Scottsbluff City Council Regular Meeting - April 6, 2026

The Scottsbluff City Council held its regular meeting on April 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The agenda included a public hearing, multiple ordinance readings covering zoning, dangerous dogs, and chicken ownership, as well as approvals for bids, liquor licenses, economic development agreements, and community funding requests.

Consent Calendar & Minutes Correction

The council approved the consent calendar after pulling Item 7a to correct the March 16, 2026, meeting minutes. Councilmember Vidlak identified a mathematical discrepancy in an Interlinks claim total stated in the minutes. The total was corrected to $10,184.27, and the minutes were approved with this adjustment.

Public Hearing & (P) Public Use District

The council held a public hearing on a zoning text amendment creating the (P) Public Use District. Development Services Director Zach stated the new district is designed for large public properties (schools, parks, airport, WNCC) currently zoned R1A or AG, and that performance standards mirror the R1A district. No public testimony was offered beyond the staff presentation. The council closed the hearing and subsequently approved the ordinance, voting to waive the remaining two readings to expedite the process, citing ongoing annexation discussions with UNL.

Ordinance First Readings

• Labor & Equipment Rates: An ordinance updating city employee labor rates, equipment use charges, and water meter repair costs was read for the first time. Rates were raised approximately 20%, while the administrative fee was lowered from 15% to 5%. This was the first adjustment since 2018.
• Chickens: An ordinance was introduced defining 'fowl' and permitting up to eight chickens (hens only) in residential backyards. Requirements include a rear yard enclosure no larger than 100 square feet and adherence to building setbacks.
• Dangerous Dogs: The council discussed an ordinance to add a relocation procedure for dangerous dogs, aligning with state statute. Councilmember Vidlak advocated for a stricter policy forbidding acceptance of dangerous dogs from other jurisdictions, but the council ultimately proceeded with the first reading closely mirroring the existing state statute.

Ordinance Second & Third Readings

• Property Conveyance: The second reading of an ordinance conveying city property in the Orchard Place Addition to correct a right-of-way line was advanced.
• Contract Amendment: The council approved an amendment to the contract for public improvements with Bruner Bunch, LLC and the Quindt Trusts. The agreement returns the project to the original design and extends the completion deadline to December 1, 2027.
• Improvement Districts: The council unanimously approved the third and final readings for Pavement Improvement District #315, Sanitary Sewer District #168, and Water District #106. The water district plan reverted to the original design including 18th Avenue.

Liquor License Approvals

The council approved several liquor license actions:

• Manager changes for Chili's Grill & Bar (Blake Frazier) and Main Street Market Wine & Spirits (John James Goldrick). The council noted lapses in notification to the state liquor commission for both establishments but approved the changes based on clean compliance histories and recent successful compliance checks.
• A Special Designated Liquor License (SDL) for the West Nebraska Arts Center for a wine tasting fundraiser on April 18, 2026 (6:00-11:00 PM).
• Ten SDLs for Flyover Brewing Company for the Bands on Broadway concert series on Thursday evenings from June 4 through August 6, 2026 (5:00-10:00 PM).

Bids & Awards

• A $214,689.60 bid was awarded to AE Services, LLC to repair 41 custom light fixtures on the Pathway Bridge damaged by hail. The city confirmed the repairs are fully covered by the insurance carrier.
• A $303,335 bid was awarded to Infinity Construction, Inc. for water main improvements on Avenue H and 11th Street, replacing an aged line with a history of multiple breaks.

Community Programming & Economic Development

• The council approved $2,000 annually (totaling $6,000 for boys and $8,000 for girls over the duration) to support hosting the NSAA Class B State Golf Championships through 2030. The event brings in approximately 75 golfers per event and relies on 75 volunteers.
• A $3,300 KENO grant was approved for Empowering Families of Nebraska for the Panhandle Multicultural Festival at Trails West Pavilion on June 27, 2026.
• A $200,000 Economic Development Assistance Agreement (LB840 loan) was approved for Iron Works Welding & Fabrication, LLC for the purchase of equipment and inventory to support their operations.
• Agreements were approved for concession operations and an umpire coordinator for the 2026 recreational softball league at Lacy Park.

Policy & Annual Reports

• The council adopted a formal Fund Balance and Reserve Policy, recommended by the city auditor, setting a target of maintaining three to six months of operating reserves.
• Development Services presented its inaugural 2025 annual report. Key statistics included 145 building permits, 7 new single-family homes, 39 acres annexed, and 5 unsafe buildings demolished. The department also highlighted increased code enforcement and stormwater education outreach efforts.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of March 16, 2026, approved with corrected claim amount ($10,184.27).
• Ordinance creating the (P) Public Use District approved (first reading, remaining readings waived).
• First readings advanced for ordinances on Labor Rates, Chickens, and Dangerous Dogs.
• Contract Amendment for Bruner Bunch/Quindt project approved.
• Pavement District #315, Sewer District #168, and Water District #106 approved on third reading.
• Liquor license manager changes and SDLs approved.
• Bids for Pathway Bridge lights ($214,689.60) and Water Main improvements ($303,335) awarded.
• Funding and loan agreements approved for State Golf Championships, Panhandle Multicultural Festival, and Iron Works Welding & Fabrication.
• Fund Balance and Reserve Policy adopted.