Public Meetings - Kearney, Nebraska

The Kearney City Council met on September 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine consent items, approval of an open account claim from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, public introductions, and council reports. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and later adjourned into closed session to discuss contract negotiations. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approved: Minutes of the Special Meeting on September 3, 2025, and the Regular Meeting on September 9, 2025, were approved. - Claims Approved: The list of claims was approved. - Planning Commission Recommendations: Set October 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. as the date for hearings on applicable Planning Commission recommendations. - Surplus Equipment Sale: Authorized the Utilities Department to sell two pieces of equipment by the most advantageous method (auction, sealed bid, or private/public sale). - Fire Department Volunteer: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-111 adding Blake Wilbur as a member of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department. - Special Community Betterment Grant: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-112 approving the Special Community Betterment Grant Program. - Hy-Vee Catering Application: Authorized the Mayor to send a letter of no recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission regarding Hy-Vee Inc.’s catering application for their store at 5212 3rd Avenue. - Marlatt Fourth Bids: Accepted the bid from Nielsen Contracting, LLC for $816,859.50 for the 2025 Part 5 Improvements and adopted Resolution No. 2025-113. - Visit Kearney Agreement: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-114 repealing the prior agreement (Resolution 2022-210) for services between the City and Visit Kearney regarding lodging tax revenue allocation. - Keno Operations – Birdies & Brews: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-115 authorizing Endgame West, LLC dba Big Red Keno to operate keno at Birdies & Brews, 5915 2nd Avenue, Suite 4. - Keno Operations – Meadowlark Hills Golf Course: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-116 authorizing Big Red Keno to operate keno at Meadowlark Hills Golf Course, 3300 30th Avenue. - Sanitation Routing Software: Approved the purchase of routing software from Routeware for $56,430.00 under the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract and adopted Resolution No. 2025-117. All consent agenda items (1–12) were approved unanimously on a roll-call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Bill Harvey (Big Red Keno) spoke to introduce Dan Olson as the new local representative for Big Red Keno. Olson has been with the company for about a month and a half. Dan Olson briefly introduced himself, noting he grew up in Minden, Nebraska, and also serves on the Kearney Whitewater board. No other public comments were made. Discussion Items - Council Reports – Tax Hearing Recap: Council members discussed the property tax hearing held the previous night (September 22, 2025). One member praised City Manager Brenda Jensen and department heads for their preparation and presentation before an estimated audience of 100 people. The council noted that property tax issues will likely continue to draw public attention. They also discussed the timing of budget hearings: the state-mandated “pink postcard” notification process gives the public little opportunity for input. Representatives from NACO and the League of Nebraska Municipalities are working on a joint bill to restructure the hearing schedule so that tax statements mailed at the beginning of the year include budget hearing dates. - Future Meeting Date: The first meeting in November 2025 will be held on Wednesday, November 12, instead of the usual Tuesday, because November 11 is Veterans Day (city offices closed). The meeting will also coincide with Leadership Kearney’s city government day. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (12 items). - Open Account Claim (UNK): Approved on a vote of 3 ayes (Mayor Nikkila, Schmidt, Bushkoetter) and 2 abstentions (Moore, Stratman). The claim was $200.00 from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. - Motion to Adjourn into Closed Session: Approved unanimously at 5:39 p.m. for the protection of the public interest to discuss contract negotiations, with the option to reconvene in open session.

