[3:52] Welcome to the Lincoln City Council meeting of August 31st. Please be advised a copy of the Open Meetings. Act is located at the back of the chamber's by the Northwest or but it's all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a short moment of silent meditation. Please remain standing. If you are able to do so.
[4:15] I pledge allegiance to the flag. The United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, I never got indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Order of the business of the city Council is as follows. The clerk will call the items listed on the agenda under public hearing.
[4:51] Anyone wishing to speak on the item must first register in sign in at the table, located in the lobby. The council shall require any member of the public addressing the council to identify themselves. The name of any organization represented by such person and their address unless the address requirement is waived to protect the security of the individuals.
[5:10] Each speaker should state whether they are speaking in favor or in opposition to the item. Testimony is limited to 5 minutes per speaker. Anyone wishing to speak on to agenda item should come forward after the clerk reads the item and the applicant has presented after public comments. The applicant may make one short rebuttal.
[5:31] After all public hearings, the council will vote on resolutions and items listed under 3rd reading on the second in last Monday's of the month, immediately prior to adjournment, anyone may speak on any issue, not on the agenda for that date, nor planned for a future agenda.
[5:47] We ask that all speakers strive for civility and allow for the business of counseled proceed unimpeded. Will the clerk please call the first item of business? Our first item of business cities reminder that due to the Labor Day holiday City Council will not meet on September 7th. Next 10 is our consent agenda sections. 1, 2 in sections. 3.
[6:10] More it is there anyone here to present on an item on the consent agenda? Welcome director. Good evening. Maggie. Sticky Ross Parks and recreation. 31, Street. I'm here with 2 appointments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory board specifically for our 2 news student members.
[6:29] A little bit of a full circle moment here. I'm standing next to Simon Brock Myers, who, in fact, was the first meeting I had as the director of Lincoln Parks Foundation back in 2017. So we'll start with Simon and I'll let him introduce himself.
[6:43] Alright, hi, my name is Simon back. My I'm currently a senior at Lincoln High School. I've been involved with Lincoln Parks and Rec from. I did. I did a park project to the age of them through 10 and which I hope to improve on.
[7:01] Bishop Heights Park, adding new equipment, trees and a bike rack as well as a bike rack to tear a park I'm currently involved in a bunch of different activities as a senior such as the International Baccalaureate program as well.
[7:22] And the other board and I'm a captain for our show choir. I I really wanted to be involved in. In the Parks and rec advisory board because I care a lot about I care a lot about our parks and our trails.
[7:42] And I've always wanted to be involved with General City improvement and the the benefit of other people's lives and and then prevent him. So. Already. Thank you, Simon, so much for stepping up to serve. We really appreciate it. Are there any questions from council for Simon Council in Washington? Good afternoon, Simon and welcome. I have one question for you.
[8:08] Do you have a favorite park? I absolutely do. Bishop Heights Heights Park. That's the one that worked on. And oh, yeah, already any other questions for Simon? Thank you so much, Simon. Really appreciate it. Thank you. And we have a second nominee here. We shed come outta Follies. I can close.
[8:28] She will help correct my pronunciation before our first board meeting Theresa is a senior at Lincoln East and she is the second nominee. So if you want to introduce yourself and tell him, I'd like to serve. High Council members and Russia and I'm a senior at Lincoln East High School. I wanted well over this, Ali.
[8:44] I got the opportunity and kind of learn more about parks and rec through his leadership in Lincoln. That's Highness. I'm in here. But but I have some of her passion for this. Beyond that. I think I'm very involved with. He cut my school and on the district level as well.
[9:00] South of key COVID understood the importance of serving and especially as I used to give back to our community. I feel that's really develop my sense of purpose. I do really think my purpose is to serve and also really hosa. So I've always been very interested in medicine, but another really like deep interest. Mine is politics and government. And I think that's why that country me here.
[9:17] And I just want to make an impact on link in the place that have grown up in and helped create policy and have really an experience. It was a great opportunity as I used to be able to go and help him create policy. So I'm really excited to be here.
[9:30] If things go, are there any questions for ESA Council in Washington? Good afternoon, Gratia. I have. It's the same question. Do you have a favorite park? I really cantaloupe. Yeah, I I think I'm gonna go in there. So that's my favorites.
