1 00:00:36,680 --> 00:00:38,700 [music] 2 00:01:26,460 --> 00:01:28,480 [music] 3 00:01:59,760 --> 00:02:01,920 » Mhm. 4 00:02:31,306 --> 00:02:33,326 » [music] 5 00:02:57,506 --> 00:02:59,526 [music] 6 00:03:04,057 --> 00:03:06,077 [music] 7 00:03:51,217 --> 00:03:53,237 [music] 8 00:05:20,953 --> 00:05:22,973 [music] 9 00:05:26,193 --> 00:05:28,213 [music] 10 00:05:49,760 --> 00:05:51,919 » Mhm. 11 00:05:55,014 --> 00:05:57,034 » [music] 12 00:07:24,095 --> 00:07:26,115 [music] 13 00:07:50,295 --> 00:07:52,315 [music] 14 00:08:27,630 --> 00:08:29,650 [music] 15 00:08:39,420 --> 00:08:41,440 [music] 16 00:09:17,411 --> 00:09:19,431 [music] 17 00:10:57,627 --> 00:10:59,647 [music] 18 00:11:50,028 --> 00:11:52,048 [music] 19 00:11:57,233 --> 00:11:59,253 [music] 20 00:12:03,128 --> 00:12:05,148 [music] 21 00:12:20,158 --> 00:12:22,178 [music] 22 00:13:10,594 --> 00:13:12,614 [music] 23 00:13:17,144 --> 00:13:19,164 [music] 24 00:13:34,174 --> 00:13:36,194 [music] 25 00:14:07,579 --> 00:14:09,599 [music] 26 00:14:14,129 --> 00:14:16,149 [music] 27 00:15:03,255 --> 00:15:05,275 [music] 28 00:15:24,760 --> 00:15:26,920 » Mhm. 29 00:15:30,110 --> 00:15:32,130 » [music] 30 00:15:40,590 --> 00:15:42,610 [music] 31 00:15:50,415 --> 00:15:52,435 [music] 32 00:16:00,240 --> 00:16:02,261 [music] 33 00:17:01,811 --> 00:17:03,831 [music] 34 00:18:14,517 --> 00:18:16,537 [music] 35 00:18:21,722 --> 00:18:23,742 [music] 36 00:19:03,643 --> 00:19:05,663 [music] 37 00:19:14,920 --> 00:19:17,000 » Mhm. 38 00:19:59,973 --> 00:20:01,993 » [music] 39 00:20:13,073 --> 00:20:15,093 [music] 40 00:20:48,200 --> 00:20:51,240 » Got it. Roll call. >> Roll call. 41 00:20:50,480 --> 00:20:53,320 » Hug. >> Here. 42 00:20:51,680 --> 00:20:54,320 » Melton. Row. >> Here. 43 00:20:53,680 --> 00:20:55,400 » Festerson. >> Here. 44 00:20:54,560 --> 00:20:56,360 » Goodwin. >> Here. 45 00:20:55,840 --> 00:20:57,480 » Harding. >> Here. 46 00:20:56,680 --> 00:21:00,000 » Mr. President. >> Here. 47 00:20:58,920 --> 00:21:03,480 » Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for 48 00:21:01,560 --> 00:21:07,440 opening remarks by council member Ron Hug. 49 00:21:05,040 --> 00:21:12,000 » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, 50 00:21:09,600 --> 00:21:17,920 to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with 51 00:21:15,360 --> 00:21:20,600 liberty and justice for all. >> Be seated. 52 00:21:23,960 --> 00:21:30,480 Welcome to everybody to Omaha from across the world to 53 00:21:27,880 --> 00:21:33,480 wonderful College World Series. Uh Mr. President, we have such an 54 00:21:32,200 --> 00:21:36,600 important agenda today. I think we should move forward. 55 00:21:34,280 --> 00:21:40,120 » Thank you. >> An affidavit of publication is on file 56 00:21:38,600 --> 00:21:44,280 and a current copy of the open meeting act is posted in a white binder on the 57 00:21:41,640 --> 00:21:49,360 east wall of legislative chambers. >> Good afternoon. Welcome to this meeting 58 00:21:46,560 --> 00:21:55,080 of the Omaha City Council. As a courtesy to those in attendance and to facilitate 59 00:21:52,600 --> 00:21:59,640 the conduct of our business, we ask that you please silence or turn off all 60 00:21:57,080 --> 00:22:04,480 electronic devices. A reminder, you will have 3 minutes to 61 00:22:01,520 --> 00:22:07,880 speak on an agenda item. Please stay on topic. 62 00:22:05,800 --> 00:22:12,920 For those not providing in-person testimony and would like your comments 63 00:22:10,360 --> 00:22:18,640 entered into the public record, you can email the city clerk's office 64 00:22:15,360 --> 00:22:18,640 at cityclerk@cityofomaha.org. 65 00:22:19,160 --> 00:22:26,160 Council members receive these emails and read them. 66 00:22:23,240 --> 00:22:30,640 Finally, council members may ask members of the audience back up for clarifying 67 00:22:28,040 --> 00:22:33,400 questions, but not for extra time to speak. 68 00:22:31,880 --> 00:22:38,040 I like to remind council members to speak clearly into the microphones so 69 00:22:35,720 --> 00:22:41,920 audience members in attendance and at home can hear. And those that are 70 00:22:40,400 --> 00:22:46,400 going to speak today at our podium, please get between the two microphones 71 00:22:44,800 --> 00:22:52,000 so we can hear you and they can hear you at home as well. Thank you. 72 00:22:50,000 --> 00:22:57,000 » Item six, to consider a Class C liquor license for There There, located at 3020 73 00:22:55,120 --> 00:23:04,160 Leavenworth Street, Suite 1. >> The public hearing is now open on item 74 00:22:59,120 --> 00:23:04,160 six. Ms. Talley, good afternoon. 75 00:23:07,400 --> 00:23:15,440 » Good afternoon. My name is Catina Talley, um 2407 76 00:23:12,400 --> 00:23:20,640 Hanscom Boulevard, Omaha, Nebraska. And I own a few businesses here around 77 00:23:18,680 --> 00:23:27,611 town, [clears throat] the newest of which will be Via Farina, 78 00:23:22,760 --> 00:23:30,000 um located at 3020 11th Street, Suite 1. >> [snorts] 79 00:23:28,080 --> 00:23:36,400 » Um it's a joint venture with my partner Ivy Sutton. We will be opening a all-day 80 00:23:33,400 --> 00:23:42,200 cafe and wine bar specializing in European-inspired 81 00:23:38,240 --> 00:23:48,040 dishes and low-intervention wines. Uh hours of operation would be 7:00 a.m. 82 00:23:45,280 --> 00:23:51,720 to 11:00 p.m. And we're hoping to open in August. 83 00:23:49,880 --> 00:23:55,560 » Thank you. Stay close, I might have a couple questions for you when we're 84 00:23:53,000 --> 00:23:59,400 done. Thanks. Are there any proponents on item six here today that wish to 85 00:23:57,280 --> 00:24:05,720 speak? Seeing none, are there any opponents? 86 00:24:03,280 --> 00:24:09,600 Public hearing is closed. Miss Talley, uh couple questions for you. 87 00:24:07,760 --> 00:24:13,200 You mentioned other businesses you have in Midtown. Can you share with us what 88 00:24:11,640 --> 00:24:16,040 those businesses are that you currently have? 89 00:24:13,680 --> 00:24:20,960 » I can, yes. I own Sweet Magnolias Bake Shop. Um we have two locations here in 90 00:24:18,280 --> 00:24:24,200 Omaha. And I also own No Good Bagels and Brunch at also operating two locations 91 00:24:23,120 --> 00:24:27,840 here in Omaha. >> And this is your 92 00:24:25,640 --> 00:24:32,120 next venture and I I know based on your other businesses and 93 00:24:29,560 --> 00:24:36,240 one's in Millworks and one's in in two are in my district, actually. 94 00:24:34,160 --> 00:24:39,520 Um I know you're going to be successful and you're also active in the Hanscom 95 00:24:37,600 --> 00:24:42,560 Park Neighborhood Association, correct? >> I am, yes. 96 00:24:40,680 --> 00:24:45,080 » And you're from Friend, Nebraska, so I don't know if anybody's from Friend, 97 00:24:43,720 --> 00:24:48,120 Nebraska. Uh we're we're glad to 98 00:24:46,800 --> 00:24:51,440 Yeah, we're really glad to have you here. Uh tell us about the 99 00:24:49,480 --> 00:24:53,240 European-style plates that you'll have. Kind of tell us about those a little 100 00:24:52,800 --> 00:24:57,480 bit. >> Yeah, um 101 00:24:55,040 --> 00:25:02,240 I mean, working with my my partner, Ivy, we're both um drawn to 102 00:25:00,720 --> 00:25:07,280 European-style cafes, um looking to lean into some 103 00:25:05,120 --> 00:25:11,840 tinned fish options, bring that a little bit more of that to Omaha. 104 00:25:09,320 --> 00:25:16,440 Um some like lighter-style breakfast, toasts, leaning into like some 105 00:25:14,400 --> 00:25:20,720 sandwiches and and salads and such in the in the lunch hour, and then some 106 00:25:19,120 --> 00:25:24,240 handmade pasta in the evenings. >> Okay, well, look forward to getting down 107 00:25:22,240 --> 00:25:27,440 there when you get open and I I can't make a motion to support this, but I'm 108 00:25:25,800 --> 00:25:30,640 certainly supportive and thanks again for your being a great small business 109 00:25:29,480 --> 00:25:33,720 owner in Midtown. >> Of course, I try. 110 00:25:31,920 --> 00:25:39,040 » Got a motion and a second. No further lights, roll call. 111 00:25:34,760 --> 00:25:39,920 » Hug. Melton. Row. Festersen. Goodwin. Harding. 112 00:25:39,560 --> 00:25:41,280 » Yes. >> Mr. President. 113 00:25:40,600 --> 00:25:46,640 » Aye. >> Motion passed 7-0. 114 00:25:44,680 --> 00:25:52,240 Item seven, to consider a Class C liquor license for San Patricio's Cantina and 115 00:25:49,360 --> 00:25:56,520 Pub, located at 3232 L Street. >> Public hearing is now open on item 116 00:25:54,080 --> 00:26:00,080 seven. I believe we have the applicant by Zoom or Zoom right in front of me 117 00:25:58,200 --> 00:26:03,480 here. All right. Good afternoon. 118 00:26:01,000 --> 00:26:08,560 » Good afternoon. My name is Francisco and I bought Donahue's Pub from Mike a 119 00:26:06,760 --> 00:26:12,800 couple weeks back. It's been a bar for 26 years 120 00:26:10,200 --> 00:26:16,680 and we are keeping it an Irish bar and grill and we're 121 00:26:14,280 --> 00:26:19,560 open to continue to be open. We're currently open. 122 00:26:18,160 --> 00:26:22,440 Uh we're on a temporary operating permit. 123 00:26:20,960 --> 00:26:26,160 » Okay, we might have some questions for you. Thank you. Do we Do we get his 124 00:26:24,760 --> 00:26:30,680 Do we get your address? >> Uh 3232 L Street, Omaha, Nebraska. 125 00:26:29,280 --> 00:26:33,040 » And your first and last name? >> Francisco Gonzalez. 126 00:26:31,920 --> 00:26:37,840 » Thank you. Are there any proponents on item seven 127 00:26:35,480 --> 00:26:43,520 here today? Seeing none, are there any opponents? 128 00:26:41,720 --> 00:26:47,600 Public hearing is closed. Council member Hug, you're recognized. 129 00:26:45,480 --> 00:26:54,560 » Well, I certainly appreciate you taking the name Saint Patrick. Um 130 00:26:51,880 --> 00:26:58,480 the former St. Patrick's Church meant so much to the South Omaha 131 00:26:57,120 --> 00:27:02,480 community. Uh I don't know if you know the history, 132 00:26:59,680 --> 00:27:06,320 but it's originally built in 1910. Um 133 00:27:03,680 --> 00:27:12,560 and it served the immigrant community for 60 years until it stopped being a 134 00:27:09,400 --> 00:27:16,240 basically a church in the mid-70s. And uh 135 00:27:13,960 --> 00:27:20,160 so I appreciate that tip of the hat to the heritage in Omaha, especially to the 136 00:27:18,520 --> 00:27:25,560 immigrant community. Um also a little fact you may not know, 137 00:27:23,360 --> 00:27:29,000 uh Father Flanagan of Boys Town, >> Yeah. 138 00:27:26,320 --> 00:27:35,320 » he came to Omaha as associate pastor at St. Patrick's Church. So the very 139 00:27:31,400 --> 00:27:38,520 historical church name, a lot of history in South Omaha. 140 00:27:37,120 --> 00:27:41,640 So does Donahue's. >> Yes. 141 00:27:39,400 --> 00:27:46,440 » And uh you know, Donahue's has been part of the fabric of South Omaha for 26 142 00:27:44,360 --> 00:27:48,000 years, which in bar terms is a long time. 143 00:27:47,240 --> 00:27:51,280 » Yeah. >> And hopefully you you hopefully you get 144 00:27:50,080 --> 00:27:54,280 to find that out. >> Yeah, we're trying. 145 00:27:52,120 --> 00:27:57,040 » Um so you're going to continue with the Tuesday dinners cuz I've had a lot of 146 00:27:55,920 --> 00:28:01,880 questions about that. >> pork and dumplings, we had it today and 147 00:27:59,840 --> 00:28:05,320 thank God we had a full house. >> Well, that's good and I and I hope that 148 00:28:03,960 --> 00:28:08,880 continues. And 149 00:28:07,160 --> 00:28:12,760 but the single thing that my constituents have asked me 150 00:28:11,320 --> 00:28:16,280 about, and uh this is very important to me 151 00:28:14,440 --> 00:28:20,200 personally as well, is the mural on the side of the building. 152 00:28:17,800 --> 00:28:24,800 » Yes, Mike told me about it and we are keeping the mural. Uh we have no 153 00:28:22,120 --> 00:28:30,680 intentions to take it out. We were going to ask uh if there's any possibility um 154 00:28:28,600 --> 00:28:35,680 and we're willing to pay for this, but we're trying to get some light inside. 155 00:28:32,680 --> 00:28:38,960 So all the four windows, including the kitchen window, are currently covered by 156 00:28:37,520 --> 00:28:44,560 the mural. So I wanted to contact the artist and 157 00:28:41,200 --> 00:28:49,480 see if there's any opportunity to maybe make them into an awning and and make it 158 00:28:47,200 --> 00:28:53,280 as non-disruptive as possible. And if it's not possible, then we'll 159 00:28:50,880 --> 00:28:58,760 keep the awning. Um you know, we we really like it. We want to light it up, 160 00:28:55,560 --> 00:29:04,120 so we uh have an electrician quoting us so that at night people can see it. Uh 161 00:29:01,200 --> 00:29:06,440 make it viewable to the passing uh cars during the day and during the 162 00:29:05,840 --> 00:29:09,600 night. >> Yeah, there's a lot of history in that 163 00:29:07,840 --> 00:29:14,600 mural. Um I was not part of that mural, but I was 164 00:29:12,120 --> 00:29:19,200 part of the Little Italy mural. And I know 165 00:29:16,040 --> 00:29:23,920 firsthand all the work and the history and the thought that went into that 166 00:29:21,000 --> 00:29:26,800 mural. And I know for sure that that went into that mural on the side of your 167 00:29:25,520 --> 00:29:30,960 building, too. Although we cannot make that a condition 168 00:29:29,280 --> 00:29:33,800 of your liquor license today, I assure you if I could, I would. 169 00:29:33,105 --> 00:29:36,640 » [laughter] >> So, 170 00:29:34,760 --> 00:29:40,360 but uh as long as you've talked to Mike and Mike's expressed that, you know, the 171 00:29:38,360 --> 00:29:43,280 community's concerned about saving that mural, 172 00:29:41,400 --> 00:29:46,600 and you we have your word here today that I make a motion we approve. 173 00:29:45,320 --> 00:29:50,200 » Second. >> Got a motion and a second. No further 174 00:29:48,680 --> 00:29:51,080 lights. Roll call. >> Hug. 175 00:29:50,720 --> 00:29:52,000 » Yes. >> Melton. 176 00:29:51,640 --> 00:29:52,760 » Yes. >> Rowe. 177 00:29:52,440 --> 00:29:53,720 » Yes. >> Sturgeson. 178 00:29:53,320 --> 00:29:54,640 » Yes. >> Goodwin. 179 00:29:54,200 --> 00:29:55,800 » Yes. >> Harding. 180 00:29:55,280 --> 00:29:57,240 » Yes. >> Mr. President. 181 00:29:56,480 --> 00:30:01,800 » Aye. >> Motion passed 7 to 0. 182 00:29:59,920 --> 00:30:06,280 » Thank you. >> Item eight, to consider a Class A liquor 183 00:30:03,520 --> 00:30:10,720 license for Craft Axe Omaha located at 2562 Leavenworth Street, Suite 100. 184 00:30:09,120 --> 00:30:17,080 » Public hearing is now open on item number eight. I believe Mr. Murphy is on 185 00:30:13,240 --> 00:30:17,080 Zoom. Can you hear us, Mr. Murphy? 186 00:30:23,840 --> 00:30:27,880 I think you're muted. We can't hear you yet. 187 00:30:29,880 --> 00:30:34,960 » Okay, now you should hear me. >> We got you. Get your name and address. 188 00:30:33,440 --> 00:30:39,680 Good afternoon. >> Good afternoon. Uh my name is Sean 189 00:30:36,520 --> 00:30:44,760 Murphy at 2562 Leavenworth Street, Suite 100. Um applying for a Class A liquor 190 00:30:42,440 --> 00:30:48,160 license for Craft Axe Omaha. >> Thank you. 191 00:30:45,960 --> 00:30:54,480 Are there any proponents here on item eight? 192 00:30:50,200 --> 00:30:58,680 Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. 193 00:30:57,080 --> 00:31:01,800 This is in my district. Just a quick question for you, Mr. Murphy. Is 194 00:31:00,320 --> 00:31:05,720 anything changing other than the ownership? 195 00:31:03,600 --> 00:31:09,240 » Uh, primarily things will be the same. Um, 196 00:31:06,720 --> 00:31:14,240 uh, we are doing some minor aesthetic updates on the inside to help, um, 197 00:31:12,320 --> 00:31:19,280 elevate the space and bring it more in line with what, uh, 198 00:31:16,160 --> 00:31:24,040 and modern expectations are. Um, my wife is the creative director, so 199 00:31:21,480 --> 00:31:26,840 she's adding a a little bit, not too crazy, but a little bit of feminine 200 00:31:25,360 --> 00:31:31,160 touch. It's looking a lot, we're getting things done, but looks a lot better. Um, 201 00:31:29,280 --> 00:31:34,680 but otherwise much will be the same. >> Okay, and how about the the operating 202 00:31:32,840 --> 00:31:39,600 hours? >> Uh, we are operating from 4:00 to 9:00 203 00:31:37,160 --> 00:31:43,880 on Wednesday and Thursday. Um, 204 00:31:40,960 --> 00:31:46,120 3:00 to 11:00 on Friday, 12:00 to 11:00 on Saturday, and 12:00 to 7:00 on 205 00:31:45,560 --> 00:31:49,720 Sunday. >> Okay. I can't make a motion to support 206 00:31:48,360 --> 00:31:52,520 this, but I wish you the best of luck and continued at that location. Thank 207 00:31:52,280 --> 00:31:55,240 you. >> Thank you. 208 00:31:53,440 --> 00:31:58,320 » Got a motion and a second. No further lights, roll call. 209 00:31:56,440 --> 00:32:02,280 » Hug. Melton. Rowe. Peterson. Goodwin. Harding. Mr. 210 00:32:01,840 --> 00:32:06,440 President. >> I. 211 00:32:03,120 --> 00:32:06,440 » Motion passed 7 to 0. 212 00:32:06,520 --> 00:32:12,920 Item nine to consider a liquor license addition application for Meadowlark 213 00:32:10,280 --> 00:32:17,720 Lounge located at 3302 Leavenworth Street 10 an outdoor area. 214 00:32:15,040 --> 00:32:21,240 » Public hearing is now open on item nine. Applicants here today? Good afternoon, 215 00:32:19,920 --> 00:32:26,880 gentlemen. >> Hey, uh, Ross Coley, 2438 South 48th 216 00:32:24,960 --> 00:32:30,480 Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska. >> Mike Wiedemier. 217 00:32:28,120 --> 00:32:36,080 » 1109 Howard Street, Omaha, Nebraska. >> Thank you. Are there any proponents here 218 00:32:32,880 --> 00:32:42,200 today on item nine? Seeing none, are there any opponents? 219 00:32:40,160 --> 00:32:45,960 Public hearing is closed. Mr. Coley, good afternoon. Just you're adding on a 220 00:32:44,440 --> 00:32:48,760 deck on the north end of the building, correct? 221 00:32:46,680 --> 00:32:53,120 » Correct. Yeah. Um there's a stairwell there currently now 222 00:32:50,760 --> 00:32:56,800 that'll go into our basement, which is an addition we're working on now for 223 00:32:54,800 --> 00:33:00,360 renovation. And it'll be kind of right above that. 224 00:32:58,120 --> 00:33:03,560 Uh right now the smoking section is right out the front door, which is 225 00:33:02,080 --> 00:33:05,000 right next to the 33rd. So 226 00:33:04,760 --> 00:33:08,840 » Sure. >> I think it's definitely going to be a 227 00:33:06,720 --> 00:33:13,440 much safer option for everyone that's a patron of our building 228 00:33:11,520 --> 00:33:17,080 you know, partakes in that. Plus people coming in and out, just keeping that 229 00:33:14,920 --> 00:33:19,240 area as less cluttered as we can. >> Great. 230 00:33:17,640 --> 00:33:24,560 » So I'll certainly be supportive of this here today. Thanks for coming down. 231 00:33:22,200 --> 00:33:25,360 » Got a motion and a second. Roll call. >> Hug. 232 00:33:25,080 --> 00:33:26,200 » Yes. >> Melton. 233 00:33:25,880 --> 00:33:27,040 » Yes. >> Rowe. 234 00:33:26,680 --> 00:33:27,920 » Yes. >> Festersen. 235 00:33:27,600 --> 00:33:29,040 » Yes. >> Goodwin. 236 00:33:28,520 --> 00:33:29,880 » Yes. >> Harding. 237 00:33:29,480 --> 00:33:31,240 » Yes. >> Mr. President. 238 00:33:30,520 --> 00:33:33,800 » Aye. >> Motion passed 7 to 0. 239 00:33:32,480 --> 00:33:38,360 » Thank you for all your service. We appreciate it. Also, congratulations and 240 00:33:36,240 --> 00:33:41,400 good luck. I'm dating a Donahue. So I know how important it is to the 241 00:33:39,480 --> 00:33:43,920 community. So best of luck to you. >> Yeah, thanks a 242 00:33:42,008 --> 00:33:47,120 » [laughter] >> Lots always have a lot. 243 00:33:45,320 --> 00:33:51,960 » Item 10, a resolution to approve a special use permit to allow automotive 244 00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:55,360 sales in the CC district located at 4801 Q Street. Planning Board and Planning 245 00:33:53,400 --> 00:34:02,240 Department recommend approval. >> The public hearing is now open on item 246 00:33:57,360 --> 00:34:02,240 10. Is the applicant here today? 247 00:34:10,000 --> 00:34:21,399 Are there any proponents on item 10? Seeing none, are there any opponents? 248 00:34:17,919 --> 00:34:21,399 Public hearing is closed. 