The North Platte city council authorized on Tuesday the payment of $6 million for more work on the industrial wastewater treatment plant on the east edge of town, which treats wastewater from the Sustainable Beef plant.

Rice Lake West has already been paid $12 million to build the interim treatment plant. The additional $6 million is for the finalization of the plant, according to council documents. The overall amounts were previously approved in November and January, respectively.  

The costs will be paid in user fees by the industry, Sustainable Beef, and not by the ratepayers of North Platte, City Manager Layne Groseth told the Bulletin later.

During the council discussion, Councilman Rod Dye asked whether the treatment plant will be able to handle wastewater from more industries in the future. The city’s contracted engineer, Brent Burklund, said expansion is possible, but the current design is intended to serve the packing plant and its projected capacity. The capacity of Sustainable Beef is increasing by about 20% over initial projections, from 1,500 head per day to 1,800 per day, CEO David Briggs has said.

The council unanimously authorized Mayor Brandon Kelliher to negotiate and sign an amended contract with the construction company, Rice Lake West.

New paving, possible move of public buildings

Considerable discussion occurred during the second reading of an ordinance to create a paving district for the extension of Francis St.

Francis St. is being extended eastward through the new “Homestead” residential area, which is also known as “Legacy Point.” It lies south of E. Philip Ave. Large apartment buildings are under construction there.

The discussion also branched into the possible relocation of the public library, children’s museum and perhaps other public service buildings into the new area.

Regarding the new street, on March 17, the council awarded a $2.8 million contract to Level, LLC of North Platte for the paving. Now, the city administration and the council are considering how best to get reimbursed for the extended street.

The council previously considered a reimbursement/financial assessment plan on first reading on March 17.

The proposal is to create two paving districts. Over several years, property owners in the two districts will pay the cost of the street. Under the plan, the costs will be assessed more directly on portions of the property that are being developed first, rather than spread over a larger area, as was originally thought.

In the March 17 discussion, Mayor Brandon Kelliher said the cost would be assessed on two larger parcels, with expectation that the most heavily developed parcel pays a larger share.

Kelliher said about 80% of the cost would likely be assessed on the lot where major construction is already underway and 20% on a neighboring parcel.

The mayor said the developer requested the city to change the original plan.

Councilman Brad Garrick, noting that fewer acres than expected are included in the proposed assessment districts, said the city’s financial risk increases, because less land is available from which to recover costs if something goes wrong.

Mayor Kelliher countered the concern. Kelliher said shifting a larger share to the apartment complex would provide stronger protection, since that part of the development represents a higher-value asset.

Garrick was not persuaded.

“I don’t see the upside whatsoever for the city,” he said, pointing to a reduction in what he described as “collateral.” He said a bank wouldn’t reduce its collateral after a loan was signed, so why should the city?

“I think we are giving away a lot and gaining nothing,” he said.  

The discussion expanded into a proposed extensive “Collaboration Campus” is under consideration in the area, consisting of a new public library, children’s museum and perhaps other public service buildings on the Legacy Point property. That is reportedly in the talking stages, discussed by about 40 community leaders behind the scenes.

Garrick raised questions about it. He specifically asked about the potential site and whether the city could be financially responsible for the paving assessment, if the public library were relocated there. The mayor said there are no commitments.

Kelliher said, “no property has been transferred, no agreements have been made. The city has not agreed to do anything other than listen to them (the developers.)”

Ultimately, the council approved the second reading of the ordinance setting the two paving districts on a 6–1 vote, with Garrick voting no.

Kelliher said the proposal would not return for third and final reading until an amended redevelopment contract is in place that clarifies the responsibilities of the developer and the city, under tax increment funding on the project. City Attorney Bill Troshynski previously assured the council that the amended redevelopment agreement would come back before them.

City industrial park

Also, the council considered selling two industrial lots near Prospect Drive in the city industrial park, but tabled a decision until the council sees a more detailed plan for the site.

In other business, the council authorized:

• Authorized $38,338.00 in Newburn Funds to finance the concrete work of a 40 x 60 ft. polygon park shelter in Cody Park. That cost has increased 80% from $21,250 that the council approved in November 2024.
• Authorized the mayor to negotiate and sign documents for a proposal by Midwest Petroleum Equipment in the amount of $362,635.16 to replace the fueling system at the Public Service Department. The system also serves the Lincoln County vehicle under an inter-local agreement.
• An application by Charles Roberts and Richard Housman for Roberts Subdivision at 2401 Rodeo Road. 
• The second reading to vacate the alley between 621 and 701 E. 12th St. 
• A conditional use permit for Lutheran Family Services’ planned new outpatient clinic at 1160 Linda Court. 
• A appointment of Jim Conley and Ron Meyer and the re-appointment of Mary Shimmin and John Gutschenritter to the North Platte Tree Board.
• A special designated liquor license for Midwest Leaf, LLC on April 30 from 3-9 p.m. at Riverside Community at 1107 and 1109 Gwyn Ave. for a ribbon cutting.
• A resolution allowing the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on May 15-16 from on E. Fifth and Dewey St during Music on the Bricks.
• A special designated liquor license for Brothers Tavern on May 15-16 from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. for Music on the Bricks.
• A special designated liquor license for First Responders Foundation on May 2 from noon-10 p.m. at Pals Brewing for a fundraiser and silent auction. 
• Sending the application of Shannon Bordeau as liquor license manager at Rib & Chop House to the Liquor Control Commission with no recommendation. 
• The minutes of the Mar. 17 council meeting. 
• The treasurer’s report for February 2026. 
• Paying the bills.

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