The North Platte City Council voted 5-2 Monday to reject the rezoning of property for a workout center at 801–807 S. Elm.

Jason and Kayla Jensen, owners of Enzo Athletic Performance, sought to rezone the property to build a new, expanded center to meet the growing demand of the community. 

Councilmen Ty Lucas and Brian Flanders cast the only votes in favor of the change. Councilman Jim Nisley was absent.

The proposal would have changed the zone from low-density single family residential to hospital district.

During the public hearing, three neighbors on Elm St. spoke against the rezoning. Tom Werblow, Bruce Petersen, and Jean Gilpin expressed concerns about increased traffic and the potential developments that rezoning could allow in the future. Werblow asked the council to consider the rezoning carefully so that it would not become his “Nightmare on Elm Street.”

The council agreed that this was a difficult decision. Councilman Rod Dye said he put himself in the shoes of the residents and decided that he would not want to look out his front window at a gym. Councilman Pete Volz, Nick McNew, and Ed Rieker all stated that they admired the Jensens and what they have done with their business, saying that their vote was not a vote against them but rather against the location. 

Along the river

In other business, the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District asked for a conditional use permit to expand sand processing operations where the Platte rivers join, just southeast of North Platte. The project would allow Central to process sediment dredged from the Platte River near the diversion dam, facilitating its irrigation and hydropower operations.

With limited local demand for raw sand, CNPPID plans to build a facility to clean and market the sand. The expansion could increase traffic from 2 truckloads a day to 30. Crushed asphalt will be added to unpaved roads to reduce dust and noise.

The operation would be run by the Gritt Group, becoming the first tenant at the Inland Port Authority’s industrial rail park. The property is already zoned for industrial use. Planning Administrator Judy Clark voiced no objections. The council unanimously approved the conditional use permit. 

Dilapidated property

Also The council approved the purchase of a fifth and sixth run-down property using funds from the city’s $1.25 million Rural Community Recovery Program. The program allows the city to obtain legal titles to deteriorating properties on the condition that the property be repurposed for affordable housing.

The council approved the purchase of properties at 504 & 506 N. Bryan Ave. and at 1208 W. 11th for a price equivalent to their taxable land valuation.

According to county records, the Bryan Ave. property is valued at $25,266, with the land assessed at $13,504. The 11th St. property is valued at $37,661, with the land portion at $9,620. The council approved both purchases, 7-1, with Rieker casting the no vote.

Street maintenance

The council considered a request from Jerome Vieyra for the city to maintain Vieyra St., located just outside city limits.

City Attorney William Troshynski reported that no documentation could be found to support Vieyra’s claim that the city previously agreed to maintain the road. In letters in 2024 and 2025, Troshynski said the city has no legal obligation to maintain what appears to be a private road and advised that maintenance could only be considered if the property were annexed into the city or if documentation showing a public dedication was provided. 

Vieyra told the council that the city had maintained the road for years, until about a year ago when he was informed it was not the city’s responsibility. He asked for time to locate the deed showing the road was dedicated to the city. The council agreed to table the request until Vieyra can provide the documentation.

New substation

In March, the council was scheduled to approve the purchase of 0.516 acres from Sustainable Beef for $2,200 to build an electrical substation. However, the item was pulled from the agenda before discussion took place, and no explanation was provided at the time. Now, the city is purchasing the same plot for $7,500.

Councilman Nick McNew questioned the price increase, and the mayor explained that the seller initially misunderstood which property was being sold. The original price was based on an undeveloped lot, while the revised price reflects the fact that the property is already developed.

The substation will serve the east side of the city.

In other business, the council approved:

• Referred a micro-TIF blight and substandard study at 1404 and 1420 Rodeo Road to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. 
• The final reading of an ordinance to rezone 3001 W. Ninth from B-2 (Highway Commercial District) to R-3 (Dwelling District).
• The final reading of an ordinance to rezone 2401 East Philip from an R-3 (Dwelling District) and an I-1 (Light Industrial District) to an R-M (Mobile Home Park District) and an I-1 (Light Industrial District).
• The purchase of a 2013 Ford F-350 with 8,501 miles, a plow, and a dump box for the street department from Dillons Auto of Lincoln. 
• An interlocal agreement with Lincoln County for the service of providing fuel to the Lincoln County Roads Department. The city purchases the fuel and sells it to the county for the actual cost plus one cent per gallon. 
• The replat of 2821 Hoover Rd., splitting the current lot into two lots. The sewer is available to the new lot; however, it will require additional infrastructure before a residence can be built. 
• An application by Venue 304 for a special designated liquor license on June 20, 21, 27, and 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Cowboy Collective event, in association with Nebraskaland Days.
• The resolution for the sale and consumption of alcohol in the 300 block of Bailey from Fourth-Fifth Sts. by Venue 304 on June 20, 21, 27, and 28 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for the Cowboy Collective Event.
• Fire Chief Dennis Thompson applying for “SAFER” (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) funding and committing to the required matching funds. The grant period is three years. During the first two years, the city will be responsible for 25% of the matching funds and 65% during the third year. The grant will bring in $378,496.84 in funds. 
• The minutes from the May 20 meeting.
• Paying the bills.

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