990). A special acknowledgment was made for Terry Irik, who has served 38 years and recently entered hospice. - Firefighter 1 training certificates (86 hours) and Hazmat operations training (32 hours) were awarded to Zach Beckman, Riley Favinger, Peter McGowen, Caleb Miller, and Josh Miller. Chief Jameson noted that this year’s training expanded to include Firefighter 2 (75 additional hours), bringing the total training to nearly 200 hours. Consent Calendar (Items 1–8) - Minutes: Approved the minutes of the regular meeting held November 25, 2025. - Claims: Approved the claims as presented. - Resolution 2025-158: Set the interest rate for special assessments for 2026 and established a policy for reimbursing developers for infrastructure costs. - Sanitation Truck Purchase: Approved the purchase of a Sanitation Side Loading Refuse Compactor Truck from Elliot Equipment Co. for $416,966 under the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract. - Change Order No. 1 – Butler Avenue Place: Adopted Resolution 2025-159 approving a decrease of $50,908 and final payment of $236,745.13 to Dan Roeder Concrete, Inc. for 2025 Part 3 Improvements. - 2025 Part 4 Improvements – Box Butte: Approved plans and specifications and set a bid opening date of January 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. - Liquor License for Drop Zone: Authorized the Mayor to send a letter of no recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission regarding a Class C liquor license application for Kearney Golf & Pickle, Inc. dba Drop Zone at 101 11th Avenue. - Change Order No. 2 – Highway 30 & University Drive Roundabout: Adopted Resolution 2025-160 approving a decrease of $132,542.62 and final payment of $103,991.50 to Nielsen Contracting LLC for 2025 Part 2 Improvements. The consent agenda was approved unanimously via roll call. Public Hearings and Discussion Items 1. Rezoning of 119 Central Avenue – Buckshot Farms (Ordinance No. 8772) - Applicant Miller & Associates sought to rezone a 5.22-acre parcel from C-2 (Community Commercial) and M-1 (Light Industrial) to BP (Business Park) to consolidate two parcels for future development. The site is east of Central Avenue and north of First Street, with existing water and sewer infrastructure. A neighbor had raised a boundary dispute, but planning staff advised that boundary issues are a civil matter and do not affect the rezoning process. No public testimony was offered. The council voted unanimously to close the public hearing and adopt the ordinance, waiving three readings. 2. Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement – Buckshot Addition (Resolution No. 2025-156) - This hearing was held concurrently with the rezoning. The final plat creates a single 4.83-acre lot (Buckshot Addition) and confines blanket MPPD electrical easements to specific widths. The council unanimously approved the resolution. 3. Rezoning of 5808 10th Avenue – Cobalt Skies (Ordinance No. 8773) - Applicant Miller & Associates requested rezoning of 0.67 acres (1.18 acres including street centerline) from C-1(N)/PD (Neighborhood Center with Planned Development Overlay) to C-O (Office District). The property is the north track of a previous lot split and is intended for commercial use compatible with the MU-1 future land use designation. No public testimony was given. The council unanimously adopted the ordinance. 4. Vacation and Final Plat – Elementary School Third Addition (Ordinance No. 8774 & Resolution No. 2025-157) - Applicant Buffalo Surveying Corp., representing General Properties LLC, requested vacation of part of Lot 1 of Elementary School Second Addition and approval of the final plat for Elementary School Third Addition (two lots totaling about 2.08 acres). The development is west of the existing Meadowlark Elementary School. Access to the south lot will require future alignment with a planned street if the adjacent land to the east develops. No public testimony was offered. The council unanimously adopted the ordinance vacating the plat (No. 8774) and approved the final plat resolution (No. 2025-157). Public Comments & Testimony - Kent Schroeder (resident, owns rental property at 3611 Avenue I) spoke about an Oxford House (substance abuse recovery group home) operating at 3615 Avenue I. He described issues with high occupancy (up to 11 men) and frequent police visits. He noted that Oxford Houses are protected under the Fair Housing Act as a reasonable accommodation for disability, but urged the city to adopt a reasonable restriction on the maximum number of unrelated occupants in single-family neighborhoods. He cited the U.S. Supreme Court case City of Edmonds v. Oxford House, Inc. and a subsequent California case. Council member Kurt Schmidt acknowledged the legal complexity and stated that city staff plans to update outdated terminology in the zoning code and will continue to study the issue. Reports and Adjournment - Council member Randy Buschkoetter reported on the successful "Give Where You Live" community giving event, raising over $2.3 million, and highlighted contributions by Council Member Tami James Moore’s nonprofit for sustainable housing. - Council member Pete Kotsiopulos encouraged attendance at the Kearney Area Arts Council’s Jazz at the World concerts. - The meeting adjourned after a roll call vote. Key Outcomes and Votes - Ordinance No. 8772 (Buckshot Farms rezoning): Adopted 6-0 (Mayor Nikkila and Council Members Schmidt, Stratman, Buschkoetter, Moore, Kotsiopulos all voted aye). - Resolution No. 2025-156 (Buckshot Addition final plat): Adopted 6-0. - Ordinance No. 8773 (Cobalt Skies rezoning): Adopted 6-0. - Ordinance No. 8774 (Vacation of part of Lot 1): Adopted 6-0. - Resolution No. 2025-157 (Elementary School Third Addition final plat): Adopted 6-0. - Consent Agenda (items 1–8): Approved 6-0. The council took no action on the Oxford House issue but committed to further review by city staff.