249 00:34:22,200 --> 00:34:24,840 » Move to approve. 250 00:34:24,919 --> 00:34:28,280 » Got a motion and a second. Roll call. >> Hug. 251 00:34:27,760 --> 00:34:29,360 » No. >> Melton. 252 00:34:28,919 --> 00:34:30,240 » Yes. >> Rowe. 253 00:34:29,879 --> 00:34:31,879 » Yes. >> Festersen. 254 00:34:30,919 --> 00:34:34,360 » No. >> Goodwin. 255 00:34:34,480 --> 00:34:36,960 » No. >> Harding. 256 00:34:36,320 --> 00:34:38,520 » Yes. >> Mr. President. 257 00:34:37,720 --> 00:34:41,960 » No. >> Motion failed, three to four. 258 00:34:43,120 --> 00:34:49,000 Consent agenda, any member of the City Council may cause any item placed on the 259 00:34:47,000 --> 00:34:52,760 consent agenda to be removed. Items removed from the consent agenda shall be 260 00:34:50,679 --> 00:34:56,120 taken up by the City Council immediately following the consent agenda in the 261 00:34:54,280 --> 00:34:59,280 order in which they were removed unless otherwise provided by the City Council 262 00:34:57,840 --> 00:35:05,280 rules of order. >> The public hearings on agenda items 11 263 00:35:01,520 --> 00:35:07,000 through 15 were held on June 9th, 2026. >> I move to approve. 264 00:35:06,240 --> 00:35:09,840 » Second. >> Got a motion and a second. Roll call. 265 00:35:09,320 --> 00:35:10,720 » Hug. >> Yes. 266 00:35:10,200 --> 00:35:11,560 » Melton. >> Yes. 267 00:35:11,080 --> 00:35:12,480 » Rowe. >> Yes. 268 00:35:11,880 --> 00:35:13,360 » Festersen. >> Yes. 269 00:35:12,880 --> 00:35:14,200 » Goodwin. >> Yes. 270 00:35:13,760 --> 00:35:15,400 » Harding. >> Yes. 271 00:35:14,640 --> 00:35:17,640 » Mr. President. >> Aye. 272 00:35:16,000 --> 00:35:22,160 » Motion passed, seven to zero. >> The public hearings on agenda items 16 273 00:35:19,680 --> 00:35:27,240 through 24 are today. If you wish to address the City Council regarding these 274 00:35:24,080 --> 00:35:31,840 items, please come to the microphone, indicate the agenda item 275 00:35:29,360 --> 00:35:38,080 number you wish to address, identify yourself by your name, address, who you 276 00:35:34,720 --> 00:35:42,400 represent, and if you are a proponent or opponent. 277 00:35:39,840 --> 00:35:47,560 I will open the public hearing on 16 through 24. 278 00:35:44,320 --> 00:35:52,240 Are there any proponents? Seeing none, are there any opponents? 279 00:36:00,840 --> 00:36:08,280 » Larry Storer, 515 Lafayette Avenue, Omaha, 68132. 280 00:36:05,760 --> 00:36:12,720 I'm opposed to number 24. I don't believe that Mr. Fazal has 281 00:36:10,200 --> 00:36:18,040 enough transparency in his pockets to be a good representative. 282 00:36:15,720 --> 00:36:21,520 Nobody's been able to fix this dot com system over the last 8 years that I've 283 00:36:19,920 --> 00:36:27,120 been attending. These speakers are a a real bad system. 284 00:36:25,400 --> 00:36:31,640 It should have been done long uh fixed long ago. Thank you. 285 00:36:29,560 --> 00:36:38,040 » Thank you. Are there any other opponents here on items 16 through 24? 286 00:36:35,840 --> 00:36:43,280 Public hearing is closed. >> Motion to approve items 16 through 24. 287 00:36:40,560 --> 00:36:44,120 » Got a motion and a second. Roll call. >> Hug. 288 00:36:43,880 --> 00:36:45,600 » Yes. >> Melton. 289 00:36:44,920 --> 00:36:46,360 » Yes. >> Yes. 290 00:36:45,800 --> 00:36:47,200 » Festersen. >> Yes. 291 00:36:46,680 --> 00:36:48,160 » Goodwin. >> Yes. 292 00:36:47,640 --> 00:36:49,440 » Harding. >> Yes. 293 00:36:48,640 --> 00:36:53,240 » Mr. President. >> I. 294 00:36:50,160 --> 00:36:57,320 » Motion passed 7 to 0. Item 25, an ordinance levying a special 295 00:36:55,320 --> 00:37:03,720 tax and assessment on real estate for snow and ice removal from sidewalks 296 00:36:59,360 --> 00:37:10,160 district number SWS R 2025-01. >> I will now open the public hearing on 297 00:37:05,320 --> 00:37:16,160 item 25. Are there any proponents? Seeing none, are there any opponents? 298 00:37:13,800 --> 00:37:20,480 Public hearing is closed. >> Item 26, an ordinance to transfer a 299 00:37:18,120 --> 00:37:24,640 permanent easement and land to MUD to relocate facilities on city city-owned 300 00:37:22,920 --> 00:37:27,920 property located near the southeast corner of North 21st Street and Pratt 301 00:37:26,880 --> 00:37:33,120 Street. >> Public hearing is now open on item 26. 302 00:37:30,440 --> 00:37:38,520 Are there any proponents? Seeing none, are there any opponents? 303 00:37:36,480 --> 00:37:44,360 Public hearing is closed. >> Item 27, an ordinance to authorize BMX 304 00:37:41,000 --> 00:37:48,400 Omaha to host the USA BMX National Event and to allow for overnight camping and 305 00:37:46,240 --> 00:37:52,080 parking at Hefflinger Park from July 29th to August 2nd. 306 00:37:50,400 --> 00:37:59,760 » The public hearing is now open on item 27. Are there any proponents? 307 00:37:56,200 --> 00:38:04,280 Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. 308 00:38:02,120 --> 00:38:08,600 » Item 28, an ordinance to amend sections of chapter 11 of the Omaha Municipal 309 00:38:06,080 --> 00:38:11,960 Code relating to mobile food vendors. A is communication set opposition. B is 310 00:38:10,520 --> 00:38:16,080 amendment of the whole requested by the law department. 311 00:38:13,040 --> 00:38:19,880 » Public hearing is now open on item 28. Are there any proponents? 312 00:38:20,040 --> 00:38:27,600 Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. Council member 313 00:38:25,760 --> 00:38:31,560 Festersen, you're recognized. >> Thanks, Mr. President. I just wanted to 314 00:38:29,840 --> 00:38:35,280 have an opportunity to clarify this issue, which was confusing for folks, I 315 00:38:33,720 --> 00:38:37,920 think in previous weeks, but I think has been corrected by this amendment of the 316 00:38:36,880 --> 00:38:41,720 whole. So, as we are not discouraging food 317 00:38:39,760 --> 00:38:47,280 trucks throughout the city, and they are not required to return to a permanent 318 00:38:44,640 --> 00:38:50,000 kitchen every 24 hours. Mr. Cozzi, would you Would you be the right one just to 319 00:38:48,560 --> 00:38:52,640 kind of give a summary of the amendment of the whole? 320 00:38:54,640 --> 00:39:00,200 » I'm sorry, the planning department and I were discussing the special use permit. 321 00:38:59,040 --> 00:39:03,960 With regard to the amendment of the whole, the only change that was made 322 00:39:02,480 --> 00:39:09,160 from the previous version that appeared in front of the council was the removal 323 00:39:06,600 --> 00:39:13,480 of the requirement that the um food trucks, for lack of a better word, 324 00:39:11,040 --> 00:39:17,120 have to return to a commissary every day, at some point every day. 325 00:39:15,640 --> 00:39:19,760 » Yeah, thank you. So, that's not will not be required under city ordinance should 326 00:39:18,680 --> 00:39:22,640 this be approved. >> That was That is not required under the 327 00:39:21,560 --> 00:39:25,400 city ordinance. >> Thanks. Motion to approve the amendment 328 00:39:24,520 --> 00:39:26,960 of the whole. >> I 329 00:39:25,960 --> 00:39:31,440 I next time >> Oh. Oh, thank you. And I I wanted to 330 00:39:29,840 --> 00:39:36,320 open the public hearing, Mr. Store. I miss you if you wanted to speak in 331 00:39:32,760 --> 00:39:41,400 opposition to that. The floor is yours. >> I'll go ahead and open it again. 332 00:39:38,000 --> 00:39:41,400 Is it all right if I open it again? 333 00:39:42,280 --> 00:39:48,960 Larry Store, 5015 Lafayette Avenue, Omaha, 68132. 334 00:39:47,160 --> 00:39:53,240 I am opposed to this because I do drive around Omaha a lot, and I see these food 335 00:39:51,000 --> 00:39:56,640 trucks all over the place. And in some cases, they're on somebody's 336 00:39:55,160 --> 00:40:00,160 private property. I don't think that's proper. The big 337 00:39:58,560 --> 00:40:03,920 example of this is Hamilton at Northwest Highway, Radio 338 00:40:02,840 --> 00:40:08,760 Highway. Right uh 339 00:40:05,520 --> 00:40:12,960 west of uh Mega Saver. Two restaurants, two 340 00:40:10,160 --> 00:40:16,320 uh quick trip type restaurants right on those corners. 341 00:40:14,320 --> 00:40:22,040 And these food trucks are parked on somebody's private property 342 00:40:19,120 --> 00:40:25,560 on the corner of Northwestern Hamilton. It just so happens that the guy that 343 00:40:23,640 --> 00:40:29,640 owns that property is on one of your committees. 344 00:40:27,080 --> 00:40:34,400 He has let the property on Northwest Saddle Creek Drive deteriorate over the 345 00:40:32,200 --> 00:40:40,280 years into something that is much worse than others. 346 00:40:37,040 --> 00:40:44,200 Uh and uh obviously he's going for TIF financing. 347 00:40:42,040 --> 00:40:48,960 He's allowing that lot where the old uh 348 00:40:46,720 --> 00:40:52,680 car lot was to be used for 349 00:40:50,680 --> 00:40:57,080 food vendors to vendors out of the truck of their cars. 350 00:40:55,520 --> 00:40:59,680 That's private property. He's got it up for sale. He should not be allowing 351 00:40:58,640 --> 00:41:03,480 that. And they should not be allowed to go 352 00:41:01,320 --> 00:41:06,920 onto a church property and back up into the corner to sell 353 00:41:05,400 --> 00:41:12,120 their goods. This is just getting a lot of out of 354 00:41:09,080 --> 00:41:12,120 whack. Thank you. 355 00:41:13,040 --> 00:41:19,320 » Thank you. I will now close the public hearing on item 28. 356 00:41:21,360 --> 00:41:26,640 » Item 29, an ordinance to create a new chapter of the Omaha Municipal Code to 357 00:41:25,360 --> 00:41:30,360 govern the establishment, implementation, and enforcement of a 358 00:41:28,480 --> 00:41:33,160 minimum wage. A's communication in support, B's communication in 359 00:41:31,760 --> 00:41:37,960 opposition. >> Public hearing is now open on item 360 00:41:34,760 --> 00:41:45,320 number 29. Are there any proponents who wish to speak on this item today? 361 00:41:41,520 --> 00:41:45,320 » Yes, there is. I got a list right here. 362 00:41:46,600 --> 00:41:54,200 » Mr. Owen Fusel, you were the first one to sign in. Please come up to the 363 00:41:52,240 --> 00:41:58,400 And the next one to keep this going in a timely manner, Eric Rider 364 00:41:56,480 --> 00:42:01,400 is the next one. The floor is yours. Thank you. 365 00:41:59,520 --> 00:42:05,680 » Good afternoon, presidents and members of the Omaha president and members of 366 00:42:03,520 --> 00:42:11,400 the Omaha City Council. My name's Owen Fusel. I live at 309 South 57th Street, 367 00:42:08,560 --> 00:42:16,520 Omaha, Nebraska 68132. Um and I'm speaking today on behalf of 368 00:42:13,640 --> 00:42:21,640 New Voices, um, which is the only youth-led statewide, non-partisan civic 369 00:42:18,920 --> 00:42:25,320 engagement organization in Nebraska. Um, and we're dedicated to making civic 370 00:42:22,920 --> 00:42:30,240 engagement fun, um, and more accessible for every Nebraskan. Um, first I want to 371 00:42:27,960 --> 00:42:34,000 thank Council Member Danny Begley for introducing this ordinance to establish 372 00:42:31,760 --> 00:42:38,680 a standardized minimum wage for all workers in Omaha. Um, this proposal 373 00:42:36,640 --> 00:42:42,400 recognizes a simple truth. Uh, if young people are doing the same 374 00:42:40,240 --> 00:42:47,280 work, they deserve to be paid fairly for that work. At New Voices, we work every 375 00:42:44,920 --> 00:42:50,720 day to help young Nebraskans participate in their communities, engage in local 376 00:42:49,280 --> 00:42:53,200 governments, and make their voices heard. 377 00:42:51,720 --> 00:42:57,040 But civic engagement is difficult when basic necessities are out of reach. 378 00:42:55,880 --> 00:43:01,800 Many young workers rely on their paychecks to cover essential expenses 379 00:42:59,640 --> 00:43:05,960 such as gas to get to school or work, phone bills to stay connected, and food 380 00:43:04,040 --> 00:43:09,440 to meet their daily needs. When young people are paid less simply 381 00:43:07,560 --> 00:43:14,200 because of their age, it becomes harder for them to afford these necessities and 382 00:43:11,600 --> 00:43:17,400 fully participate in community life. And fair wages are not just an economic 383 00:43:15,680 --> 00:43:21,080 issue, they are a civic engagement issue. When young people have greater 384 00:43:19,000 --> 00:43:24,640 financial stability, um, we know that they're better able to attend community 385 00:43:23,160 --> 00:43:29,280 meetings, volunteer, or participate in local organizations, um, and generally 386 00:43:27,080 --> 00:43:34,240 stay informed about the issues that directly affect their lives. Um, they 387 00:43:31,920 --> 00:43:37,840 gain the time, resources, and confidence needed to become active members of our 388 00:43:36,560 --> 00:43:40,760 democracy. Um, this ordinance sends a powerful 389 00:43:39,360 --> 00:43:45,960 message that Omaha values the contributions of all of its workers, 390 00:43:43,320 --> 00:43:50,120 regardless of age. Um, and it affirms that people deserve dignity, respect, 391 00:43:48,200 --> 00:43:53,240 and a fair opportunity to support themselves while building skills and 392 00:43:51,720 --> 00:43:57,480 experience. Um, on behalf of New Voices, I urge you 393 00:43:55,280 --> 00:44:01,640 to support this ordinance and ensure that all workers in Omaha receive the 394 00:43:59,160 --> 00:44:06,320 same minimum wage protections. Thank you for your time and consideration. 395 00:44:03,800 --> 00:44:06,320 » Thank you. 396 00:44:06,520 --> 00:44:13,160 Next speaker is Eric Ryder, followed by Tamaya Wright. 397 00:44:17,000 --> 00:44:23,440 » All right, thank you. Uh my name is Eric Ryder, and I'm here today on behalf of 398 00:44:21,000 --> 00:44:27,600 Voices for Children in Nebraska. For nearly 40 years, our organization 399 00:44:25,920 --> 00:44:31,880 has worked to elevate the voices of children and youth and to advance public 400 00:44:30,040 --> 00:44:36,000 policies that ensure all young people can grow up safe, healthy, and supported 401 00:44:33,920 --> 00:44:39,760 in their communities. It is in that spirit that we are here in support of 402 00:44:37,760 --> 00:44:44,680 this ordinance, which would establish a minimum wage for the city of Omaha 403 00:44:41,360 --> 00:44:50,120 without carve-outs based on age. Our concern with recent state action, 404 00:44:46,680 --> 00:44:54,440 particularly LB 258, is its impact on young workers. The real- The reality is 405 00:44:52,800 --> 00:44:59,000 that young people in our community are not working to spend extra money. They 406 00:44:56,760 --> 00:45:02,560 are working to meet basic needs. Many are helping pay for groceries, 407 00:45:00,400 --> 00:45:06,840 transportation, and housing. Some are supporting themselves, and others are 408 00:45:04,600 --> 00:45:11,800 contributing to their families. For these young workers, wages are not about 409 00:45:08,840 --> 00:45:15,520 convenience, they are about survival. Consider housing. A full-time 410 00:45:13,800 --> 00:45:19,600 minimum-wage worker cannot afford a one-bedroom rental at fair-market rates. 411 00:45:18,040 --> 00:45:24,760 While affordable rent would need to be closer to 600 a month, average rents are 412 00:45:22,160 --> 00:45:28,880 nearly 900. That gap means a worker would need more than one full-time job 413 00:45:26,520 --> 00:45:33,560 just to keep up before even accounting for food, transportation, or health 414 00:45:31,040 --> 00:45:38,200 care. Lowering wages for young workers only makes these challenges more severe. 415 00:45:36,760 --> 00:45:42,760 This ordinance takes a different approach. It recognizes the value of all 416 00:45:40,840 --> 00:45:46,400 workers and ensures that wages reflect the real cost of living in our 417 00:45:44,120 --> 00:45:49,840 community, regardless of age. That matters not just for young people today, 418 00:45:48,360 --> 00:45:52,720 but for the long-term stability of families in Omaha. 419 00:45:51,480 --> 00:45:56,960 It's also important to note that Nebraska voters have already made their 420 00:45:54,760 --> 00:46:01,560 voices clear. They overwhelmingly supported increasing the minimum wage 421 00:45:58,720 --> 00:46:05,160 without age-based exceptions. This ordinance aligns with that intent and 422 00:46:03,480 --> 00:46:08,440 ensures that local policy reflects the will of the people. 423 00:46:06,640 --> 00:46:12,720 All families deserve the opportunity to thrive and economic security is 424 00:46:10,640 --> 00:46:15,920 foundational to that goal. By supporting this ordinance, you are 425 00:46:14,160 --> 00:46:20,360 investing in the well-being of young people and helping to build a stronger, 426 00:46:18,040 --> 00:46:23,800 more stable future for Omaha. We respectfully urge the council to approve 427 00:46:22,120 --> 00:46:27,240 this ordinance. Thank you for your time and consideration. 428 00:46:25,360 --> 00:46:28,680 » Mr. Ryder, can we get your address also for the record? I forgot to get that at 429 00:46:28,600 --> 00:46:34,640 the >> Uh certainly, it is 319 South 17th 430 00:46:31,560 --> 00:46:37,760 Street, Suite 212, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. 431 00:46:36,480 --> 00:46:42,960 » Thank you. Our next speaker is Tamaya Wright, 432 00:46:40,000 --> 00:46:46,240 followed by Joseph Prime, followed by C.J. King. 433 00:46:50,480 --> 00:46:58,320 » Good afternoon. My name is Tamaya Wright. I'm representing Voices for 434 00:46:54,000 --> 00:47:03,720 Children. Address is 319 South 17th Street, Suite 212, Omaha, Nebraska 435 00:47:01,200 --> 00:47:08,000 68102. I support having a standard minimum wage 436 00:47:05,680 --> 00:47:10,800 for all employees regardless of the age because young people deserve to be paid 437 00:47:09,720 --> 00:47:13,840 fairly. Many adults believe that young people 438 00:47:12,320 --> 00:47:17,080 just want extra money to spend it irresponsibly, but that is far from the 439 00:47:15,920 --> 00:47:20,920 case. Majority of teens use it to support 440 00:47:19,040 --> 00:47:26,440 their household, save for college, pay for transportation, and etc. 441 00:47:24,240 --> 00:47:31,840 Lowering the minimum wage shows that our work is looked less on and just simply 442 00:47:29,920 --> 00:47:35,400 because we are younger. Raising the minimum wage and having a standard 443 00:47:33,400 --> 00:47:39,280 minimum wage shows that our work is recognized, respected, and for the 444 00:47:37,760 --> 00:47:43,600 contributions that we make to our workplace and community. 445 00:47:42,440 --> 00:47:46,120 Thank you. >> Thank you. 446 00:47:55,000 --> 00:48:04,280 » My name is Joseph Prime. I live at 6630 Bedford Avenue. I am 16 years old. I 447 00:48:01,520 --> 00:48:09,240 have two jobs. I work at Runza and I am a lifeguard at the Keystone Club pool. I 448 00:48:07,440 --> 00:48:13,000 also have completed the Cadet Fire program in Irvington and now serve as a 449 00:48:11,120 --> 00:48:17,720 volunteer fireman. I work with people who are as young as 450 00:48:14,400 --> 00:48:21,480 14 and as old as anybody on this board. We are all expected to pull our weight, 451 00:48:19,640 --> 00:48:25,520 work hard, and do the best jobs that we can and I strive to do just that. I 452 00:48:24,000 --> 00:48:29,240 don't treat any of my coworkers differently based on their age and I 453 00:48:27,280 --> 00:48:33,240 expect to be treated as an equal by everyone else regardless of age. 454 00:48:31,560 --> 00:48:37,400 At my high school, it was a big deal to turn 16. However, the school doesn't 455 00:48:35,600 --> 00:48:42,080 treat us any differently. We aren't graded on a curve depending on our age. 456 00:48:40,240 --> 00:48:46,040 The standards we have to meet are not age dependent. When I got my driver's 457 00:48:44,120 --> 00:48:49,760 license, my grandfather gave me a car but made it clear that the insurance and 458 00:48:47,760 --> 00:48:53,560 re-registration of the car was going to be my responsibility. 