The Planning Commission met on September 19, 2025, at 9:00 AM in City Council Chambers, 18 East 22nd Street, Kearney, Nebraska. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dave Malone, with roll call confirming attendance (Jeff Baker arrived late). The commission approved routine items, then held hearings on a rezoning and final plat, and discussed two code amendments related to short-term rentals and downtown residential definitions. After extensive debate, the code amendments were tabled to the November 21, 2025 meeting, and a subcommittee was formed to study the issue further. Consent Calendar - Minutes of August 15, 2025: Approved as written (motion by Commissioner y, second by Commissioner z, unanimous vote). - Easement Vacation No. 2025-03: Application by Miller & Associates for Sean and Lindsay Pietrini to vacate a 10.00-foot-wide utility easement at 2105 West Talmadge Street (Lot 1, Turkey Creek Third Subdivision). Staff reported that the electrical utilities had been relocated to a new easement, making the old easement unnecessary. The commission approved the vacation unanimously (motion by Commissioner Malone, second by Commissioner Scott-Pandorf, all ayes). Public Comments & Testimony - Craig Bennett, representing Miller & Associates, spoke in favor of the easement vacation, rezoning, and final plat applications. He described the infrastructure improvements and the history of the development. - Melissa Dittmer-O'Hara, City Planner, presented the code amendments and answered questions from the commission. No other members of the public offered testimony. Discussion Items - Rezoning No. 2025-13 and Final Plat No. 2025-09 (Butler Second Subdivision): Heard together. The applicant requested rezoning of 6.32 acres from AG (Agricultural) to BP (Business Park) and approval of a final plat for a one-lot subdivision at the southwest corner of 56th Street and Chase Avenue. Staff found the proposal consistent with the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, with existing water and sewer infrastructure in place. The commission approved both items unanimously (motion by Commissioner for rezoning, second by Commissioner, all ayes; motion by Commissioner for final plat, second by Commissioner, all ayes). - Code Amendment No. 2025-01 (Definitions) and Code Amendment No. 2025-02 (Supplemental Use Regulations): These proposed adding definitions for “Short-term Rental” and “Sleeping Area” to Chapter 12, and amending Chapter 46 to allow street-level residential in the CBD district with a commercial component, update group residential density tables, and create new regulations for short-term rentals including annual licensing, occupancy limits, and health/safety requirements. Extensive discussion ensued: - Commissioners expressed concerns about setting a precedent for street-level residential downtown, potentially harming the commercial character. Some argued that the Board of Adjustments should retain oversight, but others worried that the change would encourage residential conversion. - Regarding short-term rentals, commissioners debated the need for regulation, enforcement challenges, and the impact on property rights. Specific concerns included: lack of “teeth” to remove non-compliant listings from platforms like Airbnb/VRBO, unclear due process for license revocation, potential to discourage small-scale entrepreneurs, and the fact that other peer cities (Hastings, Grand Island, North Platte) have not enacted similar rules. Commissioner Rickard noted that 60-70 Airbnb listings were found in Kearney, and that the city has received about 13 complaints in the past year. Commissioner Baker suggested that the regulations would burden good actors while bad actors would ignore them. Commissioner Scott-Pandorf emphasized the need for health and safety, while Commissioner Dakan questioned the priority level of this issue. - After discussion, Commissioner Rickard moved to table items 7 and 8 to the November 21, 2025 meeting and form a subcommittee to research the topic further. The motion was seconded and passed (all in favor). The subcommittee will consist of Commissioners Rickard, McGinnis, Malone, and Baker, with staff support from the Chief Building Official and Code Enforcement. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes of August 15, 2025; Easement Vacation No. 2025-03; Rezoning No. 2025-13; Final Plat No. 2025-09. - Tabled: Code Amendments No. 2025-01 and 2025-02 to the November 21, 2025 meeting (motion carried). - Formed Subcommittee: A four-member subcommittee (Rickard, McGinnis, Malone, Baker) will study short-term rental regulations and report back to the full commission at the November meeting. - Other: Staff noted that Trevor Lee, from the Buffalo County Economic Development Council, was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts; his housing presentation was deferred. Commissioners agreed that current housing inventory has improved, reducing the urgency of that topic.

