Scottsbluff City Council Regular Meeting – March 16, 2026

The Scottsbluff City Council held its regular meeting on March 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Vice Mayor McKercher presided. All council members were present (Phillips, Solomon, Stricker, McCarrigan). The meeting covered consent calendar approvals, claims, financial reports, public input presentations, and several resolutions and ordinances. Key actions included approval of festival permits, acceptance of the 2025 annual audit, and cancellation of the March 30 meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the March 2, 2026 Regular Meeting.
• Excused Council Member Stricker’s absence from the March 2 meeting.
• Acknowledged and took receipt of a liability claim from Douglas Waterman (no action taken).
• Set a public hearing for April 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM to consider a Zoning Text Amendment creating a (P) Public Use District.
• Approved claims of the City (roll call vote: all yes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robert Kinsey (414 Courts, Fazblo) expressed concern over lack of enforcement of city ordinances regarding jake brakes (engine braking) and noise on Highway 26 and South Beltline, as well as code violations (abandoned cars, weeds, junk) throughout town. He called for police to enforce existing laws.
• A resident at 709 East 28th Street thanked the city for installing flashing lights at 10 PM on Highway 26 which helped with noise from truck brakes, and suggested a flashing caution light before the curve to reduce accidents and noise.
• Edward Caps, a retired truck driver of 38 years, explained that jake brakes are a safety device, but the noise comes from altered straight pipes without mufflers, which is illegal under state law. He supported enforcement of existing muffler ordinances.

Discussion Items

• Claim Removed from Consent Calendar – Intralinks ($10,184.27): The claim consisted of $7,525 in managed services, $2,536 in backup fees, and $123 in hardware (cables and optic drive). After Council Member Solomon declared a conflict of interest and was excused, the remaining council voted unanimously to approve the claim.
• 2025 Annual Audit Report (berganKDV): Caroline Husmann presented the audit, which received an unmodified opinion. A single audit was required due to over $1 million in federal expenditures (Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds) with no findings. A material weakness in segregation of duties was noted due to staff size. Council accepted the report unanimously.
• February 2026 Financial Report: Finance Director Lane presented the monthly report. The city is 41% through the fiscal year; all funds are on target. The debt service fund holds the only outstanding bond (20th Street overlay) at $993,000. Council approved the report unanimously.
• Community Festival Permit – ESU #13 (VALTS for VETS): John Einfeld and students Jackson Hardwick and Almaris Portillo requested closure of the southbound lane of 1st Avenue from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM on May 1, 2026 for a golf ball drop fundraiser benefiting student scholarships and veterans. Proceeds from $10 ball sales would fund field trips and scholarships. Council approved the permit unanimously.
• Community Festival Permit – Aulick Industries (Cinco de Mayo Car Show): Staff presented the request to close the westbound outside lane of Beltline from 9 AM to 5 PM on May 2, 2026 for pedestrian safety. The event has grown large. Council approved unanimously.
• Empowering Families Presentation: Program Director Mari San Marquez described the YouthRISE civic education program for Reconnect students covering government structure, voting, and community issues. Several students shared their experiences learning about voting and community engagement. Council received the presentation with appreciation.
• Riverside Discovery Center Update: Executive Director provided 2025 statistics: 33,220 visitors (6% decrease), 44% increase in membership sales, 102 educational visits (double previous year), and accreditation with Plant Nebraska. 2026 year-to-date attendance is 30% above goal, memberships at 237% of goal, and gift shop sales up 270%. New squirrel monkeys are on display. Council received the update.
• Resolution Amending Water Service Installation Costs: The resolution updates flat fee to actual costs (e.g., one-inch service from $718 to $1,311) and adjusts after-hour fees and reconnect charges. Council approved unanimously.
• Resolution for Lien on Unplatted Property for Nuisance Abatement: Property between 35th and Rosedale had tall weeds and fire hazard complaints. After three notices and no compliance, city mowed and placed a $1,600 lien. Council approved unanimously, with discussion noting increased code enforcement activity.
• Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, and Contract for Public Improvements – Know How Addition: The plat creates three commercial blocks on Highland Road (NAPA store and implement). Sanitary sewer extension is included. Planning Commission recommended approval. Council approved unanimously.
• First Reading – Sanitary Sewer District #169: The district will serve the Know How Addition. Since only one property owner is involved, council waived three readings and approved the ordinance on first reading (roll call all yes).
• First Reading – Ordinance Conveying City Property to Obit Robles: City discovered a fence on city property; conveyance corrects the right-of-way line. Council approved unanimously.
• Community Programming Fund Request – Monument Marathon ($11,000): Jennifer Reisig presented. The 2026 marathon (September) expects increased runner registrations, tourism impact, and proceeds for WNCC students. Funds will support social media marketing, geofenced targeting, and a summer intern. Nebraska matching funds are no longer available. Council approved the request unanimously.
• Cancellation of March 30, 2026 Meeting: Staff noted that two regular meetings have been held in March. Some council members expressed interest in a fifth meeting for budget discussions, but after discussion, the council voted to waive the March 30 meeting. Council Member Stricker made the motion, seconded by Solomon; passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Consent Calendar, including minutes, absence excuse, liability claim receipt, public hearing date, and city claims (unanimous).
• Approved $10,184.27 claim to Intralinks (unanimous, with conflict excusal).
• Accepted 2025 Annual Audit Report and February 2026 Financial Report (unanimous).
• Approved Community Festival Permits for ESU #13 (VALTS for VETS golf ball drop) and Aulick Industries (Cinco de Mayo car show) (unanimous).
• Approved Resolution amending water service installation costs (unanimous).
• Approved Resolution placing $1,600 lien for nuisance abatement (unanimous).
• Approved Preliminary/Final Plat and Contract for Know How Addition (unanimous).
• Approved on first reading Sanitary Sewer District #169 with waiver of three readings (unanimous).
• Approved on first reading property conveyance to Obit Robles (unanimous).
• Approved $11,000 Community Programming Fund request for Monument Marathon (unanimous).
• Approved cancellation of the March 30, 2026 regular meeting (unanimous).