Omaha City Council Meeting – March 3, 2026

The Omaha City Council met on March 3, 2026, at 2:02 PM (following a proclamation at 1:00 PM). The meeting opened with a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Irish American Heritage Month, recognizing the contributions of the Irish community and upcoming events including the 154th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. The council then proceeded with a consent agenda and numerous public hearings. The most significant discussion centered on the Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility Secondary Expansion Project (items 51-52), where the council heard extensive debate over the construction manager at risk (CMAR) delivery method, changes to the contracting process, and cost implications. Other notable items included approval of the Omaha Police Officers Association and Police Managers Association collective bargaining agreements, a TIF redevelopment agreement for Conestoga, and various liquor license approvals.

Consent Calendar

• Items 21-22 (public hearings held February 24, 2026) and items 23-49 (public hearings held March 3, 2026) were approved unanimously (7-0) on the consent agenda. These included routine zoning changes, subdivision agreements, and other administrative matters.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Items 51-52 (Papio Creek Expansion): Jim Tyler (City of Omaha Public Works) presented the project overview, emphasizing the need to meet stricter ammonia and nutrient regulations, replace 50-year-old infrastructure, and accommodate growth through 2050. He stated the project has a $565 million budget, with $411 million construction GMP including $24 million in contingencies. Jaron Murphy (McCarthy Building Companies) highlighted McCarthy’s local experience and community commitments. Dan Ruskowski (Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council) expressed support for the CMAR method, arguing it provides cost certainty and protects taxpayers. Donnie Johnson spoke briefly in general support. In opposition, Jim Vokal (Platte Institute, former city council member) argued the city failed to follow the original contract requirement for competitive bidding, noting a local contractor’s estimate was $75 million lower. Chris Hawkins (Hawkins Construction) testified that the process violated the preconstruction contract, that the GMP was nearly $130 million over initial estimates, and that using open book self-performance without competitive bidding cost tens of millions more. He pointed out fee-on-fee calculations and a $30 million self-perform fee.
• Item 54 (Conestoga TIF): One opponent spoke against TIF financing generally, stating it benefits developers at taxpayer expense and reduces school district revenue.
• Items 60 & 61 (Police contracts): No public testimony was given; discussion occurred during the hearing.

Discussion Items

• Items 51-52 (Papio Creek Expansion): Councilmembers Festerson, Harding, Melton, and Goodwin engaged in lengthy questioning. Festerson noted the original CMAR committee process was fair but expressed concern that the amendment eliminates competitive bidding for self-perform work, changes fee structures, and yields only $1.8 million in subcontracts for small and emerging businesses (SEBs) out of $411 million. Harding questioned why the open book process replaced the bid process required in the original contract, noting the fee calculation appeared to include fee-on-fee. Melton pressed the city attorney on whether removing Article 10 (bidding requirement) was needed to retroactively justify a process already completed. Goodwin asked about the legality and transparency of the open book process. Jim Tyler responded that the open book approach with third-party review (Jacobs) provided transparency and that the city believes it is the best value. Deputy City Attorney Ryan Weeson cited state statute 13-2912 allowing contract changes and argued the amendment reflects completed analysis. Hawkins countered that Article 10 required bidding and that the amendment deletes that requirement.
• Item 50 (Parking Garage): Approved 7-0 with no discussion.
• Item 53 (North Ridge Drive 5B): Councilmember Festerson noted the project is a needed street improvement in Florence, with bids coming in at $2.8 million, and construction expected to start in March/April 2026.
• Item 54 (Conestoga TIF): Councilmember Goodwin expressed support, noting the project includes affordable housing (60-100% AMI) and is part of addressing the housing crisis.
• Items 60-61 (Police Contracts): Bernard Inabosch (Deputy City Attorney) presented two-year contracts. For OPOA, highlights: 5.58% wage increase in 2026 (already budgeted), 6.4% in 2027 (potentially higher if other agencies settle), increased longevity pay, shift differential, specialty pay for SROs/mounted patrol/drone operators, and enhanced sick leave sell-back to improve retention. For Police Managers, wages matched OPOA but capped at 6.4% to maintain gap between captains and deputy chiefs; also included health insurance alignment, master’s degree pay increase, and leave sell-back.

Key Outcomes

• Items 1-9, 10-20, 50, 53-59, 62-75: All passed unanimously (7-0) with no further discussion.
• Items 51-52 (Papio Creek Expansion): No vote was taken; the public hearing was closed and the ordinance is scheduled for a final vote next week. Councilmembers expressed significant concerns about process and cost, indicating the outcome is uncertain.
• Items 60-61 (Police Contracts): Public hearings closed; final vote scheduled for next week. Councilmember Festerson asked for additional staffing projections to be provided before the vote.
• Item 54 (Conestoga TIF): Public hearing closed; final vote next week.
• The meeting adjourned at 5:04 PM.