Scottsbluff City Council Regular Meeting - October 20, 2025

The Scottsbluff City Council held its regular meeting on October 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The council addressed a consent calendar, a financial report, several second-reading ordinances, a liquor license recommendation, equipment purchases for the compost facility, and received updates on the KENO funds policy and landfill operations.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the October 6, 2025 regular meeting.
• Excused the absence of Council Member Vidlak from the October 6 meeting.
• Approved bid specifications for two new one-ton trucks with platform bodies and hoists for the Public Works Department, and authorized the city clerk to advertise for bids until November 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
• Approved the claim to Intralinks in the amount of $10,956.42 (initially removed from the consent calendar due to a potential conflict, then voted separately and passed unanimously).

Public Comments & Testimony

No public comments were made during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• September 2025 Financial Report: Finance Director Lane Kazire presented the end-of-year financial report. Total cash held by the city was $52,812,000. Key points included a large property tax receipt in September, capital items still pending (e.g., a sanitation truck and a dump truck from the previous fiscal year), and revenues at 60% of budget due to anticipated bond revenue not received (planned to be pushed to next year). The report was approved unanimously.
• Second Reading – Rezone Papa Moon Subdivision: The council discussed an ordinance to rezone Lots 1 and 2, Block 1 of Papa Moon Subdivision (6.22 acres) from A-Agricultural to R-1B Rural Residential Estate. The proposal was part of the comprehensive plan and had a positive recommendation from the planning commission. The council voted to waive the third reading and adopt the ordinance unanimously.
• Second Reading – Nonconforming Development Regulations: The council discussed amendments to Chapter 25, Article 12 to include nonconforming buildings, off-street parking facilities, and lots, and to establish a baseline date for nonconforming uses. Council Member Phillips noted a duplicate section (two “A” sections) and asked for examples of “special hazard” under §22K. Staff clarified it would be handled case by case. No formal vote was taken on this item during the meeting; it may be brought back for a future reading.
• Resolution to Withdraw from OneLibrary Consortium: Library Director Elaine Bleich explained that the library currently participates in a consortium for its integrated library system (Circe Dynex), costing about $15,000 per year. The consortium has dwindled from seven to three libraries. The library plans to switch to Apollo, which will cost about $5,000 per year. The Nebraska Library Commission has reserved $7,000 for data migration costs. The council approved the resolution unanimously.
• Liquor License Manager Change – Walmart #867: Keith Stoney, the proposed new liquor license manager, addressed the council. He stated that Walmart operates an “ID all” policy, will soon implement ID scanning technology, and plans to secure the alcohol area with gates after theft incidents. The council made a positive recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission unanimously.
• Purchase of Case 621G XR Wheel Loader: Public Works Director Doug Goppert requested approval to purchase a wheel loader for the compost facility at $199,000 after trading in a 2002 Caterpillar loader for $14,000, using Sourcewell pricing through Titan Machinery. The item was under budget ($200,000 budgeted). Approved unanimously.
• Purchase of Komptech Hurrikan Wind Sifter: The council approved the purchase of a wind sifter for the compost facility at $325,000, using Sourcewell pricing through Power Screening. The unit is a demo model with low hours and will improve compost quality by removing trash. Budget was $380,000. Approved unanimously.
• KENO Funds Policy and Application: The council discussed and adopted a new policy and application form for distributing KENO funds. The fund balance is over $350,000 with annual receipts of about $60,000–$65,000. The policy defines community betterment, requires an application and council approval, and will be posted on the city website. No maximum amount was set. Approved unanimously.
• Landfill Update: Doug Goppert provided an update on the landfill project. Sioux County passed a landfill moratorium in April that was recently extended through April 2026. The city’s purchase agreement with landowner David Lockamer expires January 21, 2026, and he is unwilling to extend. The city is exploring alternative sites and will meet with engineering firm HDR to discuss options. A transfer station design is nearly complete and will require Nebraska Department of Environment permit approval. Preliminary tipping fee estimates from HDR exceed $72 per ton, compared to the current ~$50 per ton. No formal action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved (Intralinks claim separate vote – unanimous).
• September 2025 Financial Report: Approved unanimously.
• Papa Moon Rezoning Ordinance: Adopted on second reading (unanimous).
• OneLibrary Withdrawal Resolution: Approved unanimously.
• Walmart Liquor Manager Change: Positive recommendation sent to Nebraska Liquor Control Commission (unanimous).
• Wheel Loader Purchase: Approved (unanimous).
• Wind Sifter Purchase: Approved (unanimous).
• KENO Funds Policy: Approved (unanimous).
• Landfill Update: No formal action; staff instructed to explore options and continue discussions.

Note: The second reading of the nonconforming development regulations was discussed but not voted on; it may be brought back for future action.