The Kearney City Council met on September 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting included two public hearings, approval of consent agenda items, adoption of a salary ordinance, and final passage of the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget. All actions were approved unanimously. Public Hearings - Donation of Approximately 70 Acres (Resolution 2025-105): City Attorney Michael Ty presented a proposal to accept a donation of about 70 acres from the Kearney Area Community Foundation. The property includes an assignment of a gravel extraction lease with a minimum annual rental of $15,000 (based on royalties per cubic yard), running through March 2028. The city has no current plans for the land beyond potential trail use. No public comments were made. The council closed the hearing and unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-105. - One- and Six-Year Street Improvement Plan (Resolution 2025-106): City Engineer Luke Dutcher presented the 2025-2026 plan, a planning document showing street projects for the next year and six years. Key 2026 projects include: - Reconstruction of Avenue A from 31st Street to 35th Street (36-foot width, same as existing, no parking). - Safety improvements at 45th Street and Avenue I (traffic signal, southbound left turn lane, pedestrian crossings), near Sunrise Middle School. The school district is considering on-site improvements. - Other projects: Butler Avenue Place (cul-de-sac), Marlette 4th (Habitat for Humanity), and developer-funded roads (Saudi First Edition, Arborview). - Six-year plan includes Central Storm Sewer (2028), 30th Street reconstruction, 16th Street phases, 39th Street, and 30th Avenue Bridge expansion (all tentative). - Public comment: Jacob Bono Larchik (2009 Fifth Avenue) questioned the width of Avenue A, suggesting narrowing to reduce speeding, and raised concerns about pedestrian safety on Avenue I. Council members discussed potential advanced warning signs. The hearing was closed, and Resolution 2025-106 was adopted unanimously. Consent Calendar (Items 1–7) The council approved the following items without discussion: - Minutes of August 26, 2025 - Approval of claims - Resolution 2025-107: Repealing Resolution 2024-161 and adopting the 2025-2026 Comprehensive Fee Schedule - Resolution 2025-108: Setting the 2025 property tax levy at a different amount than the preliminary levy set by Buffalo County - Resolution 2025-109: Approving the Kearney Area Solid Waste Agency Budget for 2025-2026 - Approval of Lottery Trust Fund Committee recommendations for keno fund allocations to outside agencies - Resolution 2025-110: Authorizing the mayor to sign the Municipal Annual Certification of Program Compliance to the Nebraska Department of Transportation Consent Agenda Ordinances - Ordinance 8762 (Salary Ordinance): Repealed Ordinance 8700 and adopted new classifications, compensation ranges, overtime, allowances, and benefits. Approved on final passage with the suspension of three readings. Regular Agenda - Ordinance 8763 (2025-2026 City Budget): Adopted the city budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and approved the budget statement as the Annual Appropriation Bill. Council members thanked staff for their work on the budget. Unanimously approved. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of all resolutions and ordinances (all votes 5-0). - The one- and six-year street plan is a fluid planning document; projects may be adjusted in future CIPs. - The city will continue to monitor the 39th Street corridor and consider interlocal agreements with the county for potential improvements. - No executive session was held.

The Kearney City Council held two public hearings on September 3, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the proposed 2025-2026 fiscal year budget and the city's property tax request. Finance Director Kayla James presented detailed information on expenditures, revenues, fee schedule changes, and property tax implications. No members of the public testified during the hearings. The council closed both hearings and will consider formal adoption at subsequent meetings. Discussion Items - Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Presentation: Kayla James presented a comprehensive overview of the proposed budget. Total expenditures are projected to increase by approximately $9 million (6.9%) over the prior year's budget. General fund expenditures rose 7% ($2.8 million), driven by a 9% increase in personal services (including health insurance premiums, COLA, merit increases, and police/fire pension