Good one.

Pledge of allegiance remains standing for opening remarks by Councilmember Brinker Harding.

Please be seated.

Yesterday I was asked to be part of a press conference at the Jewish Community Center to address the heinous activities that occurred in Australia on Sunday.

So I'm actually I'm going to read the same same words I had yesterday.

Hanukkah is symbolic of the Jewish struggle to resist submission to tyranny and to sustain its spiritual heritage.

No people have fought longer, struggled harder, or sacrificed more to survive, to grow, and to live in freedom than the people of Israel.

We appeal to the people everywhere to open their hearts and raise their voices in support of our brothers and sisters.

Together, let us pray that the warm lights of Hanukkah will spread the spirit of freedom and reach comfort and sustain every person who is suffering tonight.

But those words were actually spoken by President Ronald Reagan forty-two years ago.

How unfortunately, those words seem to be timeless and appropriate today and in today's world.

Sunday, on the first night of Hanukkah, we were reminded of the hate and anti-Semitism that Jews are still subjected to throughout the world.

On what was to be a day and night of celebration and joy at Bondi Beach's Hanukkah by the sea, a tragic and horrific scene exploded as two gunmen indiscriminately hunted down innocent and defenseless Jews, including a ten-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor.

At least fifteen people were senselessly killed, dozens wounded, and countless traumatized.

For their light has been extinguished.

Let us pray for our friends and families of the Jewish faith.

Good afternoon.

Welcome to this meeting of the Omaw City Council.

As a courtesy to those in attendance and to facilitate the conduct of our business, we ask that you 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 Cityclerk at City of Omaha.org.

Council members receive these emails and we read them.

Finally, I would ask council members that they they may ask members of the audience back up for clarifying questions, but not extra time to speak.

And also if people are coming down to speak on an item, make sure the microphones are in front of you so everybody can hear you as well.

Thanks.

Item six to consider class CK liquor license for police located at 6750, Mercy Road, Suite 101.

Oh, sorry.

We have a proclamation by Councilmember Pete Fasserson.

The floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I'm pleased to recognize a friend of mine today, Scott Hazelrig.

He's a longtime friend and a district 686 former board member.

He was the founding executive director of North Star Foundation, and he's stepping down from that role here at the end of the year.

So I felt today was a proper day to recognize Mr.

Scott with a proclamation signed by all five council members that I want to read here.

And then I'll offer just a couple of personal reflections.

So Scott, if you want to come down to the podium.

The proclamation reads like this.

Whereas Scott Timothy Hazelrig is a fifth generation Nebraskan, graduating with a jurisdoctorate from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1995, and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from TCU in 1991.

And whereas Scott possesses exceptional educational leadership, having been elected to the District 66 Westside Community Schools Board of Education in 1998, and then re-elected in 2004 and 2010 and serving in all leadership positions during his tenure.

And whereas Scott founded the North Star Foundation in 2007 with the mission to impact young men through academic adventure and athletics, helping to increase graduation rates and ensure access and opportunities to post-secondary education or to enter the workforce.

And whereas Scott embodies what it means to be a champion of education, investing countless days, nights, and weekends to supporting North Star students whenever they needed him, and is committed to upholding the core values of the organization through his daily actions.

And whereas Scott envisioned and created the North Star Foundation to provide those structures of support critical to young men before they experience disengagement from school, guiding them through critical transitions of middle school and high school to achieve academic success success.

And whereas the North Stark campus opened in 2014 and served approximately 100 boys and young men daily in grades five through eight, and the campus has expanded to create exceptional academic and athletic programs, transforming the lives of each of the 850 students enrolled in the program annually.

And whereas after 18 years of service to the North Omaha community, bringing his dynamic and visionary leadership to the North Star Foundation, Scott will pass the reins of leadership at North Star at the end of 2025 and will remain a constant supporter, continuing to champion the youth served by his organization through his belief that when North Star boys win, Omaha wins.

Now, therefore, be it resolved.

Congratulations.

Over the last 25 years.

And that's truly extraordinary.

There's nothing more worthwhile than that.

And perhaps the highest compliment I can give you is that I know your dad will be very proud of you.

Thanks for all your work.

Thank you, Councilman Pete.

Thank you, Councilmembers.

Um, I just want to say thank you for your service.

This is not an easy time to be an elected official, and uh quality, thoughtful, caring, compassionate public servants are um uh are needed.

So thank you for that.

I will just say that in my phone there's a picture of Councilman Festerson on the very first week we opened reading the students, and um about a year ago I forgot that we were supposed to visit with someone who was an elected official, and I texted Pete and I said, Hey, any chance you're gonna be in Memorial Park on Saturday around 12, I'll buy you a sandwich.

And he said, Well, yes, I can be tell me more.

I said, Well, actually, I need you to speak to 14 young uh men who are gonna be great leaders for our city in the future.

Uh Pete showed up without hesitation.

I thank you for all that each of you do um to make our city great and giving of your time, both during the daytime hours and those off-hour things that you were required to and expected to do or just choose to do.

Thank you for your leadership.

Thank you all.

Appreciate it.

Item six, to consider a class CK liquor license for polys located at 6750, Mercy Road, suite 101.

Pete, you weren't in my notes, but you were in my mind, so thanks for reminding me of that.

So the public hearing is now open on item number six.

Is the applicant here today?

Come on down.

If we can get your name and address for the record, please.

Hello, yep.

Sean Crogan.

My address is 1432 North 127th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68154.

Thank you.

Are there any proponents here on item number six?

Seeing none, are there any proponents?

Opponents.

Any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Yes, this one's in my district.

I'll is anything changing with good old polys.

You still gonna have Cubs stuff up?

Yeah.

Uh yeah.

I'm not a Cubs fan myself, but uh but don't tell anybody else that um we're just putting love back into polys, so uh some of the things that you came to expect will be there with some slight changes.

Well, I wish you luck.

I can't make a motion because this is in my district, but I'll be supportive.

And my brothers are Cubs fans, I'm a Royals fan, so I'm with you there.

So I wish you best of luck.

Thank you.

No difference.

Got a motion and a second, roll call.

Harding.

Yes, hug.

Melton, roe, festerson.

Yes.

Good one.

Yes, Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed seven to zero.

Item seven to consider a classic line.

Thank you very much.

Thanks.

Item seven to consider a class seed liquor license for Astoria located at 5008-5012 South 108th Street.

I'll open the public hearing on item number seven.

I believe the applicant is by Zoom.

They are not.

Not here.

Oh, he's here.

Oh, in person, even better.

Come on down.

Okay.

Good afternoon.

Your name and address for the record, please.

Ramakrishnakalaru.

Uh my address is 1130, South 176th Street, Bedek, Nebraska, 68317.

Thank you.

Are there any proponents here on item number seven?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Got a motion and a second roll call.

Harding.

Yes.

Hug.

Melton.

Roe.

Festerson.

Yes.

Good one.

Yes.

Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed.

Seven to zero.

Item eight.

To consider a classy liquor license for the scene event space located at 745 at North 14th Street.

Public hearing is open on item number eight.

Applicant, good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

Your name and address for the record, please.

Lauren Dengall.

Address 3704 119th Street, 68114.

Uh or 68144, Omaha, Nebraska.

Thank you.

Are there any proponents here on item number eight?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Second.

Got a motion and a second roll call.

Harding.

Yes.

Hug.

Melton.

Roe.

Festerson.

Good one.

Yes.

Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed.

7 to 0.

Item 9 to consider a classified liquor license for a legacy collective located at 107 30 Pacific Street, suite 210.

Public hearing is now open on item number nine.

Applicant.

Good afternoon.

Name is Lance Shilcutt.

Address is 11429 County Road P 30, Blair, Nebraska.

Thank you.

Are there any proponents here on item number nine?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

I I couldn't see her.

I'm sorry.

Was there a proponent?

Did you want to come down?

Oh, she's my attorney.

Oh, you were hiding back there.

I'm sorry, I couldn't see you.

Did you want to come and speak on the record?

Okay.

No different.

Got a motion and a second.

Roll call.

Harding.

Yes.

Hug.

Melton.

Row.

Festerson.

Yes.

Good one.

Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed.

Seven to zero.

Thank you.

Item 10 to consider a class I liquor license for Yamato Sushi Train and Grill located at 7429 Pacific Street.

Sweet one.

Public hearing is now open on item number 10.

Is the applicant here?

Good afternoon.

Your name and address for the record, please.

My name is Bingu, B I N G Y U.

Last name is Z H A N G.

My restaurant located at 7429 Pacific Street in Omaha, Nebraska.

The zip code is 68114.

Thank you.

Are there any proponents here on item number 10?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

I just a couple questions for you.

You're in my district.

No, I didn't.

That is my district.

What are your hours going to be?

My hours it depends the day from Monday to Thursday.

We start from 11 o'clock with closed by 9.

And then Friday, Saturday, we start around 11 with close around 945.

It is depends what's my last uh customer leave.

Usually the ladies can now be past 10.

Okay.

Yeah.

Thank you.

No course.

But I think no lights.

We have a motion.

Motion of second.

Roll call.

Harding.

Yes.

Hug.

Melton.

Row.

Festerson.

Yes.

Good one.

Mr.

President.

Yes.

Motion passed.

7 to 0.

Thank you so much.

We see you guys there.

I will be taking care of you guys.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Item 11.

To consider a class D liquor license for a Chelongo liquor store located at 1617 Vinton Street.

Public hearing is now open on item number 11.

Applicant, good afternoon.

My name is José Lid González Salmador.

