By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post
North Platte, Neb. - North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher joined us this morning to discuss last night’s City Council meeting and provide updates on several ongoing projects and community developments.
Mayor Kelliher was unable to attend the meeting in person due to travel delays. “The fuel valves on the airplane engine weren’t working, which, when you’re flying, you’d much rather have them figure that out on the ground than in the air,” he explained. Despite the delay, Council President Jim Nissley stepped in to fill his role, ensuring the meeting ran smoothly.
The meeting opened with the invocation by Byron Lamgo from Christian Outdoor Fellowship, followed by the pledge of allegiance, roll call, and other standard proceedings. The council then addressed a lengthy consent agenda, which included appointments to close property-related issues and recognition of community volunteers. Carly Lind, continuing her service on the Housing Authority, was highlighted as a valuable contributor.
Several development projects were also discussed. The City Planning Commission recommended final approval for the Chase subdivision at 802 East Walker Road in a light industrial district. Additionally, the council approved the Fritz Farms Second Subdivision at 1120 Andy Avenue and 1109 Gwen Avenue, a new housing development that will bring single-family homes to the area south of East Phillip Street. Mayor Kelliher emphasized the importance of these projects, noting that “you’ve got to have places to live, good jobs to pay for them, and things to do to make a town grow.”
Other agenda items included the approval of a long-term grazing lease for city-owned pasture land with Billy Wilson, generating $9,250 in revenue for the city, and new stop signs and no-parking zones at Brighton Avenue and Francis Street to improve safety near upcoming housing developments. The council also addressed procedural steps related to Viera Avenue’s potential road vacation and multiple annexations, which were ultimately approved.
Mayor Kelliher acknowledged the challenges annexations can present. “When you’re a city council member, one of the things you face is what is fair. It’s difficult to know what that is,” he said, stressing that the council carefully considers the long-term impact of decisions on the community.
In the public hearing portion of the meeting, the council addressed the first reading of Ordinance 4242, continuing annexations of city- or government-owned properties along the rivers. Conditional use permits were also discussed, including a potential solar power project by Primary Energy LLC east of Menards, which was tabled for further review, and an expansion of storage units at Lakeside Campgrounds.
Looking ahead, Mayor Kelliher highlighted upcoming community events, including the North Platte Christmas Parade on December 11th and the Veteran and First Responder Tree Lighting at Cody Park on December 6th.
The full meeting is available to watch on the City of North Platte’s YouTube channel, as well as live during all council meetings.