459 00:48:51,720 --> 00:48:56,840 When it comes to registering my car, they don't ask your age. They charge the 460 00:48:55,120 --> 00:49:01,160 same amount regardless, but that's not true of the insurance. My insurance is 461 00:48:59,240 --> 00:49:05,560 significantly higher based solely upon my age. That's right, it's significantly 462 00:49:03,520 --> 00:49:09,680 higher, not lower. But my employer hasn't decided to give me an increase to 463 00:49:07,480 --> 00:49:13,360 reflect that expense. So, I am here to say today that I don't think there's any 464 00:49:11,360 --> 00:49:17,440 reason to give lower wages to someone based solely on their age. I don't think 465 00:49:15,520 --> 00:49:21,440 it's appropriate for someone that's too old or too young and I hope that you 466 00:49:19,080 --> 00:49:24,840 will pass this order ordinance and ensure that everyone in the city of 467 00:49:23,080 --> 00:49:29,640 Omaha is treated with respect and not discriminated against based 468 00:49:27,000 --> 00:49:33,960 discriminated against based solely on the year that they were born. Thank you. 469 00:49:31,800 --> 00:49:41,840 » Thank you. Next speaker is C.J. King followed by 470 00:49:38,080 --> 00:49:46,360 T.V. Anna Robinson. >> Uh Clarence King 602 North 85th Street. 471 00:49:44,920 --> 00:49:51,320 I am the chair of the Douglas County Democratic Party and I'll disclose I'm 472 00:49:48,240 --> 00:49:55,080 Joe's grandfather. Um I Sorry you're here. I really am and I mean that 473 00:49:53,080 --> 00:49:59,240 because this was decided at the state level, and it should have you shouldn't 474 00:49:57,160 --> 00:50:04,040 be in this position. I think Eric said it passed I I believe 475 00:50:01,560 --> 00:50:09,320 it was about 60% statewide. I took a look I in the city of Omaha, it 476 00:50:06,920 --> 00:50:12,720 passed by greater than 70%, and not only that, and I don't know how how often 477 00:50:11,080 --> 00:50:16,600 this happens for anything that's that has opposition, but it passed in every 478 00:50:14,840 --> 00:50:20,320 single precinct. Councilman Roy, you had one precinct 479 00:50:18,040 --> 00:50:25,320 that was a dead tie, 245 a piece. Every other single precinct it passed. Okay, 480 00:50:23,040 --> 00:50:28,440 so this is about democracy, and it's about respecting the will of the people, 481 00:50:26,960 --> 00:50:32,680 and I don't understand what happened in a bipartisan way. I will I will 482 00:50:30,800 --> 00:50:37,120 absolutely owe it to say that to you in a bipartisan way in the legislature, 483 00:50:35,200 --> 00:50:41,360 they put in some rules that were highly inappropriate, but in the city council, 484 00:50:39,480 --> 00:50:45,640 I hope you'll you'll understand what the city of Omaha voted for and respect the 485 00:50:43,600 --> 00:50:49,520 will of the people. In addition to looking at the the votes, 486 00:50:47,520 --> 00:50:53,800 I also I went back and I I read the transcript of the hearing, the first 487 00:50:51,880 --> 00:50:57,920 hearing on the bill, and there were a couple arguments made, and one of the 488 00:50:55,880 --> 00:51:03,280 arguments was made really kind of galled at me. They said this is going to create 489 00:50:59,480 --> 00:51:07,360 more jobs for for young people. And uh we're in a we're in a we're in a world 490 00:51:05,320 --> 00:51:11,600 now where we celebrate the the world's first trillionaire. 491 00:51:09,760 --> 00:51:15,680 And it just it bothers the hell out of me if we're going to tell if we're going 492 00:51:13,200 --> 00:51:19,200 to tell 14 and 15-year-olds the only way their their fellow students can have a 493 00:51:17,400 --> 00:51:22,840 job is if they're willing to take a little bit less. If my grandson works 20 494 00:51:21,680 --> 00:51:26,760 hours, I don't think he should pinch him for 30 bucks and say that's the only way 495 00:51:24,800 --> 00:51:30,680 this economy works because that's not it at all. So, I just think it's 496 00:51:28,400 --> 00:51:33,960 appropriate that we that we correct this error that was made in the legislature. 497 00:51:32,200 --> 00:51:39,320 Again, I apologize it's on your shoulders, but thank you. 498 00:51:35,880 --> 00:51:42,920 » Thank you. Next speaker is Taviana Robinson. I hope I got that right the 499 00:51:40,920 --> 00:51:47,760 second time. All right, thank you. The next speaker after that will be Malia 500 00:51:45,360 --> 00:51:51,200 Moulton following. Thank you. >> Good afternoon. My name is Taviana 501 00:51:49,520 --> 00:51:56,080 Robinson. I'm here today presenting Voices for Children in Nebraska. The 502 00:51:53,200 --> 00:52:02,160 address is 31 319 503 00:51:58,040 --> 00:52:06,440 South 17th Street, Suite 212. I'm speaking in support of the bill to 504 00:52:03,920 --> 00:52:10,560 restore the youth minimum wage to $15 per hour. I come from a single-parent 505 00:52:09,000 --> 00:52:14,400 household where my mom works hard to support me and my older brother. Having 506 00:52:12,560 --> 00:52:18,720 a job gives me the opportunity to learn financial responsibility, contribute 507 00:52:16,320 --> 00:52:22,920 when I can, and save for my future. Lower wages make it harder for you for 508 00:52:20,560 --> 00:52:26,360 young people to achieve these goals. Many youth use their earnings to help 509 00:52:24,520 --> 00:52:30,640 with transportation, school expenses, family needs, and saving for college or 510 00:52:28,080 --> 00:52:34,240 other future plans. Fair wages allows us to gain valuable work experience while 511 00:52:32,520 --> 00:52:38,360 being compensated fairly for our time and effort. I support raising the youth 512 00:52:36,440 --> 00:52:42,120 minimum wage back to 15 because young workers deserve fair pay. This bill 513 00:52:40,480 --> 00:52:45,880 ensures that young workers are treated fairly and are compensated for the time, 514 00:52:43,920 --> 00:52:48,680 effort, and responsibility they put into their jobs. Thank you for your time and 515 00:52:47,520 --> 00:52:51,200 consideration. >> Thank you. 516 00:52:51,360 --> 00:52:59,640 Next speaker after Miss Moulton is Louise Jimenez. 517 00:52:56,120 --> 00:53:05,680 » Hi, Mary Lee Moulton, 2035 South 181st Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68130. 518 00:53:03,200 --> 00:53:10,280 League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha. In 2022, members of the League of Women 519 00:53:07,960 --> 00:53:14,480 Voters collected signatures in support of a ballot initiative to establish a 520 00:53:12,040 --> 00:53:20,040 minimum wage statute known as as Initiative Measure 433. The measure 521 00:53:17,440 --> 00:53:25,680 raised the state's minimum wage from $9 gradually to $15 per household in 2026. 522 00:53:24,040 --> 00:53:31,000 Our support was grounded in the League's national position on social policy and 523 00:53:28,280 --> 00:53:34,680 meeting basic human needs, which affirms that social policy should promote 524 00:53:32,760 --> 00:53:39,200 self-sufficiency for individuals and families. We believe the most effective 525 00:53:37,440 --> 00:53:43,920 social programs are those designed to prevent or reduce poverty, and this 526 00:53:41,800 --> 00:53:47,880 measure represents meaningful progress toward that goal. The League of Women 527 00:53:46,000 --> 00:53:51,960 Voters of Greater Omaha supports the proposed ordinance to maintain the 528 00:53:49,640 --> 00:53:57,080 minimum wage standard approved by Nebraska voters in 2022. We encourage 529 00:53:55,160 --> 00:54:00,400 the Omaha City Council to pass this ordinance. Thank you. 530 00:53:58,560 --> 00:54:06,800 » Thank you. Mr. Luis Jimenez is followed by 531 00:54:04,000 --> 00:54:09,560 Ken Smith. Mr. Smith, are you here? 532 00:54:08,680 --> 00:54:12,120 » Yes. >> Please come up. 533 00:54:15,640 --> 00:54:21,560 » My apologies. Uh good afternoon, members of the City Council. My name is Ken 534 00:54:19,240 --> 00:54:24,800 Smith. My address is 4339 Shirley Street, and I'm here representing 535 00:54:23,160 --> 00:54:28,960 Nebraska Appleseed in support of this proposal. Uh Appleseed is a nonprofit 536 00:54:27,480 --> 00:54:32,440 law policy organization that works for justice and opportunity for all 537 00:54:30,160 --> 00:54:36,360 Nebraskans, and we support this proposed ordinance because it restores important 538 00:54:34,040 --> 00:54:41,040 wage protections for Omahans that our legislature recently stripped away. In 539 00:54:38,360 --> 00:54:44,360 2022, Nebraskans voted to update our wage laws in two significant ways. The 540 00:54:42,880 --> 00:54:48,680 first is to gradually increase our minimum wage so that by January 1st of 541 00:54:46,120 --> 00:54:52,360 2026, uh the minimum wage for all workers would be $15 per hour. 542 00:54:51,040 --> 00:54:56,040 And secondly, the voters installed annual adjustments so that wages would 543 00:54:53,920 --> 00:54:59,320 increase to keep up with the cost of living. Um and that's measured by 544 00:54:57,840 --> 00:55:02,800 looking at the year-over-year percentage change to the consumer price index, um 545 00:55:01,680 --> 00:55:06,320 and then adjusting our minimum wage accordingly. Unfortunately, this past 546 00:55:04,520 --> 00:55:10,200 session, the Nebraska legislature passed a bill that undermines the core purposes 547 00:55:08,760 --> 00:55:14,000 of this voter-approved initiative and rolls back important wage protections. 548 00:55:12,440 --> 00:55:18,840 It makes two harmful changes to the state wage laws. First, it caps those 549 00:55:15,920 --> 00:55:21,680 annual adjustments at 1.75%, which means that the minimum wage will 550 00:55:20,120 --> 00:55:25,520 once again fail to keep pace with increases in the cost of living. And it 551 00:55:24,000 --> 00:55:28,960 also creates a subminimum wage for certain youth workers, which not only 552 00:55:27,320 --> 00:55:32,400 creates an equity in the workplace where employees doing the same job are paid 553 00:55:30,560 --> 00:55:36,080 differently, but it also ignores the reality that for many youth workers, 554 00:55:34,480 --> 00:55:40,520 their income is a vital resource for themselves and their families. So, this 555 00:55:38,360 --> 00:55:43,880 proposal would restore for Omahan's the important wage protections the 556 00:55:41,640 --> 00:55:46,760 legislature just rescinded. And it makes it clear that youth workers should be 557 00:55:45,120 --> 00:55:50,640 included with the rest of the workforce in being guaranteed 558 00:55:48,520 --> 00:55:55,160 a fair wage. And I just want to zoom in a little bit on the annual adjustments. 559 00:55:52,360 --> 00:55:59,200 The purpose of those annual adjustments that voters overwhelmingly approved and 560 00:55:57,200 --> 00:56:03,280 that the legislature just capped was to protect against the value of wages 561 00:56:00,960 --> 00:56:07,760 eroding over time. So, we saw when we raised our minimum wage in 2014 to $9 an 562 00:56:05,840 --> 00:56:12,960 hour, we know that the purchasing power of a dollar, you know, receded from from 563 00:56:10,280 --> 00:56:17,000 2014 to 2025. So, voters in 2022 acknowledged that and said, "We want to 564 00:56:14,600 --> 00:56:21,480 adjust our wage floor so that workers don't once again fall fall behind." We 565 00:56:19,400 --> 00:56:26,400 know that everything from gas to housing to child care to medicine is continuing 566 00:56:23,600 --> 00:56:32,200 to get more expensive. Um so, I think the question in front of the city 567 00:56:27,720 --> 00:56:36,280 council um is is simple. It's that as the cost of living in Omaha rises, 568 00:56:33,880 --> 00:56:41,000 should the value of labor of a worker's labor in Omaha fall? Uh Omahan's, as you 569 00:56:39,120 --> 00:56:44,480 heard, a vast majority of Omahan's turned out in 2022 and answered that 570 00:56:42,400 --> 00:56:47,800 question and said no. So, we we would urge the council to approve this 571 00:56:45,840 --> 00:56:51,800 measure. We thank Councilman Begley for bringing it. Uh thank you. 572 00:56:49,640 --> 00:56:56,400 » Thank you. Our next speaker is Michael Duffy followed by Jason Whitmer. 573 00:56:59,480 --> 00:57:07,000 » Well, my name is Michael Duffy. My address is 1011 South 35th Street. I'm 574 00:57:04,080 --> 00:57:10,960 speaking on behalf of AFSCME Local 251. I'm in Councilman Begley's district and 575 00:57:08,960 --> 00:57:14,760 I'm just thrilled as can be that it's my councilman who introduced this 576 00:57:12,200 --> 00:57:21,480 ordinance. So, thank you for that. Um you know, working people have really 577 00:57:17,760 --> 00:57:26,240 lost trust in their civic institutions. And who can blame them? We've seen 578 00:57:23,080 --> 00:57:30,960 stagnating wages over the past decades. And when the voters passed 579 00:57:27,880 --> 00:57:35,840 overwhelmingly a remedy to this, the legislature, their duly elected 580 00:57:33,680 --> 00:57:41,480 representatives, introduced several position uh 581 00:57:38,000 --> 00:57:47,640 introduced several uh things to gut it. Uh in particular, getting rid of the 582 00:57:44,600 --> 00:57:53,240 increases based on the uh annual cost of living increases and 583 00:57:50,000 --> 00:57:59,160 instead capping it at 1.75%. Now, I looked this morning uh since last 584 00:57:55,880 --> 00:58:03,200 year, the CPI has increased 4.2%. That's a significant difference and that's 585 00:58:01,280 --> 00:58:08,720 coming out of all of our pocketbooks when we go out to pay our bills. Working 586 00:58:06,200 --> 00:58:12,640 people are surrounded by apartments that they can't afford to live in. They're 587 00:58:10,640 --> 00:58:15,560 surrounded by goods they can't afford to purchase. 588 00:58:14,080 --> 00:58:20,520 And I just hope that you take this opportunity today to restore people's 589 00:58:18,520 --> 00:58:23,840 trust in their civic institutions and let people know that you hear them and 590 00:58:22,560 --> 00:58:26,800 that you care about what they're going through. Thank you. 591 00:58:25,520 --> 00:58:32,320 » Thank you. Next speaker is Jason Whitmer followed 592 00:58:28,760 --> 00:58:32,320 by Mary Royers. 593 00:58:34,120 --> 00:58:41,080 » Good afternoon. My name is Jason Whitmer. I'm here on behalf of the ACLU 594 00:58:37,720 --> 00:58:46,120 of Nebraska, 134 South 13th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. 595 00:58:44,000 --> 00:58:51,200 And we are here in support of this minimum wage ordinance which simply 596 00:58:48,840 --> 00:58:57,600 states that it honors the voters overwhelming vote for statewide for the 597 00:58:55,040 --> 00:59:02,880 uh minimum wage and as was said, more than 70% of I believe Douglas County 598 00:59:00,360 --> 00:59:07,680 voters. That vote reflects that if people are 599 00:59:04,720 --> 00:59:12,320 working, their wages should be and should have a chance to keep up with 600 00:59:10,000 --> 00:59:17,000 the real cost of living as we all know is dramatically raising. 601 00:59:14,840 --> 00:59:20,760 Just my cost of gas here was extraordinary. I think there was a great 602 00:59:18,800 --> 00:59:24,000 example of uh I'm getting a little off course, but the 603 00:59:22,280 --> 00:59:28,840 this example of our insurance 604 00:59:25,880 --> 00:59:33,760 most of us have children, dramatically high for children, minors, and the cost 605 00:59:31,960 --> 00:59:36,480 of living that we're expecting them to maintain. 606 00:59:35,200 --> 00:59:40,920 Many of us can't support our children as others, 607 00:59:39,240 --> 00:59:43,560 and so they support themselves in that way. 608 00:59:41,920 --> 00:59:47,280 However, the voters made this decision statewide. 609 00:59:45,400 --> 00:59:49,840 The legislature has changed this. This was already 610 00:59:48,760 --> 00:59:54,960 uh details given, so I will go on to 611 00:59:52,800 --> 00:59:59,920 With that happening, uh trust has eroded. Democracy requires 612 00:59:58,120 --> 01:00:04,480 trust. When a voter approves a clear policy, they should be able to be they 613 01:00:02,600 --> 01:00:08,720 should be able to believe that their decisions will be carried out honestly 614 01:00:06,480 --> 01:00:12,800 and not narrowed through exceptions that weakens their effect. The initiative 615 01:00:10,960 --> 01:00:17,360 process exists because Nebraskans reserve for themselves the power to 616 01:00:14,480 --> 01:00:21,320 shape public policy directly. We are the second house. 617 01:00:19,560 --> 01:00:25,680 That power loses meaning if voters come to believe that the details they can't 618 01:00:22,920 --> 01:00:31,720 they approved could later be narrowed or rewritten after the election is over. 619 01:00:28,960 --> 01:00:36,760 And yes, reasonable people can argue and disagree about minimum wage and how what 620 01:00:34,400 --> 01:00:43,080 it should be. However, that debate occurred, Nebraska weighed in, 621 01:00:39,840 --> 01:00:49,120 and voters rendered this decision. The question before us now is 622 01:00:45,480 --> 01:00:54,640 does the democratic democratic out the Sorry. The question is now is does the 623 01:00:51,480 --> 01:00:59,440 democratic process deserve respect? And yes, this is also about dignity. 624 01:00:57,400 --> 01:01:03,240 I mean, our youth, they 625 01:01:01,160 --> 01:01:06,600 they show up on time, they do the same work, they serve the same customers, 626 01:01:04,760 --> 01:01:11,440 they clean the same stores, they herd the same cattle, they feed the same 627 01:01:08,960 --> 01:01:16,000 hogs, so they should not automatically be valued less. This is a floor. 628 01:01:16,120 --> 01:01:21,960 Furthermore, as was said, the list of youth, what 629 01:01:19,440 --> 01:01:25,600 they are doing, paying for school uh 630 01:01:22,520 --> 01:01:30,440 activities, supporting their families. And what this ordinance is doing 631 01:01:28,080 --> 01:01:36,080 is it's respecting their labor as well as respecting 632 01:01:33,600 --> 01:01:39,560 the voters. We'd like to thank you, Council Member 633 01:01:37,560 --> 01:01:43,400 » minutes. I'm sorry. Got to I got to stop you at your 3 minutes. Absolutely. 634 01:01:41,280 --> 01:01:49,440 Thanks for being here today. Our next speaker is Mary Royers followed 635 01:01:46,120 --> 01:01:49,440 by Gab Rima. 636 01:01:50,617 --> 01:01:54,720 » [clears throat] >> Excuse me. Hi, my name is Mary Royers. I 637 01:01:53,040 --> 01:01:57,840 have had my address requirement waived and I live in District 2. 638 01:01:56,600 --> 01:02:01,440 I'm speaking to you today not representing any particular school 639 01:01:59,520 --> 01:02:05,720 district or organization, but as an educator, an aunt of two teenagers, and 640 01:02:03,800 --> 01:02:09,440 the guardian of two minors in support of what Council Member Danny Begley is 641 01:02:07,200 --> 01:02:13,400 proposing. To quote him directly, he is simply putting before us what the voters 642 01:02:11,120 --> 01:02:18,640 have already passed years ago. In a red state, this minimum wage ballot measure 643 01:02:15,480 --> 01:02:22,680 has passed overwhelmingly. Um as as mentioned before, it's not about party 644 01:02:20,480 --> 01:02:26,840 lines. It's about keeping our community affordable and respecting Nebraska 645 01:02:24,520 --> 01:02:30,440 voters. Not only would this ordinance be wildly popular for our future voters and 646 01:02:28,880 --> 01:02:34,400 their families, it's simply the right thing to do. I challenge anyone in this 647 01:02:32,760 --> 01:02:39,640 room to say that they've recently saved money at the gas pump. 648 01:02:36,720 --> 01:02:42,640 Anybody spending less on the basics at the grocery store? 649 01:02:41,320 --> 01:02:46,360 Uh what about on our rent or our homeowner's insurance? 