Lincoln City Council Meeting Summary: September 8, 2025

The Lincoln City Council met on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 3:00 PM, with all members present. The meeting adjourned at 3:54 PM. The council considered appointments, liquor license applications, contracts, ordinances, and zoning changes. The Mayor's Award of Excellence for May 2025 was presented to Brandi Lehl (Finance Department) and Jennifer Hiatt (Urban Development Department).

Consent Calendar

• Approved the appointment of Phil Goddard to the Telecommunication/Cable Television Advisory Board for a term expiring July 1, 2026 (7-0).
• Placed on file the Clerk's Letter and Mayor's Approval of resolutions and ordinances passed on August 18, 2025.
• Set a hearing date of September 22, 2025, at 3:00 PM for the liquor license application of Authentic Taqueria el Alteno, LLC (7-0).
• Placed on file an administrative amendment to the Wilderness Commons Planned Unit Development, increasing allowed units from 467 to 476.

Public Hearings – Liquor Licenses

• 25R-364: Application of SJ's Liquor & Vape, LLC for a Class C license at 2645 O Street: Adopted for denial (7-0).
• 25R-365: Manager application of Sadeer Ali for SJ's Liquor & Vape: Adopted for denial (7-0).
• 25R-366: Application of Zipline Brewing Co., LLC to add an outdoor area (20 ft x 24 ft) at 2100 Magnum Circle: Adopted for approval (7-0).
• 25R-367: Manager application of Connor Bohlin for Craft Axe Throwing, LLC at 1821 N Street: Adopted for approval (7-0).
• 25R-368: Application of Kinkaider Brewing Co., LLC for a special designated license for an outdoor area (285 ft x 135 ft) at 151 North 8th Street on September 27, 2025: Adopted for approval (7-0).

Public Hearings – Resolutions

• 25R-355: Approved a contract with Spare Labs Inc. for ADA-compliant paratransit and on-demand scheduling software for a four-year term with an option to renew for an additional four years (7-0).

Ordinances – Second Reading

Items 25-79 through 25-84 had their second reading and will be considered for final adoption at a future meeting:

• 25-79 & 25-80: Amendments to Police and Fire Pension definitions, including updates to “Total Disability,” COLA provisions, and service credit purchase options.
• 25-81: Revisions to employee leave policies (funeral leave and bereavement leave consolidation).
• 25-82: Gender-neutral updates to Disability Pension Review Committee procedures and streamlined application processes for deceased members.
• 25-83: Change of Zone 25016 for AMERCO Real Estate Company – rezone approximately 1.2 acres at 5959 Tombstone Ridge Drive from R-3 Residential to H-3 Heavy Commercial.
• 25-84: Amendments to minibike definition, increased fines for speeding, and classification of driving at double the speed limit as reckless driving.

Ordinances – First Reading

Items 25-85 through 25-88 and 25R-377 had their first reading:

• 25-85: Pay schedule amendment creating “Assistant Director of Planning” classification.
• 25-86: Pay range change for Control System Support Specialist from A11 to A15.
• 25-87: Approval of real estate sales agreement for City-owned property at NW Roundhouse Drive and West O Street to Malcolm Construction, LLC.
• 25-88 & 25R-377: Change of Zone 25017 for Smetter Development, LLC – rezone 45.83 acres from AG Agricultural to R-5 Residential PUD at South 91st Street and Rokeby Road; and Comprehensive Plan Amendment to revise future land use on 13 acres from Residential-Urban Density to Commercial.

Resolutions – First Reading

Items 25R-369 through 25R-376 had their first reading:

• 25R-369: Appointment of Dr. Steve Joel to the Charter Revision Commission (term expiring July 15, 2029).
• 25R-370 & 25R-371: Professional services agreement supplements for environmental services on the A Street (6th to 17th) and Randolph Street (Capitol Parkway to 40th) projects.
• 25R-372: Acceptance of new and pending claims against the city (August 15–31, 2025).
• 25R-373: Trail agreement with Nebraska Department of Transportation for construction/maintenance along Highway 6 between NW 22nd and NW 48th Streets.
• 25R-374: Joint application with N4VB for state assistance under the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act, authorizing a future election and revenue bonds.
• 25R-375: Use Permit 25005 for 3814 Farnam, LLC – up to 15,000 sq ft commercial floor area on 2.7 acres at S 75th Street and Archer Place.
• 25R-376: Miscellaneous accommodation request by Oxford House, Orison for ten individuals with a disability at 1007 S. 16th Street.

Pending List (Extended One Week)

• Items 24-130, 24R-526, 24R-527: Change of Zone 24018 and related special permit/conditional zoning agreement for Sesostris Temple Holding Corp. at O Street and Anthony Lane remained on the pending list with no date certain (moved from active calendar).

Key Outcomes

• All votes on consent agenda and public hearing items were unanimous (7-0).
• The meeting adjourned at 3:54 PM.
• No public comment session was held (open microphone sessions were scheduled for September 15 and 29, 2025).