Scottsbluff City Council Regular Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Scottsbluff City Council met in regular session on February 17, 2026, at City Hall. The council approved routine items and a bond resolution, received several departmental reports, and took action on a lease amendment.

Consent Calendar

• The Council unanimously approved the Consent Calendar, which included the minutes of the February 2 regular meeting, the absence of Council Member Vidlak, and setting public hearings for March 2, 2026, for liquor license applications for The Dugout and Great Plains Distillery.
• A $10,234.58 claim from Intralinks, removed from the Consent Calendar, was approved as a routine payment for IT services and network hardware.

Discussion Items

• January 2026 Financial Report: Finance Director Lane presented the financial report. The general fund has a year-to-date expenditure deficit of $500,000, which is expected to normalize with property tax receipts in May and September. The debt service fund balance is $856,000. The report was approved.
• Solid Waste Transfer Station Bonding: The Council approved a resolution declaring the intent to bond up to $9 million for the construction of a solid waste transfer station and necessary equipment. City Engineer Dave noted the dedicated fund currently has a balance of $4.7 million.
• Ordinances: The Council considered the second reading of ordinances creating Pavement Improvement District #315, Sanitary Sewer District #168, and Water District #106. No formal vote on adopting these ordinances is recorded in the provided transcript.
• Tree Inventory Report: Western Assistant Community Forester Caden Bowers presented the updated city tree inventory. The city's trees provide an estimated annual ecosystem benefit of nearly $56,000. The inventory revealed 5,508 street trees, with generally healthy age and species diversity, though honey locusts are slightly over the recommended 10% threshold.
• Parks and Recreation Presentation: Parks Director Matt provided an update on department achievements, including park improvements, events, and the 30-year Tree City USA recognition. Parks Board Member Megan Hayward presented a concept plan for Cougar Park, a new park on the north side of Highway 26 on land donated by Tim Gannis, focusing on accessible design.
• Fire Department 2025 Annual Report: Fire Chief Tom Shingle reported a 9.7% reduction in calls and a 98% property loss savings rate. The department upgraded to a new national records management system and added 12-lead cardiac monitors. The average emergency response time was four minutes and 53 seconds.
• Verizon Wireless Lease Amendment: The Council approved a five-year renewal of the water tower attachment agreement with Verizon Wireless. The monthly rent will increase from $1,399 to $1,470 beginning October 1, 2027, with additional increases in subsequent renewal terms.

Key Outcomes

• The $10,234.58 Intralinks claim was approved.
• The January 2026 Financial Report was received and approved.
• The resolution intending to bond for the solid waste transfer station was approved.
• The second reading of ordinances for Pavement District #315, Sanitary Sewer District #168, and Water District #106 was considered.
• The Council received the tree inventory, parks update, and Fire Department annual report.
• The Verizon Wireless site agreement amendment was approved unanimously.