650 01:02:44,760 --> 01:02:51,520 Anybody get a really good claim with their car insurance lately? Or at the 651 01:02:48,560 --> 01:02:54,480 doctor's office with that copay? I don't need to read the statistics to 652 01:02:53,120 --> 01:02:58,160 you because everybody in this room is feeling the shift in our economy and the 653 01:02:56,640 --> 01:03:02,360 increased prices that are surrounding us. Having our next generation foot the 654 01:03:00,360 --> 01:03:05,480 bill for adult business owners by cutting their wages is not a sustainable 655 01:03:04,320 --> 01:03:09,360 answer. The unfortunate truth is that many young 656 01:03:07,080 --> 01:03:12,520 Omahan's pick up jobs not for spending money to get the Baja Blast at Taco 657 01:03:11,120 --> 01:03:16,000 Bell, but to help their struggling families to make ends meet. The reality 658 01:03:14,760 --> 01:03:19,160 is that a lot of our young people are growing up in a world differently than 659 01:03:17,560 --> 01:03:22,440 the one that we might have navigated as teens or young adults. We're talking 660 01:03:21,000 --> 01:03:25,920 about having money for an urgent care visit or to get fresh fruit or 661 01:03:23,840 --> 01:03:29,840 vegetables on the table. Money to save up for college or for trade school. I've 662 01:03:27,720 --> 01:03:33,680 been an educator for 14 years. I spent the bulk of my career teaching in Omaha 663 01:03:31,640 --> 01:03:37,360 where I witnessed high school students struggling to balance school and work 664 01:03:35,480 --> 01:03:41,600 because they needed to work anywhere from 15 to 30 hours a week in order to 665 01:03:39,520 --> 01:03:45,160 support their own households. With increased cost of living and the 666 01:03:42,840 --> 01:03:48,360 benefits being cut in our community, I had to witness students dropping out of 667 01:03:46,680 --> 01:03:52,440 high school to pick up more hours and help their families stay afloat. I 668 01:03:50,360 --> 01:03:55,400 remember begging my students to consider an alternative to dropping out, but 669 01:03:53,960 --> 01:03:59,120 ultimately they did not have any other choice. Working their minimum wage jobs, 670 01:03:57,760 --> 01:04:02,840 they had no other option but to seek more hours and give up on their dream of 671 01:04:00,760 --> 01:04:06,400 graduating high school. I understand that these conditions may sound 672 01:04:04,480 --> 01:04:10,520 hyperbolic, but I promise you from personal experience they are 673 01:04:07,960 --> 01:04:14,400 depressingly quotidian in our city. Whether we're talking about students 674 01:04:12,000 --> 01:04:18,880 taking on adult fiscal responsibility as children or teenagers wanting to spend 675 01:04:16,680 --> 01:04:22,320 money just to be teens, I cannot imagine lowering the minimum wage in a world 676 01:04:20,400 --> 01:04:26,560 where Omahan's are increasingly feeling the crushing weight of economic 677 01:04:23,600 --> 01:04:30,360 pressure. I appreciate Council member uh Danny Begley for respecting Nebraska 678 01:04:28,400 --> 01:04:34,720 voters and for his interest in ensuring that Omaha communities are affordable 679 01:04:32,560 --> 01:04:38,000 family friendly places to live, and I urge you to consider joining your 680 01:04:36,040 --> 01:04:40,600 colleague in passing this overwhelmingly popular ordinance. Thank you for your 681 01:04:39,680 --> 01:04:47,520 time. >> Thank you. Next speaker is Gab Rima 682 01:04:43,120 --> 01:04:47,520 followed by Nate Asch Dyck. 683 01:04:50,280 --> 01:04:53,720 Ms. Rima, are you here? 684 01:05:00,240 --> 01:05:06,480 » Good afternoon. My name is Gab Rima, and I have had my address requirement waived 685 01:05:04,480 --> 01:05:10,320 for this meeting. I'm here today as a proponent of this ordinance to restore 686 01:05:08,280 --> 01:05:14,200 full minimum wage rights to teen workers, and I want to thank the council 687 01:05:12,320 --> 01:05:18,520 for considering this. As someone who follows state and local 688 01:05:15,800 --> 01:05:23,360 politics, I often hear elected officials talking about young people as sort of an 689 01:05:21,120 --> 01:05:29,040 abstract concept, like you might talk about the exotic animals at the zoo. 690 01:05:26,080 --> 01:05:34,880 Um like young people seem agitated with their current habitat. Um I often hear 691 01:05:33,120 --> 01:05:39,320 young people are leaving Nebraska. Nebraska's workforce is dwindling cuz 692 01:05:37,000 --> 01:05:42,520 young people aren't getting jobs here. Young people are going out of state for 693 01:05:41,080 --> 01:05:47,080 college. I hear about brain drain and about 694 01:05:44,560 --> 01:05:50,680 strange plots to get more young people to live here. 695 01:05:48,560 --> 01:05:54,680 But all we keep doing is pushing young people further and further away, 696 01:05:52,800 --> 01:05:58,080 continuing to make the state more and more hostile. 697 01:05:56,280 --> 01:06:04,080 If I were a teenager right now, and I was a teenager in Omaha, 698 01:06:00,240 --> 01:06:07,560 I would absolutely be upset with getting my first job and being told that my 699 01:06:05,800 --> 01:06:11,320 labor wasn't even worth the minimum wage. Being told that once I got the 700 01:06:09,800 --> 01:06:14,080 right age to vote, that wouldn't even matter. 701 01:06:12,320 --> 01:06:18,760 I would also be fantasizing about leaving as soon as possible. 702 01:06:16,440 --> 01:06:23,720 I keep hearing arguments that teenagers don't need the money, or that teens 703 01:06:20,760 --> 01:06:27,120 shouldn't be making $15 an hour to spend on frivolous things. But the young 704 01:06:25,720 --> 01:06:31,320 people that I know are not spending their money on frivolous things. They 705 01:06:29,200 --> 01:06:35,200 are incredibly aware of the rising cost of higher education. 706 01:06:33,360 --> 01:06:38,600 They are aware that their parents are taking on second or third jobs to make 707 01:06:37,480 --> 01:06:43,040 it through. That maybe right now isn't a good time 708 01:06:40,920 --> 01:06:47,960 to ask mom or dad for money to go on a field trip or for a new pair of shoes. 709 01:06:46,520 --> 01:06:51,920 And ultimately, I don't think young people should have to justify 710 01:06:49,240 --> 01:06:55,680 themselves. If you think a teenager is good enough to work at your business and 711 01:06:53,760 --> 01:06:58,720 good enough to get the job done, then they're good enough to make the same 712 01:06:57,120 --> 01:07:02,800 wage as anyone. This ordinance is about fairness. It's 713 01:07:00,840 --> 01:07:06,120 about labor rights, and it's about democracy. 714 01:07:04,520 --> 01:07:09,040 I'm grateful to see Omaha standing up for the rights of young people, and I 715 01:07:07,920 --> 01:07:11,920 hope you'll all vote yes on this ordinance. Thank you. 716 01:07:10,560 --> 01:07:17,000 » Thank you. Mr. Nate Astyk followed by Scott 717 01:07:14,240 --> 01:07:17,000 Dombeck. 718 01:07:20,160 --> 01:07:27,760 » Hello City Council. My name is Nate Astyk. I live at 9380 Western Avenue 719 01:07:25,840 --> 01:07:33,320 68114 and I'm here today as a proponent of 720 01:07:30,760 --> 01:07:38,320 this ordinance. Something that I really think is 721 01:07:36,000 --> 01:07:44,920 important is that we're working to restore the trust that the public has in 722 01:07:41,640 --> 01:07:49,000 our institutions and even the capability of 723 01:07:46,280 --> 01:07:54,320 us as a people to self-govern. If time and time again we see 724 01:07:51,680 --> 01:07:58,280 resolutions and initiatives being passed by the people and then getting 725 01:07:56,200 --> 01:08:03,280 overturned, these finer details getting ignored that really are 726 01:08:01,320 --> 01:08:08,240 a core solution to a lot of the problems we're seeing. Take for example the 727 01:08:05,920 --> 01:08:12,480 consumer price index matching for minimum wage increases. 728 01:08:10,120 --> 01:08:17,400 If that goes into law, we see an actual systematic fix to the way that wages are 729 01:08:15,040 --> 01:08:21,359 working where as prices rise, they're going to match. Putting it in kind of 730 01:08:19,240 --> 01:08:26,040 dollars and cents terms here, if we were to take this uh 731 01:08:24,680 --> 01:08:30,839 you know, May to May last year to May this year and look at that increase 732 01:08:28,319 --> 01:08:35,880 under the 1.75% increase, that's only 26 cent an hour wage gain for minimum wage 733 01:08:33,319 --> 01:08:42,759 workers as opposed to if we were matching inflation, it'll be a 75 per 75 734 01:08:39,600 --> 01:08:47,640 cent wage gain. That is almost a 50 cent difference which that, you know, working 735 01:08:44,319 --> 01:08:52,600 full-time, that is $20 a week. That adds up year after year and it allows us to 736 01:08:50,680 --> 01:08:57,799 move forward, you know, being in that position to talk about more 737 01:08:55,480 --> 01:09:01,680 actually innovative policy options where how do we then on top of having a 738 01:09:00,000 --> 01:09:05,799 established wage standard that is high enough that's 739 01:09:04,319 --> 01:09:10,400 actually transformational that people can live on, move to building more 740 01:09:08,839 --> 01:09:14,720 housing, making that more accessible, creating these amenities. And a big part 741 01:09:12,920 --> 01:09:18,400 of that is uh actually making sure people can 742 01:09:17,080 --> 01:09:23,720 afford to get by. And so that is just something that I 743 01:09:21,240 --> 01:09:27,440 thought would be good to uh bring up in all this that I haven't really seen 744 01:09:25,480 --> 01:09:33,600 discussed in addition to the very eloquently put um reasons that youth 745 01:09:31,440 --> 01:09:38,200 workers who are performing the same labor should of course be given the same 746 01:09:36,000 --> 01:09:42,680 sort of wage. We need to keep young people here in Omaha and Nebraska and 747 01:09:41,240 --> 01:09:46,799 just making sure that people are able to build those savings where we can have 748 01:09:44,600 --> 01:09:50,680 low costs and high wages and all these other things where instead of falling 749 01:09:49,000 --> 01:09:55,680 behind a lot of the major metropolitan areas both in the Midwest and regionally 750 01:09:53,359 --> 01:09:59,920 for job opportunities, for wages, we're actually attracting that to deepen the 751 01:09:57,880 --> 01:10:05,480 community here to uh really just have a great sort of 752 01:10:03,120 --> 01:10:11,360 sense of feeling valued and living those values. So, thank you for introducing 753 01:10:08,000 --> 01:10:14,160 this and considering it and I hope it goes well. Thank you. 754 01:10:12,680 --> 01:10:19,600 » Thank you. Mr. Scott Dombeck followed by Jayden 755 01:10:16,920 --> 01:10:19,600 Perkins. 756 01:10:20,213 --> 01:10:27,920 » [clears throat] >> Good afternoon. Scott Dombeck, 4309 757 01:10:25,120 --> 01:10:33,720 South 61st Street, Omaha. Um I'm speaking today on behalf of 758 01:10:29,840 --> 01:10:39,400 AFSCME Local 251 which which represents uh City of Omaha civilian employees. Uh 759 01:10:37,080 --> 01:10:45,520 we support this ordinance. Uh the ordinance establishes a city a minimum 760 01:10:42,120 --> 01:10:52,320 wage as well as protects the cost of living increases that were uh codified 761 01:10:49,640 --> 01:10:55,200 in the um well, [snorts] uh 762 01:10:53,240 --> 01:11:01,160 protects and extends the cost of living increases that were part of the uh 763 01:10:57,760 --> 01:11:04,440 ballot initiative in 2022. Um while local 251 764 01:11:03,760 --> 01:11:10,240 um only has several job classifications 765 01:11:07,440 --> 01:11:16,480 that start at the current minimum wage, um there are also large numbers of other 766 01:11:13,360 --> 01:11:21,320 city employees in other departments uh working as part-time parks department 767 01:11:18,640 --> 01:11:25,560 employees, uh part-time employees in other departments 768 01:11:22,720 --> 01:11:29,920 uh that are uh currently starting uh at minimum wage. 769 01:11:26,920 --> 01:11:33,560 Um we believe in the principle of equal pay 770 01:11:31,640 --> 01:11:38,080 for equal work. And that's what this ordinance 771 01:11:36,600 --> 01:11:43,120 guarantees. It guarantees that no matter what your 772 01:11:40,280 --> 01:11:46,840 age is in the city of Omaha, you will be paid equally 773 01:11:44,760 --> 01:11:51,400 whether you work for the city of Omaha or whether you work for a private 774 01:11:48,880 --> 01:11:56,520 employer. The sons and daughters of working 775 01:11:53,840 --> 01:12:00,040 families in the city of Omaha, the sons and daughters of city of Omaha 776 01:11:58,000 --> 01:12:06,520 employees, the sons and daughters of local 251 members often contribute to 777 01:12:04,720 --> 01:12:11,000 their household budget both directly and indirectly. We've 778 01:12:09,560 --> 01:12:15,040 heard testimony from a number of young people up here 779 01:12:12,720 --> 01:12:19,560 today about the real struggles that they face 780 01:12:16,720 --> 01:12:23,920 in relationship to their wage and the cost of living 781 01:12:21,400 --> 01:12:30,120 uh in America today. Uh we believe that this ordinance helps 782 01:12:27,520 --> 01:12:34,880 to address those problems. And don't be mistaken in thinking that, you know, the 783 01:12:32,040 --> 01:12:38,720 minimum wage is actually a living wage because it's not. Uh we heard testimony 784 01:12:37,080 --> 01:12:44,560 earlier from um Appleseed, uh Nebraska Appleseed. Uh 785 01:12:41,880 --> 01:12:48,440 they've uh released studies that show the minimum wage should be actually be 786 01:12:46,200 --> 01:12:52,640 closer the a living wage would be actually closer to $22 an hour. 787 01:12:53,480 --> 01:13:00,760 So, um as I stated, um many many young people 788 01:12:58,280 --> 01:13:06,560 contribute uh to the household budget. Uh in 2022, uh the uh uh voters in the 789 01:13:04,920 --> 01:13:10,600 state of Nebraska uh passed a ballot initiative 790 01:13:08,720 --> 01:13:16,000 433. Uh that ballot initiative was undone 791 01:13:14,280 --> 01:13:21,560 by certain members of the state legislature and the governor. 792 01:13:18,360 --> 01:13:24,480 The ballot initiative was unambiguous. There was no question in there as to who 793 01:13:23,560 --> 01:13:27,680 this would apply to. >> Beckmann, I'm going to have to ask you 794 01:13:25,520 --> 01:13:31,760 to Okay. cease now. Your 3 minutes is up. Thanks for being here today. 795 01:13:29,840 --> 01:13:35,480 Next speaker is Jayden Perkins followed by Alexander Lu. 796 01:13:35,560 --> 01:13:44,720 » All right. Uh good afternoon, council members. My name is Jayden Perkins. I'm 797 01:13:41,280 --> 01:13:48,320 at 210 South 16th Street. I'm an Omaha resident, grassroots organizer, and 798 01:13:46,920 --> 01:13:52,720 founder of Boots on the Ground Strategies. I have spent years 799 01:13:50,640 --> 01:13:56,760 organizing in coalition alongside working-class folks and community 800 01:13:54,320 --> 01:14:00,560 members across the city. And that's why I'm here today in support of this 801 01:13:58,280 --> 01:14:04,960 ordinance. Through that work, I have helped mobilize campaigns to pass 802 01:14:02,520 --> 01:14:08,960 minimum wage increases and to protect and expand paid sick leave because no 803 01:14:07,400 --> 01:14:14,720 one should have to choose between their paycheck and their health 804 01:14:11,160 --> 01:14:18,760 and or fall uh behind the cost of living uh while uh 805 01:14:16,080 --> 01:14:24,120 costs keep rising. Uh when we the people voted to raise the minimum wage in 2022, 806 01:14:21,680 --> 01:14:28,880 we also voted for annual cost of living adjustments to ensure wages didn't fall 807 01:14:26,400 --> 01:14:33,320 behind inflation. But this year, the Nebraska legislature rolled back and 808 01:14:31,200 --> 01:14:37,800 capped those inflation-indexed increases at just 1.75%. 809 01:14:36,000 --> 01:14:42,280 Additionally, this created a new provision allowing 14- and 15-year-olds 810 01:14:40,480 --> 01:14:47,000 to be paid below the voter-approved minimum wage. That decision didn't stop 811 01:14:44,880 --> 01:14:52,160 inflation. It only stopped workers' wages from keeping up with it. And now, 812 01:14:50,120 --> 01:14:58,160 with additional changes in state law set to take effect, workers are at risk at 813 01:14:54,840 --> 01:15:01,760 further of falling even further behind. If this ordinance does not pass, those 814 01:15:00,120 --> 01:15:07,240 state-level rollbacks will lock in a system where wages cannot keep pace with 815 01:15:04,400 --> 01:15:11,440 rising cost. That means every year the real value of a paycheck will continue 816 01:15:09,160 --> 01:15:15,720 to shrink, especially for young workers, parents, seniors, and for the hundreds 817 01:15:13,520 --> 01:15:19,280 of thousands of people who keep Omaha running. 818 01:15:16,800 --> 01:15:22,760 At the same time, our social safety nets are being rolled back. From cuts and 819 01:15:21,280 --> 01:15:27,800 restrictions to Medicaid here in Nebraska to federal efforts under Trump 820 01:15:25,800 --> 01:15:32,960 that weaken and means-tested programs employees or programs families rely on 821 01:15:30,800 --> 01:15:37,080 when times get tough. While support systems for working families are being 822 01:15:34,800 --> 01:15:41,240 stripped away, corporations and out-of-state developers continue to 823 01:15:38,880 --> 01:15:46,200 receive generous public subsidies and tax incentives, corporate welfare our 824 01:15:44,200 --> 01:15:49,280 communities are told will trickle down someday. 825 01:15:47,440 --> 01:15:53,600 Workers don't get that luxury. We don't get public subsidies to cover rising 826 01:15:51,880 --> 01:15:58,840 rent or groceries. We don't get incentives to keep our families afloat. 827 01:15:56,320 --> 01:16:02,400 All we get is the paycheck we earn. I know a lot of people who are doing 828 01:16:00,760 --> 01:16:06,520 everything right and still falling behind because their wages stay flat 829 01:16:04,440 --> 01:16:10,240 while everything else keeps climbing. Restoring the will of the voters at the 830 01:16:08,040 --> 01:16:15,120 city level is one of the most responsible steps you, as local 831 01:16:12,600 --> 01:16:19,720 representatives, can take. It gives employees clarity. It gives workers 832 01:16:17,160 --> 01:16:24,000 stability. And it honors the spirit of what we the people voted for, a living 833 01:16:22,080 --> 01:16:29,320 wage for all that doesn't erode over time. I would urge you to stand with 834 01:16:26,680 --> 01:16:33,680 Omaha's working class families by voting yes in this ordinance. Thank you. 835 01:16:32,040 --> 01:16:38,440 » Thank you. Alexander Lu, followed by Jen Day. 836 01:16:44,760 --> 01:16:46,920 » Here. 837 01:16:47,760 --> 01:16:55,080 There we go. Hello Gwinnett City Council. 838 01:16:51,440 --> 01:17:01,600 Uh my name is Alexander Liu, um a l a x a e Sorry, a l e x a n d e r l i u and 839 01:16:59,600 --> 01:17:09,680 then this is Kego. Um my address is 435 Sorry, 4354 North 840 01:17:06,440 --> 01:17:13,640 88th Plaza. Um I do hold uh elected offices in the state and uh county 841 01:17:12,120 --> 01:17:16,800 parties for the Nebraska Democratic Party and Douglas County Party, but I'm 842 01:17:15,480 --> 01:17:21,840 not speaking on behalf of those. I'm actually speaking on as a demographic of 843 01:17:19,560 --> 01:17:26,760 the party or of the people that the councils generally concerned are leaving 844 01:17:24,000 --> 01:17:31,120 Omaha and the state overall, which is just younger people, right? So, if the 845 01:17:29,480 --> 01:17:34,200 goal is to make living in Omaha more attractive and increase then increasing 846 01:17:32,760 --> 01:17:38,400 the minimum wage is actually very necessary. Um the I know I understand 847 01:17:36,800 --> 01:17:42,440 that this is kind of ironic since I'm speaking in 848 01:17:39,560 --> 01:17:47,240 in proposed uh sorry, in as a proponent of this as somebody on disability. 849 01:17:45,200 --> 01:17:51,880 Uh so, this would actually uh be applying something called the efficiency 850 01:17:49,280 --> 01:17:56,120 wage theory. Um so, this would increase wages and it would uh be a net benefit 851 01:17:53,960 --> 01:17:59,880 to the city of Omaha since it would be make moving here more attractive and 852 01:17:58,160 --> 01:18:04,360 benefit local businesses with the increase in spending since we are giving 853 01:18:02,160 --> 01:18:08,320 more increase in the wages to workers. So, this would still be going to local 854 01:18:06,120 --> 01:18:12,160 businesses, which is going to benefit Omaha as a whole. 