Scottsbluff City Council Regular Meeting - November 3, 2025

The Scottsbluff City Council met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. on November 3, 2025, in City Hall Council Chambers at 2525 Circle Drive, Scottsbluff, Nebraska. All five council members were present. No agenda changes were announced, no closed session was held, and no citizen comments were offered during the public comment period. The council approved the consent calendar, passed an ordinance update, approved a retirement plan amendment, approved a special liquor license, authorized mower purchases, approved a library software agreement, and approved a listing agreement for the former Senior Center property.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (5-0) the consent calendar, including: minutes of the October 20, 2025 regular meeting; excusing Council Member Salomon (spelled Solomon in the roll call/transcript) from the October 20, 2025 meeting; bid specifications for a new half-ton Water Department truck and a new three-quarter-ton 4x4 crew cab Parks Department truck, with bids to be received by December 2, 2025 (10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., respectively); setting public hearings for November 17, 2025 on a Class D liquor license for Waheguru Ji Scottsbluff, LLC, 323 East Overland Dr., and a Class A liquor license for Auto Plaza Joe Hessler, Inc. d/b/a Auto Plaza, 2425 Ave. I; and approval of city claims.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. No citizen-initiated emergency items were presented.

Resolutions & Ordinances

• Nonconforming Development Ordinance (third reading): Council approved unanimously (5-0) an ordinance amending Chapter 25, Article 12 of the Scottsbluff Municipal Code. Staff member Zach explained the update adds nonconforming lots, buildings/structures, and off-street parking facilities, and establishes February 6, 2000 as the date that defines legal nonconforming status, tied to the February 7, 2000 city-wide zoning code change. The transcript includes one oral reference to Chapter 5, Article 12, but the agenda and ordinance title identify the amendment as Chapter 25, Article 12.
• Firefighters' Retirement Plan Third Amendment: Council approved unanimously (5-0) the Third Amendment between the City and the Firefighters' Retirement Plan and Trust and authorized the Mayor to sign it. Staff stated LB 179 requires the amendment; it changes distribution language to allow a single sum, 'in kind,' and/or one or more partial payments elected by the participant. Council noted 'in kind' is a term of art that is typically cash, and that the plan language is taken verbatim from the legislature and reviewed by an ERISA attorney. An earlier similar amendment was made for the police plan, and another firefighter amendment is expected next fiscal year.

Petitions, Communications, Public Input

• Special Designated Liquor License: A representative of BDS3C, LLC d/b/a Flyover Brewing Company spoke in support of the request for a special designated liquor license for the Very Merry Christmas Market on Broadway between 17th and 19th Streets on December 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The speaker said this would be about the fifth year for the event, and described TIP-certified staff, wristbands, cattle-panel barriers, and designated entry points. The council unanimously approved (5-0) the license.

Bids & Awards

• John Deere wide area mowers: Council approved unanimously (5-0) the purchase of three new John Deere wide area mowers through Sourcewell via 21st Century Equipment for $194,242.16, including trade-in of two older mowers. Staff member Matt said the city also sourced two other bids and was able to buy three mowers instead of the two originally budgeted, staying under the $200,000 budget. The mowers have approximately 11-foot mow decks, three- or four-year warranties, and local service from 21st Century Equipment. Comparable Toro mowers were over $200,000 for two, and Jacobson mowers also were more expensive. Parks staff maintain over 300 acres, allowing mowing twice a week rather than once, and the third mower provides backup while others are serviced.

Reports from Staff, Boards & Commissions

• Apollo Integrated Library System: Council approved unanimously (5-0) the Apollo Integrated Library System Subscription Purchase Agreement. Staff reported the previous One Library consortium cost about $17,000 per year, while the new Apollo agreement is $5,080 per year. Library staff preferred the simpler Apollo software, which covers circulation, holds, searching, and automated communications. The agreement includes privacy safeguards related to credit card and Social Security information; the library is accredited and meets those standards.
• Sale of 1502 21st Avenue (Former Senior Center) - discussion only: Staff and council discussed the condition and future of the former Senior Center. Staff described the building as in disrepair, unsuitable for a senior center, vacant since around the COVID-19 period, with most of the kitchen removed, and continued costs for insurance and repairs. Council discussed the need to find storage for items currently in the back garages, including fire and CERT equipment, the possibility of building cold storage elsewhere, and whether to require a buyer to demolish or rehabilitate the building. Staff said the property would be sold as-is. Zoning is C3 commercial; no zoning change is required, though some uses might require a conditional use permit. No action was taken on this item.
• Listing Agreement with Haun Nelson Real Estate, LLC: Council approved unanimously (5-0) the listing agreement with Haun Nelson Real Estate, LLC to sell 1502 21st Avenue, and authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement. The listing value is $165,000 based on a market study/comparables. Staff explained the sale process: after a buyer offer and council agreement, the city must pass an ordinance, publish the ordinance and sale terms for three weeks, and allow a 30-day remonstrance (protest) period; a remonstrance petition would require a public hearing. The agreement includes added language conditioning the sale and realtor compensation on council approval and the absence of a remonstrance.

Council Reports (Informational Only)

• Council members and staff provided updates. The zoo's new sign is installed and lit at night; the Spectacular event drew 2,860 attendees, including 831 on Friday; JG Elliott is sponsoring pond food; Car Trumbull donated lumber for the Slitherin project; the North Platte Valley NRD is assisting with landscaping; and Nebraska Game and Parks is helping with pond ideas. Staff also reported on upcoming event committee and HDR landfill meetings, and the ICMA conference, with the takeaway that Scottsbluff is 'pretty blessed' compared with many communities facing political struggles and controversy.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved 5-0.
• Nonconforming Development Ordinance passed on third reading 5-0.
• Firefighters' Retirement Plan Third Amendment approved 5-0; Mayor authorized to sign.
• Special designated liquor license for Flyover Brewing Company approved 5-0 for the December 6 Very Merry Christmas Market.
• Purchase of three John Deere mowers approved 5-0 for $194,242.16.
• Apollo Integrated Library System agreement approved 5-0.
• Listing agreement with Haun Nelson Real Estate approved 5-0; proposed sale process outlined.
• Council reports were informational only; meeting adjourned.