Lincoln City Council Meeting – November 24, 2025

The Lincoln City Council met on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included a prior Board of Equalization session that approved several downtown districts. The council then considered consent agenda items, public hearings on liquor licenses and resolutions, ordinance readings, and a pending list extension. All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Reappointments: Adelle Burk, Guadalupe Esquivel, Brooke Imm, LeeAnn Pancharoen, and Patricia Shepard to the Commission on Women and Gender (terms to expire November 23, 2028). (Adopted 7-0, A-95462)
• Idle Funds Interest Distribution: Approved distribution of interest earnings on short-term investments for September 2025. (Adopted 7-0, A-95463)
• Cash Report: City Treasurer’s report of cash on hand as of September 30, 2025, placed on file.
• Clerk’s Letter: Mayor’s approval of resolutions and ordinances passed on November 3, 2025, placed on file.
• Liquor License Hearing Date: Set December 15, 2025 at 5:30 PM for a Class CK license application by MCO, LLC dba Casa Bovina and The Mercato at 4841 North 84th Street. (Adopted 7-0, A-95464)
• Planning Referrals: Multiple items referred to the Planning Department, including text amendments, special permits, and zone changes (details in agenda).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Open Microphone: The agenda noted that public comment on matters not on the agenda would be held during the meeting. No specific speakers or positions were recorded in the agenda or minutes.

Discussion Items

• Liquor License Public Hearings:
  • The Night Before Lounge: Application for a Class C license at 1035 M Street (The Night Before, LLC). The council adopted a resolution for denial (7-0, A-95465). Manager application of Daniel Thomas also denied (7-0, A-95466).
  • Kripa Indian & Nepali Cuisine: Application for a Class C license at 8320 Northwoods Drive, Suite 100 (Kripa Indian Cuisine Inc.). Approved (7-0, A-95467). Manager application of Bishal Paudel also approved (7-0, A-95468).
• Resolution Public Hearings: All 12 resolutions (25R-491 through 25R-503) were adopted unanimously (7-0). These included:
  • Acceptance of claims report (Oct 16–31, 2025).
  • Interlocal agreements for the 33rd Street and Cornhusker Highway project (funding and design).
  • Amendment to contract with Spare Labs Inc. for ADA paratransit software.
  • Dissolution of the Lincoln/Lancaster County EMS Oversight Authority.
  • Seven interlocal agreements for Advanced Life Support emergency services with Waverly, Palmyra, Greenwood, Douglas, Cortland, Clatonia, Bennet, and Adams.
• Ordinances – 2nd Reading:
  • 25-112: Amendment to Lincoln Food Code (Chapter 8.20) to align with state adoption of 2022 FDA Food Code.
  • 25-113 & 25-114: Annexation and zone change (AG to R-3) for approximately 9.80 acres at SE corner of W Old Cheney Road and SW 12th Street, applied by SW Folsom Development, LLC.
• Ordinances – 3rd Reading:
  • 25-110: Repeal of Chapter 5.26 (Amusement Devices) due to LB685. Passed 7-0 (#21805).
  • 25-111: Amendment to Section 9.32.020 to increase lottery/raffle permit amount to $15,000. Passed 7-0 (#21806).
• Resolutions – 1st Reading: Items 25R-504 through 25R-508 were introduced, including weed assessment costs, consultant agreement for employee assistance program, reappointments to Citizen Police Advisory Board, claims report, and comprehensive plan conformance for a conservation easement at 110 Q Street.
• Ordinances – 1st Reading: Items 25-116 through 25-128 were introduced, covering text amendments, zone changes, equipment lease for 262 golf carts, lease agreement with Lincoln Trap and Skeet Club, and adoption of updated building, electrical, mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing, fire, and residential codes (2021/2023 editions).
• Pending List: Items 24-130, 24R-526, and 24R-527 (Sesostris Temple Holding Corp. zone change, special permit, and conditional zoning agreement at 95th and O Street) were extended one week.

Key Outcomes

• Board of Equalization: Approved Downtown Core Management Business Improvement District, Downtown Maintenance District, Downtown Management Business Improvement District, and West Haymarket/Downtown Maintenance District (all 7-0).
• Liquor Licenses: The Night Before Lounge denied (7-0); Kripa Indian & Nepali Cuisine approved (7-0).
• All Resolution Public Hearing items (25R-491 to 25R-503): Adopted unanimously (7-0).
• Ordinances: Repeal of amusement devices (25-110) and raffle permit amendment (25-111) passed on 3rd reading. Second reading items continued to next meeting.
• First Reading Items: Introduced for future action; no final votes taken.
• Pending List: Extended one week.