Scottsbluff City Council Meeting - May 4, 2026

The Scottsbluff City Council met in regular session on May 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included multiple public hearings, first readings of several ordinances, the adoption of a Vision Zero traffic safety policy, the acceptance of an annexation petition from Sanitary Improvement District No. 8, and the approval of various liquor licenses and permits for community events. All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the April 20, 2026 Regular Meeting.
• Set a public hearing for May 18, 2026, for the Board of Equalization to assess costs related to the demolition of two dilapidated houses at 1216 and 1220 5th Avenue.
• Approved the resolution to terminate the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) establishing the Scottsbluff Aquatic Center Agency.
• Approved the routine claims of the City.

The consent calendar was adopted unanimously.

Public Hearings

• Paving Improvement District No. 315, Sanitary Sewer District No. 168, and Water District No. 106: City Attorney Kim Haydnfeld reported that staff had been working with the involved landowners (associated with the "Triple Peaks" development) and while multiple parties were initially involved, no formal objections were received and the parties had reconciled. All three public hearings were closed without opposition.
• Zoning Text Amendment (Fences): Development Services Director Zach presented the first major revision to the fence code since 1970. Key changes include increasing the maximum front yard fence height from 42 to 48 inches, simplifying fence classes into "open" and "closed" types, prohibiting salvage materials (railroad ties and sheet metal) in residential districts, reorganizing sight triangle requirements, and establishing dilapidated fences as a nuisance. The Planning Commission recommended approval. No public testimony was offered in opposition.
• Ordinance Text Amendment (Standard Codes & Multi-Family Definition): A cleanup measure was presented to formally adopt the 2018 International Existing Building Code per state statute and update the definition of multi-family dwellings from four or more units to three or more units to align with the International Building Code. The Planning Commission recommended approval.
• Amendment to Create the Public Use District: A proposal was presented to rezone approximately 865 acres of government-owned land into a newly created Public Use District (P Zone). City Manager Kevin Spencer explained the change was prompted by UNL concerns over development pressures near the extension center. The new district has no minimum lot size and a 70-foot maximum height.
• Annexation of 21st Avenue and County Road K Right-of-Way: City Manager Spencer explained the city is pursuing the annexation of this right-of-way in order to take over maintenance and repair responsibilities, specifically citing the poor condition of the intersection at 27th and 21st Avenue. No public comments were made.

Resolutions & Ordinances

• First Readings: The Council approved first readings for the annexation of the 21st Avenue/County Road K right-of-way, the updated fence code ordinance, and the creation of the Public Use District.
• Ordinance Adoption (Waived Readings): The Council voted unanimously to waive the three-reading requirement for the standard codes and multi-family definition amendment and subsequently adopted the ordinance on a single reading.
• Second Reading: The second reading was held for the annexation of the Nebraska State Patrol and UNL Extension properties (4500 and 4502 Avenue I). The third and final reading is scheduled for the May 18 meeting.
• Third Reading (Dangerous Dogs): An ordinance adding a relocation procedure for dangerous dogs was approved unanimously on its third and final reading.
• Vision Zero Resolution: The Council adopted a resolution committing the City of Scottsbluff to the Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Catherine Rise of MC Shaft Consulting presented the plan, setting targets of zero fatalities by 2036 and a 50% reduction in serious crashes by 2031. The Chief of Police noted the initiative will enable data-driven enforcement strategies. The resolution passed unanimously.

Petitions, Communications & Public Input

• SID No. 8 Annexation Petition: City Manager Spencer provided an update on the proposed annexation of Sanitary Improvement District No. 8, which covers the Country Club area (approximately 101 homes). He reported roughly 90% support from residents. While the area already receives city water and sewer, the transition of electrical service from Roosevelt Public Power District to MPPD is complex and requires further negotiation. The Council unanimously accepted the petition to begin formal annexation proceedings.
• Introduction of Superintendent Jay Sturdevant: Jay Sturdevant, Superintendent of the Scotts Bluff National Monument, was formally introduced. He highlighted the Monument's status as the oldest National Park Service unit in Nebraska (established 1919) and noted the 250th anniversary of the United States. He invited the Council to the park for a tour to explore partnership opportunities.
• Liquor Licenses and Permits:
  • NEXT Young Professionals: Approved a Special Designated Liquor License for the 15th annual Best of the West Beer and Wine Fest on June 6, 2026, at the 18th Street Plaza. Proceeds will benefit the Team Ashton Foundation.
  • Hight's Tavern & Rosita's Restaurant: Approved a combined 20 Special Designated Liquor Licenses for the Bands on Broadway community concert series, running ten consecutive Thursdays from June 4 to August 6 at the 18th Street Plaza.
  • Flyover Brewing Company: Approved a Community Festival Permit and a Special Designated Liquor License for the Robidoux Rendezvous Registration Party and Street Dance on June 12, 2026. The event is expected to draw 400-600 participants and includes a closure of 19th Street.
• Police Week Proclamation: Mayor Betsy Bidlack read a proclamation designating May 10-16, 2026, as Police Week and May 14, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day in Scottsbluff.

Subdivisions & Public Improvements

• Agriculture Estate Dwelling Sites (AEDS): The Council approved the creation of a new AEDS and the expansion of an existing one for property owner Doug Shuey along Highway 92. The Planning Commission recommended approval upon finding the applications met code requirements, even though the reserve land fell short of the standard 80-acre minimum.

Reports from Staff, Boards & Commissions

• KENO Funding Request (308 Rod Run): The Council approved a KENO grant request from the Pharaohs of Western Nebraska. Patrick Becker detailed the 183-mile road run, and Chris Wolf of the Veterans and Military Family Emergency Relief Organization explained that proceeds provide emergency financial assistance to veterans and their families. Wolf stated the organization has returned over $500,000 to the community over 20 years.
• Gering High School Safe Driving PSA: Council Member Salomon presented a behind-the-scenes video of the 2026 Gering High School safe driving advertisement. This year's theme was the dangers of drunk driving, chosen by students following the loss of a classmate, JT Jackson, two years prior. The project involved partnerships with the Nebraska State Patrol, Gering Volunteer Fire Department, Valley Ambulance, and Regional West Medical Center.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Approvals: All votes were unanimous. This included the Consent Calendar, Vision Zero Resolution, acceptance of the SID No. 8 annexation petition, all liquor licenses and permits, AEDS subdivisions, and KENO funding.
• Policy Adoptions: The Council adopted the Vision Zero policy and advanced the first reading of the comprehensive update to the City's fence code.
• Ongoing Processes: The SID No. 8 annexation petition was formally accepted, beginning a multi-step ordinance process targeting completion by July. The 21st Avenue right-of-way annexation and Public Use District creation passed their first readings.
• Next Meeting: The next Regular City Council meeting is scheduled for May 18, 2026.