My address is 1617 Vintoni Street, Omaha, Nebraska.

6810107.

Thank you.

We might have some questions for you, so you can sit and we'll probably call you back up if we do.

Are there any proponents on item number 11?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Councilmember Hug, you're recognized.

Good afternoon, sir.

How are you?

All right.

Um probably have more questions about your liquor application than I have for any other one that's come before me.

So I apologize.

I've only been on the council just over two years.

I don't have the depth of knowledge that my peers have on liquor permits.

So the first question is on this.

I have a copy of your application.

And on it, there's three different names.

So who's gonna own it and who's gonna run it?

Uh a little English, maybe interpreter.

Well, madam chair, do we have an interpreter handy?

Um I can try and get one.

We didn't have one requested, so it might take me in that.

Are you comfortable moving forward in English or or do we need to bring an interpreter?

Uh-huh.

Interpreter.

Interpreter.

Okay.

Um, Mr.

President, would you please allow this to be moved to come back?

Further in the agenda, such a time we can we can get an interpreter.

Without any objection, uh I'll move to the next item.

We can come back to this.

Council good with that.

We'll move.

So if you want to sit down, we'll go to the next item, then we'll bring you back up when we have a translator.

Okay.

Thanks for your patience.

Okay.

So we'll move on to item 12.

Thanks.

To consider a class C liquor license for Dreamland Lounge located at 3927 Ames Avenue, A's Communication and Opposition.

The public hearing is now open on item number 12.

Is the applicant here?

Good afternoon.

David Steyer, attorney for applicant.

Unfortunately, the owner had an emergency and could not make it.

My address is 8111 South 107th Street La Vista representing the company, which is 17125 Bedford Avenue, Omaha.

Okay, are there any proponents here today?

Item number 12 proponent.

Please come up.

Please, yeah, come up and give your name and address for the record.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

James Overton 3929 Ames Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 6811.

Thank you.

And you're here as a proponent?

Absolutely.

Thank you.

Are there Did you want to speak at all?

Uh please short.

The floor is yours.

Um I'm I'm here to speak um to actually be a proponent in regards to uh Dreamland Lounge.

We actually were pre-approved once before for a Southern Spoon, Marisa Southern Spoon at that location.

We just never activated the license.

Basically, we're not a bar, we're just a restaurant with a bar.

And I actually went ahead and brought them in as an actual uh sub VC to actually go ahead and run the facility.

Um we're in the process of actually revamping everything there, and that's why we decided to go ahead and actually bring in an a tenant and actually go ahead and do something different with that spot in that location.

So that we want to just make sure that we still were able to provide the actual level of entertainment and things that we decided to do for the actual corner there on 40th and Ames.

So to actually have some options in North Omaha and to help actually fuel an entertainment district says there's a lag thereof.

So it's not a bar, it's actually a restaurant with a bar.

That's it.

Thank you.

Are there any other proponents on item number 12 that wish to speak?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Councilmember Goodwin, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um good afternoon, sir.

How are you doing?

I'm doing excellent.

Thank you.

Great.

Um just looking at this application.

I do have a few questions and actually a few recommendations as well.

So first of all, um with the hours of operation, can you tell me a little more about that?

I believe they were looking for some flexibility.

Um as the uh James noted, uh, one of the things they're trying to do is kind of allow some flexibility with the entertainment.

Um I mean, even the name Dreamland obviously is deep ties with Omaha and and the jazz movement.

I believe that that was intending to do some flexibility.

Um when it comes to actual alcohol sales, I believe they intend to operate under the hours of kind of more a normal bar hours as opposed to the early during the day.

I don't I believe that's the intent.

So the application here says um that the anticipated hours are Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m.

to 2 a.m.

Yes, ma'am.

Uh so that's actually pretty broad and not typical.

Um would you be willing to amend these hours to something that looked like regular hours on a weekday and maybe some extended hours on the weekend uh Monday through Thursday, potentially 11 p.m.

with the weekend with the flexibility for longer.

Sure.

I I I I would have to double check and I can do that immediately, but I'm 95% sure that they'd be okay with that.

I do apologize for the owner not being available as a true emergency.

No, I completely understand, and yet you're here for his representation, and so that's fine.

Um they talk about entertainment.

Can you expand a little more on what that would look like?

Frankly, in the beginning, I believe it would be pre-played music, um, you know, speaker music, those sorts of things.

I think there's an intent to move down the road into live music, thus kind of the dreamland.

Uh, I know that they're planning on leaning into the jazz roots of the North Omaha area.

Um I sorry, that was what honestly got me excited about the project.

First time I toured Loves when on 424th Street.

I thought that was like the coolest place.

I had no idea any of that existed.

Like I was like, Louis Armstrong's been to Omaha.

What the heck?

Uh sorry.

Total aside.

But yeah, that's uh that's the uh final intent.

And uh I believe that the desire really is.

I mean, you have a smashing restaurant next door, you have another bar across the street that has been renovated and cleaned up uh during the day.

It's an area that has a lot of barber shops, things like that.

I I think one of the long-term intents is to provide kind of a safe entertainment district in North Omaha as opposed to scattered bars that are kind of throughout.

I think that's kind of something that they're hoping to do is generate kind of a safe parking, well-lit, um secure area that follows all the relevant laws and kind of allows this essentially just a district where people can go to socialize and just you know, in enjoy a beverage or two, but predominantly yes, that that is the intent, and I believe that they will once we get everything finalized, we will be applying most likely for a live music permit.

It's just we're not at that point yet.

Okay, and so you mentioned secure.

Um, can you talk about what security the entity plans to So uh aside from the standard um you know, ID everyone who comes into the bar, there is a parking lot that is off-street right next door that I believe we have access to.

Um, and then the entrance into the bar itself is just the one door.

There is a door that goes between the bar and restaurant, but currently there are no plans to actually have patrons go back and forth at that point.

So the entrance and egress would be through the bar facing door.

Um there is no backdoor other than those required by fire codes.

Right.

And so I might have missed you there when you talked about security, what type of security will there be?

Uh standard they will have people uh attaching at the bar.

I I believe there are some plans, but there have not been finalized for potentially lot security, but I'm not certain on that.

Okay.

So question about the hours.

Um still would you be willing to have off-duty police officers there?

Can you discuss that with the owner?

If that's the council's recommendation, I'm sure I'm certain that can be wrong.

Where I'm going with this is this.

Yes, ma'am.

There is some differencing of opinion about the concentration of entities that sell alcohol in this area.

Um so whereas I want to be able to support this new establishment, uh, but there still should be some guidelines around it to ensure that it can be successful.

And so um we've got hours that I th I would like to see amended.

Um as well as uh even looking at the type of class.

This is a class C license, and potentially a class I would be of a better recommendation.

Okay.

Yeah, I can't I can say they don't they don't plan on serving anything off site.

Like there's there's not going to be any package liquor.

I got you.

I I understand.

Understand.

So if you want I don't need to say, excuse me.

If you want a class I you would have to amend it to a class I.

So it'd have to be readmit we need to amend it to a class I, correct?

Okay.

So if the applicant is agreeable.

Is there time on this?

No, there's not no.

It's not time.

I don't think there's time.

One moment, please.

Can I like to call Ryan up, please?

Our legal counsel.

I think he could help us.

So please, Ryan.

Ryan Weeson, deputy city attorney.

Would be my thought that um the attorney for the license would have the power as the attorney to make those representations to the council and amend it.

If I were the attorney, I don't know that I would take that step without consulting with my client first.

So I don't know that that would be advisable from that professional responsibility standpoint, but I do think the attorney has the legal ability to make that representation to the council here today if the attorney so chose to do that.

Right.

So I think what I'm getting at here really is there's been a we have a letter of opposition here.

Yes, ma'am.

Um that I do need to look at.

But then also with the questions I asked earlier about the hours of operation that do seem extended, especially for weekdays, 2 a.m.

Um, as well as challenges around security.

It sounds like there may be an issue of amending the license today, but I'd like to have on record that you reconsider your hours during the week.

I can I can definitely get permission to do that within about 15 minutes.

If we could I I hate to waste your time, I apologize, but if we could move me down the agenda, I can literally step out and get permission to do that.

Yes.

So so your your concern is predominantly the hours.

And then was was there anything else that I you would concern about immediately?

I mean actually the type of class, because if it's we're gonna have hours extended even on the weekends, having it a class I makes more sense to me when would be my recommendation.

But the hours definitely.

Ryan Weeson, Deputy City Attorney.

The applicant needs to make that representation on the record indicating that they would like to amend their application from a class C to a class I.

Yes.

So we do I need to make a motion regarding that.

Eliza, do we need to make a motion to move it?

Without objection, we'll just move it to the end.

Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

I appreciate it.

Thank you.

Uh item 11, sir.

If you want to come up, and Christian, thank you.

And Councilman Hug, I believe the floor was yours.

My name is José Luigi Gonzalez Salvador.

My address is 67 Vinton Street, Omaha Nebraska.

And Mr.

Osminoza, please for your for the record.

Yeah.

Christian Spinoza, uh human rights and relations department.

Thank you.

Councilman Hugg, the floor is yours.

I have I have some questions.

Yes.

So on the application, it lists three different names.

So I just want to print it.

So I just want to be clear who is gonna own it and who is gonna operate it.

He is the owner.

Yeah.

And he's gonna be operating the business.

Okay.

Then what is the involvement of the other two individuals?

Just so I'm clear.

Uh-huh.

I think it is like a um a plaza complex, and inside there are different um units.

Okay.

