By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview with Brandon Kelliher on our Kubota Podcast Page
The North Platte City Council convened Tuesday night for a meeting that focused on improving city infrastructure, expanding housing opportunities, and updating security systems. Mayor Brandon Kelliher joined Allison Peck in the studio Wednesday morning to provide a recap of the session.
The meeting began with recognition for the city’s wastewater treatment plant staff. “We were able to present them with some annual awards last night,” Kelliher said. “One of those awards they’ve received every year for the last 15 years or more. The other one, I think, 12 of the last 15 years. It’s pretty impressive. We have an extremely well-run plant.” He praised the team for keeping the city’s sewer system operating smoothly, noting that “it’s one of those things we don’t give much thought to unless it doesn’t work.”
On the consent agenda, the council approved routine items, including liquor licenses for upcoming community events. Kelliher pointed out that this time of year there are several events, from the Buffalo Bill Bash to annual MMA fights in March. “It’s nice to have stuff to do in North Platte,” he said.
During the regular agenda, council members authorized Mayor Kelliher to sign contracts with Motorola for door access and camera system upgrades across city facilities. “Some of the existing door access and cameras are quite old from a cybersecurity perspective,” Kelliher explained. “We were planning to do this a little bit at a time over the next five to seven years, but Motorola offered a deal to let us pay over five years and do them all at once. So we opted for that approach.” He noted that keeping up with software support is crucial, adding, “Many things are very expensive and you need to make sure you’re not purchasing something that’s going to go out of support in two or three years.”
Council members also approved the first reading of Ordinance 4243, which now requires ice and water shields on roofs. Kelliher explained the change was prompted by insurance challenges: “Insurance companies have lately been using that as an excuse not to pay some roofing claims. Folks have had to fork out more money for their roofs, and roofers have had trouble getting paid. We wanted to give citizens the best opportunity to ensure their homes are appropriately protected.”
Another major topic was the extension of Francis Street. Kelliher described the project as a key economic development opportunity. “By the end of August 2026, Francis Street will go from where it ends today clear to Newberry access. That’s going to be an excellent economic development area. We already have companies reaching out to the property owners saying, ‘Hey, I want to look at buying this piece,’” he said. The project, funded largely by developers and partially by grants, allows the city to expand infrastructure without using taxpayer dollars.
The council also approved the purchase of five properties through a state grant program designed to create affordable workforce housing. Several of the properties are older homes in need of demolition, while one is an empty lot that had been vacant for years. “We’re clearing properties that would otherwise be economically very difficult to deal with,” Kelliher said. “The city spends a lot of money upfront, and we’re not going to get anywhere close to the money back immediately. But clearing these lots opens opportunities for homes or apartments, which helps with the housing shortage and improves surrounding property values.”
Kelliher also highlighted upcoming community events, including the AG Expo on February 10 and 11. “It’s always a great event. You get to see all the equipment, the vendors, and connect with farmers in our area. It’s a tradition in our community,” he said.
The full council meeting, including presentations and discussions, is available for viewing on the city’s YouTube channel for those who want to watch in detail.