By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview with Brandon Kelliher on our Kubota Podcast
The North Platte City Council wrapped up a brief meeting this week, approving several appointments, agreements, and routine items, according to a post-meeting recap from Mayor Brandon Kelliher.
The meeting lasted just 13 minutes, making it one of the shorter sessions during Kelliher’s tenure as mayor. He noted that while short meetings do happen from time to time, most upcoming council meetings are expected to be longer due to pending agenda items.
During the meeting, council members approved the mayor’s appointment of Sarah Ostmeyer to the Library Advisory Board. City leaders highlighted the importance of volunteers who give their time to serve the community through advisory roles.
The council also approved the reappointments of Stephen Granger, Jim Griffin, Casey Anderson, Steve Olson, and Glenn Van Velsen to the North Platte Historical Preservation Commission. The commission works to preserve and maintain historic structures throughout the city, particularly in the Canteen District and downtown North Platte.
Kelliher said the work of the preservation commission often goes unnoticed unless problems arise, noting that continued upkeep of historic buildings helps keep downtown an attractive place for businesses, restaurants, and visitors. He added that increased foot traffic downtown reflects the city’s growth, even if it sometimes means fewer available parking spaces.
Council members also approved a license agreement with NP Ice, allowing the seasonal outdoor ice rink to return to Centennial Park. Officials acknowledged challenges created by warmer winter weather and said the city hopes to work toward a future location that could offer overhead coverage to help preserve ice conditions.
In other business, the council approved a $16,000 professional services agreement with Miller & Associates to update the city’s historic buildings survey. The update is required by the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office and is typically completed about once every decade. The last update was completed in 2008.
The council also approved claims, completing the meeting’s remaining agenda items.
Outside of council action, Kelliher highlighted a recent statewide development involving North Platte leadership. Pat Keenan was elected board chair of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, marking the first time a North Platte resident has held the position. Kelliher said the appointment gives western Nebraska a stronger voice in statewide economic discussions.
City council meetings are open to the public and may also be viewed online through the city’s YouTube channel.