OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Omaha City Council Meeting - September 30, 2025: Proclamations, Liquor Licenses, Parks Master Plan, and Parking Garage Agreement

City Council — Tuesday, September 30, 2025
BodyOmaha, Nebraska
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 30, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:13:38

Transcript — Verbatim
1:11

There we go.

1:12

Row call.

1:13

Festerson.

1:15

Oh did he just about?

1:17

Festerson.

1:18

Here.

1:19

Good one.

1:20

Harding.

1:20

Hug.

1:21

Melton.

1:22

Here.

1:22

Rowe.

1:23

Mr.

1:23

President.

1:24

Here.

1:24

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for opening remarks by Councilmember Don Rowe.

1:42

Liberty and Justice Raw.

1:45

Maybe seated.

1:56

Most of you know that in addition to my work here at the city, I work at Millard Lumber out in Southwest Omaha.

2:02

And about a little over ten years ago, I hired a young guy to come work with us.

2:08

And we get together uh several times a week, uh, you know, for the last ten years, and just grab a cup of coffee and kind of chat about what's going on in the world.

2:19

And our discussions might be as mundane as getting a truckload of sidings shipped to a project in Arkansas, or as shocking as the murder of a young man in Utah.

2:31

Every day it's something different.

2:34

Last week we were talking about Martin Luther King Jr.

2:38

On April 4th, 1968.

2:40

Our country lost that prominent civil rights leader.

2:45

Hours after that horrific shooting, Robert F.

2:48

Kennedy walked out out on the stage in the heart of Indianapolis and delivered the news to the crowd.

2:54

It wasn't the campaign speech that they were expecting.

3:18

So today I ask that we lead with intention, that we lead with compassion, and that we lead with a servant heart and soul for the betterment of our community.

3:27

Robert F.

3:28

Kennedy, RFK, ended his speech that night in Indianapolis with a quotation that he borrowed from Edith Hamilton.

3:54

Thank you.

5:03

Thank you, President Begley.

5:05

And if I may have the representatives of Ivy Black Girl approach the podium, please.

5:16

Good afternoon, Ms.

5:21

This proclamation is for the awareness of Black Maternity Health Month.

5:28

And so it would reads, whereas the month of October is an opportunity to recognize the profound contributions of Black-led organizations, health care professionals, advocates, and community leaders who are at the forefront of improving maternal health outcomes and creating a more equitable system of care, and whereas black women are disproportionately affected by the nation's maternal mortality rate, being more than three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications as white women, regardless of their income, education, or other socioeconomic factors, including living in areas of high poverty and lacking access to reliable and affordable transportation, and whereas multiple factors, including discriminatory treatment from providers, limited access to quality care, and broad inequalities in health-led and health lead to complications during pregnancy and contribute to black infants having a higher rate of death during birth, and whereas we can deepen the conversation about black maternal health in our community and amplify driven research, policy and care solutions while centering the voices of black mothers, women, and family with the values and traditions of the reproductive birth justice movement, and whereas Black Maternal Health Month is a time for action in which communities are encouraged to commit to equity of care for black women, assuring them of their dignity and well-being before, during, and after pregnancy.

7:24

Now, therefore, we the City Council of the City of Omaha do hereby proclaim the month of October, 2025 as Omaha Black Maternal Health Month.

7:36

In witness whereof, we have set our hands and caused the official SIL of the City of Omaha to be affixed on this 30th day of September, 2025.

7:46

Thank you.

7:51

And if you can remain there, I'll come up and we'll take a quick photo and we'll move on to the next proclamation.

7:56

Thank you.

8:39

If you want to come down, please, the Riley family.

8:45

You're not under oath either, so not yet.

8:51

Whereas Thomas C.

8:52

Riley was born on April 22nd, 1950 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and attended St.

9:01

Mary's College in Vermont before attending Michael's I'm under oath.

9:07

Yes, have him gagged, Sergeant at Arms, before attending Creighton University School of Law and graduating in 1975 with his law degree.

9:18

And whereas on September 16th, 1975, Tom Riley began a 50-year career with the Douglas County Public Defender's Office, representing people charged with crimes who cannot afford their own attorneys.

9:34

And whereas Tom Riley was first elected the Douglas County Public Defender in 1996 and was re-elected in every election since, most recently in 2024.

10:00

Brendan, Connor, Maggie, Maureen, Patricia, Eileen, Claire, and Kyron, who have given him five grandchildren with more on the way to a door.

10:12

And whereas Tom Riley is a shining example of commitment to public service and the people he represents and job he has dedicated 50 years of his life, working tirelessly as a fierce and zealous advocate who has shown his steadfast commitment to people's constitutional rights and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

10:41

And whereas Tom Riley is an example to those in his office, a mentor to countless attorneys, and is willing always to fight the good fight, and he is respected by prosecutors, law enforcement, judges, and the legal community because of the respect he has earned these past 50 years.

11:05

And I'll also add council members to that as well.

11:09

Whereas the City of Omaha is fortunate to have a man like Tom Riley serve as a public defender, and his 50-year commitment to that office is an example for all of us.

