City Council - Regular Meeting

This is probably justific I was wrong. They did hang around. The owners didn't hang there at the office. Oh goodness. I was not watching the clock. Good evening everyone. Welcome to the Northlad City Council meeting here on Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone. I'm sorry that I did not bring enough cupcakes for everyone, but there are cupcakes over there in the corner. would appreciate if you would all take one when you leave so I don't have to take them home. May give them to whoever's outside the building or whatever you'd like to do, but uh eating them might be your best preference. Okay, calling the meeting officially to order. We have an invocation by Pastor John Stone from the North Flat Breen Church, please.

Thank you so very much for your kindness to us. Thank you, Father. We are very grateful for your kindness to us. Thank you for um these of your uh servants who have served our city. Uh Lord, I'm praying that you give them wisdom tonight as they tackle things. Lord, whether they're big things and controversial or just things that are more kind of plowing through. Would you give them uh a unity and a care for one another? Lord, will you do this for the good of North Platt? And uh Lord, we ask that this would be done in the name of Christ. Amen. Amen.

I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Pastor Stone. Thank you, everyone. Angie, the roll call, please. Miss here. Here. Here. here. Landers here. Raker here. Mcn here.

Thank you. Current copy of the open meetings act of the state of Nebraska is posted on the wall at the back of the council chambers. Meeting procedure. The public may address specific agenda items the pleasure of the mayor. If recognized by the mayor, please identify yourself by stating your name and your address. Please address the council through the mayor and limit your remarks. We respect our city employees. Request that any complaints or criticisms of employees not be aired in a public meeting. Concerns about employees should be brought to the attention of the city administrator or the mayor. Individuals in violation will be declared out of order. Do not have any awards, accolades, or presentations tonight. Moving on to the consent agenda. All matters under the consent agenda are considered by the city council to be routine. It will be enacted by one motion. Any city council member may however remove an item from consent by request. Number one, A. Approve the minutes of March 3, 2026. B. send the application of Caribbean Cravings LLC for a class AB liquor license beer on and off sale for their location at 1320 South Cottonwood Street, Sweet 2, to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission with no recommendation. C. Send the application of Cartrights Barbecue LLC for an for addition to liquor license area located at 502 Easy Street to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. D. They authorize mayor to execute health and accident contracts for the city's self-insuring health and accident plan beginning April 1, 2026. E. Approve the mayor's appointment of Travis CVY to the citizens advisory review committee. and F. Approve the application by DEAM LLC DBA axes and aces for a special designated license on April 11th, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and April 12th, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the DNN Event Center, 501 East Walker Road for a sporting tournament.

Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve the consent agenda as presented. Second.

Motion by Reer, second by Volves. Calling the question on the consent agenda, please. Consent agenda is passed. Thank you everyone. Moving on to the regular agenda. Uh number two, authorize changing the name of the city of North Plat Park located at a street and Dwey Street from Pioneer Park to Governor's Park. Mr. Mr. Mayor, I move to change the name of the city of North Plat Park located at a street and Dwey Street from Pioneer Park to Governor's Park. Second.

Wow. Okay. Going to give that to Mr. Flanders. Okay. Motion by Lucas, second by Flanders. Thank you everyone. Motion makes it fairly obvious, but uh Stephen Kay is here to present his idea regarding this park. And since this is

Well, good evening. My name is Steven Kay and I live at 1111 Kuster Court here in North Platt. I've been a resident of North Platt since March 1954. Thank you for this opportunity to give a report on the Governor's Park project. It is important to have a historical marker in North Plat commemorating Governors Keith Neville, Roy Cochran, and Robert Crosby. All three men grew up in Lincoln County, left to attend college, and came back and returned home to start their careers. Their legacies need to be remembered. They are role models for today's youth. When reviewing the accomplishments of these men, the expression, "The sky is the limit," comes to mind. There are no restrictions on what you can accomplish. Dream big and pursue your goals with vigor. Anything is possible wherever you live. If you set your goals and are committed, the Nebraska State Historical Society has approved the application for Nebraska historical marker honoring the three Nebraska governors from Lincoln County. The proposed text has been approved. Funds have been raised to pay the total cost of the historical marker. It will be ordered soon. Delivery is expected in six to eight months from the date of order. Condan signs provided a proposal for a Dreer's Park sign. The design is similar to the canteen district sign over Dwey Street and the cost of the governor's park sign is $8,66. Mid Nebraska Community Foundation recently awarded a grant to the city of North Plat for this project in the amount of $4,500. The remaining balance due for the Governor's Park sign is $3,566. The plan is to place the historical marker and Governor's Park sign and the city park adjacent to the S-curve on Dwey Street, the entrance to the canteen district. This park is currently named Pioneer Park. I respectfully request the North Plat City Council to approve changing the name of the current Pioneer Park to Governor's Park, placing the historical marker and Governor's Park

sign in Governor's Park, and utilizing city park improvement funds to pay the remaining balance due for the Governor's Park sign. If you have have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Uh Mr. Okay. Would you tell us exactly where Governor's Park would be because we've had a few people ask where that physically is. I'm sorry, I can't hear you. Oh, I'm sorry. Is this better? Sorry. Could you tell us exactly where uh Governor's Park would be? We've had a few people ask that Survey Street where the road curves over.

Would you move over in front of the microphone, please? Sorry. It would be on uh it would be that park that is currently on the S-curve on Dewey Street where the where you have that kind of YS curve where it goes straight on uh to Dwey and then goes over to the uh left to Jeff Street. Okay. And uh this sign will is right near that canteen district sign. And this sign that condens has designed will will match that canteen district sign. Okay. And that's that's where the intended location of those two signs will be.

Okay. Thank you. Any questions? Pete, Mr. K. Yeah. Is that the only sign that would go there or were you going to do any plaques or anything like that?