costs). Other funds increased 6.6% ($6.3 million). Capital outlay across all funds increased by $3.6 million (8.8%), with major projects including Fire Station No. 3 ($12.35 million), Airport Apron reconstruction ($4 million in FY26), Box Butte Business Development sewer ($654,000 city cost), Avenue A from 31st to 35th Street ($1.6 million), a new landfill cell ($1.5 million), Avenue N and 45th Street ($925,000), lead service line replacement ($800,000 in FY26), Centennial Park playground upgrade ($400,000), and Highway 30 lighting ($300,000). - Property Tax Request: The city's total property tax request is $7.4 million, with a combined levy of 0.190574 (including CRA and Off-Street Parking District). For a $200,000 home, the city portion of taxes will increase by $67 (from $297 to $364 per year). The increase is primarily due to bonds for the new fire station. The city remains well below its levy cap of $0.45. - Revenue Projections: Total revenues are budgeted to increase 21% ($22.4 million), largely due to $14.8 million in new bond proceeds for the fire station. Sales tax is projected at $19.4 million (up 4.2%), but will be reduced by $235,496 in state incentive refunds. Property tax revenue is estimated at $7 million (up due to new growth and inflation). Charges for services are expected to rise $5.6 million (15%), driven by full-year sportsplex operations, utilities, and enterprise fund rate adjustments. - Fee Schedule Changes: Landfill tipping fees are increasing: uncompacted waste to $42.25/ton (up 0.6%) and compacted waste to $39.20/ton (up 12%), as part of a multi-year plan to equalize rates. Sanitation collection rates increased 3.5% (except yard waste up 2.5%). Sanitary sewer rates rose 7.5% (year four of a five-year plan). Water base rates increased from $10.34 to $12.75 per month for residential customers, while consumption rates remain unchanged; a third-party utility rate study is planned. Stormwater fees were unchanged. - Balanced Budget: For the first time, the general fund budget meets the newly adopted balanced budget policy, with budgeted expenditures not exceeding budgeted revenues. All funds (except the health insurance fund) meet the 25% fund balance policy. - Health Insurance: The city is experiencing a 20% increase in health and dental premiums. Administration is exploring alternative plan options, including a high-deductible plan, to provide more choices and stabilize costs. The health insurance fund does not currently meet the 25% fund balance target due to actuarial requirements. - Future Considerations: The city is monitoring potential property tax ballot initiatives that could significantly alter revenue sources. Officials are preparing to work with state legislators on possible adjustments to sales tax authority to replace lost property tax revenue. Key Outcomes - The public hearing on the 2025-2026 budget was closed by a unanimous roll call vote (all five council members present voting aye). - The public hearing on setting the 2025 property tax request at a different amount than the preliminary request was closed by a unanimous roll call vote. - The council will take formal action on September 9, 2025: adoption of a resolution setting the final property tax request, the annual appropriation bill, personnel ordinance, and comprehensive fee schedule. - A "pink postcard" public meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Buffalo County Extension Building. - Final adoption of the budget, property tax request, and related ordinances is expected on September 23, 2025.

The Kearney City Council met on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial swearing-in of the new police chief and a police officer, a public hearing on Keno progressive jackpot funds, approval of a consent agenda, and two major regular agenda items: the sale of city-owned property for a data center and a tax increment financing (TIF) redevelopment project for Habitat for Humanity. Oath of Office Ceremonies - Police Chief Gabriel Kowalek was sworn in after a competitive selection process. City Manager Brenda Jensen praised his internal leadership and vision. Chief Kowalek expressed gratitude and commitment to the community, officers, and partnerships (Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, federal partners, and others). - Police Officer Gavin West was sworn in. Chief Kowalek noted his professionalism, Air Force service, and Air National Guard service. Officer West is badge 233, a Hastings native, and chose Kearney over other departments. Public Hearing - Keno Progressive Jackpot Funds Transfer: City Attorney Mike Ty