11:22

Now, therefore, we, the City Council of the City of Omaha, to hereby proclaim September 30th is Tom Riley Day in the City of Omaha.

11:34

In witness whereof we have set our hands and caused the official seal of the City of Omaha to be a fixed on this 30th day of September, 2025.

11:54

Thank you.

12:12

Thank you very much.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation██████████████████████████████████34%
Procedural███████████████████19%
Liquor Licensing█████████████13%
Public Engagement████████8%
Public Safety██████6%
Public Health█████5%
Public Works█████5%
Economic Development█████5%
Zoning██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Omaha City Council Meeting - September 30, 2025

The Omaha City Council met on September 30, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM CST. The meeting began with a roll call (all seven members present), the Pledge of Allegiance, and opening remarks by Councilmember Don Rowe, who reflected on service and leadership. Two proclamations were presented: declaring October 2025 as Omaha Black Maternal Health Month and September 30, 2025, as Tom Riley Day (honoring 50 years of service as Douglas County Public Defender). Mayor John Ewing presented Tom Riley with the key to the city. The council then considered multiple agenda items, including liquor licenses, zoning amendments, a major parks and recreation master plan, a tax increment financing (TIF) project, a controversial ordinance on unauthorized encampments, and a parking garage purchase agreement. Nearly all items passed unanimously (7-0) except the encampment ordinance, which passed 4-3.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 19 through 23 (public hearings held on September 16, 2025) were approved on consent unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Donnie R. Johnson (Johnson Equation Foundation, North Omaha Concerned Citizen Foundation, 4928 North 52nd Street) spoke in opposition to multiple items. He expressed concerns about the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission's composition and the fairness of annexation policies, particularly regarding Elkhorn.
  • Nancy Garter (President, Miller Park Miniloosa Neighborhood Association, 2720 Iowa Street) spoke in favor of the Parks Master Plan, highlighting underfunding and understaffing, and urged the council to find better funding for parks. She also requested safe pedestrian crossings on Pershing Boulevard for neighborhood access to the riverfront trail.
  • Mary Minturn (3416 Hawthorne Avenue) spoke in favor of the Parks Master Plan, suggesting the MUD Walnut Hill Reservoir site could be developed into a park/recreation facility for underserved neighborhoods.
  • Tiffany Regan (Omaha Parks Foundation, 550 Turner Boulevard) spoke in favor, noting the baseline tax dollars are insufficient and calling for leadership to execute the plan.
  • Larry Store (5015 Lafayette Avenue) spoke in opposition to Item 37 (parking garage agreement), citing lack of transparency and perceived conflicts of interest with developer Jay Noddle's TIF projects.
  • Louise (2709 Dewey Avenue) spoke in opposition to Item 17, questioning the planning process, the integration with the "We Make Omaha" plan, and suggesting better oversight of maintenance contracts (e.g., Riverfront handed to Meccah).
  • Danny Fab (applicant for Item 6) and others appeared via Zoom for liquor license hearings.

Discussion Items

  • Items 6–13: Liquor Licenses – All passed unanimously (7-0). These included a Class I license for iSpa Last Nail Lounge (1415 W Center Rd), three Class K catering licenses for High View locations, a Class C license for Crafted Ramen Misolato (7425 Dodge St), a Class D license for The White House (7768 Cass St), a Class I addition for Felius Cat Cafe & Rescue, a Class D license for Bottles & Brews (10745 Mockingbird Dr), and a Class I addition for Felius Cat Cafe & Rescue. Brief discussions included concerns about the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission transition (council noted it would not affect approvals).
  • Items 14–16: Zoning & Overlay Amendments – All passed unanimously (7-0). Included rezoning at 3908 Chicago St (R3 to R5), amending ACI overlay boundaries on properties along N 18th St and Nicholas St, and a major PUR overlay amendment at 3315 S 70th St.
  • Item 17: Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan – A 20-year plan presented by Parks Director Dan Cedar and consultant Teresa Jackson (Berry Dunn). The plan includes key findings: 130+ miles of trails with 154 missing segments (20 prioritized), over 200 parks evaluated, average park scores varied across maintenance districts. Community engagement included 8,000+ website visits, ~1,000 survey responses, 15 events, focus groups. Top community priority was maintaining existing parks. Key finding: per-acre funding ~$5M less annually than comparable agencies; capital improvement gap ~$4.5M/year. Councilmember Festerson noted the need to address these gaps and praised the plan. The ordinance to amend the city's master plan to incorporate the parks plan passed 7-0.
  • Item 18: Charles Street Townhomes TIF Project – A $1.6M residential infill project (four market-rate rental units) at 28th & Charles St with up to $247,563 in TIF. Councilmember Goodwin supported it as an example of small, emerging local developer. Passed 7-0.
  • Item 35: Unauthorized Encampments on Public Property Ordinance – Proposed new sections to Omaha Municipal Code Chapter 20 to regulate unauthorized encampments. The ordinance generated significant opposition. Voting: Ayes (supporting the ordinance) – Harding, Hug, Melton, Rowe (4 votes); Nays – Festerson, Goodwin, Begley (3 votes). Motion passed 4-3.
  • Item 37: Purchase & Sale Agreement for Builders District Parking Facility – Authorized the city to purchase a 550+ stall public parking garage at an amount not to exceed $27,143,861 from Builders District Parking LLC (developer Jay Noddle). City Law's Jennifer Taylor explained the agreement is similar to other parking garage deals; costs are paid from the city's parking enterprise fund (not property taxes). Opponent Larry Store cited lack of transparency and conflict-of-interest concerns. Councilmember Melton confirmed no taxpayer dollars are used and the fund cannot be diverted to other city needs. Passed 7-0.
  • Items 24–34: Annexations – Public hearings held; no proponents or opponents spoke except Donnie Johnson, who commented generally about annexation benefits. Passed 7-0.
  • Item 36: Street Vacation (69th St right-of-way) – Passed without further discussion.