[9:53] And I hope you and both of you fill out the survey from Park any other questions from council? Brady. Thank you both. Really appreciate it. Will vote on these here soon. So stick around. Already. Is there anyone else who would like to present on an item on the consent agenda that sections 1, 2, 3, If so, please come forward now. Anyone from the public wishing to speak item on the consent agenda.
[10:19] Seeing no one else come forward. Madam Clerk, we may proceed. No vote on these items. Item, one A's appointing Richard Koo little volume and Simon Bachmeier to the Parks and Recreation Advisory board. Her terms to expire. June first 2027 introduced by Bowers. So moved all second moved by Bowers seconded by Karlsson.
[10:41] Any discussion. You know, all just say looks like Lincoln's in good hands with young leaders like yourself. So we're really lucky to have both of you. Thank you for stepping up to serve Lincoln in this capacity. Seeing no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the roll hours. Yes, Carlson, yes, Washington, yes, student. Yes, show yes. Weber.
[11:03] Yes. Motion carried 6, 0, And one B is reporting 10 depot in key graph to the Parks Recreation Advisory Board for terms to expire. April 20th, 2020 90's by Bowers. So the second seconded by Karlsson, any discussion. Seeing no discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the roll done. Yes, Washington, yes. Show yes, powers. Yes, Carlson.
[11:25] Yes, Weber. Yes. Motion carries 6, 0, I don't want to seize approving the selection of a contractor pursuant to bids to be open on August. 27. 26 in authorizing execution of the construction contract between the city and the Nebraska Department of Transportation for the use of federal transportation program, funds for design, construction
[11:42] and construction engineering for the Feels-like Trail project just 5 hours. and second second by Karlsson, any discussion. Seeing no discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the Roll Council in Washington. You're recognized.
[12:02] I would like to offer a motion to amend number one on this item in order substitute the whole bill. It provides a the name of the contractors us. All right, news, their son, Ken second, seconded by Wassie or seconded by Karlsson discussion. Seeing no discussion on the motion to amend Madam Clerk, please call the Roll Carlson. Yes, powers. Yes, Washington. Yes to done this show. Yes, whether yes, motion carries 6, 0.
[12:25] Now on the main motion. Any discussion seeing no discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the roll Carlson just hours. Yes, Washington, yes, student, yes, show yes. Liver. Yes. Motion carried sub-zero. I don't want these approving the selection of a contractor pursuant to beads to be open on August. 27.
[12:47] 26 and authorizing execution of the construction contract between the city and the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Please, a federal transportation program funds for the construction of Lincoln Area, Bridges, Rehabilitation project. And you spent hours. So the second seconded by Karlsson discussion. Council in Washington. Thank you very much. Chair Weber. Again, I'd like to offer a motion to amend number one on this item.
[13:07] It's substitutes the resolution that the correct one. Is there a second second second by Karlsson discussion on the motion to the men seeing no discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the roll on the motion to men, Washington. Yes, Carlson student. Yes. Show yes, powers. Yes, Weber. Yes.
[13:28] Motion carried 6, 0, Now the main most in any discussion on the main motion. Seeing no discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the roll Washington. Yes, Carlson, yes. Student the show. Yes. Hours flavor. Yes. Motion carried 6, 0, Item.
[13:46] One is approving a local group between the city of Lincoln and Lancaster County to use the city's right of way for detour of northwest 56 street ne of the he look or traffic. The Holden Street Northwest 48th Street and West O Street during the construction of north West 56th Street from Aiea intersection to hold a street in just 5 hours. Loop second second by Karlsson discussion.
[14:06] Seeing no discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the Roll show. Yes, Washington. Yes, Carlson. Yeah. Student. If hours, yes, Weber, yes. Motion carried 6, 0, I don't is approving the agreement for construction.
[14:25] Engineering services between the Nebraska Department of Transportation and City of Lincoln as the local public agency for the 70th in Nebraska Parkway turn Lanes improvement project just 5 hours. So second, second by Karlsson discussion. Seeing no discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the roll Carlson just hours. Yes, Washington, yes, student. Yes. Oh, yes, LeBron. Yes.
[14:51] Motion carried 6, 0, Items through 2 D reintroduced by moved second second by Karlsson discussion. Seeing no discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the Roll Carlson. Yeah. Sours s Washington. Yes. Students. Yes. The show. Yes. Weather. Yes. Motion carried 6, 0, That concludes consent agenda. We'll move on to Section 4 public.