855 01:18:10,160 --> 01:18:13,600 Um and then over time of the people that the councils generally concerned are 856 01:18:12,920 --> 01:18:15,160 leaving Omaha and the state overall, which is just younger people, right? So, 857 01:18:14,320 --> 01:18:16,360 if the goal is to make living in Omaha more attractive and increase then 858 01:18:15,680 --> 01:18:18,280 increasing the minimum wage is actually very necessary. Um the I know I 859 01:18:17,000 --> 01:18:22,680 understand that this is kind of ironic since And it is recommended by 860 01:18:21,080 --> 01:18:27,560 organizations such as the Roosevelt Institute that the minimum wage be a 861 01:18:24,320 --> 01:18:32,080 raised to a living wage of at least $25 by 2038, though of course with 862 01:18:30,800 --> 01:18:34,960 gas prices and everything else and inflation, it's probably going to be 863 01:18:33,320 --> 01:18:37,640 higher than that. Uh you know, 864 01:18:36,160 --> 01:18:40,520 fairly soon. I'm sure if they're going to raise that a bit more. 865 01:18:39,160 --> 01:18:44,680 Um but I will also want to point out that uh since I am on disability um and 866 01:18:43,280 --> 01:18:47,800 the streetcar construction has taken away even more spots around City Hall 867 01:18:46,560 --> 01:18:50,880 that um I actually had to pay for parking just to come up here and that 868 01:18:49,720 --> 01:18:54,000 the media spots around here >> stay on topic. 869 01:18:51,920 --> 01:18:58,200 » Although this is related since uh again with since we're talking about minimum 870 01:18:54,960 --> 01:19:00,480 wage increases that you know, this is a pay issue. So, I'm just pointing out 871 01:18:59,520 --> 01:19:05,280 that these are kind of it a problem. Um so, 872 01:19:04,040 --> 01:19:08,680 these are just pay-related issues that 873 01:19:07,520 --> 01:19:13,120 city councilors should probably look into. 874 01:19:09,720 --> 01:19:16,120 Um but again, just that as 875 01:19:14,160 --> 01:19:19,560 somebody who does have to look into these, you know, 876 01:19:17,960 --> 01:19:27,360 pay problems that the city council should be more aware of people who are 877 01:19:23,200 --> 01:19:31,440 on limited means that it is a big impact that when you do have an 878 01:19:29,680 --> 01:19:34,480 increase even if it is smaller 879 01:19:33,120 --> 01:19:38,240 that it does make a big impact and then it goes from the bottom up. It's going 880 01:19:36,480 --> 01:19:42,440 to be uh you know, it is going to affect the city as a whole and it will be more 881 01:19:39,640 --> 01:19:46,360 attractive for businesses um and people wanting to move into the city and then 882 01:19:44,720 --> 01:19:48,160 impact the city as a whole. So, thank you. 883 01:19:47,040 --> 01:19:53,160 » Thank you. Next speaker is Jen Day followed by 884 01:19:50,120 --> 01:19:53,160 Aaron Feisinger. 885 01:20:01,000 --> 01:20:07,520 » Good afternoon, City Council President and members of the Omaha City Council. 886 01:20:05,200 --> 01:20:13,600 My name is Jen Day and I am the Policy Director for the Women's Fund of Omaha 887 01:20:09,320 --> 01:20:16,920 located at 4601 Catalyst Court, 68106. And I'm here today to share our strong 888 01:20:15,120 --> 01:20:21,840 support for Councilman Begley's proposal to ensure all Omaha workers, including 889 01:20:19,080 --> 01:20:26,120 those between the ages of 14 to 19, are paid at least the state minimum wage as 890 01:20:23,920 --> 01:20:30,360 was expressly requested by the Nebraska voters in 2022. 891 01:20:28,200 --> 01:20:35,600 Initiative 433, which set the state minimum wage at $15 by 2026 with yearly 892 01:20:33,720 --> 01:20:41,680 increases thereafter connected to the consumer price index was approved by 893 01:20:38,040 --> 01:20:47,280 nearly 60% of a majority excuse me a nearly 60% majority of Nebraska voters 894 01:20:44,200 --> 01:20:51,760 in November 2022. More specifically as it relates to the Omaha City Council the 895 01:20:49,200 --> 01:20:56,640 measure was approved by nearly 72% of Omaha voters. Your voters your 896 01:20:53,920 --> 01:21:00,760 constituents approved of a $15 minimum wage with no exceptions for age by 897 01:20:58,680 --> 01:21:04,200 nearly a three to one margin over those who did not. 898 01:21:02,120 --> 01:21:08,160 Unfortunately the Nebraska legislature used the very little time they had this 899 01:21:05,800 --> 01:21:12,680 past session to pass LB 258 which created a sub minimum wage for workers 900 01:21:10,120 --> 01:21:17,200 ages 14 and 15 and a training wage for workers ages 16 to 19. Additionally the 901 01:21:15,560 --> 01:21:22,480 yearly increases would be capped at 1.75% as opposed to being tied to CPI. 902 01:21:20,720 --> 01:21:26,560 These provisions display an alarming detachment from the financial reality 903 01:21:24,320 --> 01:21:30,720 faced by many Nebraskans today. The rising cost of food housing and basic 904 01:21:28,720 --> 01:21:34,680 necessities has forced families to count every penny with some working two or 905 01:21:32,880 --> 01:21:38,560 three jobs just to pay rent and buy groceries. Further for many families 906 01:21:37,080 --> 01:21:42,520 having children who work is not optional. It is a necessity to keep up 907 01:21:40,880 --> 01:21:48,120 with the cost of living. More specifically capping the annual 908 01:21:44,520 --> 01:21:52,880 increases and in minimum wage at 1.75% will essentially function as giving 909 01:21:49,880 --> 01:21:57,680 workers a pay cut. Inflation in typical economic circumstances is roughly 3% 910 01:21:55,560 --> 01:22:01,400 annually annually with the consumer with the current consumer price index at 911 01:21:59,600 --> 01:22:05,320 4.2%. A raise of 1.75% 912 01:22:03,600 --> 01:22:09,400 would be roughly two to three percent below the raise in the cost of living 913 01:22:07,680 --> 01:22:12,920 meaning a paycheck that currently has you counting pennies will not be enough 914 01:22:11,120 --> 01:22:16,040 to cover basic necessities in coming years. 915 01:22:14,080 --> 01:22:20,080 In our recent study unequal plains examining the economic gender gap in 916 01:22:17,840 --> 01:22:24,520 Nebraska the Women's Fund of Omaha found that women in Nebraska are 13% more 917 01:22:22,480 --> 01:22:27,360 likely than men to live at or below the poverty level. 918 01:22:25,920 --> 01:22:31,000 This combined with the motherhood penalty we observed illuminating a 919 01:22:29,200 --> 01:22:34,360 decrease in wages the more children a woman has while men's wages see an 920 01:22:32,960 --> 01:22:39,640 increase with the number of children they have, plus the data showing that 921 01:22:36,560 --> 01:22:42,600 women pay 19% percent Excuse me, 19% more on average in housing costs than 922 01:22:41,600 --> 01:22:46,960 men, you can see how arbitrarily paying those 923 01:22:44,840 --> 01:22:50,360 under the age of 20 a lower wage for equal work would unfairly penalize 924 01:22:48,800 --> 01:22:54,480 single mother homes with children who work. As stated previously, many of 925 01:22:52,840 --> 01:22:58,560 these homes need children to work to help pay their bills. Paying young 926 01:22:56,440 --> 01:23:02,120 people less for the same work is not only discriminatory, but it creates 927 01:23:00,320 --> 01:23:06,400 additional financial strain in homes that may already be struggling. Lastly, 928 01:23:04,560 --> 01:23:08,200 some of these families are the result of a mother 929 01:23:06,880 --> 01:23:11,280 » Mr. Speaker, I'm going to have to cut you off. I hate doing that to 930 01:23:09,600 --> 01:23:12,480 anybody, but just thank you for being here. 931 01:23:12,080 --> 01:23:16,640 » Thank you. >> And speakers, I'm always consistent on 932 01:23:14,080 --> 01:23:19,560 the 3-minute mark, so thanks for being here. Our next speaker is Erin 933 01:23:18,280 --> 01:23:23,480 Feisinger, followed by Tracy Kirby. 934 01:23:26,520 --> 01:23:31,680 » Great pronunciation of my last name, Councilmember Begley. Appreciate it. 935 01:23:30,480 --> 01:23:36,080 Council members, my name is Erin Feisinger, 2719 North 49th Avenue. I 936 01:23:34,640 --> 01:23:40,160 didn't get a chance to send in a letter, so I appreciate the opportunity to put 937 01:23:37,760 --> 01:23:44,000 my support on the record today. Uh here in support of agenda item 29. 938 01:23:42,200 --> 01:23:49,080 Thanks to Councilmember Begley for the pronunciation once again and for taking 939 01:23:45,920 --> 01:23:53,680 this up on behalf of the 70% of Omahans who voted to increase the minimum wage. 940 01:23:51,640 --> 01:23:58,920 I collected signatures for this back in 2022 all over the state, and then in a 941 01:23:56,280 --> 01:24:02,560 former life spent years talking to state senators about why they should not go 942 01:24:00,440 --> 01:24:06,600 against the will of the voters and restrict that annual increase which 943 01:24:04,280 --> 01:24:10,240 voters overwhelmingly supported. And over those conversations, I heard the 944 01:24:08,160 --> 01:24:14,920 gamut of arguments which basically boiled down to it is our job to 945 01:24:12,720 --> 01:24:18,560 interpret what the voters wanted and at the same time voters don't know what 946 01:24:16,800 --> 01:24:22,720 they're voting for. I would argue that all of the confusing 947 01:24:20,320 --> 01:24:27,440 language and ballot initiatives over the years. There is nothing more clear or 948 01:24:25,680 --> 01:24:30,920 understandable to people than the fact that their paychecks are no longer 949 01:24:29,160 --> 01:24:34,840 covering their costs. All of us understand that. I've talked 950 01:24:33,040 --> 01:24:39,000 to a lot of my neighbors about this and the consistent theme is that it is 951 01:24:36,640 --> 01:24:44,240 harder and harder to get ahead despite feeling like we are working harder than 952 01:24:40,760 --> 01:24:49,400 ever. The problem is wages and like multiple speakers have pointed out, 70% 953 01:24:46,960 --> 01:24:52,800 of Omaha voters including more voters in each of your districts than voted for 954 01:24:51,120 --> 01:24:57,600 each of you in your respective city council races understood that when they 955 01:24:55,480 --> 01:25:01,680 voted for the minimum wage increase. Voters are not stupid and I think all of 956 01:24:59,720 --> 01:25:06,800 you know that. I would also just draw attention to Omaha's poverty elimination 957 01:25:04,400 --> 01:25:11,600 plan signed by former Mayor Stothert which specifies amongst other solutions 958 01:25:09,400 --> 01:25:15,760 uplifting specifically mentions uplifting minimum wage increases as a 959 01:25:13,680 --> 01:25:19,160 solution to poverty. So we've already got this on the books that this is a 960 01:25:17,240 --> 01:25:22,920 solution we should try. I saw the Omaha Chamber sent in a letter 961 01:25:21,120 --> 01:25:26,840 of opposition expressing their support for increased wages but their concern 962 01:25:25,440 --> 01:25:30,280 over how this ordinance would be implemented and the confusion it could 963 01:25:28,560 --> 01:25:33,520 cause for regional businesses and I understand that might be a concern for 964 01:25:31,840 --> 01:25:37,120 this council as well. There's a lot of smart people at the 965 01:25:34,960 --> 01:25:41,880 chamber who have put out a lot of very smart studies about continued brain 966 01:25:39,320 --> 01:25:46,400 drain in Omaha and about the problems for businesses caused by our collective 967 01:25:44,120 --> 01:25:51,240 inability to afford the things that we need to live, work and play in this 968 01:25:49,080 --> 01:25:55,000 city. I have full faith that the business community here in Omaha will be 969 01:25:53,240 --> 01:25:59,080 able to figure this out because they have consistently asked us to trust 970 01:25:57,280 --> 01:26:03,480 their intelligence and foresight when it comes to taking care of Omaha working 971 01:26:01,440 --> 01:26:08,440 families and addressing their needs. The fact remains though that 70% of Omahan's 972 01:26:06,400 --> 01:26:12,600 did not vote for the chamber or the needs of the business community. 973 01:26:10,600 --> 01:26:16,120 They voted for their own futures, their own families and their continued ability 974 01:26:14,440 --> 01:26:20,200 to take care of themselves and their families with wages that would match 975 01:26:18,000 --> 01:26:23,360 their daily needs. I say we trust the people of Omaha, trust that they know 976 01:26:21,920 --> 01:26:26,120 their own lives and needs, and I would ask you to do the same by supporting 977 01:26:24,840 --> 01:26:29,920 this ordinance. Thanks for your time today, everyone. 978 01:26:27,240 --> 01:26:34,040 » Thank you. Next speaker is Tracy Kirby, followed by Louise Jimenez. 979 01:26:35,000 --> 01:26:41,680 Tracy Kirby? Tracy Kirby? 980 01:26:40,440 --> 01:26:44,880 We'll move on to the next speaker, Louise Jimenez. Is there any other 981 01:26:43,600 --> 01:26:48,800 proponents that want to speak that haven't spoken yet today? Raise your 982 01:26:46,360 --> 01:26:55,360 hand. Thank you. 983 01:26:51,120 --> 01:26:58,640 » Louise Jimenez, 2709 Dewey Avenue. Mr. President, good thing this is not 984 01:26:57,040 --> 01:27:05,160 your first ordinance, or the rest of the council might have knocked it down. 985 01:27:02,200 --> 01:27:11,240 I just want to make an observation. Having the Human Rights and Relations to 986 01:27:08,280 --> 01:27:15,360 lead a department to lead this effort is brilliant. Placing notices and informing 987 01:27:13,040 --> 01:27:19,480 employees of this ordinance mirrors how the federal government does it. 988 01:27:18,000 --> 01:27:23,160 And your city attorney might get some flak, but I'm 989 01:27:21,440 --> 01:27:27,960 not so cynical thinking that this council needs to question 990 01:27:25,760 --> 01:27:31,120 if Mr. Crusey has drafted a lawful ordinance. 991 01:27:29,360 --> 01:27:34,840 I live in Omaha, 992 01:27:32,800 --> 01:27:37,840 and uh I've spent the last several years 993 01:27:36,080 --> 01:27:41,360 working in civic engagement, community outreach, and local journalism. Through 994 01:27:39,880 --> 01:27:45,200 canvassing, neighborhood meetings, community events, and conversations with 995 01:27:43,520 --> 01:27:48,640 residents across South Omaha, North Omaha, and other parts of the city, I 996 01:27:47,240 --> 01:27:52,920 have had the opportunity to hear directly from working families about the 997 01:27:50,480 --> 01:27:57,560 challenges they face every day. What I have hear most often is people 998 01:27:55,280 --> 01:28:02,560 asking for stability. They talk about rising rent, increasing grocery costs, 999 01:28:00,040 --> 01:28:05,720 children care expenses, transportation costs, and health care bills that 1000 01:28:04,320 --> 01:28:08,400 continue to climb faster than their paychecks. 1001 01:28:06,800 --> 01:28:12,080 Many residents are working full-time, some working multiple jobs, yet still 1002 01:28:10,440 --> 01:28:16,440 find themselves struggling to keep up with the cost of living in an Omaha. 1003 01:28:14,480 --> 01:28:21,800 This ordinance asks an important question. Should Omaha have have the 1004 01:28:18,560 --> 01:28:25,600 ability to respond to Omaha's economic realities? To be sure, people are not 1005 01:28:23,800 --> 01:28:30,320 asking for special treatment. They're asking for a fair opportunity to support 1006 01:28:27,520 --> 01:28:34,880 themselves and their families. As a home rule charter city, Omaha has the 1007 01:28:32,840 --> 01:28:40,680 authority to consider solutions tailored to local conditions and have uh 1008 01:28:38,400 --> 01:28:45,240 So, you can give this thoughtful consideration. 1009 01:28:42,200 --> 01:28:51,200 Uh I worked as a young person. I paid for my first cell phone, uh new clothes, 1010 01:28:48,680 --> 01:28:55,760 and eventually got my uh vehicle. So, I I understand what young 1011 01:28:54,080 --> 01:28:58,480 people are saying. Uh 1012 01:28:56,760 --> 01:29:03,240 today many families feel the cost of living continues uh to rise while the 1013 01:29:01,040 --> 01:29:08,120 benefits of economic growth are increasingly concentrated elsewhere. 1014 01:29:05,640 --> 01:29:13,240 Recent analysts found that 41 energy billionaires increased their wealth by 1015 01:29:10,200 --> 01:29:18,200 23.5 billion during the conflict with Iran, even as higher energy costs ripple 1016 01:29:15,960 --> 01:29:22,320 through the economy. Research on long-term inequality suggests that tens 1017 01:29:20,160 --> 01:29:25,960 of trillions of dollars in income that once would have flowed to working and 1018 01:29:24,080 --> 01:29:31,120 middle-class Americans have instead accrued to those at the very top of the 1019 01:29:28,520 --> 01:29:35,840 economic ladder. That's happened last four decades. So, at its core, this 1020 01:29:33,920 --> 01:29:40,040 proposal is about how Omaha chooses to balance economic growth, local control, 1021 01:29:37,920 --> 01:29:44,240 and the economic well-being of >> its residents. Thank you for your time. 1022 01:29:42,480 --> 01:29:50,000 » Thank you. Are there any other proponents here on item number 28 that 1023 01:29:47,680 --> 01:29:55,680 wish to speak? Seeing none, are there any opponents? 1024 01:29:53,440 --> 01:29:55,680 Oops. 1025 01:29:55,920 --> 01:30:00,240 Sorry, we had a couple more speakers here before [clears throat] we go to 1026 01:29:59,440 --> 01:30:03,360 opponent. >> see the audience on the 1027 01:30:01,480 --> 01:30:05,080 » Larry, I have the floor if I I haven't called you up yet. 1028 01:30:04,040 --> 01:30:08,240 » not just asked for an opponent. >> Give me a moment. The 1029 01:30:07,080 --> 01:30:10,520 » What are these These are our opponents. 1030 01:30:09,160 --> 01:30:12,880 » Okay. >> 1 2 1031 01:30:11,840 --> 01:30:15,240 3 >> Okay. 1032 01:30:19,760 --> 01:30:26,000 Okay, so who should I call the others? Okay, the next speaker is Andrew 1033 01:30:23,240 --> 01:30:26,000 Sullivan. 1034 01:30:31,760 --> 01:30:38,200 » Thank you, Council President, Council members. My name is Andrew Sullivan, 1035 01:30:35,000 --> 01:30:43,640 17748 Western Avenue, and I'm opposed to this ordinance because I think 1036 01:30:40,320 --> 01:30:48,040 overall you'll find in this with dealing with fiat currencies and digital economy 1037 01:30:46,760 --> 01:30:51,600 on here, we would be better off getting rid of 1038 01:30:50,320 --> 01:30:56,040 minimum wage. But, that's not for discussion. 1039 01:30:54,320 --> 01:31:01,400 This ordinance is about what state legislature did and why. 1040 01:30:58,360 --> 01:31:06,920 The reason we have a difference in income for the minimum wage for you 1041 01:31:05,000 --> 01:31:10,360 young people is cuz they don't have enough experience, and they need to gain 1042 01:31:08,960 --> 01:31:15,080 it. Now, if you think I'm heartless, 1043 01:31:12,520 --> 01:31:18,280 I when I started working, minimum wage was $3.80. 1044 01:31:19,480 --> 01:31:26,040 And there was plenty of jobs on. Theaters would hire because 1045 01:31:24,640 --> 01:31:30,640 grocery stores, you would just go in there, be a stock boy, work 10 10 hours 1046 01:31:29,000 --> 01:31:35,320 a week, and that's it. You know, there was plenty of them. 1047 01:31:32,680 --> 01:31:41,200 But, what we started to do in the 6th late '60s is the federal 1048 01:31:37,640 --> 01:31:45,920 government greatly expanded the ability of minimum wage laws. 1049 01:31:43,520 --> 01:31:49,640 And then next decade, we were suffering double-digit inflation. 1050 01:31:48,080 --> 01:31:56,560 Because the price of the currency didn't match 1051 01:31:52,560 --> 01:31:59,960 the value of what was being done. Today, 1052 01:31:58,400 --> 01:32:04,080 the state legislature is stuck with a problem. 1053 01:32:02,160 --> 01:32:09,440 How do you get people to hire youth? 1054 01:32:06,520 --> 01:32:13,840 When Nebraska raised its minimum wage to $9, 1055 01:32:11,920 --> 01:32:17,040 suddenly a bunch of grocery stores closed. 1056 01:32:15,360 --> 01:32:20,400 Not immediately, not right away, 1057 01:32:18,560 --> 01:32:24,960 they waited till they figured out, well, what how do I come deal with these extra 1058 01:32:22,680 --> 01:32:28,400 costs? And then they started consolidating. 1059 01:32:26,560 --> 01:32:35,960 At the same time, since people kept complaining, 1060 01:32:31,840 --> 01:32:35,960 they brought in self-checkout stands. 1061 01:32:36,160 --> 01:32:40,640 And because 1062 01:32:38,640 --> 01:32:47,320 14-year-old, 15-year-old, 16-year-old, 18-year-old can't check out alcohol, 1063 01:32:44,000 --> 01:32:47,320 they got rid of the teenagers. 