You know, that's something in the future. I gave uh the city administrator the text for that sign and the sign is really focused on youth and uh it's not a biographical si sign basically it's kind of a message sign and it's it's got a quote even on there from Abraham Lincoln and I think in the future you know it might be nice to have some further development of that but to get it started I thought it'd be good to have the governor's park sign and then have this marker that's that kind of focuses on the youth because these men really truly had remarkable careers and they really are examples to our youth here in Lincoln County and but I think in the future m some things could be added to this park but it's a start and because I think um this all kind of came about when that uh McCabe bar opened because uh Roy Cochran had his first office as Lincoln County surveyor in the second floor of that building and uh it just came to my mind that there wasn't anything in North Plat than honored these three mayors and or governors and uh I would imagine that if you went down the street and asked people if we had any governors from North Plat they probably or Lincoln County they probably wouldn't know. So I thought it was a good a good thing for the community and it's something that uh we can really be proud of. So and it's something that can be added to I think in the future.

The the reason I ask that is I drove the S turn. It's that area. It's a median basically and it's it's really not conducive in my opinion um to have a lot of spectators or bystanders standing there, you know, and and that's my that's my primary concern happening there just from the standpoint that it is a small area

and uh there's not really a lot of things you can use it for there. I don't think there'll probably ever be any park benches there. Probably there won't be any picnic tables. I I think it's just a a park where people can go and uh view those markers. And it it's kind of nice where it's at because it's actually the entrance way into downtown. And I think that this will add to the ambiance of the canteen district of having this governor's park there. And it's something that when people drive into town that aren't from North Plaid or from out of state, they'll, you know, they'll see that we had three leaders of the state that came from here. And I think I think really it's a great location for it. It I don't think it's designed to be a park where people, you know, congregate there and have picnics and things like that. It's more of a memorial type park. I look at it as and uh and I I think I think it's important to the city. There's there's other places you could put it, but in a way that I think is the best spot because everybody that comes into Northplat downtown will see that and and Makook for years has been uh talking about their three governors and there's only one of the three that is actually from Makook. So I think we have three that actually grew up here and lived here and started their careers here. So, I really think I think it's good to have this for North Plat and I think that's a good location. I thought about other locations, but it get lost in the shuffle and I just think this kind of highlights it right to the entrance of downtown. So, that's my thought.

Other questions, Mr. Mayor? Ty, these might be more questions for for Lane or Brent. Is there anything in the planned road work or utilities that would create any issues with the location of that sign marker? As far as I know with the reconstruction that's going to happen on on Dewey um in the next two years, there may be a little change of that um the curb line, but it doesn't change the park itself as far as the area. And I think we were thinking this the historical marker sign would probably go more towards the north where those parking spaces are. So I might I don't know if Brent has anything to add to that or Lyall for the park either.

So we don't have any concerns that that road work will bother these. Does are those parking spots public parking spots versus Caldwell Banker spots? I believe they're street parking spots on the the north side of the park. The south side of that that's public parking. Yes, I believe. So, thank you. Other questions or comments? Nick, did we have anything in the budget for this or it just comes out of the general fund? I was just I'm assuming we would take it out of the contingency fund, out of the general fund. Be a small amount. Ed, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yes.

Hi, Steve. Hi. Um,

I had a one of my constituents sent me an email and and was questioning why why maybe we shouldn't be looking at uh and a guy I'd never heard of before, Colonel Milton Miltonberger. Well, I know there was a desire, I think, to put a a Miltonberger monument there, but this this is, you know, for the governors, and I think, you know, we could have a mil I' I've thought about him. I think there probably should be something here, but this particular area, I think if you put this in another park, it would just get lost in the shuffle. I think I think it it's nice to have these governors right as you come into town. And I think there's other places uh where something to for Miltonberger could be placed. And I think he really does deserve something in our community. Uh, I got another historical marker placed in town for Hyram Hisorico and I think there's some under I think Miltonberger is deserving of a of a one of these same type of markers. it it probably should be done. But uh and I' I've thought a lot about that. We've got so much history here, but Miltonberger is someone that that should be recognized, but right now I'm thought it was nice to have have the governors and and like I said, part of it is for our children and we have a lot of new people coming to town. We have immigrants and I think they ought to realize that someone from a town the size of North Plat, you know, can become governor of the state, can do a lot of things and that's kind of what I want the message to be. This is not just a biographical uh plaque, but it's it's like I said, it's a message young people and I think they need that today and I think it's important that we have role models which these uh three men are. I'm sure Jim remembers uh Governor Crosby's dad Maynard practiced law here and they all these men were really distinguished and but

Miltonberger I think he deserves something. You're right. And Memorial Park would probably be a good place to put something in RFM. From my own personal perspective, I guess um when I think about people starting from nothing basically and and ending up in in a position somewhere. I think the pioneers is probably more suited to our area because these people came across the plains and right

a lot of them died from starvation, Indian attacks, fires, froze to death, starvation, all of these things that that they encountered in this several thousand mile track,

different kinds of deaths for their own children and and spouses, of course. Um, can I can I make some a comment about that? You're you're very right about that, but I want to point out something about Roy Cochran. Roy Cochran moved here with his dad when he was six years old. His mother died. He basically had nothing. He uh he went he was in the first graduating class of uh of the Brady High School. In fact, the Brady School Foundation has given a a contribution to this, which is really great. But he he really had nothing. and he uh there was a lawyer that taught school in Brady who wanted had this idea that Roy would go to law school and come back and practice with him in Sydney. And uh Roy actually went to Lincoln and started out and uh to study to become a lawyer, but he didn't think he was a good speaker, which his wife later on said that was kind of humorous because he gave speeches all the time as governor. But the thing about him is that he put himself to school washing dishes and his mother also had her boarding house down there. She she lived in North Plaid is his wife was the Lincoln County school superintendent but he he washed dishes and put himself through school with that type of job. And he really he was an amazing man. He was a veteran and he was uh after he was governor he uh was appointed comedon of the uh one of the uh Fort Leonard Wood and uh from World War II and he was in World War I and but he kind of has that pioneer spirit. He's an example of that and you're right. Now, you know, I I I don't want to take anything away from Pioneer Park, but I do think that I think it's important for Northplat to recognize these governors, and there's a lot of other things we can do in in the community uh to recognize some of these other things, which I do think they need to be recognized, but I

didn't I thought that was kind of a good spot for it, and I thought it was a good spot from the standpoint that it wouldn't get overlooked if you put it in a different park and I and I think it's important that people see that. I think it's good for our community that we had, you know, leaders uh that served on a state level. Um Governor Crosby was one of the youngest speakers of the legislature uh and and of course Pete Neville did so much for this community. He he he really brought the arts to North Plaid and and did so much. And uh I know the families uh are I I actually you know have dealt with the families about this the Cochran family and the Neville family and they are very pleased that this is being done uh and they think you know this is a good project and they're very supportive of it being at that location. So in closing I just you know it's up to you but I just think it's it'd be a nice thing to do.

