The Omaha City Council convened on October 7, 2025, with remarks on the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, the anniversary of the Hamas attack, and recognition of Officer Steve Merseck and Officer Crystal Bartlett following a shooting incident. The council also welcomed the UCLE group from nine Southeast Asian countries and recognized National Physician Assistant Week. The council approved several liquor license applications, development plans, and financial agreements, all by 7-0 votes.
Harding. Hug, Melton. Roe. Festerson. Mr. President. Here. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for opening remarks by Councilmember Brinker Harding. Please take a seat. Doing a lot of moaning today, Ron. Last night at sundown, the Jewish holiday of Sukkot began. Sukkot commemorates the 40 years Israelites wandered in the desert. And it also celebrates the autumn harvest. It's considered a joyful and festive holiday. Today, however, marks a dark date in history for our Israeli friends and families. Two years ago on this date, Hamas brutally attacked innocent Israelis, killing, wounding, and kidnapping thousands, including Americans. Today we remember the victims, stand with the families still waiting for their loved ones, and demand that every hostage is brought home. Early Monday morning, Officer Steve Mirseck and Officer Crystal Bartlett responded to a disturbance call at 120th and Dodge Street. What started out as an encounter to de-escalate rapidly changed when the individual quickly pulled a gun, shot and struck Officer Mersack in the head. Thankfully, Officer Bartlett was uninjured. And thank God Officer Mercick is alive, and from all indications appeared that his injuries are not life-threatening. But this situation is a sobering reminder of the dangers the men and women of our police department face on every shift. Whether it's a late-night traffic stop or encountering a person in distress, we see how quickly things can change. And for his officer partner Bartlett and all of our police and first responders who keep us safe and respond regardless of the dangers that they may encounter. Thank you. Thank you. We have our UCLE group here. They are from nine Southeast Asian cup countries, and there are 23 here total that became honorary citizens today. And I know Councilmember Rowe had a nice chat with all of you, and we welcome you here and thank you for being here today. And it's it's also National Physician Assistance Week. My daughter Megan's a PA, so thank you for the PAs out there. Thank you, everyone. An affidavit of publication is on file, and a current copy of the Open Meeting Act is posted in a white binder on the East Wall of Legislative Chambers. Good afternoon. Welcome to this meeting of the Omaha City Council. Is a courtesy to those in attendance and to facilitate the conduct of our business. We ask that you please silence or turn off all electronic devices. A reminder that you will have three minutes to speak on an agenda item. Please stay on topic. If you would like your comments entered into the public record, you can email the city clerk's office at City Clerk at City of Omaha.org. Council members receive these emails and we read them. Finally, council members may ask members of the audience back up for clarifying questions, but not for extra time to speak. So audience members in attendance and at home can hear. And also people, when you come up to the microphone in front here as well, please make sure the microphones are in front of you so people can hear. Thank you. Item six to consider a class C liquor license for BBQ chicken located at 1028 South 74th Plaza. The public hearing is now open on item number six. Is that one on Zoom? It looks like we okay. Is anybody in the audience to speak is a proponent or the applicant for item number six?