[15:12] A liquor resolutions on alcohol item for a and B together. I do for a visa application, a red herring concepts policy being this is as drift for classic a liquor license located 8.19, 0 Street and then related manage application of already as I can here to present. Welcome.
[15:33] You can just start with your name and address and then tell us a little bit about your application. But Tony Young, it's I'm Tino Street. Patients for basically a vantage and a retail shop with just a small bar in it. It offers the chance to hang out shop, you know, kind of just it's more of a slow shopping experience is what we're going for. And school.
[15:55] The hybrid. A concept. We don't see those and we can so we can bring something else new to the city. So. And I'm on for the response of hospitality on September 10. So any anything down? No. Mike Martin, 1925, to the court.
[16:17] Tony, their business partners instead appeared numerous times the other liquor licenses thought I'd bring along the Stop Salute Lee Sense. Yeah. Any questions from council councilman do done.
[16:40] We so slow shop a quick, the experience that then so do not antiques that I've vintage clothing like when I go to shop with my daughters, I just want to go sit down this and to sit down not for the magazine and a Exactly. Yes, a lot that while you have That's really slow. I'm better than having a drink on Amazon. Know. That's right.
[17:03] I just want to note that both of you have been phenomenal business stewards within the Lincoln Community. And I really appreciate all of your efforts in shaping Lincoln to what it is today. And I look forward to supporting this application. Thanks. Any other questions or comments from council. All right. Thank you so much. It. Is there.
[17:23] Anyone from the public who wishes to speak on these items items for a year for be? Seeing no one from the public come forward. Madam Clerk, we may proceed. I don't foresee application of Reno Dynamics.
[17:37] Inc thinks this is the first haven't for a special doesn't need a license to cover an outdoor area measuring approximately 80 feet by 65 feet at 14, 12 0 Street on September 18, 1920 up from 08:00PM to 02:00AM already. He's the applicant here to present. Is there anyone from the public who wishes to speak on this item? Item 4 C? Seeing no one from the public come forward. Madam Clerk, we may proceed.
[17:59] A call items for de through 4 h items for the 3 h's application of young family else eating. This is his hero. The bar Landshark Realty Group LLC, doing business as tanks, country also doing business as the corner bar. Homegrown industries. Lincoln doing business as mellow mushroom in your investments. All seating possesses guy.
[18:16] 25 for specially designated license to cover an outdoor area measuring place at 74 Feet by 308 feet. Canopy Street from Arctic you street on September. 12th and 19th. 26 from 01:00PM to 11:00PM.
[18:31] All righty are any of the applicants here to present? Is there anyone from the public who wishes to speak on any of these items items for DEC threw for 8? Seeing no one from the public come forward, madam or councilman. So I think man, yeah, March air. I like to make a motion that we approve items for a through 4 h second.
[18:52] Second by Washington. Any discussion on these items? Seeing no discussion. Madam clerk, please call the roll. Carlson. Yes, powers. Yes, Washington, yes. Show yes, whether yes, motion carried 6, 0, That concludes Section 4 will go to Section 5 find me.
[19:20] And if it is accepting in approving the report of the impending claims against the city for August. 1st to August, 15th 2026. All right. He is there. Anyone here to speak on this item? Accepting in approving the reported new and pending claims against the city for August 1st or August. 15th of 2026. Seeing no one. Come forward. Madam Clerk, we may proceed.
[19:43] A call item 5, be this meeting, the human rights manager as the city's title 5 coordinator. Welcome City Attorney. Lots of Christie City attorney 5, 5, 5, South 10th. Both this item and the next item of though. I think you just called 5 the riot.
[20:05] This is just to designate the human rights manager is the title 6 coordinator for the city of Lincoln. This is something that we're happy to take on. The city attorney's office has certainly been involved in this process. And with the previous title, 6 coordinator as legal counsel for the city. But we're going to move it.
[20:27] The Commission on Human Rights is division and city attorneys office, as you are all aware and we are prepare to take on this responsibility. I think as is mentioned in the resolution, have actually been served in this capacity for a few months.
[20:42] But this is just too designated officially going forward and Miss Reyes is here. If you have any questions. All righty. Are there any questions from council? Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone from the public who would like to speak on this item? So please come forward now. Seeing no one come forward.