Go ahead.

Thank you. I I guess where I was going with that, Steve, is um for for whatever reason today, uh it appears to me that our our students in the public schools specifically and maybe in the in the private schools too, I don't know. I I think they probably use a lot of common textbooks, but the history of our country has been lost. It's not being taught to our youth. At best, they may have a historical recollection. maybe World War II. And I think it's important that we're reminded of how this country was founded. It was founded by people that were tough. They didn't come to the government and ask for a handout because there was no government to ask for a handout. They worked hard. They died in the traces trying to ek out a living. And I think it's important that that be remembered. Whether this is the best place for that, I don't know. uh not to take anything away from your governors or to detract from them, but I I think Pioneers Park, from my perspective, I think we'd serve uh our memory better if we u began to began to expand Pioneers Park and with some of the memories of of the ancient part of well, I wouldn't say ancient. I guess that's probably a little too old, but the older part of our history that that definitely has not been carried on to our youth.

Well, okay. Other question or comments? I just think that uh you know that park isn't really big and uh I think you I think that's a great idea and I think that needs to be expanded. I think you're right. I think the children don't know a lot about the history and I think that was one of my reasons for doing this and and I think that that's something that that could be covered in another park and I but I I agree with you totally. That's that's one of the purposes of why I'm doing this, not just to talk about politicians. These men weren't, you know, uh they worked hard to get where they were and I just think this would be a nice project. So I won't go on any further. It's St. Patrick's Day. So, but thanks so much.

Thank you, Mr. Thank you. Just FYI, Ed, will likely be creating two new parks in the next year. And if we decide to rename this one, I think we should name one of those Pioneers Park. They will be considerably larger. So, we could do more with that. I I really like that idea, Mr. Mayor. Um

I don't know. Now that we're talking about this early, that gives us some time to think about it. May maybe even solicit some comments from the public on maybe how we could put some types of signage or memorial memorabilia of of of the foundation of our of our even our community and and our state. Okay. Thank you. Okay, Nick.

Just one last thing. Thank you. I wasn't too um apt to spend the money on a sign like this um in the beginning, but I feel like, you know, if we move forward and continue to work on parks and recreation and we're going to be consistent across the board on spending money on a lot of new parks that like you mentioned previously, um I think that's a great idea to um give the kids a good community and um I think parks moving forward need to be a priority. Other questions or comments? Ty. Mr. Mayor. Um, I'm going to be honest. Until about a half hour ago, I didn't know that park was called Pioneer Park. Me, too.

And I'd never seen the sign before and I've lived here most of my life. So, I'm a little embarrassed by that as a council member. Um, so this is good discussion. I guess I appreciate the initiative and the idea. I agree with you, Ed. I would also as a counterargument on that though that with Nebrask Cody even to commemorate that and uh I think this would be a nice a nice refreshing of that little area that I didn't even know was Pioneer Park and and uh hopefully we can we can use this as maybe an opportunity to recognize all of those things that are that are important. But what I what I really like is that we've had private individuals that have gone out, raised money, and crossed the tees and dotted the eyes and have come up with a good idea and then have coordinated it back with what the refreshing of our downtown. And so I at first I felt the same way as you, Nick, that gosh gosh, we don't need to spend any more money. But I I think this is a good proposition for the city the way with the contribution that's been asked. So I'm going to be in favor of it.

Okay, let's settle. Let's call in the question on item number two. Item number two is passed. Moving on to item number three. Authorize using $3566 from the city contingency fund for the new sign for Governor's Park. Mr. Mr. Mayor, I move to authorize $3,566 from the city contingency fund for the new sign for Governor's Park. Second. Motion by Lucas, second by Nisley. Any discussion on item number three?

Seeing none, calling the question on item number three, please. Item number three is passed. Thank you, Mr. K. We appreciate your efforts. Okay, moving on to item number four. Third reading and action to adopt ordinance number 4230 annexing parcel ID number 0054-535.00 described as lot 13 Cody land and cattle and part of tract E, Lincoln County, Nebraska into the corporate limits of the city of North Plat, Nebraska consisting of approximately 2 acres. Lane, the ordinance, please. Ordinance number 4230, an ordinance of the mayor and council of the city of Northplat, Lincoln County, Nebraska, to include within the corporate limits of the city of Northplat certain lands described as lot 13, Cody land and cattle and part of tract E, Lincoln County, Nebraska, repealing all ordinances in conflict here with providing for the effective date and publication thereof.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I move to adopt ordinance number 4230 annexing partial ID number 0054535.00 described as lot 13 Cody land and cattle and part of tract E Lincoln County Nebraska into the corporate limits of the city of North Plat Nebraska consisting of approximately 2 acres in final reading. Second

motion by plant, second by RER. We have any discussion on item number four. Seeing none, calling the question on item number four, please. Item number four is passed. Item number five, accept bids and award contract for paving district number 840 and paving district number 841 to Levelville LLC of North Plat in the amount of $2,799,340.30 and authorize the mayor to sign the contract.

Mr. Mayor, I move to accept the bids and award the contract for paving district number 840 and paving district number 841 to Level LLC of North Plat in the amount of 2,799,340 and authorize a mayor to sign the contract. Second that you Rod.

Yeah. Motion by VS, second by Dy for item number five. Uh council, I just passed out just as a reminder the map for East Francis Street that we've all looked at now I think many times. Uh what we're talking about here with item number five is the area identified as C and D like David. So the basically the eastern half of East Francis Street. It's not exactly half, but it's close to half. Okay. Questions or comments? Brent, do you have anything to add, apparently? So, um, good evening, mayor, council. Um, we had three biders on this project and they were under estimate. Our estimate was around 3.2 million and the low estimate was or the low bid was 2.8. and with Levelville who's a North Plat company and he's here in the audience. Mr. Watson's here as well and um so uh he's done work on um Golden Road and he's also done work in the industrial park and last year up on the north side of town 15th Street area. So he's had extensive work as a level in our community doing that work and so we were pleased with the prices we got back on the project.