The Kearney City Council met on November 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 18 East 22nd Street. The meeting opened with the Police Honor Guard presenting colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, an Open Meetings Act announcement, and roll call. Council recognized the promotion of two police officers, approved a 13-item consent agenda with one abstention, passed a mobile food vendor ordinance, and received reports from council and staff. No unfinished business, public hearings, or regular agenda items were on the agenda, and no public comments were offered. Recognition Ceremony - The council celebrated the promotion of Police Lieutenants Tony Cordova and Jared Small. Police Chief Kowalik highlighted Cordova's 30-year law enforcement career, including narcotics investigation, founding membership on the ESU team, SWAT command, and seven years as investigative sergeant with FBI credentials. Small was recognized for a 20-year career, including service as patrol sergeant, 10 years on the ESU team, and work as special services sergeant overseeing school and airport security, community engagement, and the K-9 program. Both officers were administered the oath of office by the city clerk. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the November 12, 2025, regular meeting and approved the claims. - Received Planning Commission recommendations and set December 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. as the date and time for hearings on applicable applications. - Adopted Resolution No. 2025-150 approving the services agreement with the Great Platte River Road Memorial Foundation. - Approved Resolution No. 2025-151 for the funding agreement with Visit Kearney. - Adopted Resolution No. 2025-152 appointing Andrew Clements and Chayna Lundgren to the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department. - Approved the Utilities Department's request to sell three pieces of surplus equipment by auction, sealed bid, or private/public sale. - Approved the Keno Application Advisory Committee's recommended 2025-2026 Special Community Betterment Grant Awards. - Adopted Resolution No. 2025-153 awarding the 2026 Part 1 Improvements – Avenue A – 31st Street to 35th Street bid to Nielsen Contracting, LLC in the amount of $1,127,472.00. - Adopted Resolution No. 2025-154 awarding the 2026 Part 2 Improvements – 45th Street & N Avenue Intersection bid to Nielsen Contracting, LLC in the amount of $785,730.00. - Accepted the Dryden Park Softball Field Press Box proposal submitted by Sightlines Athletic Facilities in the amount of $161,800.00. - Adopted Resolution No. 2025-155 amending the City of Kearney Firefighters' Pension Plan due to Nebraska LB 179. - Approved the updated Janitorial Services Contract with Jose Dimas, DBA Magic Cleaning. - The consent agenda was approved with Councilmember Moore abstaining; all other council members voted in favor. Consent Agenda Ordinance - Passed Ordinance No. 8771 on final passage, amending Sections 3-3108 ("Permit Required") and 3-3110 ("Application") of Article 31 ("Mobile Food Vendor") of Chapter 3 ("Business Regulations") of the Kearney City Code. The council suspended the rule requiring readings on three successive days and voted unanimously to approve and publish the ordinance. Reports & Council Comments - Councilmember Schmidt reported positive feedback on Sportsplex usage over the past weekend and described it as a valuable community asset. - The city manager and other officials noted a wrestling tournament at the Sportsplex featuring 600 wrestlers from 23 states and 22 mats, including pickleball courts, and Kearney's upcoming first-round NCAA Division II volleyball tournament. They also thanked the betterment committee for grant work, highlighted grants including to the animal shelter, and encouraged residents to book upcoming Chicago flights. - Council members wished well to departing staff member Brad, who thanked the council, called Kearney "the greatest city in the state," and described his move to Lincoln as a "dream opportunity" while pledging to continue advocating for Kearney. - Additional comments referenced upcoming holiday events including the Christmas Walk and Give Where You Live. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved with one abstention (Councilmember Moore). - Ordinance No. 8771 adopted unanimously. - Multiple bid awards and agreements approved, including $1,127,472.00 and $785,730.00 in construction contracts and $161,800.00 for the Dryden Park press box. - Next council meeting/hearing set for December 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. - Meeting adjourned.

