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North Platte, Neb. – The City Council convened Tuesday evening for its November 18 meeting, tackling a mix of routine items and major agenda points affecting the city’s development and services.
The meeting opened with standard procedures, including the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation. Mayor Brandon Kelliher noted, “We always appreciate those folks that come and do the invocation for us…they do a really nice job for us, so we appreciate that.”
On the consent agenda, the council approved the termination of a real estate option agreement with 308 BMX, Inc., a group that had attempted to create a BMX track in North Platte.
Kelliher said, “They really did a lot of work and really tried hard to get it going, but they weren’t able to raise enough money. The group may reform in the future and try again at some point.” The city will incorporate a mobile pump track purchased by the group into Curley Park near Madison Middle School, which Kelliher described as “a great feature…with a dedication sign for the folks that helped provide that park.”
The council also approved interlocal advanced life support (ALS) agreements with nearby communities, ensuring coordinated support for emergency services.
“This is a great service that our local first responders provide," Kelliher explained, "they want to protect people not just in North Platte, but people in the whole area.”
Lease agreements for two cell tower sites were another discussion point. Kelliher noted the evolving nature of cell technology and what the future may look like, saying, “We’ve all really only been carrying around cell phones for about 20 years…so what will it look like 20 years from now?”
Annexation ordinances covering several parcels along East 6th Street and other areas also drew attention.
Kelliher emphasized the city’s goal of community uniformity: “The main reason that we’re looking at annexing this area…is to have uniformity in our community. It allows us to push the edge of the influence out on the community and help to define what’s allowed in those areas.”
Concerns about drainage and water tables were discussed, with the city planning to collaborate with Nebraska Park Roads and, potentially, Union Pacific Railroad to address potential issues. The annexations are on their second reading and will return for final consideration at the December 2 meeting.
In a public hearing, the council approved the purchase of property at 2001 East 2nd Street, a fire-damaged and long-vacant home.
Kelliher explained, “The neighbors had begun to complain because there were things living in houses that shouldn’t be in houses when they get abandoned…she [the owner] was interested in selling, kind of relieved to have it resolved.”
Finally, the council discussed solar power generation. While solar remains popular, Kelliher said, “Connecting it to the city power supply…would increase the average citizen’s bill by about 5–6%. It’s very risky, and we just can’t make the numbers work. Adding that additional cost over the next couple of years isn’t a good move for the citizens of North Platte.”
He added that the council would reconsider solar in the future if a larger opportunity arose, particularly if it involved significant job creation or economic development.
Kelliher also highlighted the upcoming dedication of the new skate park at Centennial Park on Friday, noting that the council president will stand in for him. “We’ll hopefully have some skaters out there showing us their stuff, and I’m sure they’re going to have a great time,” Kelliher said.
The council’s next meeting is scheduled for December 2, when annexations and other ongoing matters will be discussed.