Questions or comments? Ed.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I I guess um this this part that we're going to be paying for, was that included in the redevelopment contract for the developers? So section C is section D is the one that the state grant is paying for. But having said that um were both of these sections districts rather uh in the developers redevelopment uh contract was that part of his agreement to pay pay these

the initial contract? Yes. So, if we're going to relieve him of $1.8 million because of a grant, District 841. I'm not sure how that washes because he agreed to do it and now we're going to pay for it through a grant. Seems like there needs to be some renumeration back to the city or something to make that square. And then the district 840 if that was part of his red redevelopment contract as well if I'm understanding this correctly. Now the city's assuming responsibility to pay this and then it will be paid back as the lots are sold. No, it's a district. So right now the arrangement is that the that make sure I get my lots correct here because I we've we've gone through these. Yes. So, like any other paving district, well, I'll let Brett answer. He's the he's the uh expert on paving districts. So,

well, um what we'll do is when we get to the end where we'll assign or assess the the council will sit as the board of equalization with the presentation of the costs and then it'll be assigned to the property. And the way that this was set up was the property to the south of Francis will be what will be assigned the cost for section C. So that will go from Devco to bicesentennial. South of Francis is what I think we discussed at the last meeting that we're going to assess south. So, the property that's going to be sold to the Midwest Land Development is going to be assigned the cost for that Francis part. Did that answer your question or explain that?

So, in essence, it sounds like Midwest Land Development is paying to put a street on somebody else's property because it hasn't changed hands yet. Is that correct? It'd be on city property. It's on city property right now. Correct.

Second. So, um, Ed, do you need a little refresher on what we talked about on December 16th? Is that I think maybe I do, Mr. Mayor. Okay. Because I was under the impression that Midwest Land Development was going to pay all of these paving costs up. I mean, as soon as it was completed and now I'm hearing something what I perceive to be different. Go ahead.

Um well, just first in regards to um that section C for paving district 840, um Midwest Land Development does have a purchase agreement to purchase that property from the city. Um but at the time that we set up the um the arrangements, we set it up so that they would buy it in increments rather than purchasing that whole uh big section of land all at one time. Uh and so one of the things that we're working on is a subdivision that would carve out some of the lots that would be right along Francis Street so that we can incrementally sell those to Midwest Land so that they will be purchasing those. um and then be able to purchase more of the land as they move through their project. So, um I'm I'm forgetting your your specific question, uh Councilman Ricker, but I think you had expressed concern that the city was just going to be paying for that for the that stretch of section C. But um all of those while the city might bear the expense up front, all of those expenses are going to be passed along through to the redeveloper as part of the paving district. So the redeveloper will be paying those expenses to the city. Um, generally what we've done too, and this maybe isn't part of your question, but generally what we've done too when it comes to assessing the costs like Brent was talking about, uh, we've we've added on an extra percentage to the interest rate in order to cover some of some of our carrying costs. So, um, so that we wouldn't be out of pocket anything as a city. Um, and if you had other questions, I'm I I forget what they were, but I'm happy to try to answer them.

I don't remember either, Bill. Maybe. Okay, we're moving on. Okay, go ahead. My my my my question after the after after your comments and that does offer some clarification. Um, how soon do you anticipate that land to be sold?

Um, well, we have it set up as it's been a while since I've looked at the purchase agreement, so I don't recall exactly, but it's set up to to be able to sell it to uh Midwest Land as they move through their redevelopment plan. And so, um, my recollection was that it's set up, those increments are set up to correspond with their redevelopment plan. And so, um, I was just looking at that, uh, the contract in their phases. Um, I think, um, and Austin's here, too. I don't know that we need to call him up, but, uh, the redevelopment contract calls for five different phases. And so um so my recollection of the re or sorry the purchase agreement was that each phase included purchase of more land. And right now they're still in phase one of the redevelopment project. Um so what we've basically been working on is trying to get the road in so that we can have this subdivision done that that I mentioned so that we can get the first part of of their purchase done through that purchase agreement. And then phase two would include another purchase of some land and then phase three and so on. So that's when I say it's incremental so that as they move through their redevelopment plan, they incrementally purchase more of that city-owned land.

So you're saying that this is covered under the redevelopment author a redevelopment contract? It is. It is. I when you say when you say this is covered I'm just trying to make sure that I understand what you mean including the paving that would go with the property correct the the paving also is covered as part of the redevelopment contract and so it's laid out as in phases and so part of what's happening here with these paving districts you have to keep in mind is that this is happening much sooner than it would if we just followed the redevelopment contract. Right. So I did we come to an agreement on the price for the sale of the property?

Uh yes, that's all covered in the purchase agreement. But again, it's it's for each incremental purchase. Right. So having said that, then are we going to add the cost of the street onto the purchase price of the property? No, that's what the district does. That correct? That's what the district does. Yeah. But the purchaser will pay the district the cost of the street. Are you talking about the the initial transaction? Is that what you're saying? Is that what you're asking? I guess I'm I'm what I'm trying to say, I guess, Mr. Mayor, is I I want to make sure that the developer pays for that street.

Yes, they will have to. That's that's been Austin. That's been the arrangement the whole time. Correct. Come up to the microphone and say it please.

Yeah. Uh Mr. speaker. It's a great question. So, we're going to cover 100% of the expense. I believe city administration cost for getting the district set up. We'll incur all of it. Um, I don't want to speak for the mayor. I think the concept in doing the districts was getting Francis Street functional sooner considering the council was gracious in getting the previous ordinance passed. What we talked to the city about was why don't we get this ahead of schedule so the the roadway can become functional at the end of this year. So, we're we're ahead of schedule. We'll cover 100% of the cost and that's the plan. So, Ed, oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor.

I was just going to say what what often I think gets forgotten since we've rehashed this so many times is that what what changed this whole Austin's initial plan and schedule was the fact that the city, honestly, it's my fault and Kevin who got the grant, but um is is that we applied for and got that grant. That's really what precipitated the change in schedule. if if we hadn't gotten that grant as an opportunity to pay for the street, we we probably wouldn't even be having this discussion until 2029 or something like that. So So So thank you for that elicitation, Mr. Mayor. Um so having said that then e even though we got a grant,

is Midwest Land Development going to pay for the street? No, the grant's going to pay for the street. Well, they Well, in part, excuse me, in section D. In section D. Yes. I'm sorry, I didn't clarify. Yeah.