The Kearney Planning Commission met on November 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers. The commission approved minutes from the previous meeting, considered three development applications (rezoning, subdivision vacation, and plats), and postponed pending code amendments regarding short-term rentals to the December meeting. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the October 17, 2025 meeting were approved as corrected. Commissioner Melissa Scott-Pandorf noted an error in the roll call: Commissioners Dakan and Cochran had abstained (not absent as originally recorded), and Commissioner Baker was absent. The correction was accepted. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in person during the hearings. - For items 8–10 (Buckshot Addition), two emails from an attorney representing a neighboring property owner were entered into the record. The letters raised a potential boundary dispute. City Attorney Mike Ty clarified that the planning commission is not the forum to resolve boundary disputes and that such matters would be handled by the courts. Discussion Items - Rezoning No. 2025-16 (5808 10th Avenue): Craig Bennett of Miller & Associates presented on behalf of Cobalt Skies LLC. The request was to rezone a 0.67-acre vacant lot (north tract) from C-1(N)/PD (Neighborhood Center District/Planned Development Overlay) to C-O (Office District) to match adjacent zoning. Staff found the proposal compatible with the comprehensive plan and less intensive than existing zoning. The hearing had no public speakers. The commission approved the rezoning unanimously. - Subdivision Vacation No. 2018-05, Preliminary Plat No. 2025-12, and Final Plat No. 2025-12 (Elementary School Third Addition, south of 5508 Avenue N): Applicant Buffalo Surveying Corp. (representing General Properties LLC and developer Ron Eckloff) requested vacating part of Lot 1 of Elementary School Second Addition and replatting two lots (1.1 acres and 0.98 acres) zoned C-O. Existing utilities and fire hydrant are in place. The final plat includes ingress/egress easements. Commissioners questioned access to Lot 2 from Avenue N; staff noted it would be determined at time of development. The commission approved the vacation, preliminary plat, and final plat unanimously. - Rezoning No. 2025-15, Preliminary Plat No. 2025-11, and Final Plat No. 2025-11 (Buckshot Addition, 119 Central Avenue): Craig Bennett of Miller & Associates presented for Buckshot Farms LLP. The request combined two unplatted parcels (totaling 4.83 acres) into one platted lot, rezoned from C-2 (Community Commercial) and M-1 (Light Industrial) to C-3 (Business Park). Confined electrical easements from MPPD were recorded. A future land use map amendment was withdrawn. Staff recommended approval. The city attorney addressed boundary dispute concerns raised in public correspondence. All three items were approved unanimously. - Short-Term Rental Code Amendments (Items 11 & 12): Staff requested postponement to the December 2025 meeting. Melissa Scott-Pandorf provided an update from the subcommittee: discussions covered life safety, occupancy limits (max 12, with adjustments based on square footage), digital permitting, annual renewal, and public education. The subcommittee also worked on an appeal process. The commission voted to postpone both code amendments. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of October 17, 2025. - Approved Rezoning No. 2025-16 (C-1(N)/PD to C-O) for 5808 10th Avenue. - Approved Subdivision Vacation No. 2018-05, Preliminary Plat No. 2025-12, and Final Plat No. 2025-12 for Elementary School Third Addition. - Approved Rezoning No. 2025-15 (C-2/M-1 to C-3), Preliminary Plat No. 2025-11, and Final Plat No. 2025-11 for Buckshot Addition. - Postponed Code Amendments No. 2025-01 and 2025-02 (short-term rental regulations) to the December 2025 Planning Commission meeting.

