Omaha City Council Meeting - October 20, 2026

The Omaha City Council met on October 20, 2026, to address agenda items including liquor licenses, a street improvement district, snow removal contracts, park funding, and a downtown soccer stadium redevelopment agreement. The meeting opened with recognition of a recent flood and volunteer efforts.

Opening Remarks

• Councilmember Hutt noted that a "500-year flood" had impacted 143 homes in the Cairn Western addition, with utility service cut to 123 homes. He thanked volunteers, including Home Depot, Steamfitters Local 464, and Union Adventist students and alumni, for their assistance and encouraged donations to the Salvation Army for ongoing recovery.

Consent Calendar

• Items 12 through 15 were approved without discussion by a vote of 5 to 0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 52 (Wade Trim Amendment): Marty (address 2709, last name unclear) spoke as an opponent, questioning the administration of the contract.
• Item 54 (Soccer Stadium Redevelopment): Ed Fox (5511 Harney Street, season ticket holder) voiced strong support for the stadium, citing the unique community built by Union Omaha. Hunter Fangmeyer (2719 North 65th Street, President of Omaha Parliament) also spoke in favor, emphasizing community investment and the organization's 501(c)(3) work.

Discussion Items

• Item 23 – Snow Removal Assessments: Councilmember Melton led a discussion with Steve Ru of Public Works regarding snow removal bids. Ru explained that after a snow operation ends, property owners have 24 hours to clear sidewalks. If a complaint is filed, a notice is posted, allowing another 24 hours. Failure to comply results in contractor removal billed at rates determined by bid: $4 per square foot for trace amounts, $3.16 per linear foot for 0-5.99 inches, and $6.90 per linear foot for 6+ inches. Melton noted that charges can exceed $600 for long frontages during heavy snow. Ru emphasized that the city does not profit, and urged citizens to clear walks or assist neighbors, particularly for ADA accessibility and school routes.
• Item 52 – Northeast Omaha High Rate Treatment Basin Amendment: Jim Tyler (Public Works) presented an amendment to the contract with Wade Trim Associates totaling $17,950,125. The funds will accelerate design and construction of two of four construction packages to align with the downtown soccer stadium timeline, including a 72-inch conveyance sewer ($20 million) and a diversion structure ($45 million). The overall project cost is estimated at $250-300 million. The council approved the amendment 5-0.
• Item 53 – Park Improvement Funding from Omaha Community Foundation: Dan Cedar (Parks and Recreation) outlined the use of $4,890,000 in philanthropic funds, matched by city investments. Key allocations include $1.3 million for neighborhood park renovations, $2 million for facilities and pool repairs, reduction of work order backlog from over 200 to 27, and two assessments of parks and facilities. Councilmember Festerson expressed support, noting improved maintenance turnaround (18 days vs. 45-50 days previously). No vote was recorded.
• Item 54 – Downtown Soccer Stadium Redevelopment Agreement: Representatives from the city, Union Omaha, and MECA presented the project. Highlights include a $140 million stadium, 300-350 mixed-use apartments, and a 30-year lease. Financing includes $23 million in team equity, $10.5 million in city infrastructure, and $106.5 million in bonds paid by rent, incremental taxes, and naming rights. The stadium is expected to open in 2028, creating 270 jobs and generating $430 million in local economic output over 25 years. Councilmembers Festerson and Melton voiced support. Public hearing was closed; no vote taken.

Key Outcomes

• Items Approved (all 5-0):
  • Item 6: Class I liquor license for La Peep restaurant.
  • Item 7: Class D liquor license for HUT discount store #19 (revisited after Zoom technical issues).
  • Item 8: Liquor license addition for Cedar Creek Coffee and Art.
  • Item 9: Preliminary plat for The Overlook at Flanagan Lake.
  • Item 10: Special use permit for a daycare at 4847 South 107th Street.
  • Item 11: Street improvement district for Shirley Circle.
  • Consent agenda (Items 12-15).
  • Omnibus approval Items 16-51, including snow removal contracts, after discussion of Item 23.
  • Item 52: Amendment to Wade Trim agreement for high-rate treatment basin.
  • Items 55-84: Placed on future agenda as non-action items.
• Items Discussed, No Vote:
  • Item 53: Park improvement funding ($4,890,000).
  • Item 54: Downtown soccer stadium redevelopment agreement.
• The meeting adjourned at 3:02 PM.