Okay, I'm gonna t I'm gonna sh I'm gonna I'm gonna tell you the other two names that are on the application, and you can explain to us what their involvement is and what duties responsibilities they may or may not have.

Okay, no, I just uh his employees.

And Estefina Hernandez is me.

She's an employee.

Okay, they're both employees.

Sorry?

Your Jose.

Yes.

Okay.

Okay.

Um liquor laws and ordinances in the city of Omaha and State of Nebraska.

Yes.

Okay.

Um just so I can test you.

Do you know what time you have to stop selling takeout liquor?

Okay.

He said the application was for 24 hours, but he knows that they have to close at 9.

Okay, so your intent is not to be open 24 hours.

Okay.

Because the application says in two different places, you're going to be open 24 hours.

Sometimes even though your liquor store and you have to start stop selling at a certain time.

Yeah, I'm just explaining the difference of two things, like uh because the application said that he opened in 24 hours, but the losses to stop selling alcohol at 9 p.m.

So I'm asking like he used to understand the two sides that his application for 24 hours and the law that says that it has to close for 9 p.m.

And he said that he's gonna be closing at 9 p.m.

Which is kind of difficult for me even to understand what he's trying to say.

Yeah.

So I don't know.

I used I think it is a confusion bigger than just language here.

Yeah, well, you know, again on two separate pages of the application, it says that their intent is to be open 24 hours.

And that's what I'm trying to get to the root of.

I mean, if his intent is to close at 9 p.m.

I should speak.

Yeah.

Yeah, no, keep going.

Yeah.

So I'll let Christian condense it.

So what I'm trying to get at is if his intent is not to be open 24 hours and he intends to close 9 o'clock, then I'd like to see an amendment to his application reflecting that he's going to close at 9 o'clock.

Okay.

Yeah.

Look at Pasa que holidays, not the tempo, but see Lady Serra Las 9 or Keno.

I would like to help member Melbourne.

Wait, this is going on the record, and this is something that may need to go to the liquor commission.

In a court of law, when you have an interpreter, the interpreter needs to actually interpret every word that is said by the person speaking English to the other person and the other, then the interpreter needs to just use the language.

We can't have the interpreter summarize and because this actually is creating a record.

So I would ask, and I think Christian knows what I'm talking about.

We need to have him just interpret so that the record is correct.

Translate the exact verbiage that he's saying is that Councilmember Melbourne.

Yeah, I believe so for the record, that's what's necessary.

Thank you, Councilmember Milton.

Okay.

Um I just want to translate what's it what he said is that he wants to open some times on the weekends, and on some holidays after 9 p.m.

But he understands that liquor license cannot be sold after 9 p.m.

If I can, the liquor control acts, the sales are prohibited from 1 a.m.

to 6 a.m.

Okay.

Councilmember Hug.

Um back to my original question.

Could you repeat the question again?

Is his intent to have limited hours posted that are less than 24 hours a day?

Yes.

Okay.

My other concern is concern, I believe, shared by all my peers on this council.

Is the sale of single liquor items?

I don't know if you do.

Is your concern to sell singles?

Yeah.

I'm concerned about the the small liquor bottles.

They typically are called shooters.

I'm sorry.

All the liquor stores sell singles too.

He's saying he wants to sell singles?

If you are allowed, yes.

Okay, would be my preference that he voluntarily restrict his sales to exclude the single shooters of alcohol of liquor and single beer cans.

I would prefer that he do that voluntarily.

And I'm Madam Clerk will have to walk us through how to do that.

That would be one.

Okay.

Okay.

Yes.

Okay, Madam Clerk, how would we do that?

I'm sorry, Christian.

He he voluntarily agreed to amend it to restrict single sale beer and yes.

Okay.

Okay.

Madam Clerk, what would be the best way to do that?

So it'll be um an amendment and the amendment is no sales of single containers less than 32 ounces of beer and 375 milliliters of liquor 375 or 375.

Can you repeat that please?

Sure.

Sorry.

No sales of single containers.

No venture unicas.

Less than 32 ounces of beer.

And 375 milliliters of liquor.

Okay.

Okay, okay.

I think he would need to affirm that to Madam Clerk.

He did.

That was sufficient for you.

Yes.

Okay.

The other thing coming back this 24 hours, um, like I said, it's in the application twice.

Madam Chair, how can we amend that to reflect that his operation will not be 24 hours?

Typically we just have them stated on the record what their new hours are.

Okay.

So Christian, could he state for the record exactly what his hours are gonna be?

24 hours is it will not fly for me.

Nine in the morning to midnight.

All the time.

Okay, madam clerk, is that sufficient for hours?

Okay.

Um has a personal observation.

Venton Street is a very highly trafficked street.

Benton Street business area is in a renaissance, it's revitalizing.

That's important to me.

The success of his business is important to me.

But I don't want to see the success of his business be a detriment to the neighboring businesses or the residents.

Yeah, that was like one o'clock in the afternoon.

So I hope you understand that there are some issues in that district.

Traffic and parking are huge.

And I'm sure the rest of the business owners on Venton Street will welcome you as a positive contributing partner to their neighborhood.

So I will make a motion that is amended to reflect the hours has stated.

And to restrict the sales of single ounce products, 32 ounces or less, and 375 milliliters.

Second.

Got a motion and a second.

Councilmember Melton, did you want to speak?

Yes, I just have a couple of questions.

It asks, do you have prior experience or training in selling serving or managing alcohol sales?

No, first time.

And and I I saw that, yeah, that that the answer was no.

My my concern would be so precaution is that you may not understand all of the liquor laws.

And and how important it is that you monitor your employees.

Or inebriated persons that are coming in already.

And have you taken the training?

Let me sorry.

Yeah, he said that he knows that.

Okay.

No.

Okay, when when do you when will you be taking the the alcohol training that as a call?

Okay, so the this is this is probably my problem is you may be getting into a business that you don't have the knowledge or experience to get into.

Do you have somebody that could help you, such as I mean there's many attorneys out there, which I know costs.

Okay, yeah, thank you.

So I guess because my my fear is that you're going into this business without the knowledge that you need.

No, the Antemano Primero Massesoro y pregunto que se puede que no se puede.

Okay.

First he's gonna uh he ask what he can do and how he cannot do.

Well, I would say that since you didn't have the experience, I would have expected you to have done that before you came before the council today.

Could you repeat that?

Okay.

I would have expected you to have done that before you came before the council today.

Well, there's a lot of things that you need to be told that you know it that you haven't been told.

And the lack of knowledge is not an excuse.

For either breaking the law or breaking the liquor license.

The language barrier is not an excuse under the law either.

Madam Clerk, I'm sure there's somebody in this room that knows is the training is there an option for the training in Spanish.

Does anybody know that?

I believe so.

Okay.

Okay.

And are you aware that all of your employees have to complete the training as well?

Yes, and me too.

And what are what kind are you using a scanning device to check somebody's ID to make sure they're old enough?

ID.

I don't have it yet.

Um will you obtain a scanning device prior to your opening that will scan someone's ID to make sure that that ID is a good ID?

I want to get the license first to make sure that I want to make the necessary purchases for that.

Okay, because fake IDs are very easy to come by, but it's your responsibility to make sure you're not serving to a minor with a fake ID.

If I get the license, I will buy the equipment to make sure that uh make sure about that.

Yeah, I at this point I don't think I would just rely on your employees when there's devices out there that can help make sure that you're not selling alcohol illegally.

So what is your recommendation?

I'm thinking to open for next May.

I'm sorry, repeat that please.

Okay, my recommendation would be to take the class.

Make sure you have some kind of electronic device that scans IDs at the point of sale.

And also make sure that if there are any issues in your store, such as fights or anything else.

That you're calling 911.

And if you're having issues with people in your store, you can proactively call the Omaha police department.

They will give you additional recommendations for security.

And I would also suggest that on weekends you consider hiring security to ensure the safety of your customers and employees.

And that's in addition to any fines or anything else that you would receive from the liquor commission in Lincoln.

Yeah, then that that could include a suspension on the first offense, and eventually if you have more than one, um, you could lose your liquor license.

I would also suggest that you maybe contact another bar owner.

Who has a successful bar?

And ask them questions about things you should do and should know.

Maybe get a mentor.

I have friends who has that for my okay.

For me, you coming in front of us right now.

I'm not real confident with the knowledge you have in owning a liquor store in that area.

So I have a lot of concerns that Councilman Hug has.

And I hope that you're not one that gets called in front of the law committee in the future and that you run a good business, because I want you to be successful.

Thank you.

Okay, so I'm I'm reluctantly supporting this in hopes that you're gonna do everything you committed to today.

I don't want to fail you.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Harding, you're recognized.

Um stay stay there, Christian.

I might have some questions for you, but I'm gonna first ask the the clerk.

Um I mean first of all, I'll say for the record this that we are a recommending body.

We do not make the decision the state worker commission has the final say on that.

Um I did note in the application.

I I'll hold on, I'll be with you a second.

But Christian, I I did note in Mr.

Gonzalez um application that it said he was hoping to open in February of 2026.

I know that question I know that question was asked, and he he said it was actually going to be later.

Is that correct?

Okay.

Yeah, may so and take the classes.

Okay.

Well, that's that's where I was gonna go going with that, and then I'll ask the clerk.

And that's why I think we were just trying to look up.

I know they're required.

I don't know if they're required before the license is issued though.

All right.

Well, okay.

That will be, I think that's then the determination of the the liquor commission and not ours to decide here today.

So my point was going to be there there should be plenty of time to be able to take the classes prior to maybe the store being opened.

But also at the same time.

Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Hugg, you're recognized.

Um I can tell you're an accomplished individual.

Thank you.

So I'd I'd like to hear about your other businesses.

I have a company that is named Orion Contribution.

It is to do with you product mexicans.

Industry with Mexican products.

And I have another company whose name is Imperial Inc.

Uh and it's a real estate company.

What's the name of that real estate company?

So what?

What's the name of the real estate company?

What is the name?

What is the number of companion de propiedades?

Imperio Inc.

Imperial Inc.

Okay.

I want you to be successful.

Again, I don't want that to be success to be at the cost of the other businesses or the revitalization of the Vinton Street business area.

Okay, okay.

Anything I can do?

Any questions you have?

Christian will be more than happy to give you my phone number.

Thank you.

Uh and with that, I make a motion to approve.

With the amendment.

We had a motion and second.

We have a motion and a second already made, no further lights, roll call.

Harding.

On the amendment.

On the amendment, correct.

Harding.

Yes.

Hug.

Melton.

Row.

Festerson.

Yes.

Good one.

Mr.

President.

I motion pass seven to zero.

Got a motion and a second.

So roll call.

Harding.

Yes, hug.

Melton.

Row.

Festerson.

Good one.

Yes.

Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion pass seven to zero.

Thank you so much.

Item 13 to consider a class C liquor license for 879 bar located at 415 South 13th Street.

That's right.

We'll skip to come back.

The public hearing is now open on item number 13.

Is the applicants here today?

Hi, I'm Makisha Shields, address 15130.

Can you hear me?

There you go.

Now put push it a little closer.

There we go.

Uh Makisha Shields, 1513 Bauman Avenue, Omaha Nebraska, 68116.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

We might have a few questions for you, so don't go too far.

Are there any proponents here today on item number 13?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

I have a few questions, Miss Shields.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

This is a establishment that the applications in my district, so appreciate your patience.

I got a series of questions I'll ask you today.

Sure, no problem.

Um I guess the easiest one is it used to be the 415, it's now 879 bar.

Is that a unique name, or what did you come up with that name?

Um it actually is from stemming from my husband.

Uh we have a radio station called 87.9.

Um so it's a stem off of 87.9, the radio station.

All right.

Okay.

Um we had prior issues with the former owner.

So the reason I'm asking you these questions is just because based on the issues we had with that establishment and the area in general.

So this is just a little question answer for you and I to go through today.

Umaging or owning a bar with a liquor license?

A bar with a liquor license, no.

I also own Parker's coffee shop Offa 36 and Dodge, so I have experience with inventory managing staff, um, as far as the liquor portion, no.

Okay.

And what is the ownership structure of your business that you're applying for today?

I'm 100% owner.

You're the 100%, nobody no partners?

No.

Um, and that answered my question.

KBOB Inc., they don't have any interest in the ownership or the management of 879?

Absolutely not.

Okay.

For your business plan, are you gonna have and again considering just the nothing to do with you, but this is solely on the prior issues we had at that location and in the area.

Are you gonna have any off-duty police or what kind of security will you have?

Are you gonna have any?

So right now we actually uh currently partner with a company called the One Security, it's operated by only Tony Cannon.

Um he actually does all of our security right now.

He has off-duty police officers as well.

I'm actually really good for instance with two off-duty police officers as well.

So that there you will be using off-duty police?

Yes, we can.

Okay.

And ride share companies.

Do you have any partnership agreements with ride share companies?

No, we do not.

No partnerships?

No.

Okay.

And uh councilmember Meldon mentioned earlier with one of our prior applicants, the Nebraska Liquor Commission offers courses for you and your staff.

Have you or your staff taken any of those courses yet?

My staff has.

I have not.

We actually just got that information from investigator Cody um on Friday.

Um, so he is actually recommending that we don't necessarily have to take it since I've already been managing our coffee shop with inventory.

Um, but he's saying he's it's not a bad thing to take it.

So I will be taking it myself.

Okay, so your staff has already taken them and you are committing that you will take them?

Absolutely.

Okay.

Is there gonna be DJs present for your business here today?

Yes.

How often?

Um Thursday through Sunday.

And is there a stage for the DJs that they're gonna be on?

Yes, there is.

There is a stage for them?

A small stage, but it's the stage stage.

Do you have a music venue permit for that?

Yes.

So I actually apply for one.

The response back is to wait until we get the liquor license and then to reapply.

Okay.

And looking at your your business model and your business plan, it mentioned celebrity guests.

What does that mean?

Um, so since we are a radio station where we're connected to the radio station, we have access to all celebrities in the pop rock genre.

Um so they would actually come in to town.

We actually hire them to come into town and either do a performance or just a presence.

And what is that every day of the week or weekends or once?

Depending on their availability or if we're doing special engagement.

I talked over you, I'm sorry.

No, you're fine.

Depending on their availability, or if we're doing a special engagement.

Is part of the offerings to give free shots to people if they show up in the first sequence of people coming to your establishment?

Yeah, so the free shots are to everybody that's 21 and up.

I know you had a question earlier in regards to IDs being taked.

Those are taken by our security guards.

The free shots are just kind of a welcome in.

This is our new establishment, and to hope everyone has a great time.

A question for the clerk.

Is that an issue with the liquor commission or Mr.

Weeson?

Are you charging a cover charge?

Depends on the evening.

When you're doing the free shots, is there a cover charge?

There is a cover charge.

Well, okay with the paid entry, it's acceptable.

Okay.

Okay.

Thank you again for your patience.

Yeah, no problem.

Drink packages, multi-drink packages.

What does that entail?

A drink package in regards to a special, is that what you're implying?

Either a special or just sales in general that you'll have.

Um periodically.

Right now, we're only offering like single individual purchases.

Um as far as packages, we really don't offer those.

Okay.

Have you spoken to there's a downtown improvement district group?

It's the president is Holly Barrett.

No, I have not.

Have you spoken to Holly?

No, I have not.

Okay.

And also the Old Market Neighborhood Association president is Billy Colburn.

Yes, my husband has spoken with him, and we've spoken with the historical district as well in regards to our renovation plans.

Okay.

I I would encourage you to reach out to Holly.

She's a real good leader in the old market for the downtown improvement district.

And it's good to have that relationship with leaders as you're a new business starting down there.

I would love that.

In your business plan, one of the things mentioned, I'll just read the first couple sentences.

At Bar 879, we will offer selective happy.

Our specials, however, with our unique approach of drink props, we'll give our customers a you a new unique experience with different delivery options of alcohol.

What are drink props?

I'm over 50, so what does that mean?

So my husband and I travel a lot.

We travel a lot to Vegas, Miami, kind of like the bigger cities.

Um we don't really have that fill here in Omaha, so that's what we're wanting to bring to the downtown area.

So for instance, we have like little teddy bears.

I'm not sure if you've seen the ones that Starbucks sales, but ours looks exactly like that.

And those will be filled with um your like drink specials for the day.

So it just depends on the type of glass or if you're doing um like an alcohol bucket, um, like they do during college world series, that's what we're meaning.

Okay.

And it uh I really appreciate your patience as I get a good understanding.

And in the last paragraph in that business plan, it says, in conclusion, 879 bar owned and operated by Makisha Shields will offer patrons an exciting and joyful experience during daytime coffee bar operating hours and nighttime live DJ mix hours plus on those weekend hours during the back games.

What does that mean?

The back games.

My my husband is a big Maverick fan.

He's also a big Creighton fan.

So he's speaking of the sports times.

So it's hockey, basketball, basketball, football, all the things I don't really like, but he does.

Okay.

All right.

We have a couple lights on.

I'll probably come back with some more questions, but I appreciate your patience here today.

Yeah, no problem.

Thank you.

Councilmember Hug, or I'm sorry, Councilmember Melton, you're recognized.

Oh, thank you.

And well, again, I appreciate new entrepreneurs and new business owners, and I want you to be successful.

I'm I've been um on the law committee now for over 13 years.

Okay.

Um, and have dealt with many, many problem bars in the city of Omaha.

Out of the thousands of bars that we have, typically that we've got about three to five real problems.

Yeah.

And I can tell you 451, the prior bar was one of the bigger problems.

Yes, I know in our city.

Okay.

And while I hope that does not follow you, sometimes the people that were creating the problems in the bar are gonna, they're gonna be some of the same people that are gonna come to your bar.

And although you can have security that didn't always necessarily make a difference because what I've seen in prior problem bars, and I I think Councilman Festerson goes way back with me on a number of bars that we've had, is there are certain um certain DJs and certain specials that you have that tend to invite problems.

So when you're doing free shots and discounted alcohol and all of that, people tend to get intoxicated quicker.

And you have multiple people getting intoxicated quicker, it turn it can turn into some problems.

Yeah, I think the kind of the negative connotation around free shots, it's a marketing strategy.

So if you're already charging the cover to get in, they technically already pay for that shot.

Well, I'm gonna tell you from the experience that I've had with multiple problem bars and you having it said in number 15, no prior experience having a bar.

I'm trying to give you some warnings so that in six months from now, President Begley and Councilwoman Goodwin and I are having you sit in front of us dealing with the same problems that prior owners of this particular location, locations around it, yeah, and then other bars.

And I'm not gonna, I'm not gonna name them, but if you want to call me and discuss it later, I'm more than happy.

I know which one to share with you those experiences.

They didn't go well, and in fact, it cost the business owner.

Exactly.

So I want to see you be successful.

I don't want to see you lose money.

Absolutely.

But sometimes what happens is, and we even have a current bar that's started doing some of this.