The Kearney City Council met on November 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 18 East 22nd Street. The meeting included a proclamation honoring a retiring sports writer, three public hearings related to the Ingram Subdivision, approval of an 11-item consent agenda, a presentation on NPPD's community energy report, and authorization of a SkyWest Airlines agreement to provide air service to Chicago. All votes were unanimous. Proclamation - Mayor Nikkila read a proclamation recognizing Buck Mahoney, who is retiring after 41 years as a sports writer for the Kearney Hub. The proclamation highlighted Mahoney's dedication and his impact on the community. - Mahoney shared reflections on his career, noting the growth of sports opportunities (e.g., hockey, girls wrestling, soccer, softball) and changes in media technology. He expressed gratitude for the honor and praised Kearney as a great town. Public Hearings — Ingram Subdivision - Three related public hearings were held jointly but voted on separately. Trenton Snow, land surveyor, represented the applicants (owners Kevin Ingram, Jeffrey Ingram, and Glen Wolford, President of CVRG Inc.). - The property at 6045 East 39th Street is about half a mile west of Imperial, south of the railroad. The existing house is abandoned and outbuildings are in disrepair. The Ingrams have used more land than they own and are purchasing the used portion from CVRG to create a subdivision (the parcel is below the 10-acre minimum). The future plan is to develop a storage facility. - No members of the public addressed the council during the hearings. - Hearing 1: Amendment to the Comprehensive Development Plan Land Use Map from Urban Reserve (UR) to Commercial Mixed Use (MU3) — Resolution No. 2025-142. Motion carried unanimously. - Hearing 2: Rezoning from District AG (Agricultural) to District M-1 (Limited Industrial) — Ordinance No. 8770. The council suspended the three-reading rule and passed the ordinance on final reading unanimously. - Hearing 3: Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Ingram Subdivision (one lot, 2.4 acres) — Resolution No. 2025-143. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Agenda - The council approved all 11 items on the consent agenda unanimously. Items included: - Approval of minutes from the October 28, 2025 regular meeting and the city claims. - Resolution No. 2025-144 certifying the annual appointment of City Street Superintendent Brandon Shafto for the 2025 Highway Incentive Payment. - Resolution No. 2025-145 approving a Municipality Financial Agreement with the Nebraska Department of Transportation for improvements to US-30. - Purchase of a 10-cubic yard dump truck from Truck Center Companies for $263,737.00 for the Public Works Department. - Resolution No. 2025-146 approving a Construction Manager at Risk agreement with MCL Construction for Fire Station 3. - Three pick-up truck purchases from Sid Dillon Fleet & Commercial: two 1-ton crew cab 4x4 trucks with service bodies at $82,142.00 each, and one with a crane service body at $102,742.00, for the Utilities Department. - Resolution No. 2025-147 and Resolution No. 2025-148 approving keno-type lottery operations by Endgame West, LLC (Big Red Keno) at Whistlin Wolf and Paddy O'Mally's Bar & Grill. Discussion Items - NPPD Community Energy Report: Grant Flammig of Nebraska Public Power District presented the annual report. Key points: - Nearly $10 million in lease payments were remitted to the City of Kearney, and almost $500,000 in city sales tax was collected. In 2024, $2.1 million in gross revenue tax was paid to Buffalo County. - Approximately $125,000 in customer incentives were processed in Kearney. - The community solar farm produced 10 million kilowatt-hours, with 5,591 participant shares. - NPPD's generation mix is 58% carbon-free, 28% coal, and 9% purchased power, with the remainder from gas and oil. - NPPD serves 93,000 customers in 84 Nebraska communities, with 1,900 teammates, 5,400 transmission miles, 2,800 distribution miles, 30 generation facilities, and 3,200 megawatts of total generation. Plans are underway to add 700 megawatts of natural gas generation near Hallam, Nebraska. - NPPD retail rates average just under 11 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to the Nebraska average of just over 11 cents and the U.S. average of approximately 16 cents. NPPD went 11 years without a rate increase, last year had a 2% increase, and is proposing a 3% increase this year. - Council members discussed the solar premium pricing and acknowledged NPPD's partnership in attracting a data center to Kearney. - SkyWest Airlines Agreement: City Attorney Michael Ty presented a proposed agreement authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with SkyWest Airlines to provide air service to Chicago. Key terms: - One daily round-trip, seven days a week, to Chicago O'Hare, operated under the United Express brand. - Service to begin April 30, 2026, and end October 31, 2027, aligning with the existing Essential Air Service contract. - Use of 50-passenger CRJ200 aircraft with a minimum of 41 seats available to the public. - A maximum city subsidy of approximately $2.4 million over the contract term, evaluated quarterly based on passenger revenue. - Staff noted the Denver service has achieved an average load factor of 76% (84% last month) and is on track for 25,000 enplanements this year. Council members expressed strong support, citing the historical success of the Chicago route and the importance of local usage to attract service. The motion to authorize the City Manager passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - All votes on the consent agenda, public hearings, and the SkyWest agreement were unanimous. - The Ingram Subdivision package (land use amendment, rezoning, and final plat) was approved. - The City Manager was authorized to enter into the SkyWest Airlines agreement for Chicago service. - The consent agenda was approved in its entirety, including vehicle purchases, an agreement with MCL Construction, and keno licensing resolutions.