1064 01:32:47,520 --> 01:32:52,720 The same thing happened in the movie theaters. Anyone 12 and up could work in 1065 01:32:51,600 --> 01:32:56,160 a movie theater. It wasn't that difficult. Tear your ticket, give it to 1066 01:32:54,200 --> 01:33:00,400 them, send make certain they get seated, clean up the aisle afterwards, and just 1067 01:32:58,200 --> 01:33:05,120 sit there and talk to your friends. Those jobs are gone. 1068 01:33:02,200 --> 01:33:08,680 Go look at this this theater over here. I mean, it might be busy on Friday and 1069 01:33:06,640 --> 01:33:12,080 Saturday night, but for the most part, oh, they you got before you buy a 1070 01:33:10,680 --> 01:33:17,520 ticket, you got to go right up to the food stand now 1071 01:33:13,800 --> 01:33:17,520 and ask, "Do you want fries with that?" 1072 01:33:18,000 --> 01:33:24,040 That's what's happened. We've deprived a generation of ability 1073 01:33:22,760 --> 01:33:27,600 to work, deprived of working. 1074 01:33:26,200 --> 01:33:31,200 And that's why I think you should get out of this 1075 01:33:28,800 --> 01:33:34,640 um minimum wage ordinance. It's not going to do what you think it's going to 1076 01:33:32,640 --> 01:33:36,640 do. It will just discriminate against the youth that you wanted to get hired 1077 01:33:35,880 --> 01:33:43,080 in the first place. >> you for being here. Next speaker 1078 01:33:39,360 --> 01:33:43,080 is Donny R. Johnson. 1079 01:33:43,400 --> 01:33:49,320 Followed by Chrissy Armend 1080 01:33:47,440 --> 01:33:52,160 Diaz. Armendariz, Armend >> Armendariz. 1081 01:33:49,920 --> 01:33:56,080 » Armendariz, thank you. I was going to get there. 1082 01:33:54,280 --> 01:33:59,320 » Uh good afternoon. I'm on City Council, Donny R. Johnson and Johnson and Johnson 1083 01:33:57,640 --> 01:34:03,480 Question Foundation. Uh 4928 North 52nd Street 1084 01:34:02,080 --> 01:34:07,200 and North Omaha Concerned Citizens Foundation. 1085 01:34:04,760 --> 01:34:10,520 You know, I I I think everyone like for the young folks to 1086 01:34:08,880 --> 01:34:15,200 have money. And if you go back to the '60s and the '70s, 1087 01:34:12,760 --> 01:34:15,200 uh 1088 01:34:15,480 --> 01:34:20,200 we had jobs through the city. And 1089 01:34:19,040 --> 01:34:25,240 I don't know if these young folks have seen all the Burger Kings and uh Wendys 1090 01:34:23,040 --> 01:34:29,520 and McDonald's shutting down. So, it They're looking at it wages not 1091 01:34:27,400 --> 01:34:33,520 going to fix the problem. The problem's on the other side. 1092 01:34:31,840 --> 01:34:36,880 And you look to the '70s, people was making like the gentleman 1093 01:34:34,920 --> 01:34:40,360 gentleman was saying, "$3 an hour, you could pay for a house making $3 an 1094 01:34:38,680 --> 01:34:43,680 hour." But you make $15 an hour, you can't pay for anything. 1095 01:34:41,880 --> 01:34:46,640 So, the problem's not there. It's more like the Boston Tea Party. People were 1096 01:34:45,200 --> 01:34:51,240 just got upset. So, where's the problem really at? The 1097 01:34:49,000 --> 01:34:54,560 price index is on the other side, not the wages. You can get all the wages in 1098 01:34:52,720 --> 01:34:57,240 the world, but then we don't have Sears and Roebucks anymore. We don't have 1099 01:34:55,800 --> 01:35:00,640 Kmart. We saw all these businesses closing. And the number one problem is 1100 01:34:59,240 --> 01:35:05,800 wages. And I told the Navy guys, "If you send 1101 01:35:03,680 --> 01:35:09,040 me to Europe instead of Washington D.C. with Mr. Harding, I'll find out where 1102 01:35:07,360 --> 01:35:10,880 Jimmy Hoffa is at." They say he's up in New York. 1103 01:35:09,320 --> 01:35:13,960 » we need to we need to stay on topic. Thank you. 1104 01:35:12,040 --> 01:35:18,840 Next speaker, I apologize, it's Senator Christy 1105 01:35:15,840 --> 01:35:18,840 Armendariz. 1106 01:35:27,080 --> 01:35:32,680 » Good afternoon, Council President and City Council. Uh thank you for having 1107 01:35:30,640 --> 01:35:37,760 me. I'm Christy Armendariz. My address is 16212 West Maple Road. 1108 01:35:35,640 --> 01:35:42,080 I am a current state senator. I am the vice chair of appropriations for the 1109 01:35:39,720 --> 01:35:47,560 state of Maras- of Nebraska. And I thought it fair to come and put my 1110 01:35:45,200 --> 01:35:52,840 testimony on the record of why I voted the way I did on uh LB 258. 1111 01:35:53,560 --> 01:36:00,880 We did we've talked a lot about the minimum wage. 1112 01:35:58,880 --> 01:36:06,240 But if a minimum wage worker receives a mandated increase in his or her wage 1113 01:36:03,720 --> 01:36:10,400 without additional contribution, the ripple effect will keep that individual 1114 01:36:08,440 --> 01:36:13,720 at the exact same place within their buying power 1115 01:36:11,760 --> 01:36:18,360 that they were before. When a when the minimum wage goes up, a 1116 01:36:16,280 --> 01:36:22,760 business, in order to stay flat in their company's profit margin, 1117 01:36:20,360 --> 01:36:29,000 can reduce its workforce in the hopes of still maintaining the same output or 1118 01:36:25,760 --> 01:36:33,160 which we often see in entry-level work, the business owner can replace those 1119 01:36:30,560 --> 01:36:36,400 positions with technology. We need to be cognizant of grocery 1120 01:36:34,720 --> 01:36:40,400 stores and restaurants where the profit margins are are extremely tight and 1121 01:36:38,880 --> 01:36:44,360 volatile. Those industries in particular would 1122 01:36:42,120 --> 01:36:47,760 have a very difficult time staying open and using workers as opposed to 1123 01:36:46,360 --> 01:36:54,560 technology. We have seen closures and technology 1124 01:36:50,200 --> 01:36:59,480 replace workers for several years now. If companies need to maintain its level 1125 01:36:56,440 --> 01:37:03,080 of employees and it forces the to in a are forced to pay higher wages at the 1126 01:37:01,520 --> 01:37:06,120 entry-level, more than likely they will need to 1127 01:37:04,360 --> 01:37:10,560 increase wages within the whole organization. So it won't be just 1128 01:37:08,440 --> 01:37:16,040 minimum wage. All the other workers will be expected to be bumped up to keep that 1129 01:37:13,200 --> 01:37:20,640 delta the same they always were. So we raise minimum wage as governments, 1130 01:37:18,640 --> 01:37:25,240 all wages go up. That's fine and ideal as long as we're 1131 01:37:23,040 --> 01:37:30,320 in a closed system. But if you have businesses that can outsource, and we've 1132 01:37:27,960 --> 01:37:35,720 seen it going on for decades now, to other countries, especially at customer 1133 01:37:33,000 --> 01:37:40,560 service type jobs, they do. So we will lose those jobs, which are 1134 01:37:37,720 --> 01:37:46,520 entry-level jobs, and we need to be cognizant of that. I just want to make 1135 01:37:42,800 --> 01:37:51,520 one last point that in that ordinance in in the state legislature's bill 1136 01:37:49,920 --> 01:37:56,520 and the on the record 1137 01:37:53,400 --> 01:38:00,920 city, county, state, schools are all exempt from the mandated minimum wage. 1138 01:37:59,160 --> 01:38:05,400 So, if you work for any of those entities or organizations, none of them 1139 01:38:03,320 --> 01:38:09,720 are are applicable in the mandated minimum wage or any of the CPI 1140 01:38:08,400 --> 01:38:13,160 escalators that are involved in that bill. 1141 01:38:12,160 --> 01:38:18,840 Thank you. >> Thank you, Senator. Are there any other 1142 01:38:15,840 --> 01:38:18,840 opponents here? 1143 01:38:33,520 --> 01:38:41,040 » Larry Store, 5015 Lafayette Avenue, Omaha, 68132. 1144 01:38:39,200 --> 01:38:47,040 I am opposed to this for very many reasons, so please call me back up later 1145 01:38:43,200 --> 01:38:51,120 for clarification, not expansion. But, what we have done here this this 1146 01:38:49,080 --> 01:38:55,920 afternoon is a severe breakage of the rule. 1147 01:38:52,880 --> 01:39:00,240 This is an agenda item, yes. But, always in the past should have 1148 01:38:57,440 --> 01:39:03,560 stayed on the topic of that agenda. What is on that piece of paper in front 1149 01:39:02,000 --> 01:39:07,400 » Larry, this is about the minimum wage, not about other issues. You can talk 1150 01:39:05,520 --> 01:39:10,520 about the minimum wage ordinance or you're going to be called out of order. 1151 01:39:08,760 --> 01:39:14,320 » Let me have my freedom to speak. >> Your freedom is on item 29 for the 1152 01:39:13,400 --> 01:39:18,480 minimum wage. >> 29. 1153 01:39:16,240 --> 01:39:21,320 Will you please be quiet for a change? >> Have him removed. Larry, you can't 1154 01:39:20,000 --> 01:39:23,840 respect the body. >> meeting. 1155 01:39:21,840 --> 01:39:27,920 » You are removed. Please cut the mic. You're removed, Larry. Thank you. 1156 01:39:26,080 --> 01:39:34,040 Are there You're removed. You are removed. Are there any other opponents 1157 01:39:31,760 --> 01:39:39,480 I want to thank everybody that's here today for being respectful of everyone 1158 01:39:37,400 --> 01:39:45,560 that is here in attendance and also that is listening on the Zoom. 1159 01:39:42,840 --> 01:39:50,920 We try to run a civil meeting, 3 minutes for everybody to speak. So, thank you 1160 01:39:48,120 --> 01:39:56,720 everybody that's done that here today. Are there any other opponents here on 1161 01:39:53,240 --> 01:40:00,520 item number 29? Seeing none, 1162 01:39:58,320 --> 01:40:04,040 the public hearing is closed. And I we have some lights on, 1163 01:40:02,160 --> 01:40:07,680 but I I like to make a couple remarks since I brought this ordinance before 1164 01:40:06,520 --> 01:40:11,080 us, and I'll gladly get to my colleagues. 1165 01:40:09,440 --> 01:40:14,520 I want to thank a lot of the young people that took the time to come out 1166 01:40:12,920 --> 01:40:18,880 here today and to share your stories. 1167 01:40:16,920 --> 01:40:24,440 Because I I had a lot of things that I wanted to cover in my remarks, but it's 1168 01:40:21,800 --> 01:40:28,600 incredible. It is a grandfather of a 1-year-old, and my kids are in their 20s 1169 01:40:27,120 --> 01:40:31,640 and 30-ish, means I'm getting a little old. 1170 01:40:29,880 --> 01:40:36,360 I It always it it gives me great hope in our youth 1171 01:40:34,840 --> 01:40:40,080 to use their voices, and that's what you did here today. 1172 01:40:38,160 --> 01:40:44,000 So, instead of covering a lot of things that you all did, 1173 01:40:42,120 --> 01:40:50,040 I want to just tell a brief story about myself as a 14-year-old kid 1174 01:40:47,400 --> 01:40:55,640 in 1983. I worked in the Creighton University dish room, 1175 01:40:52,320 --> 01:40:58,360 and my older brothers were 15 and 16, and they worked in that dish room as 1176 01:40:57,080 --> 01:41:02,320 well, along with other kids 1177 01:41:00,240 --> 01:41:07,000 from Cathedral where I grew up, and also North Omaha that was nearby. 1178 01:41:04,800 --> 01:41:12,640 And if you can place a dish room, you got two people scraping the plates, 1179 01:41:09,680 --> 01:41:16,080 got the trays, the cups, the silverware. You got them scraping that, and then 1180 01:41:14,240 --> 01:41:19,840 behind that person, you had somebody loading the dishwasher. 1181 01:41:18,240 --> 01:41:23,880 And on the other other end of the conveyor belt was the unloader of the 1182 01:41:22,240 --> 01:41:29,000 dishwasher. And then the other guy or gal was doing 1183 01:41:26,880 --> 01:41:32,080 the silverware, so you got five people right there. 1184 01:41:30,560 --> 01:41:36,560 And then you got a sixth person that's hustling when the dishes are done, and 1185 01:41:35,040 --> 01:41:41,640 you got to run back to the two food lines to take plates, trays, silverware, 1186 01:41:40,360 --> 01:41:46,040 cups, everything 1187 01:41:42,920 --> 01:41:50,800 to keep the well-oiled machine going. And as a 14-year-old sitting there, 1188 01:41:48,520 --> 01:41:54,160 I work my tail off just like my older brothers did 1189 01:41:52,280 --> 01:42:00,080 or just like the other kids in that dish room that were 17, 18, 19 years old. 1190 01:41:58,160 --> 01:42:05,520 In 1983 or 2026, 1191 01:42:02,280 --> 01:42:10,720 if it's $3.35 an hour back then or 15 bucks an hour now, 1192 01:42:08,320 --> 01:42:14,960 you should not devalue the work of a 14-year-old. I'll never forget that. 1193 01:42:12,560 --> 01:42:19,440 That's besides mowing lawns, that's one of the first jobs that I had. And it 1194 01:42:17,320 --> 01:42:24,000 taught me responsibility, but it also helped me understand 1195 01:42:21,960 --> 01:42:28,840 that my dad was a mailman, my mom was a teacher, three brothers. 1196 01:42:26,320 --> 01:42:32,400 We weren't rich with money, but we were rich with a great family. 1197 01:42:31,120 --> 01:42:37,880 Some of the kids that worked in that dish room were from single-family homes 1198 01:42:35,520 --> 01:42:42,760 that took the bus down to Creighton. Sometimes my dad, if he was picking me 1199 01:42:40,080 --> 01:42:46,240 up for my brothers before we drove, he would give those kids a ride to save 1200 01:42:44,440 --> 01:42:49,640 them a little money on the fare for the bus 1201 01:42:47,400 --> 01:42:55,920 because they had no way to get back and forth to work. 1202 01:42:53,720 --> 01:42:59,800 It's a fairness issue, and when you want to race things to the bottom, 1203 01:42:58,000 --> 01:43:02,840 I'll never forget that as a 14-year-old kid 1204 01:43:01,040 --> 01:43:06,000 hustling and learning teamwork and camaraderie, 1205 01:43:04,520 --> 01:43:09,280 if you're scraping a plate or doing dishes 1206 01:43:07,640 --> 01:43:12,520 or silverware, it's the same work, and we all you 1207 01:43:11,160 --> 01:43:16,680 didn't get a side of it. It's whoever got to wear first. And if you need to 1208 01:43:14,640 --> 01:43:21,880 get the real guy that's fast loading in the unloader, you figure that out, and 1209 01:43:19,480 --> 01:43:24,600 and you really learn teamwork in that. So, 1210 01:43:22,880 --> 01:43:29,600 that's why I brought this ordinance, and a lot of the the people that spoke today 1211 01:43:26,600 --> 01:43:34,920 talked about the 70.2% of Omaha voters, not Douglas County, 1212 01:43:32,520 --> 01:43:40,520 Omaha, they said yes to this in 2022. 1213 01:43:38,080 --> 01:43:44,600 And you think of what kids pay for today or what I paid for back then, I helped 1214 01:43:42,600 --> 01:43:48,120 pay for some of my tuition at Cathedral High School. 1215 01:43:46,000 --> 01:43:52,200 I could go to a movie. I helped pay a little bit of my car 1216 01:43:49,600 --> 01:43:56,800 insurance like was mentioned here today. Those are things that help working class 1217 01:43:54,640 --> 01:44:02,800 or working poor families that are struggling today more than ever 1218 01:44:00,120 --> 01:44:08,360 in an economy there's affordability crisis is going on, especially 1219 01:44:06,680 --> 01:44:11,960 you can certainly say here in Omaha, people are feeling the pinch. 1220 01:44:10,600 --> 01:44:16,400 So, as we went through, and I'll get to my 1221 01:44:13,760 --> 01:44:21,360 colleagues weighing in, in each district, it was district one 1222 01:44:18,320 --> 01:44:27,560 was 75% of the voters said yes to this. District two was 86%. 1223 01:44:24,120 --> 01:44:33,000 My district, district three was 89%. District four, 74%. 1224 01:44:30,240 --> 01:44:38,520 District five, 63%. District six, 63%. 1225 01:44:35,800 --> 01:44:43,360 District seven, 67. You want to talk about a landslide or a 1226 01:44:40,240 --> 01:44:48,400 mandate, those numbers to me really reflect the will and the mandate 1227 01:44:46,040 --> 01:44:53,200 of the voters when they pass this in 2022, it was passed statewide, 1228 01:44:51,440 --> 01:44:57,640 but in Douglas County and specifically the city of Omaha, 1229 01:44:55,040 --> 01:45:01,760 the numbers speak to themselves. So, I'm not about 1230 01:44:59,640 --> 01:45:06,160 pay cuts or a race to the bottom for young workers because again, I never 1231 01:45:03,400 --> 01:45:10,280 forgot being a 14-year-old kid in that dish room, and I loved that job. It was 1232 01:45:08,400 --> 01:45:15,680 great. It was one of the best experiences ever, but we worked hard. 1233 01:45:12,720 --> 01:45:20,520 And I don't want to tell a kid that's 20 in 2026 1234 01:45:17,680 --> 01:45:25,920 or beyond that, "Hey, I did that job, but your value is less than mine." I 1235 01:45:23,040 --> 01:45:29,720 don't ever forget where I came from. So, that's why I'm obviously going to be 1236 01:45:27,960 --> 01:45:33,240 supportive of this and I appreciate the law department working on it. 1237 01:45:31,640 --> 01:45:38,920 They got it before us here today. So, I'm going to yield my time to Councilman 1238 01:45:36,000 --> 01:45:42,160 Festers and you're recognized. >> Thanks, Mr. President, and thanks for 1239 01:45:40,880 --> 01:45:46,120 those remarks and for sharing that perspective and for introducing this 1240 01:45:44,400 --> 01:45:49,240 measure today. I support a living wage for all workers, 1241 01:45:47,760 --> 01:45:51,640 so I will also be supporting this ordinance. 1242 01:45:50,600 --> 01:45:54,560 And I also want to thank all the testifiers that we heard today, 1243 01:45:53,160 --> 01:45:57,880 especially the young people who did such a nice job. 1244 01:45:56,160 --> 01:46:01,000 I love seeing that engagement on all issues. 1245 01:45:59,280 --> 01:46:04,040 I also want to recognize City Councilman James Michael Bowers who's here from 1246 01:46:03,000 --> 01:46:07,960 Lincoln. He introduced a similar measure that did 1247 01:46:05,560 --> 01:46:10,800 pass in the city of Lincoln. So, I appreciate you coming all the way to 1248 01:46:08,920 --> 01:46:13,360 Omaha today for this for this public hearing. 1249 01:46:12,320 --> 01:46:18,480 Um $15 and a cost of living cost of living 1250 01:46:16,360 --> 01:46:22,600 adjustment in 2027, I think is reasonable. 1251 01:46:19,720 --> 01:46:26,680 And as has been noted, um was approved by voters over 70% in the 1252 01:46:25,160 --> 01:46:30,720 city of Omaha. So, I do believe it's a love of the 1253 01:46:28,400 --> 01:46:34,240 voters issue, also. Um 1254 01:46:32,880 --> 01:46:37,720 I also believe it's consistent with the mayor's poverty elimination plan. 1255 01:46:36,360 --> 01:46:42,200 Um in fact, this would be the first measure if we adopt it, that would be 1256 01:46:39,480 --> 01:46:47,120 substantive in nature, um related to that plan that this body approved over a 1257 01:46:44,960 --> 01:46:50,560 year ago now. Um the last thing I'll offer today, this 1258 01:46:48,920 --> 01:46:52,440 is not the vote today, um 1259 01:46:51,320 --> 01:46:56,360 but we discussed this morning pre-council that with the holidays 1260 01:46:54,360 --> 01:47:00,000 coming up, there are several weeks where the council's not meeting or when the 1261 01:46:58,240 --> 01:47:03,640 council members are traveling. Um so, I know there's additional lights 1262 01:47:01,480 --> 01:47:08,520 here today, but I would offer a motion that would set then this vote for July 1263 01:47:05,960 --> 01:47:11,200 14th, which I think does satisfy those issues. 1264 01:47:10,200 --> 01:47:13,840 Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you. We had a motion and a second 1265 01:47:12,800 --> 01:47:19,240 for to lay over the vote on this item 29 to 1266 01:47:16,760 --> 01:47:23,680 July 14th. We have more lights, Councilman Council 1267 01:47:21,200 --> 01:47:28,800 member Goodwin, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you 1268 01:47:26,480 --> 01:47:33,000 for bringing this issue um before us today. You know, when you 1269 01:47:30,480 --> 01:47:39,080 first called me, it had me reminiscing about my first job. 1270 01:47:36,400 --> 01:47:43,520 And it was detasseling corn. So, it was actually below the minimum wage because 1271 01:47:41,640 --> 01:47:47,800 that's the law, you know, agricultural jobs you can be paid a little less. 1272 01:47:45,760 --> 01:47:53,240 But, I was excited to do that work. Uh because I wanted to 1273 01:47:50,320 --> 01:47:57,600 buy my own school clothes that year um as a 14-year-old. 1274 01:47:55,120 --> 01:48:04,040 Um and so, I went I got up at 5:00 in the morning and got on a bus and drove 1275 01:48:00,360 --> 01:48:08,240 out to cornfields, Iowa, Nebraska. And um by the end of the summer, I was the 1276 01:48:05,960 --> 01:48:10,520 foreman because everybody else had quit. So. 1277 01:48:09,159 --> 01:48:15,640 » [laughter] >> Uh but then I I got a job uh at 1278 01:48:13,880 --> 01:48:19,400 McDonald's because I was trying to alleviate the 1279 01:48:17,320 --> 01:48:24,080 stress of my mom uh because she was a single mother. 