They've now stopped, but they were doing it because, well, that extra money that was being generated because the cover charges uh were being met and they were making a lot more money.

But sometimes that also comes with a lot more problems and headaches.

Yes.

So I would caution you.

Okay.

With the free shots with maybe some of the different alcohol deliveries.

When you said that, I was thinking like the upside down margaritas or something.

I would definitely encourage you not to have unique ways of serving alcohol that gets people inebriated faster.

Gotcha.

It does not end well.

Understand for for your customers for the Omaha police that will have to respond because that's part of the problem is it's not just our Omaha police, but our Omaha firefighters as well.

Yeah.

Because on our tavern reports now, we have it listed.

Did Omaha Fire have to respond as well?

Because that's the number of resources that problem bars take, especially the ones in downtown Omaha.

You're now taking police officers from North Omaha, South Omaha, and concentrating on one area.

Understandable.

And our Omaha police department cannot and should not be responsible for what for the security of individual bars.

Understandable.

Okay.

I want to make it home to my children, no different than our patrons in our area.

So that is duly noted, and definitely I'm very much friends with a ton of police officers and detectives and OPD, in addition to firefighters as well.

One of the firefighters actually works for me part-time.

So I have a slew of people around me to consult me.

Very encouraging.

And and let the Omaha police department and the precinct, they're your friends.

In fact, we actually just had lunch with one of them.

They bought us uh Philly cheeses from Pepper Jacks on the corner so.

I follow they have a lot of recommendations and they have experience too.

So I I would definitely call them in.

And I just also want to let you know a tavern report is not necessarily a bad thing if you were doing the right thing.

Understandable.

So if things are getting out of hand in your bar, make sure your employees are calling 911 to get ahead of it.

Okay.

Number one.

And number two, make sure you're always cooperating with the Omaha police department.

Believe me, we have had bars that literally have erased tapes.

They've closed down, they've cleaned up blood from a crime scene.

Their employees, I mean, these are things that we've actually seen.

Yes.

Okay.

So when I say that, make sure you're cooperating.

Make sure if anything happens in your bar, you're securing the scene and and working with Omaha police.

Awesome.

No matter how hard it is, that's going to be better off for you in the long run.

Oh, absolutely.

So I I wish you the best.

I, you know, I'm a little hesitant here just because of the past.

And then hearing it about what your business plan is.

Um, I I hope that you reconsider some of the things that you're doing because I I just don't think that they're gonna be positives.

They may get you money, but in the long run, it may cost you more money than you're getting initially.

Understandable and duly noted.

Okay.

Thank you.

All right.

Thank you.

Councilmember Hug, you're recognized.

Yeah, what she said.

I I can't underscore enough how important I feel adequate security is.

Yes.

And um that's gonna make it or break you.

And it's gonna be the right people, the right amount of people.

And just because somebody's your friend and your buddy, doesn't necessarily mean that they are gonna be the right person.

So you're gonna have to be really objective and looking at hiring security people.

Are they the people that can do the job?

So please pay close attention to that.

The old market is an attraction for the city of Omaha.

Yeah, it's an area that I'm personally very proud of.

And um over the past years, because of other players, it's gotten a bad name.

And um I think we can turn that around with responsible business owners like you.

Thank you.

So I wish you success.

I hope you're doing the things you need to do and cross the I's and dot and the T's, like getting the training through the liquor commission, which I hope you already have.

Yep.

And uh so good luck to you.

Thank you.

I appreciate it.

Okay.

Thank you, Councilmember Hug.

A couple last questions for you, Miss Shields.

You're doing a great job.

Thanks.

Appreciate your patience again, answering our questions.

Um we want is a safe and enjoyable business for you.

We wish you the best to succeed.

I hope you crush it.

But again, we want it to be safe.

Maybe not that.

So maybe not that one.

Poor attempt unintended humor.

We we want you to exceed the greatest expectations of your dreams and to have a successful business for your neighbors and patrons in the downtown improvement district, the Omorican neighborhood association.

It had been referenced in the past, the 415 bar that had a lot of problems and challenges that we are here today to work with you, hoping we avoid those.

And I'm I'm confident listening to you today, that we're gonna be on that path.

Absolutely.

One of the things that 415 had, if I wanted to see if you would be willing to do this, it's two things.

You were asking for a class C liquor license that allows off-premise alcohol.

Would you be willing to amend that to have it as an I license?

And what an I is just to verify, Madam Clerk and I license is on sale premise only, correct?

Correct.

So that's what I would be asking in an amendment.

That would be one of two things.

Would you be willing to move it from a C to an I license?

Possibly is that being recommended off of the reputation of 415.

That has part to do with it, yes, ma'am.

Okay.

Um the reason I'm hesitant on that is that I'm um we're not 415.

Um I know the owner, I know the negative stigmatation around 415, and we've quickly weave those people out.

Um so I would hate for us to be having to go from a class C to a class I just based off of their reputation and their ownership.

We are completely different.

I respectfully understand that, but again, the council members that sit on the law committee, it's council member Melton, Councilmember Goodwin, myself, it was Councilmember Harding in the past.

These are the things that when we approve, regardless if it's you or anybody standing here today.

Those are strong things.

We're not punishing you for that, but it's the same location through no fault of your own of the prior owners, but that would be the asset I would have here today.

I would support this with if you move it from a C to an I.

And the second part of that was in their business plan, due to the challenges at that location, that they close at 1 a.m.

And that's the amendment that I would make is a request.

Would you be willing to move it from a C to an I and close closing hours be 1 a.m.?

No.

1 a.m.

2 a.m.

Yes.

From a C to an I, that's doable, but closing at 1 a.m.

that's gonna hurt the business.

Majority of our patrons come out to party.

We're closing at 1 a.m.

They're just gonna go around the corner to Billy Frogs or Etherworm or whatever the case may be.

And I'm here just talking today about 879.

Yeah.

So going from a C to an I, that's definitely something that's doable, but closing at 1 a.m.

that's detrimental to the business itself.

There's other lights on council member Fesserson, you recognize.

Thanks, Mr.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um I understand the direction you were going with that.

And I know you can't make um any kind of amendments, so I'm willing to do that for you.

I do believe a change in hours requires uh the um agreements of the applicants uh to do something like that.

But it does sound like there's some agreement or some willingness to do it go to an I rather than a C.

So to get something on the floor for now, assuming that's your wish is to uh uh move the application amend it to an I.

Second.

Thank you.

Councilmember Melton, you're recognized.

Thank you.

Yeah, I was gonna reiterate I I'd vote no if it wasn't amended to to an I.

Yeah, because off sale will just people will buy it and then go sit outside.

Yeah.

I I'm not sure you quite understand the problems that we had with the prior location.

And although you're not the same owner, the same customers are probably gonna be returning, and some of those customers cause quite a bit of problems.

So that that's what I'm I'm trying in all honesty, we're trying to help you.

No, understandable.

C to an I is perfectly fine.

It's just the 1 a.m.

stipulation is detrimental to our business.

If the other businesses around us are staying open until 2 a.m., they're just inquiring our customers.

I understand that.

I I can tell you this if you keep that same, if you keep this business plan, I think you're gonna be in front of our our law committee within months.

Um and I I have it, I have to tell you with this location.

I understand you're not 451, but you're buying them.

So you per you're purchasing this location with the knowledge of the problems that this location had with the knowledge of the limitations that were on that liquor license.

And so I and I feel like knowing the knowledge behind that is actually beneficial to me because I know what to do and what not to do.

But you know what to do and what not to do, what I'm telling you what not to do is your business plan.

Right.

So I'm not saying that the business plan can't be amended.

What I'm saying is that the 1 a.m.

stipulation.

Okay, but I what I'm saying is I don't necessarily have confidence when you tell me I know what to do and what not to do because everything written here in front of me that you submitted.

I would say about half of it is what not to do.

I really liked the ride chair.

You put in here that you have a um partner with ride chair, but then you told um Councilman Begley that you don't have a partnership.

If we're contacting an Uber, we're contacting Lyft, we're actually just paying it out of pocket for somebody that's inebriated.

Okay.

We don't have a legal contract in place with as far as Uber or Lyft.

Right, but that again, we're going through your business plan, so the things I like aren't necessarily in place, and the things that I really don't like that I think are gonna create problems are the things you're planning to do.

So I what I'm what I'm telling you is I I think what Mr.

Begley is asking you to do to a 1 a.m.

I understand what to hurt your business plan, but I also think the other things you're doing are gonna hurt your your business plan as well.

Right, as far as like the drink specials and free shots, those could be amended.

Those are easily things that could be amended.

Yeah, and and I don't know what else, I mean, other than teddy bear glasses, it seems like there were these unique delivery options of alcohol.

Yep, so if you ever go to Vegas, like they have dry ice options, that's the presentation of it.

Okay.

I'm just telling you that I'm very, very concerned, and my my biggest concern is that because you haven't owned a bar before and you're stepping into one that's probably going to be extremely challenging for somebody that's owned a bar for 20 years.

This location is gonna be very challenging, and the things that you're um, especially if you start using promoters out of state promoters.

Yeah, that's not on the agenda at all.

We've I've seen that, I've seen that, and it literally has never gone well.

Yeah, we're not allowing any promoters at all.

We there's no need to do that.

This space isn't even big enough to hire a promoter to do that.

Well, well, we won't hesitate if the if Omaha police is is getting called and taxpayer resources are being used like they were for the previous owners.

Um we will call you in front of law committee.

No, that's there's many things we can do.

We can request a long form.

Yeah.

I mean, we could even ask the council cancel the license later.

