By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview with Mayor Kelliher on our Kubota Podcast Page.
North Platte, NE – North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher joined Allison Peck this morning to review last night’s City Council meeting, a lengthy session that covered development, infrastructure, and city procedures.
The council tackled a full agenda, including housing projects, road maintenance agreements, pension updates, and annexations.
Housing Developments Mayor Kelliher highlighted progress on the Mulligan Meadows Devco housing project, located across from Madison Middle School. “Our partners with Chief Industries are putting manufactured homes on foundations with garages,” Kelliher said. “They’re high-quality homes—you wouldn’t even know they’re manufactured.”
The council approved adding fourplexes to a corner of the property, providing a different housing option for the community. Over the past six to seven years, the council has approved 2,400 housing units, with about 800 expected to be completed by year-end.
Road Maintenance Updates A discussion on Viera Avenue revealed a historical oversight: while the county maintained the road, it was never officially designated a county road. The council decided to remove it from the interlocal agreement with the county, leaving maintenance decisions to county commissioners.
Pension Adjustments and Sewer Projects Changes to the city’s police and firefighter pension plans were approved to comply with state law. Additionally, a sanitary sewer project connecting the Ottinger’s Boat Shop to State Farm Road was awarded to Midland’s Contracting at $169,000, well under the $225,000 estimate.
Traffic and Trash Ordinances A corridor study on Buffalo Avenue will evaluate traffic flow between Rodeo Road and Walker Road, potentially leading to a new stoplight at the intersection of A and Buffalo. The council also approved updates to bulky trash collection, implementing a photo-based system for efficiency and billing purposes.
Annexations The council approved several annexation plans, including “friendly” annexations requested by property owners and more complex city-driven annexations along East 6th Street. These decisions follow public hearings to ensure community input.
Local Purchasing Practices A conversation on city purchasing emphasized supporting local businesses when possible while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Kelliher explained that establishing contracts with local vendors guarantees stable revenue for the community.
Mayor Kelliher reflected on the four-hour meeting: “It was still a good conversation,” he said. “We’re addressing important issues for our city’s growth.”
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for November 18. Residents can watch full meetings and agendas online at northplatte.gov/watch.