So, so from my understanding then, the $1.8 million that is paid for by the grant is going to allow Midwest Land Development to have an additional $1.8 million of of their bond to use for other developments on the site. if if they're able to come up with the appropriate expenses. But yes, so the only advantage, well, it is a big advantage. I'm not trying to to minimize that,

but we're we're getting this section D paved considerably sooner by maybe four or five years than what we had anticipated. Um, I'm I'm not exactly sure that there shouldn't be some cost to the developer for that street because he had planned on doing that from what I understand in the redevelopment contract. Um, Austin. Yeah. So, Kevin, hold on just a second. Kevin, remind me that grant is is it is it 8020 or 75?

525 is 531. Okay. So,

yeah. So, if I can piggy back off of what the mayor said, um for the tiff bonds to be certified, we have to come in with eligible expenses, show that we paid for those. So, even though the grant is going to offset the cost we otherwise would have um utilized for that road, um we have to still have eligible expenses. So, if we're able to get the project um and we we don't have the eligible expenses on infrastructure to certify that additional amount, then that tiff in essence to my understanding is relieved and that's not going to be part of the repayment schedule. So you've essentially captured about Well, if you got to pay five $500,000.

Yeah. 25% of the cost. So

So you you've essentially captured about $1.3 million of extra funding because of the grant. Is that correct? the the the total tiff amount is based upon a maximum amount of eligible expenses we can utilize to certify the bonds. So, it's, if I can be frank, it's kind of a fictitious number, right? We have to have the cost. Um, you know, we're we're anticipating having more expenses on infrastructure than what the tiff bond was originally. So, it's it's a it's an assumption, a crystal ball that's six, seven, eight years away, and we just don't know where costs are going to be at that point if we're going to need to utilize that or not utilize it.

Thank you. Other questions or comments?

Mr. Mayor, just to add some clarity when with the obliga, so nothing has altered the redevelopment agreement where they have the obligation to pay the cost of the streets minus the grant. Is that correct? And in this case, even though they're paying for it, do we still use the normal process? It looked like we sure did with bidding. Is this bonded just like we would normally under the city process? So everything stays under the city process. Ed, one thing that was important and from that prior discussion too was that the city also was able to maintain kind of the control of the construction which for the long term for backbone infrastructure we saw as as positive. So I don't want we don't want to forget about that important aspect as when this that decision was made on the district use of the district. And one other thing to keep in mind, section D of this plan, the developer isn't doesn't have plans to go out that far. Okay. We threw that in there to ascertain that we could get from Bsentennial to Newberry. That was an US thing. We're like, we don't want this road dead ending. how are we going to get from here to there? And Kevin was the developer was like, I'll absorb the cost, you know, just to get this project going. Cuz at the time, I remember we were in desperate need of housing, you know, and we thought that this project was looking really good. So when Kevin came in, that's what's going to allow this to get completed out to out to Newberry. So that was an US ask by the developer. He was gracious enough to to try and get these costs up and I know that that that number was going to be extremely tight for any type of tiff money coming in. So So they don't own

anything out in section D. They're going to pay, you know, 100% of cost of C where they only have 50% of the frontage. And we'll talk about B on the next agenda item. So other questions, on the last conversation that we had when we were approving these, was there going to be a an amended redevelop redevelopment contract of um stipulations and contingencies to assure that the developer was going to pay the assessments and they weren't going to get passed on to the property or future property owners?

Yeah. Has you gotten that from Mr. Bacon? Um, I haven't got Mike Bacon is working on that amendment and so I talked to him this afternoon and I didn't have a draft in my hand, but he's drafting that amendment. Okay. But as of right now, do we still own all that property and see? Yes. As of today, yes. Okay. To the south. To the south. So before we sell that start selling off that property, are we can we see the redevelopment contract and can we make sure that that's all good to go? Absolutely. Okay.

I mean, um, we still have, um, and Judy maybe has a better idea than I do right now because I haven't checked in with her about it, but I know that we're working on the subdivision piece of that, too. Okay. And so that's that's still a work in progress. We're not quite there, but those are all of the pieces that are kind of coming together uh to be able to to make this work. Okay. Other questions or comments?

Seeing none, calling the question on item number five, please. Item number five is passed. Item number six, first reading an action on ordinance number 4216 to amend ordinance number 4208 relating to paving paving district number 842 lane. Ordinance number 4216, an ordinance of the city of North Plat, Ling County, Nebraska, to amend ordinance number 4208 relating to the creation of paving district number 842 on Frances Street from the east side of the intersection of Brian Avenue and Francis Street, then east to Devco Avenue, approximately 3100 ft in the city of North Plat, Lincoln County, Nebraska. repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict here with and providing for the effective date and publication thereof. Thank you,

Mr. Mayor. I move to appro adopt ordinance number 4216 to amend ordinance number 4208 relating to paving district number 842 on first reading. Second. Motion by BS, second by Dy.

Um yes. Uh this I think had we tabled it from the last meeting or withdrew it? Um we

withdrew it from the um agenda from the last meeting. Um but in uh consultation with Brent, we did make some revisions to uh what had been originally proposed by uh the developer as an amendment to this district. So, um, if anybody had been following, um, I don't know that I'd really spelled it out, but, um, based upon a request from the redeveloper, all that, um, is in front of the council is to consider amending section three of the original ordinance, uh, which has to do, uh, with, uh, I guess spelling out the, um, the lots that would be ultimately assessed for the cost of the paving. paving district. So, um, previously we had considered having an additional amendment which would change the parameters of the paving district, but um, Brent didn't feel as comfortable with that and so we took that out. Um, and so now all that's being considered is just amending section three of the original district. Uh, which would when it comes time to assess the costs for the paving district, uh, would assess them in proportion to the benefits received to, uh, this Fritz Farms first subdivision, lot one, block one, and then Fritz Farm first subdivision, lot two, block two.