1280 01:48:21,280 --> 01:48:31,080 And it helped pay for bus fare. It helped pay for my um 1281 01:48:27,000 --> 01:48:38,480 ACT exams. And it was a it was a type of financial independence 1282 01:48:33,560 --> 01:48:41,960 uh as um a teenager uh in high school. Um 1283 01:48:39,720 --> 01:48:47,440 all the testimonies today again, I connect with so many of the proponents. 1284 01:48:45,400 --> 01:48:53,400 Um even the comment around the Baja burrito. Uh they did not have a Baja 1285 01:48:49,880 --> 01:48:58,400 burrito in the 1990s, but uh after school, I'd catch a ride with my friend. 1286 01:48:56,360 --> 01:49:02,880 We'd go to Taco Bell for the burritos were 69 cents. The taco pizzas I think 1287 01:49:01,040 --> 01:49:07,880 were just a little more. And then we'd head uh head to telemarketing. 1288 01:49:05,320 --> 01:49:12,960 Because I realized that after working about 6 months at uh McDonald's for 1289 01:49:10,400 --> 01:49:17,960 $3.25, that the telemarketers were paying $6.50 an hour. And that That a 1290 01:49:15,280 --> 01:49:22,880 huge increase. Again, I was in high school. What am I really trying to 1291 01:49:19,400 --> 01:49:26,440 frame? That there are youth, kids, teenagers who are thinking about 1292 01:49:24,560 --> 01:49:29,720 economics in the way that sometimes adults are. 1293 01:49:27,640 --> 01:49:35,080 And that's actually not a bad thing. Because it's really preparing them for 1294 01:49:32,640 --> 01:49:39,440 uh the real world or as my kids like to say adulting. 1295 01:49:37,000 --> 01:49:45,760 Um I also think it's important that we do respect the will of the people. 1296 01:49:42,240 --> 01:49:49,480 Uh people don't have faith in our democratic process right now. So many 1297 01:49:48,160 --> 01:49:52,560 people when you ask them if they're registered to vote, if they plan to vote 1298 01:49:50,960 --> 01:49:57,840 in the next election, the first thing they tell you is my vote doesn't count. 1299 01:49:55,240 --> 01:50:03,080 And so I think that when you have a a measure like this that 1300 01:49:59,880 --> 01:50:09,320 overwhelmingly was decided by the people in a bipartisan way that that 1301 01:50:06,680 --> 01:50:15,560 we have to look at that and hold it up and reinforce 1302 01:50:12,680 --> 01:50:20,280 to the citizens that their vote matters. And so I will be supporting this 1303 01:50:17,280 --> 01:50:25,480 measure. Uh but I also want to focus on wage inequality and equality, which this 1304 01:50:23,560 --> 01:50:29,880 measure actually does. Sometimes I feel like just because of my 1305 01:50:27,040 --> 01:50:35,960 life experience that I I sit on every spectrum of the of the 1306 01:50:33,480 --> 01:50:41,240 situation, if you will. And I can remember a job 1307 01:50:37,960 --> 01:50:46,720 uh I was in my late 20s and um I was actually having to use another 1308 01:50:44,040 --> 01:50:52,880 printer in that office and I came upon a memo and it was my um 1309 01:50:49,840 --> 01:50:58,080 supervisor at the time and she was talking to HR because she said, 1310 01:50:55,840 --> 01:51:01,800 "Lavonya is the only black person working here and she's being paid less. 1311 01:51:00,360 --> 01:51:08,560 I'm concerned." So I had this memo that was stating 1312 01:51:04,720 --> 01:51:12,280 that I was literally being paid less as the only African-American female and 1313 01:51:10,680 --> 01:51:17,160 yet it wasn't because of necessarily credentialing or experience. These 1314 01:51:15,120 --> 01:51:23,120 things really happen. Now, that was 30 years ago, but I think that we have to 1315 01:51:20,040 --> 01:51:27,280 keep moving forward in equality and in in wage equality and not moving 1316 01:51:24,920 --> 01:51:34,320 backward. I also think that as I was reading the 1317 01:51:29,480 --> 01:51:39,280 the the statute, that it seemed very difficult. 1318 01:51:36,320 --> 01:51:44,240 The wage um the minimum wage is simply that. It's a minimum wage. And when you 1319 01:51:40,840 --> 01:51:49,360 start nuancing it over age and nuancing over training, it's just not really how 1320 01:51:46,520 --> 01:51:55,120 we currently do it. So, it brings in a com- complexity that's not necessary. 1321 01:51:52,280 --> 01:51:58,760 And so, um I will be supporting this amendment. I do appreciate the young 1322 01:51:57,280 --> 01:52:01,680 people who have um 1323 01:51:59,520 --> 01:52:07,000 come out to um s- express their vo- uh voices um 1324 01:52:04,800 --> 01:52:11,560 and keep being engaged. Your voice matters. Uh and when you're old enough, 1325 01:52:09,160 --> 01:52:16,240 your vote matters. And um thank you again, uh Council Member Begley, for 1326 01:52:13,600 --> 01:52:20,800 bringing this up for for our vote, which will be next week 1327 01:52:18,000 --> 01:52:24,680 or in several weeks. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Member Rowe. You're 1328 01:52:23,040 --> 01:52:28,760 recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Begley. Um 1329 01:52:26,960 --> 01:52:32,360 I appreciate the comment from Mr. King that uh 1330 01:52:30,160 --> 01:52:36,360 the the constituents that are emailing me about this ordinance right now, it's 1331 01:52:34,080 --> 01:52:40,360 about 50/50. I'm getting >> Good one, please confirm. 1332 01:52:37,800 --> 01:52:43,720 » Yeah, so I am I I'll verify that that's true. The the communication that I'm 1333 01:52:42,400 --> 01:52:47,800 getting, it's about 50/50. 1334 01:52:45,440 --> 01:52:52,120 Um you know, in the last couple of weeks, 1335 01:52:49,880 --> 01:52:56,920 even in the months, I've been concerned about how the City Council, the 1336 01:52:55,080 --> 01:53:02,000 relationship that the City Council has with the state of Nebraska. 1337 01:52:59,520 --> 01:53:05,120 And I think we all know that the City Council does serve at the pleasure of 1338 01:53:03,720 --> 01:53:09,600 the state. And so, I do have a concern. I'm 1339 01:53:06,760 --> 01:53:14,760 conflicted because I do recognize the the big numbers of people that signed 1340 01:53:12,160 --> 01:53:19,600 the petition and and that voted. And so I I get that. But I also 1341 01:53:17,160 --> 01:53:26,000 recognize that the state legislature took this up as a as a bill and passed a 1342 01:53:23,480 --> 01:53:29,680 bill that um we're going to be in conflict with in my 1343 01:53:27,720 --> 01:53:34,400 opinion. It It appears to me we'll be in conflict with the state again. And I 1344 01:53:32,880 --> 01:53:37,960 mean I've not talked to the Attorney General. I don't know what his 1345 01:53:35,720 --> 01:53:41,880 intentions would be. I think he might have had some communication with the 1346 01:53:39,520 --> 01:53:47,800 Lincoln City Council. I'm not sure of that, but I do have some concern when 1347 01:53:44,680 --> 01:53:51,640 when we go into conflict with um 1348 01:53:48,840 --> 01:53:54,400 with the state of Nebraska. I I'm reading through the ordinance. I've been 1349 01:53:52,960 --> 01:53:59,200 reading through the ordinance. Tonight I have I am not ready to say yes or no. 1350 01:53:57,120 --> 01:54:05,280 I've I'm I'm going to still do some study over the next month and next 3 1351 01:54:01,680 --> 01:54:09,440 weeks and try to understand the the consequences of going one way or the 1352 01:54:07,080 --> 01:54:16,120 other. But I would like to ask some questions of uh Kaylen. 1353 01:54:13,000 --> 01:54:19,960 If you would come up, Kaylen is our HRNR director and 1354 01:54:17,640 --> 01:54:25,600 and this ordinance will be uh placed upon her department uh for 1355 01:54:23,160 --> 01:54:29,960 for management. And I I want to start off with there's there as as Senator 1356 01:54:28,720 --> 01:54:34,320 Armendariz said, there are some exceptions. I want to read off some of 1357 01:54:32,080 --> 01:54:37,040 the exceptions to this uh to this ordinance. 1358 01:54:35,600 --> 01:54:43,040 So it'd be any individual that's employed in agriculture. 1359 01:54:40,120 --> 01:54:49,200 Any individual employed as a babysitter or in or about a private home. 1360 01:54:47,000 --> 01:54:52,600 Any individual employed in a bonafide executive, administrative, or 1361 01:54:50,680 --> 01:54:57,920 professional capacity or as a superintendent or supervisor. 1362 01:54:56,040 --> 01:55:03,240 Any individual employed by the United States or by the state or any political 1363 01:55:00,800 --> 01:55:07,280 subdivision thereof as Christie mentioned including any individual 1364 01:55:05,440 --> 01:55:11,400 incarcerated in any correctional facility. 1365 01:55:09,320 --> 01:55:15,640 Any individual engaged in the activities of an educational, charitable, 1366 01:55:13,400 --> 01:55:20,240 religious, or nonprofit organization when the employer employee relationship 1367 01:55:17,960 --> 01:55:25,880 does not in fact exist or when the services rendered to such organization 1368 01:55:22,240 --> 01:55:30,880 are on a voluntary basis. Here's one, apprentices and learners 1369 01:55:28,040 --> 01:55:34,000 otherwise provided by law. A veterans in training under supervision 1370 01:55:32,720 --> 01:55:37,880 of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. 1371 01:55:35,800 --> 01:55:42,520 A child of in the employment of his or her parent or a parent in the employment 1372 01:55:40,280 --> 01:55:46,840 of his or her child. Or any person who directly or indirectly 1373 01:55:44,480 --> 01:55:50,760 is receiving any form of federal, state, county, or local aid or welfare. 1374 01:55:49,440 --> 01:55:54,800 And who is physically or mentally disabled and employed in a program of 1375 01:55:53,160 --> 01:55:58,360 rehabilitation. Who shall receive a wage at a level 1376 01:55:56,400 --> 01:56:03,040 consistent with his or her health, efficiency, and general well-being. 1377 01:56:00,680 --> 01:56:06,520 So those are the exceptions to the to the ordinance the way I 1378 01:56:04,880 --> 01:56:10,320 understand it. Would Would you say that that's correct Caitlin? 1379 01:56:08,800 --> 01:56:13,360 » Correct. Those are the exceptions to the definition of who would be considered an 1380 01:56:11,960 --> 01:56:18,320 employee who would have a right to the minimum wage under this ordinance. 1381 01:56:14,880 --> 01:56:22,120 » Okay. So I I would I would say that they would not be held 1382 01:56:20,120 --> 01:56:26,480 um to the standards for the for the minimum wage at this at this ordinance 1383 01:56:24,400 --> 01:56:30,200 is talking about. Is that right? >> The An employer would not be required to 1384 01:56:28,480 --> 01:56:32,520 pay the minimum wage outlined in this ordinance to those people listed in 1385 01:56:31,760 --> 01:56:35,640 those exceptions. >> Okay. Great. 1386 01:56:33,920 --> 01:56:40,840 Uh there's a couple of questions I have on um on some just some of the logistics 1387 01:56:38,280 --> 01:56:45,040 on how will you be able to manage it? So the one is the the worker that earns 1388 01:56:43,440 --> 01:56:48,800 tips. So on how does How is that going to be 1389 01:56:47,600 --> 01:56:56,200 handled? Is that they're going to be paid $2.13 or a minimum of $2.13 an hour 1390 01:56:53,640 --> 01:56:59,840 plus their tips? And how does that How will that work? 1391 01:56:58,480 --> 01:57:03,680 » Caitlin Deheilia, director of the Human Rights and Relations Department. Excuse 1392 01:57:01,320 --> 01:57:07,440 me for that, but I work at 1819 Farnam, Suite 502. 1393 01:57:06,120 --> 01:57:10,080 The calculations [snorts] 1394 01:57:08,320 --> 01:57:14,440 for tipped workers would account for that $2.13 1395 01:57:11,840 --> 01:57:20,120 per hour plus the gratuities. And if those two combined didn't get to the 1396 01:57:17,680 --> 01:57:24,080 minimum wage rate, either $15 this year or the 1397 01:57:22,120 --> 01:57:28,280 rate adjusted based on the consumer price index in subsequent years, 1398 01:57:26,960 --> 01:57:31,640 then that's where there would be a violation potentially. So, they have a 1399 01:57:29,720 --> 01:57:37,120 right to that same rate. It's just that it can be that 213 plus tips. 1400 01:57:34,160 --> 01:57:41,120 » Okay. So, if they were to receive tips short 1401 01:57:38,600 --> 01:57:45,160 if they if you took their $2.13 and they received $5 tips, 1402 01:57:43,480 --> 01:57:47,440 then the the employer would make up the difference to 15. Is that how that would 1403 01:57:46,920 --> 01:57:49,960 work? >> Correct. 1404 01:57:48,040 --> 01:57:55,240 » Okay. So, how do they how do they manage that? How does because I I noticed that 1405 01:57:52,920 --> 01:58:00,240 it's the the burden of proof on the payment is on the employer. 1406 01:57:58,600 --> 01:58:04,200 So, how does the employer expected to manage How do they know 1407 01:58:02,400 --> 01:58:08,480 you know, if I if I go to a um a restaurant and I 1408 01:58:06,280 --> 01:58:13,480 put, you know, $15 cash on the table. How how do they know that that's 1409 01:58:11,000 --> 01:58:15,000 part of that that waitress's or waiter's um 1410 01:58:14,080 --> 01:58:19,680 wages? >> So, from my experience waiting tables, 1411 01:58:17,520 --> 01:58:23,440 right? Part of my responsibility as a server was to report the tips I received 1412 01:58:21,320 --> 01:58:26,400 in cash. And also part of the employer's responsibility was of course to report 1413 01:58:25,120 --> 01:58:31,160 those tips that we received through credit cards. And so, together, the 1414 01:58:29,280 --> 01:58:35,120 record keeping of the employer would contain those two 1415 01:58:33,160 --> 01:58:37,880 amounts at the end of a shift, presumably. And that would be those 1416 01:58:36,760 --> 01:58:43,000 would be the records that the employer would have to account for the tips. 1417 01:58:40,040 --> 01:58:48,240 » Okay. So, it is it is accounted for. Can you talk about uh there was mention of 1418 01:58:45,880 --> 01:58:51,880 the student learner. And how does that how how does that part 1419 01:58:50,080 --> 01:58:55,200 of the program work? If you're a student learner 1420 01:58:53,360 --> 01:58:58,360 of a bonafide vocational training program, 1421 01:58:56,560 --> 01:59:03,200 you can earn less wages than the minimum wage. 1422 01:59:00,520 --> 01:59:07,560 Is that Do I understand that correctly? >> Mr. Kusi, would you be able to speak to 1423 01:59:04,920 --> 01:59:07,560 that at all? 1424 01:59:08,040 --> 01:59:11,400 » Mac Kusi, excuse me, Mac [clears throat] Kusi from 1425 01:59:09,880 --> 01:59:13,760 the law department. The 1426 01:59:12,400 --> 01:59:17,360 the sections that you're referring to with these definitions and the list of 1427 01:59:15,480 --> 01:59:21,520 the exceptions, those were pulled directly from the state statute that 1428 01:59:19,800 --> 01:59:26,440 already exists and the legislature doesn't exactly define student learner. 1429 01:59:25,120 --> 01:59:30,680 Um I know that doesn't completely answer your question, but that's a little bit I 1430 01:59:27,760 --> 01:59:35,640 guess of of a prelude to it. With regard to how that that would work, your direct 1431 01:59:32,880 --> 01:59:40,480 question is that this ordinance proposes that the burden of keeping track of the 1432 01:59:37,880 --> 01:59:44,080 records for how they're paying people and how they're classified, including if 1433 01:59:41,840 --> 01:59:47,480 there are any exceptions, um to the classification of the employees is going 1434 01:59:46,000 --> 01:59:51,760 to be on the business owner, the employer, I guess, in order to make 1435 01:59:50,200 --> 01:59:55,040 those distinctions and the records that they're going to be required to keep 1436 01:59:52,920 --> 01:59:59,480 under this ordinance. >> Okay, how are we How are we going to 1437 01:59:56,400 --> 02:00:04,040 know if they are a part of a bonafide vocational training program? 1438 02:00:01,600 --> 02:00:07,480 » Part of what we'll do before rolling out the ordinance, if the ordinance is 1439 02:00:05,120 --> 02:00:11,480 approved, is is defined further what these means, look into how how the state 1440 02:00:09,760 --> 02:00:16,040 looks at these definitions and applies them just to have a good understanding 1441 02:00:13,360 --> 02:00:19,160 of how we would apply those exceptions. >> Okay. 1442 02:00:18,080 --> 02:00:23,360 Um Now, this one I I think you sent us some 1443 02:00:21,080 --> 02:00:27,240 some information on a fiscal note, but I wanted to kind of talk through that, 1444 02:00:25,000 --> 02:00:32,360 too, cuz can you Can it Can you explain what is this going to cost 1445 02:00:29,280 --> 02:00:36,480 the city of Omaha to implement um this ordinance from your department's 1446 02:00:34,640 --> 02:00:40,040 perspective? I mean, how many employees are you going to have to add? How many 1447 02:00:38,000 --> 02:00:43,880 dollars are you going to have to spend to administer? 1448 02:00:41,360 --> 02:00:48,960 » Sure, my plan would be to hire one human relation relations representative one to 1449 02:00:47,400 --> 02:00:52,720 work on this ordinance and so that person would responsible be responsible 1450 02:00:50,920 --> 02:00:55,680 initially for social socializing the ordinance and making 1451 02:00:54,360 --> 02:01:00,360 sure that employers and employees are aware of their responsibilities and 1452 02:00:57,880 --> 02:01:00,360 rights. 1453 02:01:00,800 --> 02:01:06,840 I would hope to be able to hire that person by about September and so I 1454 02:01:04,320 --> 02:01:11,160 anticipate this year we'd have about a third of that cost all all in with wages 1455 02:01:09,720 --> 02:01:16,360 and benefits. I estimate that would be right around $36,000 for this year. And 1456 02:01:14,080 --> 02:01:20,880 then for next year about $110,000 for that person. It might be that we 1457 02:01:18,720 --> 02:01:24,640 anticipate the volumes aren't sufficient to support a full-time equivalent 1458 02:01:22,400 --> 02:01:28,160 employee and so we might fill that role at a half-time employee. I haven't fully 1459 02:01:26,440 --> 02:01:32,000 decided yet because we really have it it's early and we want to see see how 1460 02:01:30,280 --> 02:01:36,000 things are looking before we formalize these decisions, but what I outlined 1461 02:01:34,000 --> 02:01:39,520 here is what I anticipate the maximum cost being initially at least for the 1462 02:01:37,600 --> 02:01:42,080 first year and a half. And then 1463 02:01:40,560 --> 02:01:46,240 the remainder of the cost that I highlighted are to publicize the 1464 02:01:44,560 --> 02:01:49,720 ordinance. So we have a responsibility under the ordinance to develop a poster 1465 02:01:48,400 --> 02:01:53,400 and then make sure that it gets out to employers so that they know what they're 1466 02:01:51,680 --> 02:01:57,160 expected to pay especially next year because it'll deviate from what's due in 1467 02:01:55,040 --> 02:01:59,920 this at the state level. And we're going to take that responsibility seriously. 1468 02:01:58,760 --> 02:02:03,840 We want to make sure that we're mailing it to the employers we can mail it to 1469 02:02:01,800 --> 02:02:07,680 that we're getting out on social media with paid campaigns that we're getting 1470 02:02:05,280 --> 02:02:11,280 out on TV and radio to educate employers about their responsibilities. In doing 1471 02:02:09,600 --> 02:02:14,640 so also educating employees about their rights, but 1472 02:02:13,000 --> 02:02:17,760 I I think of our responsibility is to make sure that nobody is taken by 1473 02:02:15,920 --> 02:02:21,760 surprise by this ordinance and so that's what we would plan on doing for the the 1474 02:02:20,320 --> 02:02:27,680 rest of this year. So that's about a $50,000 cost this year. For next year 1475 02:02:24,360 --> 02:02:29,800 it's about $135,000. >> You know, 1476 02:02:28,480 --> 02:02:33,960 the mayor is going to be presenting his budget for 27 in the next couple of 1477 02:02:32,280 --> 02:02:37,600 weeks. Has has there been consideration that if 1478 02:02:35,520 --> 02:02:39,920 this ordinance passed is there going to be dollars in the 1479 02:02:38,800 --> 02:02:44,400 budget to cover that expense or is 1480 02:02:42,520 --> 02:02:47,400 how is that How's you know, you had that conversation with the mayor? 