OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Omaha City Council Meeting Summary - December 16, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, December 16, 2025
BodyOmaha, Nebraska
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, December 16, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:06:18

Transcript — Verbatim
0:58

Good one.

1:01

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

1:19

Please be seated.

1:25

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.

1:43

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

1:50

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

2:02

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

2:16

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

2:26

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.

2:45

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

2:54

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

3:05

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.

3:16

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.

3:41

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

3:58

For their light has been extinguished.

4:07

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

4:50

Good afternoon.

4:50

Welcome to this meeting of the Omaw City Council.

4:54

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.

5:03

A reminder that you will have three minutes to speak on an agenda item.

5:07

Please stay on topic.

5:09

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.

5:19

Council members receive these emails and we read them.

5:22

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.

5:43

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.

5:50

Thanks.

5:51

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

5:59

Oh, sorry.

6:03

We have a proclamation by Councilmember Pete Fasserson.

6:07

The floor is yours.

6:09

Thank you, Mr.

6:09

President.

6:10

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

6:14

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

6:19

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.

6:25

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

6:28

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

6:33

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

6:36

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

6:44

The proclamation reads like this.

6:47

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.

7:03

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.

7:22

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.

7:40

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.

7:58

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.

8:16

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.

8:37

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.

9:02

Now, therefore, be it resolved.

9:12

Congratulations.

9:30

Over the last 25 years.

9:45

And that's truly extraordinary.

9:47

There's nothing more worthwhile than that.

9:50

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

9:55

Thanks for all your work.

10:12

Thank you, Councilman Pete.

10:14

Thank you, Councilmembers.

10:15

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

10:18

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

10:27

So thank you for that.

10:29

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.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Liquor Licensing█████████████████████████████████████████████55%
Public Safety███████████13%
Procedural███████9%
Zoning██████7%
Public Works███4%
Affordable Housing██3%
Miscellaneous██2%
Community Engagement██2%
Public Engagement█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Omaha City Council Meeting Summary - December 16, 2025

The Omaha City Council convened on December 16, 2025, to review multiple liquor license applications, land use rezoning proposals, and administrative ordinances. The Council issued a strong opening statement of solidarity following the anti-Semitic attacks in Australia, reading a letter from President Reagan during Councilmember Brinker Harding's opening remarks. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to rigorous scrutiny of liquor license applicants, with several items delayed, amended, or recommended for denial due to concerns regarding hours of operation, security protocols, applicant experience, and the nature of proposed entertainment. The Council unanimously approved multiple real estate plat approvals and resolution items.

Consent Calendar

  • Proclamation for Scott Hazelrig: Councilmember Pete Fasserson presented a unanimous proclamation recognizing Scott Hazelrig, a fifth-generation Nebraskan and former District 66 Westside Community Schools board member, for his 18 years of service as the founding executive director of the North Star Foundation. Hazelrig thanked the Council for their leadership and cited their dedication to the community.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Councilmember Brinker Harding: Delivered opening remarks referencing President Reagan's 1983 Hanukkah message to condemn recent anti-Semitic violence in Australia, calling for global support and prayers for the victims of the shooting in Bondi Beach.
  • Austin Rouser (Public Works Department): Spoke in support of the 2026 update to standard public works specifications, emphasizing continuous improvements in concrete mixes and sewer specifications to address alkali silica reactions and high sulfate environments.
  • Proponent (Hotel Tax Reinvestment): Expressed support and confidence in the proposed Hotel Occupation Tax Reinvestment Program, highlighting that it utilizes private capital to address gaps in the luxury hotel market and includes a workforce development component for the hospitality sector.

