Scottsbluff City Council Regular Meeting - November 17, 2025

The Scottsbluff City Council met on November 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM to discuss a consent calendar, two liquor license applications, a building plan for downtown restrooms, a community festival permit, several bid awards, and conduct the annual performance evaluation of the City Manager. All decisions were reached by unanimous votes unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the November 3, 2025 regular meeting.
• Approved bid specifications for demolition of two dilapidated homes at 1216 and 1220 5th Ave, authorizing advertisement for bids due December 9, 2025.
• Appointed Mark Westphal to the Board of Adjustment (term ending September 30, 2027).
• Appointed Jacqueline dePeyer to the Library Board (term ending September 30, 2030).
• Set a public hearing for December 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM to consider rezoning 1900 South Beltline Highway West from A Agricultural to C-2.
• Approved claims of the City (except the claim removed for separate consideration).

Claim Removed from Consent Calendar

• Approved the claim to Intralinks for $12,224.16, covering a Microsoft SQL one-time fee, network cable, switch, two-year renewal of the SonicWall firewall, monthly data backup, and a standard fee. The Finance Director provided an itemized breakdown. Approved unanimously.

Financial Report

• Received the October 2025 Financial Report. Finance Director Lane Desire noted it is the first month of the fiscal year; the primary change in cash was due to the LARM premium renewal (over $1 million). Sales tax revenues for October were up $75,000 year-over-year (approximately 11%), and the November figures (received that day) were up $48,000 (approximately 7.8%), totaling $125,000 higher than the same time last year. The audit is scheduled to begin December 16. The report was accepted and approved unanimously.

Public Hearings: Liquor License Applications

Waheguru Ji Scottsbluff, LLC (Class D) – Applicant Courtney Michael-Robinson described ID checking, employee training, and security cameras for the convenience store at 323 East Overland. The Police Chief reported background checks were clean but noted prior incidents of minors purchasing alcohol under the previous owner; the involved employee is no longer employed. The Liquor License Investigatory Board recommended approval contingent on a written carding policy. Council made a positive recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Commission, with the stipulation that a clear written policy to card all patrons be provided.

Auto Plaza Joe Hessler, Inc. (Class A) – Applicant Joe Hessler described plans to serve beer in his gaming lounge at 2425 Avenue I, with 48 cameras, ID scanner, zero-tolerance policy, and full compliance with gaming regulations. The Police Chief confirmed clean background checks and adequate security measures. Council made a positive recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission.

Building Plan for 1722 1st Avenue

• Council selected Option 2: a new detached public restroom building adjacent to the 18th Street Plaza. Architect Megan Hayward presented four options. Option 2 was the least expensive at an estimated $630,000 and would be funded with ARPA dollars (approximately $880,000 available for the project). Option 1 (addition) was dismissed; Option 3 (prefabricated) was more expensive and excluded local contractors; Option 4 (renovating the existing building) was the most expensive and had accessibility and structural concerns. The motion passed unanimously.

Community Festival Permit

• Approved a Community Festival Permit for BDS3C, LLC d/b/a Flyover Brewing Company to park a food truck in front of 1824 Broadway on November 28 and December 26, 2025, from 7:00-11:00 AM for the "Eggs & Kegs – Holiday Edition" event. The dates were changed from the regular third Thursday to the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas for better attendance. Approved unanimously.

Bids & Awards

• Hypar Shade Umbrellas: Awarded bid to Crouch Recreation for $45,718 for four 20'x20' fabric shade structures in the 18th Street Plaza, funded by the Oregon Trail Community Foundation account. Approved unanimously.
• College Park Booster Station Change Order: Approved a change order for $19,732.57 for underground power delivery instead of overhead, bringing the project to completion. Approved unanimously.
• One-Ton Trucks: Awarded bid to Fremont Motor Company for $120,674.64 for two platform body trucks with hoists for the Public Works Department, nearly $10,000 lower than other bids. Approved unanimously.

Annual Evaluation of City Manager

• Council members provided positive feedback on City Manager Kevin’s performance, highlighting financial oversight, intergovernmental cooperation (e.g., landfill, senior center), staff development, open communication, and handling of ARPA funds for parks. No wage adjustment was discussed; a contract review is scheduled for the December meeting. The City Manager thanked the council and staff.

Council Reports

• Councilmember reported on zoo updates: new animals (two hyenas, two mountain lions) and the death of an older squirrel monkey, with replacement in process. Another councilmember attended a Western Nebraska economic development meeting focused on a youth career expo planned for March 2026.