The Kearney City Council met on October 28, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting included multiple routine approvals, a public hearing accepting a major park land donation, a proclamation for Disability Employment Awareness Month, a report from the Visit Kearney executive director, and a closed session for contract negotiations. Proclamation & Recognition - Mayor Nikkila read a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, highlighting the theme “Access, Equity, and Inclusion.” Representatives from the ARC of Buffalo County and several local employers (including Do It Best, Apple Market, and Hy-Vee) were recognized for their inclusive hiring practices. Public Hearing – Yanney Heritage Park Land Donation - A public hearing was held on the proposed acceptance of Lots 2 and 3 of E.K. and Mary Yanney Heritage Park Second Addition from The Yanney Heritage Park Foundation to the City of Kearney. Foundation board president Tammy Jackson and board member Tom Tye described the 27‑year vision and the park’s development. Judy Sickler of the Kearney Area Community Foundation confirmed the Foundation has established a $3 million endowment for park maintenance and will continue fundraising. The transfer represents approximately $13 million in real estate and improvements, bringing total donor investment to about $20.5 million. Tom Tye noted the park has been featured in the New York Times and Metro Magazine. Council members expressed strong support, calling the donation “one of the greatest charitable gifts in the community’s history.” The hearing was closed, and Resolution No. 2025‑133 accepting the donation was adopted unanimously (5‑0). Following the vote, Council presented Tom Tye with a key to the city in recognition of his decades of volunteer leadership. Consent Calendar - All 16 consent agenda items were approved unanimously (5‑0). Key items included: - Adoption of the 2025‑2026 Comprehensive Fee Schedule (Resolution 2025‑134) - Change Order No. 1 for Marlatt Fourth improvements ($27,650 increase) - Change Order No. 1 for Snow Removal Equipment at the airport ($18,546 increase) - Approval of plans and specifications for 2026 Part 1 (Avenue A, 31st–35th Street) and Part 2 (45th Street & N Avenue intersection) improvements, with bid openings set for November 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. - Purchase of a sewer jet/vacuum combo truck ($606,641.91) and a sanitation rear‑loading refuse compactor truck ($255,365.00) under Sourcewell cooperative purchasing - Consultant agreement for airport apron and taxilanes rehabilitation (Alfred Benesch & Company) - Final payment ($4,052) for Harmon Pool circulation pump replacement - Two keno license approvals for Brix (14 East 21st Street) and The Otherside (15 East 24th Street) - Purchase of budget software (Vertosoft) - Award of Construction Manager at Risk for Fire Station 3 to MCL Construction Consent Agenda Ordinances - Three ordinances were passed on final reading unanimously (5‑0). - Ordinance 8767: authorizing issuance of up to $10 million in Public Safety Equipment Tax Anticipation Bonds for a new fire hall, a fire engine, and public safety equipment. - Ordinance 8768: adding Article 32 “Small Wireless Facilities” to Chapter 3 of the City Code. - Ordinance 8769: repealing Ordinance 8762 and amending the Salary Ordinance for certain positions. Regular Agenda – Visit Kearney Report - Executive Director Sarah Focke presented the annual report. The Visitors Bureau is funded by a 2% occupation tax and additional grants. Staff includes a director, convention sales manager, marketing coordinator, and welcome center employees. Key markets: conventions, sports events, and leisure travel. Recent economic impact studies: six events (NSAA Duals Wrestling, Cattleman’s Classic, State Speech, Shrine Bowl, Cross Country, Gateway) generated over $5 million. The 2017 Sandhill Crane study showed over $14 million impact during the six‑week migration; a new study (including North Platte and prairie chickens) is pending. The Bureau also supports the SportsPlex (averaging 30+ events), community facilities, and 20+ cultural partners. Billboards are located at Henderson, Gibbon, Ogallala, Gothenburg, and Kearney exits. Regular Agenda – Open Account Claim - An open account claim to UNK EMarket for $120 was approved with Councilmembers Moore and Stratman abstaining (3‑0‑2). Public Comments - No members of the public addressed the Council on items not on the agenda. Reports and Announcements - Council members acknowledged the Yanney Park donation and congratulated City Manager Brenda Jensen and her husband on the birth of their son Nolan. A brief discussion occurred regarding a lighthearted “Potato Head” character contest hosted by city staff. Closed Session - At 6:25 p.m., the Council voted unanimously (5‑0) to adjourn into closed session for the protection of the public interest to discuss contract negotiations. The Council reserved the option to reconvene in open session.

