On the agenda: Broken Bow Minutes — Data center (Sep 8)

Broken Bow City Council

Meeting Minutes September 8, 2026

The Broken Bow City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in the Broken
Bow City Council Chamber. Notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by publication in the
Custer County Chief, the designated method for giving notice. Advance notice of the meeting, a copy of
the agenda, and related council materials were given to the Mayor and all members of the City Council.
These items were also given to various local media outlets. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken
while the meeting was open to the attendance of the public.

Mayor Rod Sonnichsen called the meeting to order at 5:16 pm, with the following Councilmembers
present: Russ Smith, Travis Kleeb, Joe Wamsley, and Paul Holland. Absent: none. Also in attendance
was City Administrator David Schmidt, City Attorney Jason White, City Clerk Jennifer Waterhouse,
City Deputy Clerk Jacob Holcomb, and City Treasurer LeeAnn Morgan. Mayor Sonnichsen announced
the availability of the Open Meetings Act, followed by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Moved by Smith, seconded by Kleeb to approve the consent agenda for September 8, 2026. Said motion
includes approval of the Minutes of the August 25, 2026, Council Meeting and Bills to Date. Roll call
vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried.

AKRS Equipment, Parts and repairs $1,417.38 Aflac, $511.52, $119.50, $189.30 Ahren Finney, Ambulance
Incentive $30.00 Andy C Holland, Ambulance Incentive $381.00 Auto Value Broken Bow, Phone charges for
Ambulances $28.58 Barco Municipal Products Inc, Rail road crossing sign $970.44 Beaver Bearing Co
Albion, Mower repairs $142.90 Mower repairs $69.82 Benchmark Governmental Solutions, Meals at
training $83.70 Billy Hendricks, Ambulance incentive $295.00 Bound Tree Medical, EMS Supplies $167.60
Bow Locksmith, Door lock repairs $100.00 Breanna Holmes, Ambulance incentive $150.00 Broken Bow
Airport Authority, Interlocal Agreement $1,083.33 Broken Bow Municipal Utilities, City Utilities $8,744.24
Broken Bow Public Schools, Liquor and tobacco tax due to BBBPS $3,250.00 Capitol One Bank, WAGE
GARNISHMENT $67.62 Card Services, Supplies for ramp project in alley at City Hall $129.53 Card
Services 4834, Safety items, Fuel, and traffic signals $1,935.82 Card Services 5174, Vehicle maintenance,
internet, supplies, equipment, training, transport meals $3,297.23 Card Services 0583, Office supplies and
meal for Budget workshop $295.84 Card Services 8031, Transport meals, snacks, and fuel $512.51 Card
Services 7729, Uniforms, State pound fees, equipment $3,490.80 Card Services, Zoning expenses, vehicle
maintenance and repairs, and fuel $999.17 Card Services 0609, Software fees, veh maint, council chambers
upgrades, office supplies, equipment $13,541.05 Central Nebraska Pest Control, Pest control $115.00
Century Link, Basic & long distance, Radio tower, credit card, internet $86.03, $53.19, $371.63, $102.95
Chad Hempstead, Ambulance incentive $158.00 Christina Watson, Ambulance incentive $105.00
Christopher Shelby, Ambulance incentive $30.00 City Flex Benefit Plan, SELECT FLEX-
UNREIMBURSED M/D/V $769.79, SELECT FLEX-DEPENDENT CARE $192.30 City of Broken Bow,
Health Insurance, HEALTH INS $5,561.66, August health insurance reimbursement $44,838.15 City of
Broken Bow Pension Fund, RETIREMENT LOAN PAYMENT $3,359.00, 414H RETIREMENT
$13,191.42, 457 RETIREMENT $1,891.04 Colonial Insurance $679.00, $383.11, $629.34 Custer County
Chief, Printing and publications $836.46 Custer County Foundation, Inclusive Playground Project per
Resolution 2026-21 $30,000.00 Custer County Treasurer, Communications Interlocal Agreement $19,384.45
Custer Public Power, CD Cell Power $57.12 David Baltz, Ambulance incentive $1,630.00 David Schmidt,
Ambulance incentive $15.00 Dennis Schiller, Ambulance incentive $60.00 Doyle Wood, Ambulance
incentive $315.00 EFTPS Online Payment, MEDICARE $3,750.62, FEDERAL $10,218.39, FICA
$16,037.06 EZ IT Solutions, IT Services $7,000.00 Eakes Office Products, Office supplies and phones
$1,083.28 Elizabeth Baumgartner, Ambulance incentive $90.00 Family Heritage, Insurance $25.50 Fastenal,
Bolts, Bid Stock $1,502.38 First Response Billing Associates, LLC, EMS Billing $2,976.12 Gina Gorham,
Ambulance incentive $667.00 Great Plains Communications, Phone and internet $195.90, $150.00, $289.95,
$84.95 Heritage Landscape Supply Group, Sprinkler repairs at Library for new interactive patio $24.20