Discussion Items

  • Liquor Licenses (Items 6-12, 13):

    • Polys (Item 6), Astoria (Item 7), Scene Event Space (Item 8), Legacy Collective (Item 9), Yamato Sushi (Item 10): All received Class CK, Class C, Class C, Class C, and Class I licenses respectively. No opposition was raised, and all motions passed 7-0. Councilmember Harding noted the Polys license renewal involved slight changes but maintained existing features.
    • Chelongo Liquor Store (Item 11): Councilmember Melton expressed significant concern regarding the applicant's lack of experience in alcohol sales, the application's request for 24-hour operation, and the sale of "shouters" (single-serve bottles). The applicant, supported by an interpreter, agreed to amend the application on the record to restrict sales to containers larger than 32 ounces for beer and 375 milliliters for liquor, and to set operating hours from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. Councilmember Melton reluctantly supported the application in hopes of compliance, while Councilmember Hug emphasized the need for ID scanning devices and off-duty security.
    • Dreamland Lounge (Item 12): After initial questions regarding 2 a.m. hours and the Class C license, the applicant's attorney (David Steyer) confirmed on behalf of the owner a voluntary amendment to hours (11 a.m. - midnight Mon-Thu, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Fri-Sat) and a change to a Class I license (on-sale only) to address traffic and security concerns in North Omaha. The Council unanimously approved the amendments.
    • 879 Bar (Item 13): Councilmember Melton and Councilmember Hug voiced strong opposition to the business plan, citing the location's history of problems (formerly 415 Bar), the applicant's lack of bar ownership experience, and the proposed offering of "free shots" and unique alcohol delivery methods (e.g., teddy bear glasses) which they argued encourage rapid intoxication. A motion to amend the license from Class C to Class I passed 6-1 (Councilmember Hug voted No). However, a subsequent motion to approve the license with the Class I amendment failed 3-4 because the applicant refused to voluntarily agree to an early closing time of 1 a.m. on the record. The recommendation to the Liquor Control Commission was effectively a denial.

  • Land Use and Rezoning (Items 14-31, 32, 41-78):

    • Plats and Ordinances (Items 14, 15-20, 21-25, 26-29, 32-40, 68-78): The Council considered numerous proposals including preliminary plats for Preserved Second Edition, Bennington Industrial, West Dodge Hills, Calarosa, and Provada, along with associated zoning changes and development agreements. All applications received unanimous 7-0 approval. This included the 2026 Public Works standard specifications update.
    • Affordable Housing (Item 30): Approved a resolution for an overlay district for BBTB (Back the Block) to develop affordable housing in North Omaha, with rents between $1,100 and $1,200 for two-bedroom units, planned for late 2026-2027.
    • TIF Projects (Items 31, 71): Approved TIF funding up to $226,299 for the Conestoga Collection project (four income-restricted homes in North Omaha) and a redevelopment agreement for Chambers Court. Both projects were praised for their contribution to the local housing stock.

  • Hotel Tax Reinvestment Program (Items 77-78): Approved an ordinance to establish a program utilizing revenue from new luxury hotel development to fund workforce development in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Councilmember Goodwin expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Metro Community College to create educational pathways for workers.

Key Outcomes

  • Denied/Recommended Denial: Liquor license for 879 Bar (Item 13) was recommended for denial to the Liquor Control Commission after the Council failed to secure a voluntary 1 a.m. closing stipulation from the applicant.
  • Approved with Amendments:
    • Dreamland Lounge (Item 12): Approved with voluntary amendments to close at 12 a.m. (Mon-Thu) and change to a Class I license.
    • Chelongo Liquor Store (Item 11): Approved with voluntary amendments to restrict single-container sales (32oz beer/375ml liquor) and limit hours to 9 a.m. - 12 a.m.
  • Unanimous Approvals (7-0):
    • Liquor licenses for Polys, Astoria, Scene Event Space, Legacy Collective, and Yamato Sushi.
    • All Plat and Zoning proposals (Items 14, 15-20, 21-25, 26-29, 30, 31, 41-78).
    • Hotel Occupation Tax Reinvestment Program (Items 77-78).
    • Public Works Standard Specifications (Item 53).
  • Directives: The Council directed the attorney for 879 Bar to consult with the applicant regarding the need for a 1 a.m. closing to avoid future law committee hearings, though no final approval was granted due to the applicant's refusal. The Council emphasized the need for off-duty security, ID scanners, and adherence to hours for all new and existing liquor establishments in sensitive districts.
  • Administrative: Council adjourned at 4:05 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

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.

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