Omaha City Council Meeting: May 19, 2026 – Liquor Licenses, Fundraising, and Proclamations

The Omaha City Council met on May 19, 2026, to consider a range of items including liquor licenses, zoning approvals, and a major ordinance to permit city employees to fundraise for nonprofits during working hours. The meeting opened with a proclamation honoring retiring Law Department attorney Bernard Indenbosch and closed with the renewal of interlocal agreements for the Keynote program.

Proclamation – Bernard Indenbosch Day

• The council unanimously approved a proclamation designating Friday, June 5, 2026, as “Bernard Indenbosch Day” in Omaha, recognizing his 30 years of service in the Law Department. Councilmembers Festerson, Goodwin, and others praised his guidance, humility, and impact on the community.

Liquor Licenses (Items 6–9)

• Item 6 – Corner Kick (2295 South 67th Street): Approved 6–0 for a Class C liquor license. Applicant Paul McCray noted the location was the former Voodoo Taco spot, with a soft opening planned for June 8, 2026, in time for the World Cup.
• Item 7 – Rhino Supermarket and Liquor (6501 Ames Avenue): Approved 6–0 for a Class D liquor license. Applicant Peter Cool stated he had contacted neighbors (daycare, auto repair, a large building) with no objections. Councilmember Goodwin asked about over-concentration of liquor licenses in North Omaha; Cool noted he would offer African foods and other items.
• Item 8 – Good Life Sports Bar and Grill (1501 Mike Fahey Street, Suite 150): Approved 6–0 for an outdoor area addition. The outdoor area is 95 by 15 feet; capacity numbers were not specified.
• Item 9 – Grover Inn (3505 South 42nd Street): Approved 6–0 for a special designated liquor license for an outdoor concert on June 5, 2026, from noon to 2 a.m. with music until midnight.

Subdivision and Zoning Approvals (Items 10–15)

• Items 10–12 – Elkorn Hills (203rd Street & Veterans Drive): Approved 6–0 for a preliminary plat, final plat, and subdivision agreement, carving three residential lots from a church lot.
• Items 13–15 – The Preserved Second Edition (22nd & I Streets): Approved 6–0 for a rezoning from AG to DR, final plat, and subdivision agreement.

Consent Agenda (Items 16–20)

• The public hearing for items 16–20 was held on May 12, 2026. The council approved the consent agenda 6–0.

Public Comments & Testimony (Items 21–36)

• Items 21–31: Approved 6–0. Proponents included Carol Blood (City Sprouts) supporting Item 29 for building improvements; Denise Parker (Family Housing Advisory Services) supporting Item 29 for homeownership education—noting that last year’s investment resulted in 61 individuals interested in down payment loans, over 50 homebuyers, and 938 individuals supported through tenant services; Cheryl Gards (Common Housing Development Corporation) supporting Item 29 to launch Omaha’s first community land trust program (helping about 40 families over 100 years); and Lacia Goodwin (Holy Name Housing) supporting Item 29 for affordable housing infrastructure.
• Item 35 – Aviation Fuel Payment: No public testimony; approved 6–0.
• Item 36 – Fundraising Ordinance: A major public hearing with extensive testimony.
  • Proponents: Trevor Towy (President, Omaha Professional Firefighters Local 385) urged reinstatement of on-duty “Fill the Boot” fundraising for MDA, emphasizing a 72-year tradition and that 700 fire departments across the country still do it. Derek Castor, a 31-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and his father Darren Castor spoke about MDA’s impact on research, camp, and equipment. Other proponents included Sandra Day (mother of a son lost to Duchenne MD), Christy Starmer, and Heather Miller (MDA) who noted that 77% of Fill the Boot campaigns in 2025 were at intersections, raising 2.5 times more than off-duty events.
  • Council Discussion: Councilmember Melton raised concerns about transparency, potential costs (up to 5,600 hours of city time per year if all 14 departments did five events), and lack of council oversight. She proposed an amendment requiring council approval via resolution. Councilmember Goodwin and Nick Kohler (Nonprofit Association of the Midlands) suggested creating a public-private advisory committee and using NAM’s Best Practice Partnership program to select nonprofits fairly. Councilmember Hugg argued that firefighters are unique (can work while fundraising) and urged a simpler approach. Councilmember Roe questioned whether fundraising aligns with the city’s core mission and noted that most department mission statements do not include fundraising.
  • Legal Context: Matt Cuzi (Law Department) explained the ordinance was carefully drafted to comply with state law and NADC opinions, leaving discretion to department directors. He noted that participation is voluntary, cannot be forced, and can be terminated if operations are affected.

Key Outcomes

• Bernard Indenbosch Day: Proclaimed for June 5, 2026.
• Liquor License Approvals: Approved 6–0 for Corner Kick, Rhino Supermarket, Good Life Sports Bar, and Grover Inn.
• Subdivision and Zoning Approvals: Approved 6–0 for Elkorn Hills and The Preserved Second Edition.
• Consent Agenda: Approved 6–0.
• Items 21–31 (Funding and Zoning): Approved 6–0.
• Item 35 (Aviation Fuel): Approved 6–0.
• Item 36 (Fundraising Ordinance): Council took no final vote; the matter was laid over for further discussion and potential amendments to address transparency, oversight, and fairness. Councilmember Melton indicated she would offer an amendment requiring council approval. The ordinance will return on a future agenda.
• Items 37–40 (Keynote Interlocal Agreements): Approved 6–0 to renew agreements with Douglas County, Milford, Valley, and Bennington for five years. The city receives a 2% management fee.
• Non-Action Items (41–53): Placed on future agendas without action at this meeting.