Hometown Leasing, Copier lease, $116.65, $78.57 Island Supply Welding Co., Oxygen $37.20 JEO,
Stormwater Drainage Evaluation (NW) $5,826.00, Fairgrounds to Memorial Sanitary Sewer Main
Improvements $4,701.25, Streets and Parks Dept Drainage Improvements $4,901.00 Kelly Gorham,
Ambulance incentive $1,121.00 Kelvin Kreitman, Ambulance incentive $90.00 Kirkpatrick Cleaning
Solutions, Paper products at City Hall $95.80 Londa Wood, Ambulance incentive $285.00 Mason Holmes,
Ambulance incentive $500.00 Mead Lumber, Supplies for ramp project in alley at City Hall $3,260.01
Michael Jilg, Ambulance incentive $705.00 Mid Plains Community College, ID# 6909 EMT class for Nick
Gaddy $490.52 Mishele Wooters, Ambulance incentive $120.00 Nebraska Child Support Payment Center,
CHILD SUPPORT-NE $336.47 Nebraska Dept of Revenue, Waste reduction and recycling fee $25.00
Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center, Firearms training and defensive tactics training $1,050.00
Nicholas Gaddy, Ambulance incentive $396.00 Nissa Shelby, Ambulance incentive $60.00 O'Reilly Auto
Parts, Equipment repairs $14.99 Paper Tiger Shredding, Paper shredding $48.00 Paulsen Inc., Supplies for
ramp project in alley at City Hall $706.20, Concrete for Melham $772.00, Road gravel $8,718.76 RJ Meyer
& Associates, Budget filing preparation and accounting services through 9/1/26 $3,550.00 RT Ace, LLC,
Door guard, fasteners $2.88 Supplies, fly traps $19.98, Supplies for building repairs and maintenance $4.97,
Equipment repairs $123.52, Maintenance and repairs, grounds $714.25 Rebecca Neumiller, Ambulance
incentive $378.00 Rebeka Anderson, Ambulance incentive $120.00 S&L Sanitary Service, Trash pick up
$182.30, Sara J. Hulinsky, Cleaning service, Aug 2026 $837.00 Sayler Screen printing, EMS jerseys $68.25
Schaper and White Law Firm, Legal fees, Aug 2026 $3,000.00 Site One Landscape Supply, Sprinkler
repairs, Library for new interactive patio $133.36 State Income Tax WH NE Online Payment, STATE
$4,044.49 Stryker Sales, LLC, Sensor for lifepack 35 $1,154.40 Sylvia Schiller, Ambulance incentive $90.00
Taylors Heating & Cooling Inc, Ice machine, City Hall $6,576.79 Tracker Systems, Tracking system for
Handi Bus $16.99 Trotter Tire Service, Oil change and windshield wipers $147.12 Troy Mack, Ambulance
incentive $60.00 V-Bar Sales & Service, Dump trailer $16,563.00 Verizon Wireless, Wifi for Patrol units
$280.17 Weathercraft, Receivers and programmed garage door remotes $1,323.00 Wenquist Inc., Equipment
repairs $33.47, $204.64 Total $284,997.87 Bi-Weekly Payroll (8/26/26) $92,228.97 Grand Total $377,226.84

Before communications began, Mayor Sonnichsen noted the long agenda and with a number of public
hearings. He asked that anyone wishing to address the council keep remarks to under five minutes,
speak from the podium, and state their name and address.

Under other communications, Administrator Schmidt presented the September 8, 2026, City
Administrator Report with additional input by City Clerk Jennifer Waterhouse, Deputy Clerk/Zoning
Administrator Jacob Holcomb, and City Treasurer LeeAnn Morgan. Below are several highlights
mentioned.

