Kearney Planning Commission Meeting – October 18, 2024

The Kearney Planning Commission met on October 18, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was a public hearing on Rezoning No. 2024-14, submitted by Meredith Collins for the Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska. The commission also approved the minutes from the September 20, 2024 meeting and received reports on professional development and staff changes. The meeting adjourned after unanimous approval of the rezoning.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (September 20, 2024): A motion was made and seconded. Voting results: Chairperson Malone – aye, Vice-Chairperson Dakan – aye, Scott-Pandorf – aye, Baker – abstain, Cochran – aye, Rickard – aye, Yaw – aye, McGinnis (likely Bernu? – transcript says McGinnis) – aye, Gargan – aye. Motion carried.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the hearing for Rezoning No. 2024-14. Staff noted two phone inquiries from nearby residents asking about the nature of the rezoning, but no positions were expressed.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning No. 2024-14 – Vacant Lot South of 1023 Avenue F:

  • Applicant Meredith Collins, Executive Director of Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska, requested a rezoning from District R-3 (Urban Residential Multi-Family, Medium Density) to District C-O (Office District) for the purpose of constructing a new Early Head Start facility. The property is a vacant lot adjacent to the agency’s existing Head Start/WIC building and Ride transit facility.
  • Collins explained that the agency currently rents an Early Head Start space at 601 Central Avenue, serving 32 children in an industrial area with limited outdoor space. The new facility would have four classrooms (with potential future expansion) and 26 parking spaces. The agency was awarded approximately $2.6 million from the Office of Head Start to fund construction after multiple application attempts. A feasibility study (2021), environmental study (completed twice), and professional appraisal have been completed.
  • Staff representative Melissa Scott-Pandorf reminded the commission that rezoning decisions are based on land use compatibility, not building or landscaping plans. The C-O district allows most residential, civic, office, and limited commercial uses and provides a transitional buffer to adjacent residential areas. Staff findings: the property has remained undeveloped since 1996; the proposed zoning is consistent with the 2016 Comprehensive Plan and compatible with surrounding development. Staff recommended approval.
  • No commissioners raised objections. Chairperson Malone asked if any residents had commented; staff reported only two informational phone calls, no opposition or support.
  • The hearing was closed, and a motion to approve the rezoning was made and seconded. The commission voted unanimously in favor (all aye, including Baker who had abstained on the minutes). Chairperson Malone congratulated Ms. Collins on the project.

• Reports:

  • Staff announced that the Nebraska MPZA fall virtual conference had about 170 registrants and 110 attendees (up from ~70-80 the previous year). Several commissioners attended.
  • Staff noted that Armelia (planning staff) will be on maternity leave from approximately November until March 2025. Jamie Herrick (code enforcement/permit) will assist with minutes, and City Clerk Peggy will help manage meeting technology.
  • Commissioner Yaw shared observations from the conference, including a session on “micro TIF” (spot TIF) – an administrative burden for cities that have used it, and a session on handling contentious public meetings. He also noted a legislative change effective July 18, 2024, that may allow any citizen to speak at any public meeting, not just during scheduled hearings. Chairperson Malone indicated he would check with legal counsel regarding the interpretation.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning No. 2024-14 approved unanimously (8–0, with one commissioner who had abstained on the minutes voting in favor). The property at the south 286.77 feet of Lot 6, Pennock’s Subdivision (Parcel ID 605082000) is rezoned from R-3 to C-O, enabling construction of the Early Head Start facility.
• The meeting was adjourned after a motion and second (no further votes recorded).