The North Platte city council approved a resolution Tuesday evening in support of efforts to recruit legal immigrants to Nebraska.

The resolution states that the mayor and council acknowledge the efforts of group known as Nebraska Future Force Coalition for ongoing work. And, the city resolution recognizes the need for Nebraska to create a more welcoming environment that harnesses the talents of its diverse population and promotes long-term prosperity for all its residents.

Gary Person, President of the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation, said the coalition is working to recruit legal immigrants to Nebraska and helps legal immigrants become citizens.

Person said the process is a long and sometimes overwhelming task, and the coalition is working to simplify it.

Councilman Pete Volz questioned whether the council should endorse the coalition without knowing more about their overriding intent.

Person said the Chamber board of directors had the same concerns and put off their support for two months while more information was gathered. He said in the end, the Chamber board was comfortable enough to support it. Councilman Ty Lucas asked if the coalition endorses any political candidates, and the mayor said they did not.

The council approved the resolution with a unanimous vote.

Grants for library, 15th St.

No one from the public spoke Tuesday evening during public hearings regarding $812,877 that the city of North Platte is requesting in Community Development Block Grants.

Two separate applications were submitted for the federal CDBG funds: one for improvements at the public library and another to upgrade 15th St. between Custer and Hayes.

The library improvement project would address moisture seepage in the basement, replace garage doors, renovate restrooms, replace a leaky roof in the garage, replace outdated windows, fuse panels, and carpet, and add surveillance cameras and keyless entrances. It is estimated to cost around $519,539, with $372,667 from CDGB funds, and $146,862 in matching funds from the city.

The 15th St. project would pave the street, add sidewalks and storm drainage. It is estimated to cost $616,000, with $440,200 in CDGB funds and $175,800 in matching city funds.

Mayor Brandon Kelliher said the city will find out next year if it receives the funds for these projects.

Sustainable Beef

The council unanimously approved two items related to the Sustainable Beef project: the selection of Van Kirk Bros. for a wastewater lift station and force main, as well as an agreement with the Nebraska Department of Transportation to pave about a half-mile and widen the intersection of E. Golden Road.

Midlands Contracting offered a lower bid ($2.7 million) for the wastewater project, but could not start the project until April. Van Kirk Bros.’ bid ($3.4 million) has a completion date of May.

Lot variances approved

The council approved three variances to lot size: 805 S. Maple, 815 Mockingbird Dr., and 1610-1620 N. Buffalo Bill Ave.

Planning Administrator Judy Clark said the city code regarding lot sizes is intended to prevent the combination of two lots and potential encroachment on future streets or alleys. Clark said none of the properties will infringe on potential streets or alleys.

Volz asked if plans for the lot on Mockingbird Dr. would fit in the development, and Zack Eickhoff of Eickhoff Construction assured him it would not be an eyesore to the neighborhood.

The council unanimously approved all three variances.

Rezoning

Also, the council approved the second reading of the rezoning for Mark and Kadin Oettinger’s boat repair shop with a 5-2 vote. The land is along S. Buffalo Bill Ave., across from Pals Brewing. Councilman Jim Nisley mentioned that he is still receiving calls from neighbors opposing the rezoning.

Mark Woods and Donna Tryon voted no, and Lucas abstained due to a potential conflict of interest.

The third and final reading will take place at the Sept. 17 meeting.

In other business, the council approved:

• The Fatdogs Subdivision located at 3400 Halligan Dr.
• The conveyance of the remaining portion of the Suburban Irrigation Canal located just south of West A and north of 102 S. Elder to Everett P. Palmer, Jr. for $100. Other portions of the canal have already been sold to neighboring property owners. The required three readings were waived.
• Discharge of fireworks during the North Platte High School Homecoming Parade at 8 p.m. on Wed., Sept. 18 in the downtown area.
• The annual interlocal agreement for the Emergency Management position that the city of North Platte and Lincoln County share. The city’s portion of the salary is $35,794.98.
• The annual agreement for independent contractor services with Alexandrea Stroud to operate the Government Access Cable TV System, including but not limited to recording, broadcasting, live-streaming, and editing.
• The collective bargaining agreement between the city of North Platte and the International Association of Firefighters Local #831, which will be in effect from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2027.
• The collective bargaining agreement between the City of North Platte and North Platte Police Employees Association, Inc. Fraternal Order of Police #33, starting Oct. 1 and ending Sept. 30, 2027.
• An authorization for the mayor to negotiate final terms and execute the contract for Municipal Advisory Services with Northland Securities, Inc. for financial advisory services relating to the financing of the Rec Center and Wastewater Plant.
• A 12-month agreement with Zelle Human Resource Solutions for personnel services.
• Sale and consumption of alcoholic liquor in the city-owned parking lot west of the Prairie Art Center on Sept. 19 from 6-11 p.m.
• The application for a special designated liquor license by Creativity Unlimited Arts Council dba Prairie Arts Center on Sept. 19, from 6-1 p.m.
• Skyline Liquors application for a special designated liquor license on Nov. 9, from 4 p.m.-1 a.m. at the D&N Event Center for mixed martial arts fights.
• Sending an application of Nebraska’s Rib and Chop House for a Class IK (on sale only and catering) liquor license to the state with no recommendation.
• The minutes of the Aug. 19 and 20 meetings.
• The treasurer’s report for July 2024.
• The claims (the bills).

Bulletin Editor George Lauby contributed to this report.

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