Administration/General. The budget hearing had just been completed, and the document is nearly
ready for the September state filing. Schmidt thanked staff for the hours invested and said the budget
reflects stewardship of taxpayer funds: completing needed work without asking for more than is
required. The proposal includes a 2% levy reduction on top of last year’s 1% reduction. The process ran
more smoothly this year because of process improvements and the availability of actual year-end
figures during budgeting.

Year to date, legislative activity includes 11 ordinances and 25 resolutions. Data center regulations are
addressed in Ordinance 1317 and livestock and poultry regulations have been drafted. Day-to-day office
work that supports official records and public confidence include licenses, public notices, and complete,
accessible files. Staff issued 35 liquor, SDL, and tobacco licenses; processed more than 50 peddler,
mobile food vendor, and solicitor permits; and approved three firework vendor licenses after a
successful season. Each permit type follows a defined review, including completeness checks, fees and
supporting documents, background checks and state requirements, and required legal publications.

Records retention work is underway for paper and electronic files. Current filings have been cleaned up
and standardized, and a multi-year project is sorting decades of older records between what must be

kept and what may be destroyed under state retention schedules. Staff continues to administer Open
Meetings Act requirements for the council and city boards, including timely agenda posting, public
packets, legal notices, and published minutes.

Utilities and Public Works. Most of this work has been reported in previous weeks by department
heads. The electrical distribution project that moved overhead lines underground last year has a one-
year warranty ending September 23, with no concerns. The Highway 2 water main replacements west of
the courthouse have a warranty expiring January 25 of next year. Work continues on the Fairgrounds
sewer extension from Eagle Crest, including permitting and easements. The one-and-six-year street plan
is on the agenda. Design of the 13th Avenue low-water crossing is about 90% complete regarding
design work; a possible scope change may allow some work in-house to save money. The new streets
loader has been approved, with delivery estimated for early December. Early design is underway for an
elevator in City Hall. Drainage improvements are also being reviewed at a street/parks site.

Reconstruction work is moving forward regarding the power plant. Two bids have been received;
insurance and engineering are reviewing the documents. A possible bond is under discussion. MEAN,
the city’s power supplier, is considering steps that could support generation, and the administrator has
been in contact with members of our House and Senate.

Flood mitigation and planning. Flood mitigation remains a safety and economic development priority,
including making flood insurance more affordable. The Lower Loup NRD has partnered on the project
and committed $47,840 toward scoping, the first stage to identify areas that could lower the floodplain.
A stakeholder meeting on the scoping results is planned for early October. Staff is also working on
multiple drainage projects in town. A CDBG planning grant application is due in about a week; required
materials are essentially complete.

Finance. The budget process is nearing completion with the anticipated 2% levy reduction. Having last
year’s audit finished and actual figures in the system made estimating easier. Reconciliation of city and
utilities general fund accounts has improved, along with more detailed insurance-payment review on the
city side and deposit review on the utility side.

Upcoming claims include a down payment on the financed loader, with general funds transferred from
Bruning to help cover it, and a down payment on the City Hall elevator before fiscal year-end. The
Thelma Street lift station bond was paid off in October 2025, leaving the pool bond as the remaining
city-side bond, plus smaller equipment leases, the city’s share of the Fairgrounds lift station payment,
and the fire station note, which will be paid off in 2028. Some utility-side loans remain.

Personnel and Operations. The city employed 36 part-time seasonal workers over the summer.
Service milestones noted included five years; John Lewis, Ryan Bowland and Dillon Brown, 15 years;
Katie Hogg, 20 years; Kim Blackburn and Andy Holland. The city safety program has been revamped
and put into practice.

Mayor Sonnichsen thanked staff for their hard work and for the public-facing update on work that often
goes unseen. He asked that a similar update be given again in about three months.

Council also held a discussion-only item on proposed Ordinance 1323 regarding livestock and poultry
inside town. The item was not an official reading and did not begin the formal ordinance process. It was
placed on the agenda after public concern, with a draft prepared after substantial work by staff and
Attorney Jason White as a starting point for Council to set policy and eventual enforcement.

The stated goal of the draft is to allow existing, well-managed animal uses to continue while giving the
City clearer tools against nuisances such as odor, manure, noise, animals getting out, and overcrowding.
Speakers emphasized that they did not want to penalize the many quiet operators because of a few
problem properties. Current law was described as vague and difficult for police to enforce; the proposal
is intended to be more specific about types of animals, numbers, and conditions.