Thank you. So, we're talking about district B as looking on the map here. basically the piece from Brian to Devco or just south of the post office and what's being proposed here. If you can see the the lot lines and that's in that's in this picture here. um we're attributing or what this proposes is attributing um the cost or the assessment to the two larger lots in that area. And one of those the lot that is to the west is if you've driven by this area, you'll notice there's quite a bit of building and construction going on that lot right now today. Uh the the value based on the building permits of that is just a hair under 16 million I believe somewhere in that vicinity on that lost lot on the west right now. I think that's kind of the relevant facts. Anybody have questions or comments?

Mr. Mayor, Mr. D. Uh the building that's going up right now, is that the one that would be on the lot to the to the west of McCabe there then? Is that That's correct. Yes. That's where and that one would absorb some of the assessments for this street. Yes. Building there and the one that's going up beside it.

So, let's talk about the process. So, well, the council will decide whether the council is going to decide on this item tonight. And then at some point in the future when all the invoices are in for the street that is the section of B, which is likely to be Brent and I were theorizing in the July time frame, chances are the second meeting in July or the first meeting in August, the council will sit as the board of equalization. And at that time we will assign the costs or the assessment I should say to the lots and that will be in the is it 1.7 vicinity 1.7 million. Okay. Our thought today based on the fact that the more valuable piece of land is the one that's being constructed on today is that we would attribute 80% of that to that lot. Now, if between now and July something equally as shiny and new pops up on the other side, well, then we would we would recommend a different percentage.

Okay. Uh but but that's what we're going to recommend if things stay roughly the same as they are today. Okay. Thank you, Nick. So, what is the advantage of doing that process versus a normal process? What do you mean a normal process? Well, so this is going farther back. So, it's not the actual frontage. It's going a lot back is what it's doing. Those lots of butt the street.

I guess I guess I'm just trying to figure out what the whole purpose of this amendment is. Well, when we when the city council had originally passed this, we had attributed by square foot the cost of that street to that entire piece of property that is north of essentially the green line or district B. Okay. Okay. And what we're doing at the request of the developer, as Bill mentioned, is bringing that down to the pieces of the property that are going to be developed first and those those pieces of property will take the assessment. So then the other pieces of the property is not going to have any assessments.

Correct. So what is the advantage of doing that process of getting the whole I guess I'm just confused on how

it's basically what's the long game? It's just an administrative simplification. Those developers agreed to pay for the street. And so it's just a way of assigning the most valuable piece first. It actually puts the city in the best situation from a if something goes horribly wrong and this doesn't work, we have first lean on the most valuable piece of property. So it's think of it as a bit of an insurance policy. We're not going to think that way. They're going to have a wonderful development. The whole thing will be filled in the next 10 years, right guys? But just in case something doesn't go right, we have uh the most viable piece of property with the first lean on it.

Did this come up in prior discussions with more land of involved with it or is this the first time that this has come up? Because I feel like there might have been something prior that we had talked about that had like 80 acres tied to it versus 29. I don't recall making of section C. That's why the seven acres from section C down the next section. Okay. Yeah. That's why we have this map is because we have to rehash these every time. I I've got like 20 of these and I still confused. So

I I think also to your point, Councilman McN, um we originally did bring this proposed ordinance in front of council in the fall. Um and then we pulled it back and we waited. So this isn't the first time that we've talked about uh this um 4216. The original time it was discussed was back in the fall. Other questions or comments? Go ahead. I think it's a really good plan. Uh especially with the percentages. I just want to ascertain that Mr. Glade is aware of this too and I'm sure he is. I've just never seen them. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. We spoke briefly this afternoon.

Okay. Rod. Uh, the other thing we need to keep in mind is the developer is going to take care of the whole cost of doing Mabe Avenue on over to meet up with that with the curb and gutters and sidewalks as it should be for city. Mhm. Correct. Yes, that's correct. As well as in that little development over in the corner there taking care of all that paving too. Different developer, but yes. Okay. Yeah. So, yeah, that answers my question. Okay. Other question Nick or excuse me head sorry I looked at Nick and said I did must be the beard

you're just too um I presume that that agreement is written down somewhere that the developer is going to do the cave and the corner which you were talking about Ron. Yeah we had Bill look those up. Yeah. Okay. It's all part of the redevelopment contract. Yeah. Thank you.

Yeah. M I still have a little bit of a lack of clarity on where we started for I know we I asked to table this back in in July and I understand the proposed district, but what was the exact original district? I also thought it was 80 acres, but I can't reconcile the 80 acres. I think at one time there was some discussion about the land to the south if I remember right but I don't remember how far that went to the south ty other than other than because the developers want us to why aren't we assessing the frontage to the south what's the what's the reason for that if somebody Austin you want to remind us of the history please

so the way the original ordinance was wrote So, it was anyway anywhere along the north and south frontage along that road. Um, and Brent can speak on the technical element of this, but I remember going back and when we did the calculation on the ordinance, uh, with my co-developers, um, within our redevelopment agreement between both companies, they were paying for that road to go in. when we did the calculations, the way the ordinance was originally wrote, my company was absorbing 75% of the responsibility of that payment. So, my uh recollection is back last fall, um there wasn't enough development done on the multif family land to offset the dollar amount of the paving district. So, we've waited for more development to happen. So, there was the right balance. um I think per your recommendation type. So it it's pulling the responsibility off of us um and we're taking the responsibility of the additional ordinances and then uh my co-developer will be responsible based upon how the agreement's been laid um with the split and the redevelopment plan.

Yeah. And and I guess my own view or philosophy on this is that if we can keep these districts in a safe manner to the taxpayer, if we can accommodate, you know, we started with this being a master development, master agreement, they've opted to segregate that privately, which is great. I mean, the more investors in our community, I think that's wonderful. Um, but so from my standpoint, if we accommodate the shrinking of these districts, we just need to do it in a secure manner. So what I was concerned about was the the east lot as proposed potentially being a lack of a better term kind of an orphan area for assessments if it was overassessed versus its value. But if we can do the 8020, then that that cleans up my concern on that. Bill, is there any equalization issues with that or or French, do we have the latitude to equalize it in that manner?