presented a public hearing on transferring $16,453.08 from the former Keno operator’s progressive jackpot fund to the City of Kearney Community Betterment Fund. The resolution (2025-97) was required by Nebraska Department of Revenue regulations. The funds will be used for community betterment projects, reviewed by a citizen committee. The council closed the hearing and unanimously approved the resolution. Consent Calendar The council approved the following items en bloc (motion by Council Member Schmidt, second by Council Member Stratman, all voted aye): - Minutes of the regular meeting of August 12, 2025. - Claims. - Receipt of Planning Commission recommendations and setting September 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. for hearings. - Resolution 2025-98: Final allocation of levy authority – $249,470.00 for the Community Redevelopment Authority and $71,668.00 for Offstreet Parking District No. 1 for FY 2025-2026. - Resolution 2025-99: Amendment to the Police Pension Plan due to LB 179 (Cities of the First-Class Police Retirement Act changes). - Resolution 2025-100: Approval of Construction Management at Risk method for Fire Station No. 3. - Resolution 2025-101: Extension of recreational use agreement with Nebraska Public Power District for the Canal Tailrace (kayaking, canoeing, tubing). - Resolution 2025-102: Municipality Maintenance Agreement with NDOT for installation of four Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crossings on US-30 at University Drive. - Approval of plans and specifications for 2025 Part 5 Improvements: Marlatt Fourth, with bid opening on September 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. - Two consent agenda ordinances (Ordinance 8759 amending speed limits and school zones; Ordinance 8760 amending parking regulations for nonmotorized/recreational vehicles and trucks/trailers in residential zones) were adopted on final passage after suspension of three-reading rule. Discussion Items - Regular Agenda Item 1 & 2 – Shamrock Data, LLC Purchase Agreement and Deed of Sale: City Attorney Mike Ty presented the sale of city-owned Lots 2 and 3, Block 2, Tech One Fourth Subdivision (east of 56th Street near the new NPPD substation) to Shamrock Data, LLC for $1,355,000. The buyer plans a compact, tier-three data center of approximately 30,000 square feet, using about 4.99 megawatts of electrical power (expandable to 15 megawatts). A right of first refusal allows the city to repurchase the property if a building permit is not pulled within one year of closing. Council members asked about cooling methods, footprint, and whether a lease was considered. The purchase agreement (Resolution 2025-103) and deed of sale (Ordinance 8761) were approved unanimously. - Regular Agenda Item 3 – Habitat for Humanity Redevelopment Project (TIF): City staff presented the redevelopment project for Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity in Redevelopment Area No. 7 (east of 18th Street and Avenue M). The project will build 16 single-family homes on land currently valued at $95,000; after construction, the anticipated valuation is $3.6 million, creating an increment of over $3.5 million. Eligible costs are estimated at just over $1 million. The Community Redevelopment Authority approved 100% of the annual increment for up to 15 years, beginning tax year 2026. The city will manage infrastructure construction (using a joint funding model: 50% upfront from Habitat, 50% from city budget, reimbursed via TIF). Council approved the findings and Resolution 2025-104, authorizing the redevelopment contract. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of Resolution 2025-97 (Keno fund transfer to Community Betterment Fund). - Consent agenda items (including 9 resolutions and 2 ordinances) approved unanimously. - Resolution 2025-103 and Ordinance 8761 approved unanimously for the sale of property to Shamrock Data, LLC. - Resolution 2025-104 approved unanimously, granting 100% of annual TIF increment for up to 15 years for the Habitat for Humanity redevelopment project. - Next steps: Construction bids for Marlatt Fourth improvements open September 16, 2025; budget hearing scheduled for September 3, 2025; NPPD small modular reactor coffee event on August 27, 2025; Destination Downtown event on September 2, 2025. Reports - Council members and City Manager Brenda Jensen offered congratulations to the new police chief, noted high load factors (83%) for SkyWest air service (eight empty seats on average), and reminded the public about the upcoming NPPD nuclear conversation event and the budget hearing.