Understandable.

If there's enough evidence of what's going on.

So I'd be very careful.

And if I were you, I'd go home tonight and rethink this business plan.

Understandable.

Do we know it?

Thank you.

Councilmember Hug, you're recognized.

Oh, I just love it when they talk about ride share.

Um I do have some firsthand experience uh with ride share.

And uh in my personal opinion, I wanna emphasize my personal opinion.

I think what you're gonna find is that time of night when you need to remove a customer, you're gonna struggle to get anybody to pick him up.

So consider that.

I understand and uh again, I have some pretty good firsthand knowledge on that situation.

Um, and that's not a lot of business the transportation providers even want.

If they find if you know the first couple of times, oh yeah, we're gonna go there, and they find out that oh, we're gonna pick up an intoxicated individual who's gonna be a problem, and uh it won't be long before they say, Oh, yeah, we're not going there.

So I really think there's several council members up here who are really working hard to try to help you be successful.

Yeah, I appreciate that.

And having been an entrepreneur at one point in my life, I know hard to believe.

Um one of the hardest things I had to do was to realize when somebody was trying to help me.

And I think there's people up here today that are really trying to help you.

Now, you can always come back and ask for your hours to be changed.

Okay.

And I would strongly ask you to consider before you leave here today to agree to one o'clock closing.

As you are getting your C legs and getting some experience and building up a reputation to demonstrate that you're not gonna be the problem that was perceived from the previous owners, allegedly.

I think they're trying to help you.

So that would be what I want you to walk out here today and say Ron Hugs really trying to help me.

So I I'm gonna ask you again to voluntarily agree to one hour to one o'clock closing at one, and you can come back in six months, you can come back in a year, and you can say, hey, look, we've had a good track record.

I want to change my hours at two o'clock.

That would be something I will consult with with my husband on.

Um honestly.

If you need if we need to lay this over for a few minutes so you can contact your husband and talk to him, councilman Begley would be more than happy to accommodate that.

Okay.

Yeah, I would uh have a conversation with him.

Honestly, it seems like the negative connotation around 415 is what we're on right now.

Um, so definitely I'll have a conversation with him in regards to that.

Yes, okay.

So if we kick this down the agenda a little bit, you'd be willing to contact your husband and talk about agreeing to the 1 p.m.

closing.

I can.

Okay.

1 a.m.

I'm sorry.

What's wrong with 1 p.m.?

Councilman Bagley?

Mr.

President.

Hold on.

Okay.

Councilman Hug.

Sorry.

That was the applicant has agreed to reach out to her husband to see and have a dialogue about uh the agreement, uh the voluntary agreement to the 1 a.m.

closing.

Could we please move this down the agenda a little further and have her have an opportunity to consult with her husband?

Are you gonna call your husband right now?

Yeah, I'll contact him and our legal counsel as well.

So before you do, I'd like to pick up.

Okay, Councilman Hug, let me go to council member Harding.

I'll I'll uh I I appreciate that you've agreed to the amendment of the license.

Um I would not support changing the hours, so I uh in in my estimation, I'd I I'll do this.

I'm gonna call the question on the amendment.

Madam Clerk Roll call.

So this is an amendment for moving the license from C to I, is that correct?

Yes, thank you.

Roll call.

I'm sorry, is it out of order to ask the deference to the chair as to his preference on the amendment?

Or is this call is it a call to question, no more commentary?

I've been understood no.

Yeah, and I I offered the amendment on his behalf, so I'm interested in his opinion.

So it's answered council member Fesserson.

Thank you for asking that because I was talking to legal counsel and I missed the conversation, but the motion you made was moving the license from a C to an I.

Is that correct?

And was there any time in that?

No.

Okay.

Understood.

So the motion is thank you, Councilmember Fesserson.

Councilmember Harding is asking for a vote on C to an I on the amendment.

Is that correct?

Got it.

Roll call.

Harding.

Yes.

Hug.

No.

Melton.

Yes.

Roe.

Yes.

Festerson.

Yes.

Goodwin.

Yes.

Mr.

President.

Yes.

As amended.

Motion pass six to one.

Second.

I did you want to so I'm moving it as amended.

Okay.

So as amended with just so I'm clear.

Mr.

President.

As amended, the the amendment we just passed.

Okay.

There are no other stipulations.

As amended.

And I think we got a second on that.

Okay.

And I have one last question for Ms.

Shields.

Sure.

Do we get it on Brinkers?

I think Pete Pete.

So we had a motion and a second.

Can I quick question for Ms.

Shields?

Yeah.

The 1 a.m.

As you heard from the council, that's that's an issue for us.

So you agreed from a C to an I and we approve that.

Perfect.

But we haven't approved the lesson.

There's still another vote that's yeah, that was the motion, and that was second.

I wanted her to make sure she was the license.

Nothing about the question.

Thank you.

Okay.

Okay, so we got a motion as a second.

Councilmember Harding, you're recognized.

I think that was just still on.

Council Councilmember Featherson.

Thanks, Mr.

President.

So just for clarity, um, I did offer that amendment and I I did vote for that amendment.

Um, but I in deference to you, since this is your district, if you prefer to be not to second that amendment, I would like to know that uh for now if you want to have further discussions about the hours, otherwise, I'm okay moving forward.

Thank you, Councilmember Fezerson.

Councilmember Hug, you're recognized.

Uh again, uh Mr.

President, the applicant has agreed to go consult with her husband and the attorney on potentially voluntarily restricting the hours to 1 a.m.

I'm asking that we move this down the agenda to afford her the opportunity to do that.

So we can have a move to the end.

So we got a vote on this motion.

Or if they should wait on the motion, yeah.

It doesn't matter if you have a motion or second.

We can still I would like to get an answer with your husband if you can get that.

I will grant you the time.

We can you have to dispose of what the motion is.

Okay, so the motion move my second.

Okay, so I make a second or remove it.

Or I can't okay.

Brink her.

I'm not removing my motion.

Second.

Thank you.

No, you have to vote.

Roll call.

Harding.

State what we're voting on.

Yeah.

This is in motion to approve the license as amended with just amending it to that class I.

This is not anything to do with the time.

And the president's recommendation who it's in his district is I would like to get an answer today on the one o'clock if you can get that on the record for me.

Can you grant me that now?

As far as one are we now, one o'clock close time.

I'm sorry, go ahead.

It would be a request on the record from you that you would close at one o'clock.

With all due respect, Mr.

President.

That's out of order.

If the amendment fails, if the amendment fails, you can bring that out.

But you're asking.

Okay, roll call.

Roll call.

Harding.

Yes.

Hug.

Just for clarity, we're voting on the amendment.

This is on the license as amended.

So this would approve the license.

Okay, so if we approve it, there's no need for her to go call her husband.

Correct.

Okay, no.

Melton.

Yeah.

Roe.

Yes.

Festerson.

No.

Good one.

No.

Mr.

President.

No.

Motion failed.

Three to four.

So I've got objections.

No, it's the motion is failed, so we'll send the recommendation to the liquor control commission.

Yeah.

Okay.

So am I not contacting you or the recommendation is denial.

The recommendation is a denial.

Yeah.

Is what will go down to the liquor commission.

But you'll have a it will be a transcript of what transpired here too that you can have what it is.

Okay.

Thank you.

Which one are we doing now?

11.

12.

12, right?

Go back to the 12th or you live up to the end of the agenda.

Councilmember Gooden, when you want to go to 12 now.

Okay.

Do you want me to read?

I'll read item 12 again.

Item 12 is to consider a class C liquor license for Dreamland Lounge located at 3927 Ames Avenue, A's Communication Opposition.

Public hearing is now open on item number 12.

Again.

So councilwoman Goodwin.

Uh yeah, I spoke with uh them uh more than happy to move down to an aye.

Um so Monday through Thursday, closing at midnight rather than two, if that would work.

Uh they'd like to keep the normal bar two o'clock for the area for uh Friday Saturday evenings.

And then uh I did discuss with them why the 11 o'clock.

Uh what it boils down to is because the bar cohabitates a building with the restaurant, there may be occasions where they want to have a brunch service or a lunch service, something like that, in cooperation with the currently existing restaurant.

Um so that is the reason for the 11 o'clock.

Um so I just wanted to put that there and see if you had any thoughts, ma'am.

Thank you, sir.

So we appreciate you going back to the owner to get clarity on one, the hours, and so I believe for the record, Eliza.

I'll just wait for our our help here.

Madam Clerk, no problem.

Um for the record, I believe we need to state the amended hours, or can you guide us through this process, please?

So again, you don't have to make a motion to amend the hours, they just have to agree to it on the record, is what we've done.

Okay.

So on the record, uh just if you could repeat the hours that you're agreeing to, please.

So if we include the potential for brunch service or lunch service, it would be 11 to midnight Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Sorry, I forgot Sunday there.

Uh and then Friday and Saturday, uh the 11 a.m.

for the potential branch or lunch service, but a uh just a normal bar 2 a.m.

Friday, Saturday hours.

Uh that would be what they envision, and then uh we would also voluntarily agree to the class I.

And I really appreciate that you're willing to take these steps as you can see.

Uh we spent quite a bit of time today uh really ensuring that safety is the number one factor as we provide opportunities for new businesses.

Again, I'm excited uh to see uh an entity that serves food along that corridor and and to expand the offerings there uh in North Omaha specifically on Ames Avenue, and so I appreciate your willingness to do this, and I would accept these hours and the rec recommendation for class I.

So do I need to now uh motion for amendment for class I?

I so I'd like to motion for item number 12 to amend to a class I liquor license.

