The city council authorized a bid for dilapidated property on W. Second St. Tuesday, continuing efforts to clean up abandoned, badly neglected lots.

In November 2024, the city of North Platte received $1.25 million from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Rural Community Recovery Program Grant. The funds are to develop properties for affordable housing construction by acquiring legal titles to the properties.

In January, the city purchased 2107 W. Second for $20,000. A property east of it, 2103 W. Second, is up for sale at a sheriff’s auction. City Attorney William Troshynski said the property is in tax foreclosure. The owner has died and no one is claiming the property. 

Councilman Ed Rieker asked if the city would still bid on the property if another interested buyer were bidding. Troshynski said it would depend on whether the potential owners planned to clean up the property. If they intend to make the property livable, Troshynski said the city will not need to buy it.

Councilman Ty Lucas agreed with Rieker that the city should not buy it if another person is interested. Councilman Brad Garrick asked how Troshynski would know what potential buyers would do with the property, since the sale is by auction. Troshynski said he would arrive early and talk with potential buyers to find out their plans and inform them of the city’s plans to ensure the property is cleaned up. 

The city council authorized Troshynski to spend up to $21,664 to purchase the property. The vote was 7-1. Rieker cast the no vote. 

Postponed considerations

City Council President Jim Nisley presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Brandon Kelliher.

Three items were pulled from the agenda – the purchase of property from Sustainable Beef to construct an electrical substation for $2,200, as well as two public hearings concerning the rezoning of adjoining properties at 603 E. Fifth and 502 N. Cottonwood Ave.

Nisley did not state a reason for the removals. 

Bus system

The North Platte Public Transit System is applying for a grant to secure state and federal funds for its operations. According to council materials, funds for the next two years will be about $1.78 million per year. The application, which goes to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, is for funds for two fiscal years, from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027.

The cost to the city is relatively low. Under the Federal Transit Administration’s Nebraska Public Transportation Assistance Program, non-operational transit costs receive 80% of their funds from federal sources and 10% from the state. Operational costs receive 50% from federal and 25% from state funds, and the purchase cost of vehicles are 85% federally funded with 5% from the state.

The council voted to approve the grant application, 7-1. Councilman Ed Rieker voted no. 

City health insurance

Before the meeting, the council held a work session to discuss the city’s changes to its self-insured health insurance plan, which runs from Apr. 1, 2025, to Mar. 31, 2026. The city will not increase the employee cost this year. Instead, it will switch providers from Aetna to the Midwest Network Alliance and First Choice Health. City Administrator Layne Groseth said the change should result in better employee co-pays and discounts.  

Also, a short discussion took place about including in vitro fertilization (IVF) in employee coverage.

Tanner Pettera from HUB International insurance agency said they added $15,000-lifetime coverage for IVF as part of the approved employee benefits.

Rieker questioned the morality of including that in employee benefits, stating that some people might take issue with that benefit. Lucas said he respected Rieker’s position but felt it was a good benefit to offer. Rieker asked if hormone therapy or other forms of conception would be covered under the benefit.

Pettera asked Spencer Thomas of Apta Health for the language of the benefit. Thomas said that, as currently written, the benefit does not exclude other forms of conception but does not automatically approve them either.

Groseth reminded everyone that no vote could be taken during the discussion. It was decided that Pettera and Thomas would meet with Mayor Kelliher and Groseth about the specific language, and each council member would let them know their thoughts. 

In other business, the council approved:

• The second reading of changes to the city code regarding snow removal on sidewalks and adding penalties for violations.
• The final reading on rezoning 4005 and 4015 West A from a B-1 neighborhood commercial district to an R-3 dwelling district, which will allow apartment buildings to be constructed there, part of the Victory Village project.
• Sending the application of Venue 304 (304 E. Fifth) for a Class C Liquor License to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission with no recommendation. 
• Sending the application of McCabes Pub & Lounge for a Class CK Liquor License to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission with no recommendation. McCabe’s will open in the former location of Good Life on the Bricks, at 402 N. Dewey.
• The minutes of the Feb. 18 meeting.
• The January treasurer’s report. 
• The North Platte audit for the fiscal year ending Sep. 20, 2024.
• Payment of the bills. 

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