As drafted, new livestock uses inside the city limits would be prohibited, subject to listed exceptions
including 4-H. Poultry would be limited to six hens or ducks, with no roosters. Existing non-nuisance
uses would be grandfathered if owners register annually at no cost within twelve months of passage,
reporting what they keep and a running-year average. Grandfathered status would continue only while
that use continues and remains registered; if the use stops, the protection will expire. Repeated nuisance
could result in loss of the use on that property. The ordinance would apply only within the corporate
city limits, not extra-territorial areas.

Several issues were identified for further work. Members and the public asked that a subsequent sale of
a grandfathered property not automatically end the use if the buyer continues the same registered use,
because some owners bought acreage specifically for horses or similar animals and a hard cutoff could
reduce property value. Transfer of the same numbers, possibly with an appeal if numbers change, was
discussed. Increasing a herd after grandfathering is not allowed in the current draft; discussion included
a running average, temporary feeding of calves, and whether a property that never had livestock could
later obtain animals by approval. Some suggested future acreage-based limits so enforcement would be
more objective. Other cities range from total prohibition to mixed rules; members noted this community
is still agricultural and did not want a blanket message that animals do not belong in town. If the
ordinance proceeds, three readings were recommended because the rules could affect property
purchased for livestock.

Public comment included a request to confirm city-limits-only application and concern that non-
transferable grandfathering would harm the value of small parcels bought for horses. Other comments
focused on neighborhood appearance and property values, noting that visible livestock, related
conditions, and offensive odors can undermine both, and that residents who maintain their homes well
should be able to take pride in their neighborhood. Staff noted similar past problems with neglected
properties and said a clearer ordinance can also protect neighboring owners. A question about an old
ten-cattle cap was answered by noting there is currently no numeric limit; the draft would introduce
limits rather than leave the situation unrestricted.

Council directed that the item remain discussion only, that at least one more discussion session be held
before any formal steps, and that staff research other communities and refine language on transfers,
running averages, possible approved new uses, and acreage or animal limits. Public input will continue,
and copies of the draft were available.

In old business, moved by Holland, seconded by Wamsley to grant permission to the chief elected official
of the City of Broken Bow to sign and execute all documents related to the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) for the City of Broken Bow and to take all actions necessary to accept and implement the
award. The following documents are to be signed: Certification of Chief Elected Official for
Application; Statement of Assurance and Certifications; Citizen Participation Plan; Residential Anti-
Displacement & Relocation Assistance Plan; Officials of the Grantee Acting in their Official Capacity
through an Interlocal Agreement with the Economic Development District; Four Factor Analysis
Assessing Limited English Proficiency; Cost Share Letter, Procurement Procedures and Code of
Conduct; and Excessive Force Certification. Roll Call Vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and
Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Sonnichsen introduced Ordinance 1317, entitled ““AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BROKEN
BOW, NEBRASKA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH DEFINITIONS,
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, STRICT PERFORMANCE STANDARDS,
MANDATORY NOISE LIMITATIONS AND ACOUSTICAL STUDIES, WATER CONSERVATION AND
COOLING SYSTEM RESTRICTIONS, MANDATORY RESIDENTIAL SETBACKS, OPERATOR-
EXCLUSIVE DECOMMISSIONING LIABILITY, FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY CRIMINAL
BACKGROUND CHECKS, AND ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS FOR HIGH-DENSITY DATA
PROCESSING FACILITIES INCLUDING DATA CENTERS AND DIGITAL ASSET MINING

OPERATIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.” Moved by Wamsley, seconded by
Kleeb to open a public hearing at 6:03 pm regarding Ordinance 1317, Data Center Zoning. Roll Call
vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried. Zoning
Administrator Jacob Holcomb stated that Ordinance 1317 was before the council for the third time and
that nothing had changed from the version originally recommended by the Planning Commission. He
said city staff believes the ordinance would help protect the city and its residents if someone sought to
open a shop in Broken Bow.