The Kearney Planning Commission met on August 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. to review the city's capital improvement program for the 2025-2026 budget, discuss amendments to the commission's bylaws, and elect officers for the coming year. The meeting was chaired by Dave Malone. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the July 18, 2025, meeting were approved. Commissioners Dakan and Scott-Pandorf abstained; all other present members voted in favor. Discussion Items - Presentation of Capital Expenditures (2025-2026 Budget): Director of Finance Kayleigh James presented the capital improvements for paving, water, and sewer. Key projects and allocations included: - Miscellaneous Paving, Sewer, and Water Districts: $500,000 each for paving and sewer, $400,000 for water. For the first time in years, these funds will be used for the Marlat Fourth Subdivision, where Habitat for Humanity is building 16 homes. The city will cover 50% of infrastructure costs, to be recaptured through TIF. - Rolling Hills Streets: $200,000 set aside for a potential 2-inch mill and overlay of 1.5 centerline miles (3,015 tons of asphalt). The homeowners association has not yet decided to proceed. - Special Sales Tax Projects: $390,000 for asphalt street replacement (with annual $10,000 increases and rollover of unused funds) and $380,000 for miscellaneous street improvements. - Avenue A (31st to 35th Street): $1,534,100 for reconstruction including 8-inch concrete pavement, stormwater drainage, sidewalks, and conduit for new lighting. - Avenue N & 45th Street Traffic Signal: Reconfiguration of the intersection near Sunrise Middle School, adding a southbound left-turn lane and a new traffic signal, relocating an existing mid-block pedestrian signal. - Sanitary Sewer Fund: - Box Butte Business Development Project: $3.7 million total ($2.6 million EDA grant, $650,000 city funds, $508,000 local business matching). This will extend infrastructure (8-inch sewer main, 30-inch sanitary sewer line, 8-inch water line, and concrete curb/gutter) to open over 400 acres for development between Antelope Avenue and the expressway. - Lead Service Line Replacement: A five-year, $4 million SRF loan (0% interest, $3 million forgiven) to replace 1,000 lead service lines (about 200/year). City cost is $1.1 million. Property owners must agree to participate. Ms. James also introduced incoming Finance Director Brian Schultz, formerly of Grand Island. - Review of Planning Commission Bylaws: City staff (Malia) presented proposed updates to the bylaws, last revised in 2019. Changes were primarily formatting and clarifications, including: - Meetings: Clarification that meetings can be canceled if no business exists. - Appointments: Clarification of terms for commissioners. - Agenda: Ability to vary order but cannot add items requiring public notice without proper notice. - Motions and procedures: Reorganization for clarity. Commissioners discussed specific language, including the definition of "senior" (based on length of service, not age), the polling process for special meetings, and the phrase "motions may be tabled or amended by any member" (clarified that a second is required). - Election of Officers: - Chairperson: Dave Malone was re-elected by acclamation (motion by Commissioner Dakan, seconded; vote: all aye except Rickard absent). - Vice Chairperson: Richard McGuinness was elected (motion by Commissioner Yaw, seconded; McGuinness abstained, all others aye). Key Outcomes - Approved capital improvements report as presented (motion by Commissioner Cochran, seconded; unanimous with one absent). - Approved the amended Planning Commission bylaws as edited (motion by Commissioner Yaw, seconded; all present aye, Rickard absent). - Elected Dave Malone as Chairperson and Richard McGuinness as Vice Chairperson for the upcoming term. - No further business; meeting adjourned.

This is a summary of the Kearney City Council meeting scheduled for August 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. No transcript or minutes were provided, so the summary is based solely on the published agenda. The meeting included a public hearing and a consent agenda with several routine items. Public Hearing - III-1: The council conducted a public hearing on the proposed acquisition of a permanent public utility easement over a tract of land (part of Section 30, Township 9 North, Range 15 West, Buffalo County, Nebraska) from Camil Saadi, Managing Member of WinStar Enterprises, LLC. Resolution No. 2025-94 was considered. No public testimony or council discussion could be confirmed due to the lack of a transcript. Consent Calendar - IV-1: The minutes of the Special Meeting of July 22, 2025, and the Regular Meeting of July 22, 2025, were approved. - IV-2: The claims were approved. - IV-3: Resolution No. 2025-95 was adopted, approving the Fire Chief’s recommendation to add Jadon Munsinger and Cameron Werkmeister as members of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department. - IV-4: Resolution No. 2024-144 (a Developer Constructed Infrastructure Agreement for Saadi First) was rescinded, and Resolution No. 2025-96 was adopted, approving an amended Developer Constructed Infrastructure Agreement between the City and WinStar Enterprises for construction of water main, sanitary sewer main, paving, and storm sewer main to serve Saadi First Addition. Key Outcomes - All items on the consent agenda were approved (assumed unanimous unless noted otherwise). The public hearing was held, and Resolution No. 2025-94 regarding the utility easement was likely considered for approval, but the final outcome cannot be verified without the transcript. Note: No public comments or discussion items outside the consent agenda were recorded on the agenda. The meeting was scheduled to adjourn after completing the agenda.