[21:14] Madam Clerk, we may proceed going to read and 5 seats. The record doesn't mean in human rights managers. The city's ADA coordinator. Again, I'm not gonna repeat everything that I set on the previous item. But everything I said on the previous item also relates to this item.
[21:34] I would add if you look at the resolution and the bar, we are designating a position rather than a person which I also think is a good thing going forward. So now that coordinator position is attached to this. Position. Whoever serves in that position going forward.
[21:52] Any any questions from council? I would just say that. I think it will. The saying goes that the reward for good work is more work, right? So congratulations. Director is assuming that this is this passes on super clean. Some stuff office point. Yeah. Yeah. Already.
[22:17] Well, is there anyone from the public who wishes to speak on item 5? See if so, please come forward now. All righty seeing no one from the public come forward. Madam Clerk, we may proceed find e approving a request to the city performance audit committee pursuant to Chapter 4.
[22:36] 6, 6 going to municipal code to determine whether an audit of the finance department in the operation of the city's payment card processing services is appropriate in serious. Welcome director. Thank you. Good evening. Showed only or 5, 5, 5, South 10th Street City finance director. So this resolution is a recommendation for the performance audit committee to take a look at the electronic payment processing environment for the city.
[22:57] So the city process is quite a few credit cards. Debit cards ACH through Web payments and terminals, including a parking start, ran fares, water bills. That's a really big ones. during this area would give us kind of an independent walk. At our current practices.
[23:19] And I think give us. Kind of some strategic direction on what we need to plan for as we continue to grow and process more of these transactions. I think it would really strengthen. Our compliance and help us plan for future requirements. In addition to that.
[23:40] I think there's some opportunities there to look at her merchant processing services environment in total. How many we have, what the various fee structure looks like and there could. There are some likely some efficiencies to be gained there and likely some. Some negotiating we could do if we consolidate some of this merchant processing agreements. So yeah, and summary this topic, it sets up.
[24:10] The city for some future compliance requirements for the payment card industry. Data security standard. As we grow. And it gives us those opportunities to look at. Look for some improvements. With that open up. If you have any questions for me. All righty. Are there any questions for director? All right. Thank you so much.
[24:34] Is there anyone from the public who wishes to speak on this item? If so, please come forward now? Seeing no one from the public come forward. Madam Clerk, we may proceed. We can vote on these items item 5 A's accepting improving the report of noon pending claims against the city for August.
[24:54] First through August 15 to 26 inches for Bauer. So moved second. Second by do it in any discussion. Seeing no discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the Roll show. Yes, Carlson, yes, hours. Yes, Washington, yes, student. Yes. Weather. Yes.
[25:16] Motion carries 6, 0, item 5, these dozen in the human rights manager as the city's title, 6 coordinator in just 5 hours to move second second by Karlsson. Any discussion. Isis seen if director is going to come up earlier to speak at all. Are you good to have you on for a good part? I just want to make sure. Okay. Yes, okay.
[25:32] I want to give you the opportunity. The decline write to us. That sounds Seeing no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the roll Washington. Yes, so yes, student, yes, Carlson, yes. Powers this where yes, motion carries 6, 0, In 5 seasons as a meeting.
[25:54] Human rights manager as the city's ADA coordinator and she spent hours a second. Alright, seconded by Karlsson. Any discussion seeing no discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the roll Carlson. Yes, powers. Yes, Washington, yes, student. Yes, show yes, whether yes, motion for 8, 6, 0, Item.
[26:17] 5 D is approving a request of the city's performance audit committee percent. A check of 4.6, 6 of the Lincoln Minutes. But code to determine whether an audit of the finance department in the operation of the city's payment card processing services is propery it in service introduced by powers. So the second second by Karlsson, any discussion.
[26:33] Seeing no discussing madam clerk, please call the roll hours. Yes, Washington, yes, show yes, student. Yes, Carlson. Yes, whether yes, motion carried 6, 0, That concludes Section 5 of the agenda. Section 6 ordinances, 3rd reading related resolutions item 6.
[26:55] 80 These changes in 2, 0, 5, application of Pesky Townhomes LLC for an amendment to the existing wilderness Crossing planned unit development to modify a lot area and lot with requirements for single-family.