Yeah, I my reading of the statute because I I've got all my notes here. Yeah. So, I I went back and reviewed it this afternoon. My reading of the statute is that it falls upon the city council sitting as the board of equalization to determine um that percentage or to I'll read um to determine um the assessment upon the lots and lands in the district which are specially bene fitted thereby in proportion to such benefits. Okay. So, um it my reading of that is that it gives the board of equalization some latitude to be able to assign a greater proportion of the benefits to different lots. Um just like the statute allows the the board of equalization and the city council to come up with the interest rate that will be charged for the assessments and those types of things. So, you have some latitude when it comes to that. Well, it kind of makes some sense because and I don't know what their intent was then they wrote the law, but the apartment buildings need that road. The lot next to it doesn't really need it today. Now, that that could change though by the time we equalize it. And so, mayors, what you're saying is that if there was material construction at the time of equalization on the right lot, we could reconsider that 8020 then.

That is correct. Yes, that's going to be our recommendation to council to second. No. Thank you. Other question, Ed. So, Mr. Mayor, in relationship to the board of equalization, apparently there's no proposed construction on the south side. Um, but that property is going to gain some value because of the street. Can we legitimately offload the whole cost of the street onto the north side and still be within the parameters the board of equalization

according to the attorneys read? Yes. Yeah, and that's where you know also you also still have to consider the redevelopment contract and as Austin stated how it's how those rights have been assigned to other entities and so there's the contractual uh obligations that come into play there as well. Um but from my perspective as far as assigning um the benefits uh we have some discretion when it comes to that and certainly when you know July August rolls around and and we get to that point uh assuming I'm still here uh then I will be making a recommendation that we make a special finding as to how each lot is is specifically benefited.

Mr. Mr. Mayor, may I one last? Go ahead. This is a first reading. Um I know the this idea of the amended redevelopment agreement keeps popping up. If the council chooses to pass this uh tonight, it to me it would be very it'd be really nice before third reading on this if we would have that opportunity for that to be finalized because that's an item that keeps coming up with this. I think Mr. Bacon and I established an appropriate timeline today. Hopefully I just didn't lengthen it. I could add to that. Go ahead. Be available for the council to read. Of course, it'll be one of the materials because the council will have to agree to it. So,

yeah, I I think if my memory serves correctly that that that particular any any change to that would involve the city as well. So, it's it's what Mr. Bacon refers to as a three-legged stool where it's the redeveloper, the city, and the CRA. They're all parties to it. Okay. Calling the question on item number six, please. Item number six has passed. Thank you, Austin, for your recollections. Number seven, adopt the resolution approving claim and authorizing the issuance of one warrant to Midlands Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $116,75410 to pay approved claim and referring to and incorporating the terms and conditions of ordinance number 3874 relating to warrant financing.

Mr. Mayor, I move to approve the resolution authorizing the issuance of one warrant as presented in the periods. Second.

Motion by RER, second by McNe. Any discussion on item number seven? Seeing none, calling the question on item number seven, please number seven. Item number seven has passed. Excuse me. Item number eight begins with a public hearing and we'll open the public hearing to consider action on the recommendation by the Northclap Planning Commission to adopt ordinance number 4245 vacating a portion of an alley located between 621 and 701 East 12th Street. going to open the public hearing and I'm going to ask Judy to talk about this briefly so we're all on the same page as we start.

Good evening Judy Clark. Um, you should have all received a copy of the review comments and then attached to that there should be a map that kind of shows you the um request for the vacated alley and this was request by requested by the property owner um at 621 and um he just was requested to vacate the alley. There are no utilities in that alley. It's not used for trash collection. So um he had just requested that the city vacate that. Happy to answer any questions if you have any.

In case you're wondering about the position of it, if you are driving north on Popular Street and you crossed 12th Street, you would drive into this alley. So, it's right in that area. Okay. Thanks, Judy. Public hearing is open. If anyone would like to make a comment on this issue, please approach the microphone, tell us who you are, where you live, and we'll be happy to hear your comments. I move we close public hearing. Second

motion by BS, second by RER to close the public hearing. Calling the question on closing the public hearing, please. Public hearing is now closed. Council will now consider item number eight, which is consider action on the recommendation by the North Plat Planning Commission to adopt ordinance number 4245, vacating a portion of an alley located between 621 and 701 East 12th Street. laying the ordinance, please.

Ordinance number 4245, an ordinance of the city of North Plat, Lane County, Nebraska, vacating an alley described as a portion of the alley located between lot 32, Hastings edition to Northplat and lot one, Jurgensson's subdivision, North Plat Leaky County, providing for the reservation of title and of said vacated alley by the city of North Plat. repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict here with providing for the effective date and publication thereof.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I move to adopt ordinance number 4245 vacating a portion of an alley located between 621 and 701 East 12th Street on first reading. Second motion by V, second by Dy. We have any discussion on item number eight? Ed, Mr. Mayor, thank you. Um, so assuming we we approve this, who ends up with that property? Uh, Bill, you want to take that one? It's a little convoluted to start out with. So,

yeah. Um, this one is a little bit different in that, um, as Lane read the ordinance, you might have picked out that the city is retaining title to the property. And so, um, our intent there, um, typically when you vacate an alley like this, uh, half of each side of it reverts to the neighboring property owner.

Um, one of the property owners, uh, next to this particular alley has no interest in gaining more property. And so our intent is to retain ownership uh because the statute allows us to then transfer uh the entire vacated alley to someone else, which uh what we would plan to do once the alley is vacated is we'll bring it back to city council to consider selling it to the neighboring property owner who's requested that it be vacated. So it's a little bit of a process, but that's why we're asking that title be retained by the city as part of of the vacation. Thank you. Now, this gentleman contacted me probably four years ago with concerns about this alley and uh as I recall, it was kind of a racetrack and um he wasn't happy and u I'm really glad that we're doing something about it. It it's a minor thing for us, but I think it was a major thing for him and so I'm glad we're doing this. Mhm. Okay. Other questions or comments?