The Kearney City Council met on July 22, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. for a special meeting with a single agenda item: a presentation of the City of Kearney's proposed 2025-2026 preliminary budget by Finance Director Kayla James. The presentation covered proposed expenditures, revenues, capital improvement projects, debt service, tax rates, fee schedule changes, and key financial challenges. No public comments were heard, and no formal votes were taken except the motion to adjourn. Discussion Items - Personnel & Operating Costs: Personal services in the general fund increased by approximately $2 million (9%), driven by higher health/dental insurance costs (20% increase, about $530,000), a 3% pay plan adjustment ($760,000 total), merit increases, enhanced police and fire retirement contributions, and full-year Sportsplex operations. The city reduced its total workforce by five positions (one full-time, four part-time) to 358 employees. - Expenditures Overview: Total proposed expenditures are $9.2 million higher than the previous year, a 7% increase. General fund expenditures rose $2.8 million (7.5%), primarily in personal services. Other funds (special revenue, capital projects, enterprise, etc.) increased $6.3 million (6.7%). Capital outlay decreased by 0.6% overall due to offsetting projects. - Capital Improvement Projects (Top 9): 1. Fire Station 3 – $12.3 million, funded by public safety tax anticipation bond. 2. Airport parking apron reconstruction – $8.7 million (federal community directed funds and bipartisan infrastructure funds; city pays upfront, 90% reimbursed). 3. Box Butte business development – $3.7 million ($2.6 million grant, local match and sewer fund connection fees). 4. Avenue A (31st–35th Street) – $1.6 million (special sales tax). 5. Landfill new cell – $1.5 million (solid waste disposal fund). 6. Avenue N & 45th Street – $925,000 ($600,000 STP funds, $330,000 special sales tax). 7. Lead service line replacement – $800,000 (zero-interest SRF loan and NDEE grant; total project $4 million, $2.9 million grant, $1.1 million loan). 8. Centennial Park playground upgrade – $400,000 (donation). 9. Highway 30 lighting – $300,000 (special sales tax; city pays portion in city limits). These nine projects total $25 million, representing 62% of the $41 million capital budget. - Debt Service: The city has three bond types (public safety, various purpose, revenue). Net debt increase of about $8 million in principal. Annual principal and interest payments typically run about $10 million. - Revenues: Total budgeted revenues increased $21 million (20%). Charges for services (34% of total) and taxes (25%) are top categories. Bond proceeds are significant this year due to fire station and airport projects. Sales tax revenue is budgeted at $19 million (including $13 million for property tax relief and $6 million for special sales tax/capital). Property tax request is $6,334,053, based on an estimated 3.8% growth in valuation (final certification August 20). The estimated property tax levy is $0.16 per $100 valuation, an increase of about 1.5 cents. For a $200,000 home, the city portion would increase by $32 annually; for a $300,000 home, $48. - Sales Tax Distribution: City receives 1.5 cents per dollar (of 7 cents total). One-third of that (0.5 cent) goes to special sales tax for capital. Sales tax revenues are occasionally reduced by state tax incentives (Nebraska Advantage, Nebraska Imagined). - Fee Schedule Changes: - Landfill: Uncompacted waste fee from $42 to $42.25 (0.6% increase); compacted waste from $35 to $39.20 per ton (12% increase, phased over 2–3 years to match uncompacted rate). Tire disposal fee from $200 to $250 per ton (state requirement). - Sanitation collection: 3.5% increase for most waste types; yard waste from $20 to $20.50 (2.5%). - Sanitary sewer: 7.5% increase (fourth of five planned years, funding wastewater treatment plant upgrade). - Water: Monthly base rate for residential homes increases by $2.41 (to $12.75, annual increase of $29); consumption rates unchanged. A third-party rate study is planned. - Financial Challenges: Flat sales tax growth with mandated incentive reductions; rising costs for goods, services, health/dental, and property insurance; flat NPPD revenues; uncertainty over state property tax changes; workforce competition and minimum wage increases; continued service expansion without new revenue streams. - Upcoming Dates: - August 20: Valuation certification. - September 3: Public hearing on city and off-street parking district budgets. - September 9: Hearing to set final property tax request and adopt appropriation bill, personnel ordinance, and fee schedule. - September 22: Joint public hearing with other political subdivisions (if growth exceeds 2%, likely) at Buffalo County Extension Building at 6:30 p.m. Key Outcomes - No formal action was taken on the budget; the presentation was informational. Council members thanked Kayla James for her work. - A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed unanimously (Mayor Nikkila absent; Council members Moore, Schmidt, Stratman present; roll call not fully recorded). The meeting adjourned shortly after the presentation.