The Planning Commission of Kearney, Nebraska, met on October 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers. The commission considered four related applications for the Ingram Subdivision (6045 East 39th Street) – a future land use map amendment, rezoning, preliminary plat, and final plat – all of which were approved unanimously. A separate set of applications for the Buckshot Addition (119 Central Avenue) were either withdrawn (item 8) or postponed to the November 21, 2025 meeting (items 9–11). One member of the public spoke regarding the Ingram proposal. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The minutes of the September 19, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Kelly Hardin (neighbor at 6315 East 39th Street, tree farm property) expressed concern about what could be developed on the Ingram property under M-1 zoning, particularly the potential for hazardous chemical storage. She noted that the existing property is cluttered with abandoned vehicles and buildings in disrepair. She stated that if the site is cleaned up and used for storage, that would be acceptable, but she worried that future uses might involve chemicals that could affect her property. Staff clarified that M-1 zoning permits limited industrial uses with limited environmental effects; chemical storage would need to comply with site development regulations and could not have off-site impacts. Hardin acknowledged the explanation and had no further questions. Discussion Items - Ingram Subdivision (Items 4–7): Trenton Snow (applicant, land surveyor) presented a multi-step application for a 1.18-acre tract south of the railroad tracks, west of Imperial Avenue, at the end of East 39th Street. The property, originally part of the Wolford family homestead, had long been used beyond its legal boundaries. A strip of land from Glenn Wolford would be sold to the Ingrams to resolve encroachments. The owners plan to clean up the site, demolish dilapidated buildings, and develop storage units. The following actions were taken: - Future Land Use Map Amendment No. 2025-01: Change from Urban Reserve (UR) to Commercial Mixed Use (MU3). Staff found the amendment consistent with existing development. Motion to approve carried unanimously. - Rezoning No. 2025-14: From AG (Agricultural) to M-1 (Limited Industrial). Staff recommended approval. Motion to approve carried unanimously. - Preliminary Plat No. 2025-10: For the Ingram Subdivision. The plat includes individual well and septic details. Motion to approve carried unanimously. - Final Plat No. 2025-10: For the Ingram Subdivision. Motion to approve carried unanimously. - Buckshot Addition (Items 8–11): The applicant (Miller & Associates) requested postponement to the November 21, 2025 meeting. Item 8 (Future Land Use Map Amendment) had been withdrawn from the agenda. The commission voted to table items 9 (Rezoning No. 2025-15), 10 (Preliminary Plat No. 2025-11), and 11 (Final Plat No. 2025-11) to the November meeting. The motion carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - Ingram Subdivision: All four applications (future land use map amendment, rezoning, preliminary plat, final plat) were approved unanimously by roll call vote (all members present voting aye). - Buckshot Addition: Item 8 was withdrawn. Items 9, 10, and 11 were unanimously tabled to the November 21, 2025 meeting. - Reports: Staff announced a subcommittee meeting for short‑term rental regulations on Monday (October 20) and reminded commissioners of the Nebraska Planning and Zoning Fall Virtual Conference on October 24, with free registration available for training. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.