Got a motion and a second roll call.

Harding, yes, hug, yes, Melton, yes, row, yes, festerson good one.

Yes, Mr.

President.

Aye, motion passed seven to zero.

Thank you very much.

So we need to motion as amendment.

So I would like to motion item number twelve as amended.

Got a motion and a second roll call.

Harding, yes, hug, Melton, row, festerson, yes, good one.

Yes, Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed seven to zero.

Thank you very much.

We wish you a lot of success.

Oh, they they're great, guys.

I appreciate it.

And sorry it took me a minute to no worries.

Have a great day.

You guys have a great day.

Item 14, a resolution to approve the preliminary plat for the preserved second edition, located southwest of 222nd and I streets with waivers as listed on the agenda.

Planning board and planning department recommend approval.

Public hearing is open now on item number 14.

Is the applicant here today?

Afternoon, Mr.

President.

Council members, Jim Bouger, 10250 R Circle here on behalf of the applicant.

Happy to answer any questions.

Thank you.

Are there any proponents here today?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Got a motion and a second roll call.

Harding.

Yes.

Hug.

Melton.

Rowe.

Fasterson.

Good one.

Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed seven to zero.

Items 15 through and 16.

Can we consider together for Bennington Industrial, located southwest of Bennington Road and Blair High Road?

Planning Board and Planning Department recommend approval.

Item 15, a resolution to approve the preliminary plat.

The public hearing is now open on items 15 and 16.

The applicant, good afternoon.

Melvin Fedbeck 16255 representing VGM2 here for any questions.

Thank you.

Are there any proponents here?

Items 15 and 16.

Josh Seal 3930 South 147th Street.

Um with fully shalled engineering.

Um here to answer any technical questions.

Thank you.

Are there any other proponents here?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Motion is second, roll call.

Harding.

Yes.

Hug.

Melton.

Rowe.

Fasterson.

Yes.

Good one.

Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed seven to zero.

Item 17 through 20 can be considered together for West Dodge Hills, replant four.

Located southwest of 180th Street and West Dodge Road.

Planning Board and Planning Department recommend approval.

Item 17, an ordinance to rescind the ACI overlay district.

Item 18, an ordinance to approve a major amendment to the West Dodge Hills Mixed Use District Development Agreement.

Items 19 and 20, resolutions to approve the preliminary plat and final plat.

I'll open the public hearing on item 17 through 20.

Applicants, good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Council.

Bob Stratton, Broadmore, 809, North 96th Street, Omaha, Nebraska.

Thank you.

Any Joe Dutless, 10836, Old Mill Road.

Thanks, Joe.

Any other proponents here today?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Motion and a second roll call.

Harding.

Yes.

Hug.

Melton.

Rowe.

Festerson.

Yes.

Goodwin.

Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed seven to zero.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Items 21 through 25 can be considered together for Calarosa, replat one, located southeast of 213th Street and Kansas Avenue.

Planning Board and Planning Department recommend approval.

Items 21 through 23.

Ordinances to rezone this property from DR district, R4 district, and R5 district to DR district, R4 district, and R5 district.

The public hearing is now open on items 21 through 25.

Applicant.

Here for questions today.

Ask for your approval.

Thank you.

Are there any proponents here today?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Motion is second.

Roll call.

Harding.

Yes.

Hug.

Melton.

Rowe.

Fasterson.

Good one.

Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed seven to zero.

Items 26 through 29 can be considered together for provada located southwest of 204th Street and West Center Road.

Planning Board and Planning Department recommend approval.

Item 26, an ordinance to rezone this property from AG district to MU district.

Item 27, an ordinance to approve a major amendment to the Provada Mixed Use District Development Agreement.

Item 28, a resolution to approve the final plat and 29, a resolution to approve the subdivision agreement.

Public hearing is now open on items 26 through 29.

Good afternoon.

Kyle Vol with the United Consulting Group 10909 Mill Valley Road here on behalf of the applicant.

Also here is Jim Bouger, the attorney for the project.

Uh happy to answer questions and ask for your approval.

Thank you.

Is there any proponents here today?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Second.

Motion is second.

Roll call.

Harding.

Yes.

Hug?

Melton.

Row.

Festerson.

Yes.

Goodwin.

Yes.

Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed.

Seven to zero.

Item 30 in ordinance to approve a PUR overlay district located at 220 North 25th Street, Planning Board and Planning Department.

Recommend approval.

Public hearing is now open on item 30.

Applicants, good afternoon.

Hello.

Bridget Law Franklin, uh 905, South 130th Street, Omaha, 68154.

Thank you.

Are there any other proponents here today?

Item 30.

Please come up.

Name and address, please.

Certainly.

My name is Barbara Engram address 7517 North 88th Avenue.

I'm the designer for the project.

Thank you.

Are there any other proponents here on item 30?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Councilmember Goodwin, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Ms.

Franklin, how are you today?

I'm good.

Thank you.

Great.

Can you tell us a little bit about this project, please?

Uh yes.

So and this kind of goes back a number of years, but uh I'm the uh managing partner for an investment group uh that I started about six years ago, and our plan was to buy back the block, which is the name of our investment club, uh BBTB.

And so uh the main reason that I wanted to look at areas uh underdeveloped areas where uh people that want to live and work and thrive in their communities could get affordable housing.

So I spent a lot of time with my daughter who was at one time over 75 north, so I watched her as she went through her job to revitalize that area, and so that was one of the things that encouraged me to want to uh to develop this project in North Omaha.

Thank you.

And so these are off of uh North 25th Street, correct?

And how many units will it provide?

Two.

Right, and they are affordable, meaning are they low income?

Low income affordable housing, yes.

Awesome.

And so what will those rents be?

Uh between uh 1100, 1200 a month for two-bedroom, two bathroom.

And when do you plan what's the timeline on this project?

Uh this project, there's no timeline.

We probably won't start uh developing until maybe late 26, 27.

Okay, so it's a pretty fluid timeline right now.

Great.

Well, thank you for that information.

Wish you the best of luck on this project and for investing uh in district two.

I motion to approve.

Second, got a motion and a second, roll call.

Thank you.

Harding.

Yes, hug, Melton, row, festerson.

Yes, goodwin.

Yes, Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed seven to zero.

Thank you so much.

Item 31, a resolution to approve the Conestoga collection tax increment financing redevelopment project plan located southeast of 26 and Corby Streets in an amount up to 226,299 dollars.

Public hearing is now open on number item 31, Mr.

Seaton.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Don Seaton, city planning.

Uh this project is a residential infill development project in North Omaha on a site located at Florence and Lake Street.

Um there'll be four new residential for sale units constructed.

These will be three bedroom, three bath units.

They're gonna be partially subsidized with a forgivable Spark loan, loan from Spark.

Um, and they'll be sold to income qualified home buyers at 60 to 120 percent of the area median income.

The developer is the Mensch Group LLC, which is managed by Philip McLean.

He's done a couple of these park projects previously.

Total investment in this part of North Omaha is 1.7 million dollars.

The TIFF support requested is 226,299.

Project meets the required criteria for our TIFF program.

It's an appropriate land use for the area.

Uh it's good to see the infill redevelopment and complies with our city's master plan.

We ask for your approval.

Thank you.

Are there any proponents here on item 31?

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Council members Bob Griffith, 11440, West on the Road here on behalf of the applicant, uh Mensch group and Phil McLean.

Uh Mr.

McLean is here as well.

We're happy to answer your questions.

I believe you're familiar with Mr.

Klain.

He's done a couple similar projects as Don mentioned.

Very successfully just want to give you an idea of kind of the visual.

Um very attractive in full development.

Um again, income restricted.

Um without having to answer any questions.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Are there any other proponents?

Phil McLean with the Mensch group.

I'm the developer on the project here to ask any questions that they might anybody might have.

Thank you.

Are there any other proponents on item 31?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Councilmember Goodwin, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Mr.

McLean.

Just have a few questions for you.

How are you doing today?

A few questions.

You uses that term, income restricted.

And I know you talked about the the area media income.

Can you just explain a little bit about that for people who may not fully understand the terminology you're using there?

Um so for the funding that we use and we use a Spark uh middle income workforce housing fund.

Okay.

And it is um set for families within that 60 to 100 120% AMI of the area of media income.

So that's what we talk about.

Not it's not really income restricted, but that's the goal to reach that 60 to 120 AMI in the area of medium income.

Right.

So it still would be considered affordable, correct?

And tell me a little bit about the design here.

Um I wanted to do something different.

I feel like um there's a lot of development uh development happening around Omaha and it's specifically in North Omaha, but I felt like uh we needed to we needed some variety in the housing stock, see some different looks.

Um, and I think we needed a more modern look to some of the housing in North Omaha too as the areas continue to grow.

And this specific location is 19th and Lake, which is in that Lake Street corridor between 16th and I would say all the way up to 30, which is like a heavily trafficked area.

So I wanted to put design something that um was affordable but also attainable and it would look good, and people would want to know who developed it, developed it, but also wanted to live there.

So um with our design, we did something a little custom, and then on the back side, we put some rooftop patios on the back so you can be able to see downtown from there and kind of get a feel of just taking in the whole city from North Omaha.

So yeah.

That's great.

So it's four more units to the housing stock in Omaha, and we need every last one of them.

Appreciate your willingness to invest in district two.

Thank you.

Do up motion to approve.

Got our motion and a second roll call.

Harding.

Yes, hug, yes, Melton, row, Pastor Send.

Yes, good one.

Yes, Mr.

President.

I motion passed seven to zero.