Key Outcomes

  • All 13 liquor license applications (Items 6–13) approved (7-0).
  • Three zoning/overlay amendments (Items 14–16) approved (7-0).
  • Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan (Item 17) approved (7-0) and will be added to the city's comprehensive plan update.
  • Charles Street Townhomes TIF (Item 18) approved (7-0).
  • Unauthorized Encampments Ordinance (Item 35) approved (4-3).
  • Builders District Parking Garage agreement (Item 37) approved (7-0).
  • Annexations (Items 24–34) and street vacation (Item 36) approved (7-0).
  • Meeting adjourned at 3:12 PM.

Key Dates & Statistics:

  • Meeting date: September 30, 2025
  • Parks Master Plan community engagement: July–November 2024; survey had ~1,000 respondents; trail gap analysis identified 154 missing segments, 20 prioritized.
  • TIF amount: $247,563 for four townhomes.
  • Parking garage cost cap: $27,143,861; funded via parking enterprise fund (state-law restricted).

Meeting Transcript

There we go. Row call. Festerson. Oh did he just about? Festerson. Here. Good one. Harding. Hug. Melton. Here. Rowe. Mr. President. Here. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for opening remarks by Councilmember Don Rowe. Liberty and Justice Raw. Maybe seated. Most of you know that in addition to my work here at the city, I work at Millard Lumber out in Southwest Omaha. And about a little over ten years ago, I hired a young guy to come work with us. And we get together uh several times a week, uh, you know, for the last ten years, and just grab a cup of coffee and kind of chat about what's going on in the world. And our discussions might be as mundane as getting a truckload of sidings shipped to a project in Arkansas, or as shocking as the murder of a young man in Utah. Every day it's something different. Last week we were talking about Martin Luther King Jr. On April 4th, 1968. Our country lost that prominent civil rights leader. Hours after that horrific shooting, Robert F. Kennedy walked out out on the stage in the heart of Indianapolis and delivered the news to the crowd. It wasn't the campaign speech that they were expecting. So today I ask that we lead with intention, that we lead with compassion, and that we lead with a servant heart and soul for the betterment of our community. Robert F. Kennedy, RFK, ended his speech that night in Indianapolis with a quotation that he borrowed from Edith Hamilton. Thank you. Thank you, President Begley. And if I may have the representatives of Ivy Black Girl approach the podium, please. Good afternoon, Ms. This proclamation is for the awareness of Black Maternity Health Month. And so it would reads, whereas the month of October is an opportunity to recognize the profound contributions of Black-led organizations, health care professionals, advocates, and community leaders who are at the forefront of improving maternal health outcomes and creating a more equitable system of care, and whereas black women are disproportionately affected by the nation's maternal mortality rate, being more than three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications as white women, regardless of their income, education, or other socioeconomic factors, including living in areas of high poverty and lacking access to reliable and affordable transportation, and whereas multiple factors, including discriminatory treatment from providers, limited access to quality care, and broad inequalities in health-led and health lead to complications during pregnancy and contribute to black infants having a higher rate of death during birth, and whereas we can deepen the conversation about black maternal health in our community and amplify driven research, policy and care solutions while centering the voices of black mothers, women, and family with the values and traditions of the reproductive birth justice movement, and whereas Black Maternal Health Month is a time for action in which communities are encouraged to commit to equity of care for black women, assuring them of their dignity and well-being before, during, and after pregnancy. Now, therefore, we the City Council of the City of Omaha do hereby proclaim the month of October, 2025 as Omaha Black Maternal Health Month. In witness whereof, we have set our hands and caused the official SIL of the City of Omaha to be affixed on this 30th day of September, 2025. Thank you. And if you can remain there, I'll come up and we'll take a quick photo and we'll move on to the next proclamation. Thank you. If you want to come down, please, the Riley family. You're not under oath either, so not yet. Whereas Thomas C. Riley was born on April 22nd, 1950 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and attended St. Mary's College in Vermont before attending Michael's I'm under oath. Yes, have him gagged, Sergeant at Arms, before attending Creighton University School of Law and graduating in 1975 with his law degree. And whereas on September 16th, 1975, Tom Riley began a 50-year career with the Douglas County Public Defender's Office, representing people charged with crimes who cannot afford their own attorneys.

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