I have one. Go ahead, Nick. Thank you. Is this Are we sure this isn't part of a road or anything like that? It's an actual alley. We're quite certain. Okay. It's just weird cuz Google Maps took me right down that alley and normally they don't take you down alleys and I was like,

well, consider log never mind. But how Google Maps works is not how your brain works. So, okay. My I guess my only concern is um how you know normally when we vacated alleys in the past it was just a square block that really didn't mean a whole lot. This one um connects a lot of different alleys especially over in that area. Um was there any concerns or anything from any neighbors? Nobody showed up here, but I just I don't know if I mean it there's more that connects to this alley than than just the the property that that abuts it, I guess, is my point. So, that's my only concern.

Um, as far as the city's concerned, as we noted, there is no utilities in that section of the alley. The garbage trucks do not use that. They go um east and west and then just to the north. They don't come down to the south in there. We talked with the utilities. We talked with um city employees as far as that piece. And that's not a piece that affects city business and we have haven't had any neighbors in the area that have made any requests one way or another. Okay. But that is one of the reasons we read an ordinance multiple times. Yeah. So that if someone hears about this in the press or from the meeting and they have the opportunity to come and tell us what their thoughts are.

Yeah. I'm just surprised that nobody haven't heard anything about it. Um, but no, I mean that was my only concern is it's not just vacating an alley, it's vacating a connecting alley to multiple uh entrances and exits. So that was my only concern. Other questions or comments? Seeing none, calling the question on item number eight, please. Item number eight is passed. Item number nine, another public hearing to uh approve the agreement for sale of real estate at 908 East 14th Street with Matthew and Jamie James and authorize the mayor to sign necessary documents. Opening the public hearing on this issue. If you have any concerns, please approach the microphone. Let us know your thoughts. Bill, this is one of our properties that we're been talking about, right?

Yes, that's correct. Okay. So, how long has this one been on the property resolution list? Um, as of the last update to the property resolution list that I had, it was over 600 days on the property resolution list. Okay, thank you. So, public hearing is open. If anyone would like to make a comment on this, please approach the microphone, tell us what your thoughts are. I think we have a fairly dedicated public tonight. So, um, don't think they're going to say much about this one. I move to close public hearing.

Second by BS, second by RER to close public hearing. and calling the question on closing the public hearing, please. Public hearing is closed. Council will now consider approve the agreement for sale of real estate at 908 East 14th Street with Matthew and Jamie James and authorize the mayor to sign necessary documents. Mr. Mayor, I move to approve the agreement for sale of real estate with Matthew and Jamie James and authorize the mayor to sign necessary documents. Second. Motion by Lucas, second by Flanders. We have discussion on item number nine. Ed, how much money is left in that bond? Kevin,

assuming council approves this tonight, um we would have have approximately 78,000. However, that does not take in consideration some demos and cleanups that still have to be taking place. to the ones that you've previously approved. Thank you, Kevin. So, the cost that we purchase these properties for is not necessarily the total amount that we can assess to this fun for repayment to the city. Well, in other words, if we've got cleanup costs, if I understood Kevin correctly, that's added to the purchase price. Yeah. So, the grant pays for that,

right? Correct. And so, okay. So, so what will happen is after October of this year, we will auction these properties as clear. The titles will be cleared, the sites will be cleared, and whatever revenue we make from that, we make. So, will these be auctioned off as a group as a or will they be individual properties or they'll be they'll be individual properties at auction. Okay. Thank you. Other questions or comments?

Seeing none, calling the question on item number nine, please. Item number nine is passed. Item number 10, another public hearing. First reading an action on the recommendation of the North Flat Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission to adopt ordinance number 4244 amending the North Plat City Code of Ordinances section 3307 Historic Preservation Commission. Lane, I'm going to ask you to read this one now.

Ordinance number 4244, an ordinance of the city of North Plat, Lincoln County, Nebraska, amending section 33.07 07 of the municipal code of the city related to the historic preservation commission repealing all ordinances in conflict here with providing for the effective date and publication thereof. Mayor, I move to wave the remaining required readings on Oh, Edward in the public hearing. So, sorry. Thank you. I appreciate your opportunity to wave and just hold off on that for a second. Okay. We have a public hearing on this item. If anyone would like to make a comment, please approach microphone. Tell us what your thoughts are. Pete, I move to close public hearing.

Second. Motion by Bulls, second by Dy to close public hearing. Calling the question on closing a public hearing. Public hearing is now closed. Thank you, Pete. You made the last two, so I figured we'd just be consistent. Trifecta. Okay. Council will now consider first reading an action on the recommendation of the North Plat Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission to adopt ordinance number 4244 amending the Northlat City Code of Ordinances section 3307 Historic Preservation Commission.

Mr. Mayor, I move to wave the remaining required readings on ordinance number 4244 and move to adopt ordinance 4244 to amend uh 33.07 of the muted municipal code of the city of North Lab.

Second. Motion by RER, second by Nisley. Judy, you want to give us a quick blurb on what this is about or you want Kevin to do it? Okay, Kevin, I guess has been volunttoled. So, thank you, Kevin. Um, no, so this is just some minor changes. The original ordinance was passed in 2007. It's basically just changed some administrative uh features in there to match up with city processes. for example, setting um city treasurer taking care of the finances, uh city staff taking care of the secretary role. So, basically just sets two officers, a chair and a vice chair for the board. And um a couple other minor things in reporting. Um really doesn't change any overall processes. It'll just line up with public hearing notices and those types of things. So, it matches up with all other boards of the city.

Thank you, sir. and it's been discussed numerous times at historic preservation commission and also went for public hearing with no comments last in February. Thank you. Other questions or comments? Seeing none, calling the question on item number 10, please. Item number 10 is passed in one reading. Item number 11, approve the claims. Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve the claims. Second. Motion by RER, second by Volos to approve the claims. Mr. Mayor, I'd like to abstain from paying the claims. The record show Mr. Dy has abstained from the claims vote.

Calling the question on number 11, please. Number 11 is passed. Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir. Like to move to go into executive session to talk about real estate transactions.

Okay. Second motion by Flanders, second by McNe. Commander executive session direct the city's rights regarding property negotiations. Yes, we do. Thank you everyone. Have a good evening. Please take a cupcake or several. Hand them out. Judy, force them to take them. Mr. Dye and Mr. Nisley, would you vote please? Jim, Jim and Rod, would you vote? Please. Vote. Vote. Vote. Please. Vote. Vote. Please.

I have no idea. We We don't know.