Consent agenda.

Any member of the city council may cause any item placed on the consent agenda to be removed.

I'm removed from the consent agenda, shall be taken up by the city council immediately following the consent agenda and the order in which they were removed unless otherwise provided by the city council rules of order.

The public hearing on agenda items 32 through 40 were held on December 9th, 2025.

So got a motion or second roll call.

Harding.

Yes, hug, Melton, Roe, Festerson.

Yes, goodwin.

Yes, Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed seven to zero.

The public hearing on agenda items 41 through 67 are today.

If you wish to address the city council regarding these items, please come down to the microphone, indicate the agenda item you wish to address.

Identify yourself with your name, address, who you represent.

And if you're a proponent or opponent, public hearing is now open.

Are there any proponents?

Good afternoon.

Austin Rouser with the public works department.

I am a proponent of number 53, which is our 2026 update to our standard specifications for public works construction.

I think most of you were here in 24 when we had our last major update of our our standard specifications.

Uh, we had a big focus in that.

Although we come through the entire specification, we focus primarily on our paving materials and our concrete mixes.

Uh, and for that effort in 2024, we had a committee that was formed that was filled with representatives from the industry, uh, contractors, engineering consultants, city staff, uh, representatives from the industry from the uh ready mix suppliers, the concrete and aggregate producers, and also the cement suppliers, where we uh really went over those specifications, tried to improve a lot of things with our specs.

Uh namely we had problems with alkali silica reactions.

So that 2024 spec, we uh we came to a place where we feel like we have a much better specification than the prior 2014 specification, which was the last update before.

And so that group kept we we kept that group intact.

They're still operating.

We've had meetings uh since 2024.

Uh we continue to take public comment on our specifications.

We have an open link on our website where any engineers, contractors, can provide that feedback.

Uh we continue to meet with those groups, and also before we provide a recommendation for a new specification, we put out a 30-day comment period where you know we we we specifically solicit comments on the specifications uh to the public to the industry to make sure that we're getting all of the the best practices back and represented in our specifications.

So what we had told you in 24 when we did the last big update was that we intended to put our specifications on a two-year cycle for review and update, and what's before you today is our 2026, which would be our our next amendment from that, and we intend to keep that two-year cycle intact just to make sure that we're following industry standards, uh following a practice of continuous improvement and and getting all the feedback that we can from our consultant community and in our contracting community.

Uh there's a letter in your packet that summarizes the changes.

Most of them are fairly minor.

I think the most major updates to the 2026 specifications are with regards to some sewer specifications and some antimicrobial additives to concrete in those those areas where we have high sulfate attack in in those uh corrosive sewer environments.

So we've we've gone through a lot of uh uh education, we've we've done some outreach with some suppliers and some vendors and made some changes there.

So uh happy with our new spec.

We're looking forward to putting out better products here in and year out and uh working with the community to help us to get to the the best possible outcomes.

So with that, I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

Thank you.

Are there any other proponents here today?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Motion approved.

Item 41367.

Got a motion and a second roll call.

Harding, yes, tug, yeah, Melton, row, faster.

Good one.

Mr.

President.

Aye.

Motion passed, seven to zero.

Item 68, an ordinance to accept the bids from Alexander Lawn and Landscape, Garrett's Lawn Service and Nebraska's best lawn and landscape for grounds maintenance for rights of way.

Public hearing is now open on item 68.

Are there any proponents?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Item 69 in ordinance to approve amendment number one to the professional services agreement with Lamprainerson Inc.

for utility coordinator for the city of Omaha.

Public hearing is now open in item 69.

Are there any proponents?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Item 70, an ordinance to acquire private property for the construction of North 30th Street retaining wall repairs project.

We'll open the public hearing on item number 70.

Are there any proponents?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Item 71 in ordinance to approve the chambers court tax increment financing redevelopment agreement.

Open the public hearing now on item 71.

Mr.

Seaton, good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Don Satan, city planning, and I'm just here available for any questions you may have.

Thank you.

Are there any other proponents?

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Council members, Bob Krivet, 11440.

Western Road here on behalf of the applicant.

Uh again, this is the agreement.

The plan was approved prior.

So here with any questions you may have.

Thank you.

Are there any other proponents?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Item 72, an ordinance to accept the bid award of Rick Foss Tennis Instruction to provide tennis instruction services at the city's tennis facilities.

Public hearing is now open on item number 72.

Are there any proponents?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Item 73, an ordinance to approve an infor global professional services public sector work order form to migrate to multi-tenant global HR and payroll at a cost of 1 million 105,880.

Public hearing is now open on item 73.

Are there any proponents?

Yeah, on Zoom there.

Okay.

Go to Zoom first for.

Go ahead, Deb.

Good afternoon, Deb Sander from City Human Resources.

Um this is our HRIS system, and it's kind of two-fold.

Uh the first thing is to extend our license.

Our licenses do expire.

Um, we had a 10-year contract in agreement with Infor.

It expires in September of 20.

It started in 2016, it will expire next year, September of 2026.

This is to extend our leases.

We have a zero percent uplift for the next three years.

So what we're paying today is what we'll be paying for the next three years, and then a four percent uplift after that.

The other part is um the switch from a single tenant environment to a multi-tenant environment.

And we will be working on that project next year.

Uh we worked with dot com and in for and the mayor's office.

Um, Bobby Wernley can give you some additional information, as well as the gentleman from Infor that are on Zoom.

Thank you.

Good afternoon, Bobby Wernley.

Just here to answer any questions you might have.

And as Deb said, we've got a couple of info representatives if you need them as well.

Thank you.

Are there any other proponents who wish to speak?

Either Mr.

Sims or Mr.

Glazer.

Not at this point.

Just here to answer questions.

Okay.

Thank you.

Are there any opponents on item 74?

Public hearing is closed.

Item 74, an ordinance to mend chapter 24, Article 4, and Chapter 43, Article 1, Division 7 of the Omaha Municipal Code pertaining to technology and training fees.

That was 73 that I just closed, sorry.

So item 74, the public hearing is now open.

Ms.

Baz Poyazi.

Annabest Poyazny, planning department here to answer any questions you might have.

You were impressed.

I was pretty close on that.

That was very good.

Thank you.

Any other proponents on item 74?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Item 75, an ordinance to approve an agreement with striker sales LLC for the purchase of EMS equipment.

Public hearing is now open on item 75.

Good afternoon.

Eric Maur, Omaha Fire Department, 1516 Jackson.

I'm here to just answer any questions you guys may have.

Thank you.

Are there any other proponents?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Thank you.

Item 76, an ordinance to approve an agreement with Central Square Technologies LLC to provide billing and collection services for fire alarm services.

Public hearing is now open for items 76.

Proponent.

And what high school did you go to when you introduce yourself?

Omaha Cathedral High School.

Thank you.

Current employee of the Omaha Fire Department.

Thank you.

Here to answer any questions you may have.

That was for my central high colleagues on the council cathedral still alive and kicking.

So are there any other proponents on item 76?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

One public hearing can be held for item 77 and 78.

Item 77, an ordinance to establish a hotel occupation tax reinvestment program.

Item 78, an ordinance to amend Omaha Municipal Code, Section 19-706 entitled use of revenue.

The public hearing is now open on items 77 and 78 proponents.

Here in support and thank you for the consideration for this new program, the hotel occupation tax reinvestment program.

Specifically addressing gaps in uh the development of the upper upscale and luxury hotels in our urban core.

Um this program would not create any new taxes, it would utilize an existing uh revenue uh or new revenue that would be generated as part of a new hotel.

So it's a program that's the private development, the private developer is really betting on themselves.

Nothing is um handed out unless or excuse me.

No funds are distributed unless the hotel is developed.

So happy to answer any questions.

There's also a workforce program in development uh where funds would be also utilized to help workforce across the entire city and restaurants, food and beverage, and hospitality.

Thank you.

Are there any other proponents?

Seeing none, are there any opponents?

Public hearing is closed.

Councilmember Goodwin, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Uh, just a few questions about the workforce um piece of this.

I'm definitely excited for new economic development tool.

Uh you we talked about partnerships in our pre-council meeting.

Can you tell us a little bit about what you're exploring?

Yeah, we're we're speaking with uh restaurant owners right now and chefs as well as Metro Community College and their culinary institute.

Uh we envisioned them as uh a primary partner in this, and they've expressed interest uh in creating new programming that could relate to this uh future workforce development program.

So it could be the example I used at pre-council, which is if you are working at a restaurant today, and let's say you're uh washing dishes but are interested in getting in the kitchen.

This program could offset costs or completely pay for uh courses at Metro, may uh maybe related to uh the kitchen, knife skills, technical skills, um, see restaurant skills, the skills for life.

We have over 40,000 people working in that industry in Omaha.

Um it's a great opportunity.

Yeah, this is important.

I have a daughter who is um works in the restaurant industry, and sometimes it's difficult to find the time to upskill.

Will this include um management or pathways in that way as well?

Yeah.

It it will we'll explore all pathways, and we're working on the development of this program currently.

Uh, but what's going to be requirement if uh for funding uh in this reinvestment program would be this two point five percent of a total award uh would go towards this workforce development fund.

It could be for professional pathways, management, uh, expansion, um, to very introductory level uh into the industry.

Yeah, I think that's important that you're building that ecosystem of tourism with economic development while investing not just in the new builds, but then also the people that keep that engine going.

So thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Motion and second, roll call.

Harding, hug, Melton, row, faster.

Good one.

Yes, Mr.

President.

Motion passed, seven to zero.

Meeting is adjourned at four o five.