Omaha City Council Meeting Summary - November 26, 2025

The Omaha City Council convened on November 26, 2025, beginning with proclamations recognizing local businesses for their community support during the pandemic and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Friends of the Omaha Public Library. The council welcomed students from Marion High School and addressed a series of major development initiatives, including applications for state turnback tax assistance for a downtown soccer stadium and the expansion of Tranquility Park, alongside discussions on labor contracts, housing codes, and specific property demolitions.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Class D liquor license for Big Maes.
• Approval of Consent Agenda items (Items 7-20) following public hearings held on November 18, 2025.
• Approval of items 14-20 regarding public hearings held on the same date.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General: A group of local businesses (Noli's Pizza, Big Mama's Kitchen, Lisa's Radio Cafe, Saving Grace, Veg Edible, etc.) was recognized for stepping up during the COVID shutdown; Councilmember Hugg expressed full support for their contributions to Omaha's community resilience.
• Item 21 (Soccer Stadium):
  • Opposition: Larry Storr expressed strong opposition, arguing the project relies on "what ifs" and unguaranteed revenue projections, stating that if the project fails, the general public's pockets will bear the cost. He suggested finding different financing forms.
  • Support (Project Sponsor): David Levy (Barrett Home Law Firm) presented the project as a milestone, emphasizing it uses new revenues not currently generated and provides long-term sales tax benefits to the state.
• Item 37 (Electrical Code):
  • Opposition: Multiple speakers (Nick Dolphins, Dave Voltman, Melvin Sudback, Larry Arkfeld, Jason Thielen, Mark Stadola, Perry Nealin) argued that adopting the unamended 2023 National Electrical Code would add significant costs ($500-$1,700 per home), driving down affordability and potentially "killing" small developers and affordable housing efforts. They called the safety features unnecessary "death by a thousand cuts."
  • Support (Proponents): John Nebel (IBEW Local 2289) advocated for the code as a life-safety measure to prevent electrocution and protect electronics from surges, noting that 38 states have already adopted similar codes.
• Item 41 (Tranquility Bonds): Jeff Week opposed the $65 million bond amount, arguing the cost for 12 fields is inflated and unnecessary, citing his past work on the project where the total was estimated at $38.8 million.
• Item 87 (Demolition): Adam Smith (Newport Blue Impact) requested a postponement to secure a nuisance property at 10909 M Street, explaining recent challenges with ownership transitions and fencing. He opposed immediate demolition to allow time for a potential restoration or sale.

Discussion Items

• Item 21 (Stadium Project Resolution): Council members discussed the application for state turnback tax assistance.
  • Councilmember Fesserson and Councilmember Melton highlighted the use of conservative Municap analysis, the potential for a professional women's soccer team, and the fact that the funding relies on sales tax that would not otherwise exist, resulting in a "revenue positive" outcome for the state.
  • Councilmember Goodwin and Councilmember Harding noted the project's role in catalyzing a mixed-use district, including 500 apartments and 40,000 square feet of retail, and its complementarity with other local facilities like Tranquility Park.
  • Councilmember Melton clarified that the turnback tax is 70% to the city for debt service and 30% to the state, with the project generating new sales tax revenue.
• Item 86 (Tranquility Park Application):
  • Discussion focused on the expansion from 12 to 16 fields and the surrounding development (hotels, restaurants) contingent on the park's expansion.
  • Jacqueline Morrison presented visual renderings of the new concession stands, a Hall of Fame, and park-like amenities.
  • Councilmember Melton noted the project is revenue-positive with no fiscal note to the general fund, relying on new sales tax and occupation tax revenues.
  • Councilmember Harding expressed hope that the project would eventually include 16 fields rather than the initial 12, noting the potential for additional hotels.
• Item 32 (Crisis Support Specialist Position): Council members discussed the creation of a new civilian role in both the Fire and Police departments to manage referrals to mental health, substance abuse, and housing resources. Questions were raised regarding coordination with existing mental health specialists and homeless coordinators.
• Item 37 (Electrical Code Amendment):
  • Councilmember Rowe introduced an amendment to adopt the 2023 Electrical Code with specific exemptions, arguing that Omaha must align with state and neighboring jurisdictions to maintain affordable housing goals.
  • Councilmember Harding and Councilmember Melton supported the amendment, emphasizing that the unamended code would add unnecessary costs and undermine the city's Affordable Housing Action Plan, describing the features as not critical life-safety measures.
  • Councilmember Goodwin expressed support for the code upgrades to ensure safety for all income levels, citing input from experts in the electrician field.
• Item 41 (Tranquility Parking Garages): Discussion included questions about the bond amount and the potential for cost escalation, with Councilmember Melton expressing concern that the current scope might be too high compared to original estimates.
• Item 87 (10909 M Street Demolition):
  • Councilmember Rowe described the property as a long-term nuisance in a high-profile area that required immediate action.
  • Councilmember Melton questioned the timeline of ownership control and the effectiveness of security measures, noting the property had been problematic for years despite previous attempts to secure it.
  • Councilmember Harding supported the demolition, noting the cost was reasonable for the square footage and that the rezoning value would offset the demolition costs for the owner.

Key Outcomes

• Item 21: Motion passed 7-0 to approve the resolution to submit an application for state assistance (turnback tax) towards the downtown soccer stadium project.
• Item 86: Motion passed 7-0 to approve the application for state assistance (turnback tax) for the Tranquility Park Sports Complex expansion.
• Item 37: Motion passed (support for Councilmember Rowe's amendment to align Omaha code with the state's adopted 2023 code with specific exemptions) to adopt the amended 2023 National Electrical Code.
• Item 87: Motion passed 7-0 to approve the quote for the demolition of 10909 M Street.
• Labor Contracts: Public hearings closed on Items 33, 34, and 35 regarding employee compensation and classification amendments, with no immediate vote recorded in the transcript text for final approval, though hearings were closed.
• Meeting Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed 7-0. Meeting concluded at 4:43 PM.