1481 02:02:45,680 --> 02:02:51,000 » I've informed Mayor Yuring and I spoke about it at my budget meeting last week 1482 02:02:49,080 --> 02:02:55,080 letting them know that there would be we would need to staff and do some work to 1483 02:02:53,640 --> 02:02:58,360 proactively educate the public about this ordinance which would have a cost. 1484 02:02:57,240 --> 02:03:01,800 » Okay. Um 1485 02:03:00,520 --> 02:03:06,480 And I had a question on the implementation as well. It says the 1486 02:03:03,840 --> 02:03:10,640 director shall promulgate appropriate guidelines or rules to implement the 1487 02:03:08,520 --> 02:03:14,600 provisions of this chapter. Such rules shall be reviewed by the city 1488 02:03:12,720 --> 02:03:18,960 law department to ensure that they are in compliance with this chapter. 1489 02:03:16,840 --> 02:03:21,560 Do we know what those rules are? >> We don't know what the rules will look 1490 02:03:20,000 --> 02:03:24,600 like formally yet, but one of the things that I'm 1491 02:03:22,960 --> 02:03:28,800 uh thinking about doing because it's a new requirement is 1492 02:03:27,160 --> 02:03:32,920 uh taking a softer approach to enforcement initially. So this year, 1493 02:03:30,800 --> 02:03:37,280 rather than filing charges right away against employers when we receive 1494 02:03:34,440 --> 02:03:40,320 complaints, notifying employers of the of the issue and of the need to course 1495 02:03:39,040 --> 02:03:44,760 correct and then giving them an opportunity to course correct prior to 1496 02:03:42,400 --> 02:03:48,760 initiating an investigation. So uh I think, you know, the the rules 1497 02:03:47,160 --> 02:03:53,400 could outline how that how those processes might look, 1498 02:03:50,840 --> 02:03:56,480 how we might gather evidence, what happens after we find there's a 1499 02:03:55,120 --> 02:04:00,680 violation and let's say an employer doesn't want to pay what's due to the 1500 02:03:57,840 --> 02:04:04,160 employees. So we'll we'll define further the processes that we can't quite define 1501 02:04:02,400 --> 02:04:06,400 through this ordinance. >> Okay. 1502 02:04:12,560 --> 02:04:15,440 Okay. 1503 02:04:17,640 --> 02:04:23,080 Uh can you talk about the penalties for violations? You mentioned the 1504 02:04:20,800 --> 02:04:26,600 violations. What penalties will be [clears throat] put in 1505 02:04:24,120 --> 02:04:26,600 place? 1506 02:04:28,800 --> 02:04:35,360 » The penalties section is section 39-8 and it allows the director of the Human 1507 02:04:34,080 --> 02:04:39,200 Rights and Relations Department to assess a $500 penalty payable to the 1508 02:04:37,760 --> 02:04:41,880 city for each violation of the ordinance. 1509 02:04:43,640 --> 02:04:50,440 And then and those those violations would be violations of the notice 1510 02:04:47,480 --> 02:04:54,560 requirements, violations of the payment to the employees, and violations of 1511 02:04:52,631 --> 02:04:57,840 [clears throat] the retaliation uh 1512 02:04:55,160 --> 02:04:57,840 prohibition. 1513 02:04:58,720 --> 02:05:05,560 So, that's that's it in sum. >> Okay. Okay. 1514 02:05:02,760 --> 02:05:05,560 Okay. 1515 02:05:05,720 --> 02:05:10,160 I don't think I have any other questions. Those were just some that I 1516 02:05:07,920 --> 02:05:14,080 had kind of have been trying to make sure I had an understanding. 1517 02:05:12,320 --> 02:05:19,280 And I I'm sure I'll have more questions on the 1518 02:05:15,160 --> 02:05:22,040 14th. So, thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you, Council Member Melton. You're 1519 02:05:21,000 --> 02:05:25,720 recognized. >> Thank you. Um 1520 02:05:24,000 --> 02:05:30,480 I mean, I think the good news is I haven't been able to find anyone any 1521 02:05:27,960 --> 02:05:35,320 employer that's paying less than $15 an hour. Um even Jimmy John's was paying 1522 02:05:33,280 --> 02:05:39,680 like 1750. So, I I think the market has kind of 1523 02:05:37,760 --> 02:05:43,880 determined what the pay rate should be. I mean, I just think that's 1524 02:05:41,320 --> 02:05:46,760 that's good news um is that the employers are need need people, 1525 02:05:45,520 --> 02:05:50,800 especially the the fast food restaurants, and they're they're paying 1526 02:05:48,840 --> 02:05:55,720 they're paying the young people a higher wage than they're even required to pay. 1527 02:05:52,800 --> 02:05:59,480 So, that's good news. Um so, and I was just curious um does anybody have those 1528 02:05:57,880 --> 02:06:04,760 stats? Do we have any of the statistics about 1529 02:06:02,840 --> 02:06:07,680 how many people this would affect? And and I didn't mean that if you can come 1530 02:06:06,400 --> 02:06:11,080 down, you may or may not be able to answer, but I don't know who could 1531 02:06:09,400 --> 02:06:15,040 answer this. We're passing this, and what I'm saying is 1532 02:06:13,240 --> 02:06:20,400 I I you know, how many people is this necessarily going to affect? Do we know 1533 02:06:17,720 --> 02:06:24,840 how many 14- and 15-year-olds are getting paid less than $15 an hour? 1534 02:06:23,120 --> 02:06:27,200 » I don't know oh, 14- and 15-year-olds specifically, I don't know. 1535 02:06:26,200 --> 02:06:31,200 » Cuz that's what we're I mean, that's what we're talk the 1350 an hour is just 1536 02:06:29,360 --> 02:06:35,840 for the young people. >> Sure. I have the I pulled the 2024 ACS 1537 02:06:34,720 --> 02:06:41,040 one-year estimate data for Omaha and it shows 1538 02:06:38,320 --> 02:06:46,320 that 9.1% of people or 16,809 people were earning less than 1539 02:06:43,680 --> 02:06:54,000 $24,990 $999 or $12 an hour in 2024 and the same 1540 02:06:50,680 --> 02:07:01,320 data set has 10.4% of people just over 19,000 earning 25,000 to 34,999 which is 1541 02:06:58,320 --> 02:07:06,360 up to 16 $12 to 1683 an hour. So I know that goes beyond the minimum wage, but 1542 02:07:03,560 --> 02:07:09,680 just to highlight it's about 19% of people 1543 02:07:07,560 --> 02:07:15,440 in Omaha that could potentially be be impacted by a minimum wage ordinance. 1544 02:07:13,080 --> 02:07:19,800 According to the ACS one-year estimate data from 2024. 1545 02:07:17,480 --> 02:07:23,800 » That's from 2024. I I was asking about the 1350 the like lower than if anybody 1546 02:07:23,120 --> 02:07:27,840 has anything >> that data right now. 1547 02:07:26,200 --> 02:07:28,920 » I have to call you back up and tell you what 1548 02:07:28,080 --> 02:07:32,760 » from the Thank you. >> I'm going to call you back up if you 1549 02:07:30,880 --> 02:07:37,520 have but only for the purpose if you have the answer to my question not for 1550 02:07:34,720 --> 02:07:40,840 any other reason. And those are the laws. I'm not saying 1551 02:07:38,960 --> 02:07:45,480 that cuz I don't want you to talk. I can only call you back up to address 1552 02:07:42,440 --> 02:07:49,200 something that I'm asking. >> Yes, I wanted to share I'm not an expert 1553 02:07:47,400 --> 02:07:51,520 on this but I'm pretty sure that >> Name and address. 1554 02:07:49,920 --> 02:07:53,000 » Sorry. Gab Rima, I've had my address requirement waived. 1555 02:07:52,480 --> 02:07:55,360 » Thank you. >> Um 1556 02:07:54,200 --> 02:07:59,760 the bill that was passed this year in the 1557 02:07:57,360 --> 02:08:03,920 legislature that created this lower youth minimum wage doesn't go into 1558 02:08:01,800 --> 02:08:07,480 effect until July 1st. So no one has been affected affected by 1559 02:08:05,720 --> 02:08:10,240 this yet. >> Okay. Well, that Thank you for answering 1560 02:08:09,080 --> 02:08:13,400 that question. Okay. 1561 02:08:11,160 --> 02:08:18,000 So it very well may be that no one lowers the pay it'll just be for 1562 02:08:15,160 --> 02:08:21,880 future workers. I I don't know. I'm my biggest problem that I have with this 1563 02:08:19,840 --> 02:08:25,320 is I don't I just don't know that Omaha has 1564 02:08:23,720 --> 02:08:30,640 the authority to do this. Um I think that state law 1565 02:08:27,800 --> 02:08:34,520 preempts the city from doing this, but um, I'll go into the legal arguments. I 1566 02:08:32,960 --> 02:08:40,520 think I have a little more time to do my legal research before July 14th. Um, 1567 02:08:39,040 --> 02:08:44,800 I have 14 and 15-year-olds I believe should be 1568 02:08:42,960 --> 02:08:48,760 paid the same as what their counterparts are paid and 1569 02:08:46,760 --> 02:08:52,960 like everyone else here, I mean, I got my start well, babysitting and 1570 02:08:50,880 --> 02:08:57,120 volunteering, um, working at Little Caesars. 1571 02:08:54,600 --> 02:09:03,480 Um, and doing those jobs of of serving pizza, working at McDonald's, doing the 1572 02:09:00,640 --> 02:09:08,560 morning shift. So, um, I would I was also up and had to be at report to 1573 02:09:05,520 --> 02:09:12,400 McDonald's by 5:00 a.m. Um, and walked down there cuz 1574 02:09:09,920 --> 02:09:16,520 you know, I didn't have a car. Um, and so, I get it and I can't imagine I I 1575 02:09:15,280 --> 02:09:20,040 think that 15-year-old doing the job next to the 1576 02:09:18,160 --> 02:09:23,800 17-year-old, you know, they should be getting paid for what they're doing. 1577 02:09:22,120 --> 02:09:27,080 I would like to think that employers would actually do the right thing and do 1578 02:09:25,800 --> 02:09:29,840 that or they're not going to be able to find the workers. 1579 02:09:28,600 --> 02:09:35,680 Um, I'm not sure I'm not sure the reasons 1580 02:09:32,520 --> 02:09:40,800 why the legislature decided to just make carve out an exception for 1581 02:09:37,600 --> 02:09:43,120 1350 for 14 and 15-year-olds. Um, 1582 02:09:42,080 --> 02:09:46,200 but uh, Senator, maybe you and I can talk 1583 02:09:44,640 --> 02:09:50,240 about that later since we have time before the before the vote. Um, but 1584 02:09:49,000 --> 02:09:51,960 again, uh, 1585 02:09:51,160 --> 02:09:55,200 I I'm not against having everybody paid 1586 02:09:53,680 --> 02:09:58,520 $15 an hour if we're going to set a minimum wage. I I don't really think 1587 02:09:56,600 --> 02:10:02,320 it's going to affect employers that much if they have to pay 14 and 15-year-olds. 1588 02:10:00,200 --> 02:10:06,240 They probably just won't hire them. It is going to be the problem. 14 and 1589 02:10:04,360 --> 02:10:11,120 15-year-olds just may not get hired if they have to pay $15 an hour. Uh, but 1590 02:10:09,800 --> 02:10:15,960 um, I I don't think that that 1591 02:10:13,120 --> 02:10:21,160 this ordinance would change much for um, the employers and the cost. I guess my 1592 02:10:18,560 --> 02:10:25,960 only problem is if you have a different increase in CPI for minimum wage, Again, 1593 02:10:23,600 --> 02:10:30,560 that's where I think that the state law may preempt the city and we may not have 1594 02:10:28,280 --> 02:10:33,640 that legal authority to do it. And I don't like to do things that I don't 1595 02:10:31,800 --> 02:10:38,240 have the legal authority to do, even if I want to do it. I did take an oath of 1596 02:10:35,920 --> 02:10:42,760 office that I will uphold the law. Um and so, again, I'll I'll take some 1597 02:10:40,520 --> 02:10:48,920 time to do that legal research uh before the 14th and the vote. So, thank you. 1598 02:10:46,560 --> 02:10:54,360 » Thank you. I I had a couple questions. I'll get to you Mr. Rowe if I can. Um 1599 02:10:52,280 --> 02:10:58,520 Cailin, can I just get a follow-up? Maybe this is for you or Mr. Coozy. 1600 02:11:00,400 --> 02:11:06,280 I think for Councilmember Rowe, you referenced 1601 02:11:04,240 --> 02:11:13,360 the penalties for violations section 39-8 number one I 1602 02:11:10,360 --> 02:11:18,520 or number one. So, can you read what one I says? So, there's a $500 1603 02:11:16,520 --> 02:11:23,880 assessment for the violation by the employer. So, I 1604 02:11:22,840 --> 02:11:28,760 And that was a good point that Councilmember Rowe made, but tell us can 1605 02:11:26,120 --> 02:11:31,640 you read I to us what that says and what that means? 1606 02:11:30,360 --> 02:11:34,400 » Cailin Dehelius, director of the Human Rights and Relations Department. Do you 1607 02:11:32,640 --> 02:11:36,520 mean Do you mean A1, the director may waive? 1608 02:11:36,040 --> 02:11:42,240 » Yes. >> Okay. So, 30 section 39-8 A1 reads, "The 1609 02:11:40,720 --> 02:11:45,640 director may waive the total amount of penalties or reduce the penalty if the 1610 02:11:44,040 --> 02:11:48,600 director determines the employer paid the full remedy due to the employee 1611 02:11:47,200 --> 02:11:51,240 within 10 days of receiving the notice of violation of 1612 02:11:50,440 --> 02:11:54,400 this chapter." >> So, if I read 1613 02:11:53,200 --> 02:11:58,480 confirm, does that give you the flexibility to work with the employer if 1614 02:11:56,440 --> 02:12:04,280 there was a violation and they paid it, you can waive the $500 1615 02:12:02,520 --> 02:12:07,320 assess fee. Is it >> Absolutely. And typically, this this 1616 02:12:05,760 --> 02:12:11,040 language would only apply if we got to a point where we were making a finding of 1617 02:12:09,120 --> 02:12:14,920 violation at after an investigation happened. Often, there's a settlement 1618 02:12:13,000 --> 02:12:19,160 opportunity very early on in the process where often penalties wouldn't even be 1619 02:12:17,480 --> 02:12:22,000 necessarily part of that conversation. We'd really be prioritizing the wages to 1620 02:12:21,000 --> 02:12:26,440 employees. >> Okay. Thanks and I have one more 1621 02:12:23,960 --> 02:12:29,280 question just maybe for Mr. Cozzi, but don't go far. 1622 02:12:30,200 --> 02:12:38,960 » Matt Cozzi, Law Department. >> Mr. Cozzi, the exemptions under 1623 02:12:35,880 --> 02:12:43,960 it would be section, let's see, 39-2 1624 02:12:40,880 --> 02:12:49,120 number three, all those from A to H and then 1625 02:12:46,320 --> 02:12:54,000 4 5 6 7, I guess. You see that section there? 1626 02:12:51,160 --> 02:12:57,560 » Do you mean section 39-2 subsection E? 1627 02:12:55,760 --> 02:13:00,800 Employee shall include any individual under the employ of an employer but does 1628 02:12:59,160 --> 02:13:02,200 not include and there's a list of nine categories. 1629 02:13:01,680 --> 02:13:04,840 » Correct. >> Okay, yes. 1630 02:13:02,960 --> 02:13:08,440 » Do those are those different than what was under the current state law that was 1631 02:13:06,880 --> 02:13:13,720 passed, those exemptions? >> They're not. They were taken from state 1632 02:13:10,880 --> 02:13:20,120 statute which is Nebraska state statute 40 at 48-1202. 1633 02:13:17,880 --> 02:13:23,080 » Okay. Thanks for clarifying that and Councilman Bro got me thinking about 1634 02:13:21,520 --> 02:13:28,040 this. The other one he had mentioned I think was 1635 02:13:24,880 --> 02:13:33,080 on tips. Does this ordinance change the record requirements on tips at all? 1636 02:13:31,400 --> 02:13:37,880 » The record requirements? >> Yeah, for what when you get tips 1637 02:13:35,800 --> 02:13:41,440 is what we have written in here, is that the same as the state law that it's not 1638 02:13:39,920 --> 02:13:46,400 any different than what the state law, it mirrors the state law, correct? 1639 02:13:43,240 --> 02:13:49,440 » It mirrors It mirrors section 48-1203 of the state statute. 1640 02:13:47,640 --> 02:13:51,440 » Okay. All right, thanks for clarifying that. Councilman Bro, thanks for your 1641 02:13:50,680 --> 02:13:54,720 patience. >> Sure, thank you. 1642 02:13:52,440 --> 02:13:59,240 » So, I mean we are duplicating there's a there's some du- duplication 1643 02:13:57,120 --> 02:14:03,360 going on between enforcement by the state and enforcement by the city of the 1644 02:14:01,480 --> 02:14:07,600 same of the same thing. 1645 02:14:05,240 --> 02:14:10,600 You could say that we're spending a dollar twice. 1646 02:14:09,320 --> 02:14:13,080 Basically. >> Are you asking me? 1647 02:14:11,400 --> 02:14:18,160 » No, I'm just making a statement. >> I'll comment on that. Okay. Um 1648 02:14:15,960 --> 02:14:22,400 I did I wanted to speak to what um Council Member Milton I I did call 1649 02:14:21,160 --> 02:14:27,080 um a local business in my district. It's 1650 02:14:24,000 --> 02:14:30,600 he's a franchisee owner of a fast-food restaurant and I asked him, you know, 1651 02:14:28,640 --> 02:14:33,040 what does this really make a difference? And he said, 1652 02:14:31,480 --> 02:14:37,520 "Absolutely, it does make a difference." He said, "Don, the 14- and 15-year-olds 1653 02:14:35,280 --> 02:14:42,280 that I hire" and he does hire 14- and 15-year-olds, but he said they 1654 02:14:39,640 --> 02:14:44,640 can't do the job that the 16-year-old can do. 1655 02:14:43,280 --> 02:14:48,360 He said, "There are limitations. I don't know if that's state law or what, but 1656 02:14:46,480 --> 02:14:53,840 there's certain there are certain activities in the workplace that they 1657 02:14:50,960 --> 02:14:58,160 cannot do. So, he uses the 14- and 15-year-olds to do the job where they're 1658 02:14:56,880 --> 02:15:03,640 where they can appropriately do that work. And then when they become 16, then 1659 02:15:01,320 --> 02:15:08,400 they can move up in the in the workforce and and do those jobs or 18 or whatever 1660 02:15:05,960 --> 02:15:12,360 those minimum ages are." And he made the comment that that he 1661 02:15:10,040 --> 02:15:16,320 does pay the 14- and 15-year-olds a little bit less because he said, "Quite 1662 02:15:14,400 --> 02:15:20,120 honestly, they they really are just there to get work experience." 1663 02:15:18,320 --> 02:15:24,840 And he goes, "I they don't really have a skill set yet to be able to to 1664 02:15:22,840 --> 02:15:28,680 contribute like a 16-year-old or an older employee." 1665 02:15:26,360 --> 02:15:33,040 That was his that was his take. I said, "Well, what happens when they turn 16?" 1666 02:15:31,800 --> 02:15:38,480 He said, "I have to pay more than minimum wage when they hit 16 because 1667 02:15:35,960 --> 02:15:44,200 now I have another level of competition. And for me to keep employees that work 1668 02:15:40,840 --> 02:15:49,400 in my restaurant for me to keep them, I have to pay them more than the $15 an 1669 02:15:46,960 --> 02:15:53,040 hour because if I don't, they're going to walk down the street and find a 1670 02:15:50,880 --> 02:15:58,640 different job. So, there the market kind of helps dictate what's what's going to 1671 02:15:55,240 --> 02:16:02,760 be an appropriate wage uh for skill set for certain uh skill set. So, 1672 02:16:01,320 --> 02:16:08,600 I hope that kind of answers a little bit of the question and it I mean it it for 1673 02:16:05,200 --> 02:16:10,840 him it was it's a real it's a real um 1674 02:16:09,560 --> 02:16:13,520 thing that we're having a discussion about today. 1675 02:16:15,880 --> 02:16:22,440 » Thank you. No further lights on this item. 1676 02:16:21,240 --> 02:16:27,000 You had a mo- you had a motion and a second that was made to lay over the 1677 02:16:25,040 --> 02:16:29,800 vote to July 14th, correct? >> Correct. 1678 02:16:27,400 --> 02:16:30,640 » Okay. No further lights, roll call. >> Hug. 1679 02:16:30,320 --> 02:16:31,480 » Yes. >> Melton. 1680 02:16:31,240 --> 02:16:32,320 » Yes. >> Rowe. 1681 02:16:32,000 --> 02:16:33,280 » Yes. >> Festersen. 1682 02:16:32,920 --> 02:16:34,200 » Yes. >> Goodwin. 1683 02:16:33,840 --> 02:16:35,080 » Yes. >> Harding. 1684 02:16:34,719 --> 02:16:36,519 » Yes. >> Mr. President. 1685 02:16:35,920 --> 02:16:41,400 » Aye. >> Motion passed 7 to 0. Non-action items, 1686 02:16:39,320 --> 02:16:44,599 items 30 through 58 do not require public hearing or city council 1687 02:16:42,760 --> 02:16:47,920 consideration at this meeting, but will be placed on a future agenda for public 1688 02:16:46,320 --> 02:16:52,519 hearing and a vote. The reason for non-action is noted after the item on 1689 02:16:49,800 --> 02:16:57,080 the agenda, as well as the date item is expected to appear on agenda for 1690 02:16:54,080 --> 02:16:57,080 consideration. 1691 02:16:57,519 --> 02:17:00,160 » Motion and a second to adjourn, roll call. 1692 02:16:59,519 --> 02:17:01,679 » Hug. >> Yes. 1693 02:17:00,400 --> 02:17:02,639 » Melton. Rowe. >> Yes. 1694 02:17:02,040 --> 02:17:03,400 » Festersen. >> Yes. 1695 02:17:02,880 --> 02:17:04,280 » Goodwin. >> Yes. 1696 02:17:03,800 --> 02:17:05,519 » Harding. >> Yes. 1697 02:17:04,639 --> 02:17:07,880 » Mr. President. >> Aye. 1698 02:17:06,080 --> 02:17:11,360 » Motion passed 7 to 0. Meeting is adjourned at 3:56.