The Kearney City Council met on July 22, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included two public hearings, approval of a consent agenda with 16 items, and a regular agenda item. Council members present were Vice President Randy Buschkoetter, Tami James Moore, and Pete Kotsiopulos (transcribed as “Stratman”); Mayor Jonathan Nikkila and Council Member Kurt Schmidt were absent. All votes were unanimous among those present. Consent Calendar - Items 1–16 (all approved unanimously): Approval of meeting minutes (July 8 regular and July 10 joint), claims, Planning Commission recommendations setting an August 12 hearing, Resolution No. 2025-82 (authorizing signatories for city checks), annual renewal of manufactured home court license for Valley View Mobile Home Court through May 31, 2026, Resolution No. 2025-83 (board appointments), Resolution No. 2025-84 (qualification standards for satellite Keno operations), Resolution No. 2025-85 (awarding a $111,744 bid to Miller Painting, LLC for Harmon Park swimming pool tub sandblasting and painting), and Resolutions No. 2025-86 through 2025-93 (approving Keno-type lottery operations at eight establishments operated by Endgame West, LLC dba Big Red Keno). Public Hearings - Public Hearing No. 1 – Permanent Sanitary Sewer Easement (Butler Machinery Company): Andy Harder, Director of Public Works, presented a 10-foot-wide sanitary sewer easement along 56th Street to serve the Tech One Force subdivision. The easement was granted by Travis Solberg, CFO of Butler Machinery Company. No public testimony was offered. The council closed the hearing and adopted Resolution No. 2025-80 (3-0). - Public Hearing No. 2 – Permanent Utility Easements (Fox Creek Development, LLC): Mr. Harder presented 18 utility easements (including two sewer easements) for the Arbor View Third and Fourth subdivisions, granted by Timothy J. Norwood Sr. of Fox Creek Development, LLC. These easements provide electric and public utility access for the development. No public testimony was offered. The council closed the hearing and adopted Resolution No. 2025-81 (3-0). Regular Agenda - Open Account Claim – Jonathan Nikkila ($634.64): The council considered a claim against Mayor Nikkila (who was absent). A motion to approve the claim was made and seconded. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Reports - City Manager Brenda Jensen thanked volunteers for the Art in the Park event (noting rain diminished attendance but artwork was excellent). She reported that a pump for Centennial Pool had been ordered; because of extended delivery time, the pool was drained and will require three days to refill, reheat, and reclorinate. The pool is expected to reopen by the end of next week (approximately 10 days of remaining season). Council members expressed support for the decision to repair rather than close the pool for the season. - Council Member (Vice President Buschkoetter) thanked department heads and staff for budget information presented earlier that day, acknowledging the effort put into the budget process. Key Outcomes - Resolutions adopted: No. 2025-80 (sewer easement), No. 2025-81 (utility easements), No. 2025-82 (check signatories), No. 2025-83 (board appointments), No. 2025-84 (Keno standards), No. 2025-85 (Harmon Pool contract), and No. 2025-86 through 2025-93 (Keno operations). - Consent agenda approved as a block (items 1–16). - Open account claim approved for $634.64. - Next meeting: A public hearing for Planning Commission recommendations is set for August 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Note: The transcript refers to a council member “Stratman” who voted; the published agenda lists council members as Mayor Jonathan Nikkila, Vice President Randy Buschkoetter, Tami James Moore, Kurt Schmidt, and Pete Kotsiopulos – with Nikkila and Schmidt absent. “Stratman” may be a transcription error for Kotsiopulos.