NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The North Platte City Council worked through a packed agenda Tuesday night, tackling key issues from airport funding to conditional use permits including a well-attended public hearing on a proposed daycare center at the former Osgood School building.
Despite the many things on the agenda, the meeting remained civil and productive, Mayor Brandon Kelliher said.
“If you come out alive and don’t feel like you were beating each other up, I think we’re going to claim that as an overall success,” Kelliher said.
Airport Funding and Port of the Plains Expansion
The Council approved a resolution allowing city administration to draft an agreement with the North Platte Regional Airport Authority to provide monthly advances of its annual property tax revenues. The move aims to help the airport avoid taking out costly lines of credit by smoothing its revenue stream.
“It’s really a tax control measure,” Kelliher said, explaining that consistent monthly advances will eliminate the need for interest payments and reduce future tax burden.
The council also supported a resolution recommending the inclusion of the airport within the boundaries of the Nebraska International Port of the Plains. The move would allow for future cargo operations and potential commercial development on airport grounds—possibly making North Platte the first city in Nebraska with a port designation at an airport.
Dog Training Rules and Court Protection
With new tennis and pickleball courts now open, councilmembers addressed concerns about damage from off-leash dogs during training sessions. The council held the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting animals on the new court surfaces and introduced plans to install a fenced dog training area at Kriz Park.
“We’re not trying to displace dog trainers permanently,” Kelliher said. “We just can’t have the surface of the tennis courts damaged.”
The designated dog training area won’t be a full dog park but will offer space for off-leash training, fetching, and classes. The mayor said future expansions could be considered depending on how the area is used.
Public Hearing: Daycare at Former School Endorsed
The most anticipated item of the night was a public hearing and conditional use permit application by Trucks N Tiaras Academy, a local daycare operator seeking to move to 491–495 W. State Farm Road, formerly Osgood School.
“Usually when there's something contentious, someone will speak against it—even just one person,” Kelliher said. “But in this case, all public comments were in favor.”
Ryan Purdy, president of Mid-Plains Community College, which purchased the building earlier this year, shared the college’s future plans during the meeting. While Trucks N Tiaras will operate in the facility under a two-year lease, the college is preparing to develop academic programs at the site thereafter.
Civic Participation Encouraged
Mayor Kelliher took a moment to remind residents of the importance of public hearings and civic involvement.
“You make the best decisions when you have all the facts,” he said. “Just because you don’t agree with something doesn’t mean your facts are wrong. That’s how the democratic process works.”
Kelliher encouraged residents to attend council meetings, ask questions, and share their perspectives — especially on issues that matter directly to them.
“There’s nothing wrong with coming out and saying you disagree with something. It’s not only welcomed, it’s essential.”
The next North Platte City Council meeting is scheduled for later this month.