Scottsbluff City Council Regular Meeting - March 2, 2026

The Scottsbluff City Council met on March 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Chambers. The council approved a consent calendar, conducted public hearings for two liquor license applications, and took action on an economic development agreement, a grant administration form, and a community programming fund request. All votes were unanimous except for the Old West Balloon Fest funding request.

Consent Calendar

• Council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included approving the minutes of the February 17, 2026 meeting; approving bid specifications for the Pathway Bridge light pole replacement and the Avenue H & 11th Street Water Main Improvements; approving the Downtown Scottsbluff Revitalization Guidelines for the CDBG grant; acknowledging receipt of a Petition for Annexation from Sanitary Improvement District No. 8; and considering claims of the city.

Public Hearings

• Class A Liquor License for The Dugout (RBJE, LLC): Jennifer Urdiales, owner, presented the application. She detailed policies including mandatory TIPS training for all staff, a zero-tolerance policy for compliance failures, carding all customers, secure locked alcohol storage, and full building surveillance. She stated the business operates by appointment, mostly for private parties, and is not a bar scene. The police department representative reported both applicants had clean backgrounds and the Liquor License Investigatory Board gave a positive recommendation. The council voted unanimously to forward a positive recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, naming Jennifer Urdiales as the Liquor License Manager.
• Class I Liquor License for Great Plains Distillery, LLC: Phillip Mitchell, owner, presented the application. He explained the Class I license would allow him to sell other local products (like beer and seltzers) in addition to his own distilled spirits. He noted 10 years of operation without any violations. The facility uses a card-at-the-door policy for age verification and has security cameras. The police department representative confirmed a positive recommendation from the board. The council voted unanimously to forward a positive recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, naming Phillip Mitchell as the Liquor License Manager.

Discussion Items

• Amended Economic Development Agreement (Fusion Ranch, Inc.): Staff presented an amendment to the 2022 agreement. No new funding is involved. The amendment adjusts the job credit structure from $2,000 to $4,000 annually per full-time employee for up to 30 employees, retroactive to October 1, 2024, and addresses a change in company ownership. The LB 840 Application Review Committee recommended the change to encourage job creation and help the company fund facility improvements amid rising beef prices. Council members supported the change, emphasizing the importance of fairness for future applicants. The measure passed 4-0.
• Buy Back America (BABA) Self Certification Form: Staff requested council authorization for the Mayor to sign a template self-certification form required for the Downtown CDBG Grant. Staff noted all projects are expected to be under the $250,000 threshold, qualifying for the small purchase waiver, streamlining the process for multiple business grants. The council approved the process unanimously (4-0).
• Community Programming Fund Request (Old West Balloon Fest): Colleen Johnson requested $40,000 (up from a typical $10,000-$20,000) for the 2026 festival, which will again host the US National Hot Air Balloon Championships. She reported a projected economic impact of $1.7 million to $2.1 million based on 5,600 out-of-town and 4,400 local visitors. The event budget increased from $133,000 to $275,000 primarily due to housing 80 pilots for seven nights. Council members noted the $100,000 budget line item for community programming has been underspent in prior years. The request was approved 3-1, with Council member Bidlack dissenting.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent Calendar unanimously (4-0).
• Approved: Positive recommendation for Class A Liquor License for The Dugout (4-0).
• Approved: Positive recommendation for Class I Liquor License for Great Plains Distillery, LLC (4-0).
• Approved: Amended Economic Development Agreement with Fusion Ranch, Inc. (4-0).
• Approved: Authorization for Mayor to sign BABA Self Certification template (4-0).
• Approved: Community Programming Fund Request for $40,000 for Old West Balloon Fest (3-1). Council member Bidlack dissented.

Council Reports

• Council members provided updates on the Riverside Zoo (new squirrel monkeys from Fresno, exhibit sponsorships, Easter event), the League of Nebraska Municipalities conference, and ongoing efforts to identify a new landfill site outside of Scottsbluff County.