[27:12] Lots with an area to the PD and to correct the erroneous lot sizes generally located at the southwest corner of South First Street and was punished Boulevard introduced by the key is so moved, moved by Washington as their son, Kenneth, like a second by Karlsson discussion. Seeing no discussion. Madam Clerk, please call the roll Bauer's. Yes, Washington, yes, show yes, student. Yes, Carlson. Yes. Weather. Yes. Motion carried 6, 0, Section 7 is resolutions. First ratings 70 through 7 B.
[27:33] Section is ordinances first reading in related resolutions or items 8 a through H J Section 9 is our pending list. 8 certain item 9 E R pending sections. 10 items through 10 D. Thank you.
[27:54] Madam Clerk, anyone wishing to address the council on any matter, not on this agenda, not plan to appear on a future agenda May do so at the open microphone session. Individuals are allowed a total of 5 minutes to speak regardless of the number of topics for the month of August. Open microphone Sessions will be held on August 10 and August 31st.
[28:09] 2026, which is tonight, is there anyone here who wishes to speak during the open microphone session? And so please come forward now. Chair Weather City Council. My name is Andy Faust. I live at 83. 51 memory lane in Lincoln.
[28:45] I'm here today to further discuss Chairman Webber's budget amendment to appropriate $165,000 from the General Fund reserves. To the Urban Development Department to establish a program for tax preparation. The 2026 2027 20 27 2028 fiscal years. I personally think that is a cow's the council's responsibility to their constituents to create a good economic environment and create tax revenue for the city. And chair Webber's amendment.
[29:11] Does both. But this amendment, the city could could potentially generate 3 million dollars a year in tax revenue. That would be a win-win for everyone involved. Much of that money would likely go right back to the city's economy through mortgage payments, groceries, childcare, gas, and even school lunches. At the August 24th meeting. Vice Chair Dugan.
[29:36] Commented on the test commented on a testifier who said this is a good thing because I used to have to pay $350 to my tax person to get my taxes done. And now it's free. Vice chairs responded.
[29:54] Vice chair responded that if she is receiving $1500 refund that you can afford a $300 $350 fee. You may be right. But if this is her account, is anything like mine. The payment is due that day before the returns even filed. One of her family are living paycheck to paycheck. No one knows. It was also said that the IRS offers of service for free.
[30:20] That is true. But do you honestly believe the IRS will provide us same level of service when the average return is around $1500? A person with this service being provided. There are also many reports that the services that the IRS offers are very difficult to not navigate.
[30:40] Last week, the vice chair stated I don't think we should over tax them. The council councilman Dune, if you receive a tax refund. Then you've been overtaxed. That's plain and simple. Please donate or interpret the next concern as a lack of support. I support this just as just as much as I support the tax prep preparation amendment.
[31:03] Last week, the vice chair, Vice Chair Dugan stated I have a lot of people. I had a lot of people comment. They don't want their tax dollars going to nonprofits. I don't care how you disguise it by funneling it through the urban development.
[31:21] It's still the same thing. On December 4, 2025. he posted on social media about revitalizing Jensen Park. Baseball fields near more middle school in our district. This project would require the city to provide a $300,000 matching Fund in partnership with the Lincoln Parks Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization.
[31:43] I raised concerns regarding both the construction and future maintenance of these new but ball fields but received no response. Additionally, Evers expressed similar concerns about the upkeep of of the 20 existing ball fields in Lincoln, although I'm in favor of having more ball fields. In the city, I recommend.
[32:04] That we focus on maintaining our existing facilities without that without dedicating the attention to their upkeep, these fields will likely struggle to remain competitive with sand Hills. As we as as has been evidence since its opening. We also need to turn attention to our high school baseball fields. But that's for another day.
[32:29] Councilman, do after 3 years in office and recent vote against our budget. Constituents still haven't heard your tax reduction plans or and alternative budget proposals beyond opposing funding for non profits. I'd like to thank the Council for allowing me to speak today. Thank you for coming. Thank you.
[32:53] Is there anyone else from the public who wishes to speak if so now would be your opportunity to do so. Seeing no one else coming forward. I motion for amendment Yes, I mean, for adjournment to us. I swear this is off. Yeah. This was for terror tournament all second already moved by Washington.
[33:23] Seconded by do done any discussion on the motion to adjourn, seeing no discussion. Madam clerk, please call the roll on the motion to adjourn student. Yes, powers. Yes. Show us. Yes, Washington. Yes, Carlson. Yes. Weber. Yes. Great 6 era already. We are adjourned.