Mayor Sonnichsen agreed, saying the ordinance offers good protection for the community. With three
readings complete, he recommended approval. There were no public comments. Moved by Smith,
seconded by Wamsley to close public hearing at 6:04 pm. Roll Call Vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb,
Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Moved by Smith, seconded by Holland to approve Ordinance 1317, entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF BROKEN BOW, NEBRASKA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO
ESTABLISH DEFINITIONS, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, STRICT
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, MANDATORY NOISE LIMITATIONS AND ACOUSTICAL STUDIES,
WATER CONSERVATION AND COOLING SYSTEM RESTRICTIONS, MANDATORY RESIDENTIAL
SETBACKS, OPERATOR-EXCLUSIVE DECOMMISSIONING LIABILITY, FINANCIAL
TRANSPARENCY CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS, AND ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS FOR
HIGH-DENSITY DATA PROCESSING FACILITIES INCLUDING DATA CENTERS AND DIGITAL
ASSET MINING OPERATIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.” Roll Call Vote:
Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried. The passage and
adoption of said Ordinance having been concurred by a majority of all members of the Council, the
Mayor declared the Ordinance adopted.

In new business, Mayor Sonnichsen introduced Ordinance 1318, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO
ADOPT THE BUDGET STATEMENT TO BE TERMED THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION BILL; TO
APPROPRIATE SUMS FOR NECESSARY EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES; TO PROVIDE FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.” Moved by Kleeb, seconded by Smith to open a public hearing at 6:05 pm
regarding said Ordinance. Roll Call vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None.
Motion carried. Discussion was held. City Administrator Schmidt explained that the budget hearing took
place prior to the city council meeting and that the ordinance would formally adopt the 2026-2027 budget.
There were no further council or public comments. Moved by Wamsley, seconded by Holland to close
public hearing at 6:06 pm. Roll Call vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays:
None. Motion carried.

Moved by Kleeb, seconded by Smith that the statutory rule requiring reading Ordinance 1318 on three
different days be suspended. Roll Call vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays:
None. Motion Carried. The motion to suspend the rules of said Ordinance was adopted by three-fourths
of the Council and the statutory rule was declared suspended for the consideration of said Ordinance.

Said Ordinance was then read by title and thereafter, Councilmember Smith moved for final passage of
Ordinance 1318, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Holland. Roll Call vote: Voting aye:
Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion Carried. The final passage and adoption of
said Ordinance having been concurred by a majority of all members of the Council, the Mayor declared
the Ordinance adopted.

Moved by Wamsley, seconded by Smith to open a public hearing at 6:07 pm regarding Resolution 2026-
15, setting the property tax request for 2026-2027 for the City of Broken Bow. Roll Call vote: Voting aye:
Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried. Discussion was held. Administrator
Schmidt explained that this item follows the previous budget discussion and where Ordinance 1318
approves the budget, this resolution approves the property tax request to the county. There were no

further comments. Moved by Kleeb, seconded by Wamsley to close public hearing at 6:08 pm. Roll Call
vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Moved by Wamsley, seconded by Smith to approve Resolution 2026-15, setting the property tax request
for 2026-2027 for the City of Broken Bow. Roll Call Vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and
Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Sonnichsen introduced Ordinance 1319, entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BROKEN
BOW, CUSTER COUNTY, NEBRASKA AMENDING SECTION 30.29: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
WAGES, REPEALING THE SECTIONS OF ALL PREVIOUS ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT WITH
THIS ORDINANCE, AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.” Moved by
Wamsley, seconded by Holland to open a public hearing at 6:09 pm regarding said Ordinance. Roll Call
vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried. City Administrator
Schmidt explained that this proposal came from office staff, not from the mayor or councilmembers. He said
that it is important to review elected official pay from time to time in order to attract and retain good
candidates and that the last increase for these positions was in 2022. The proposed rates would place the city
near the median of peer communities and unlike prior ordinances, this version includes a pay differential for
the council president because that role involves extra work beyond that of a regular council member.

He further explained that state statute allows the council to approve a pay increase, but it would not take
effect until the first day of the next seated council. With a November election approaching, the current
council would not be voting itself an immediate raise. Discussion also noted that mayor and council work
extend well beyond Tuesday night meetings and includes site visits, other meetings, and behind-the-scenes
time devoted to city work. Mayor Sonnichsen concluded by mentioning that council members are fortunate
to have employers who allow them the flexibility to serve the citizens of Broken Bow. There were no public
comments. Moved by Holland, seconded by Wamsley to close public hearing at 6:13 pm. Roll Call vote:
Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Moved by Smith, seconded by Kleeb that the statutory rule requiring reading Ordinance 1319 on three
different days be suspended. Roll Call vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays:
None. Motion Carried. The motion to suspend the rules of said Ordinance was adopted by three-fourths
of the Council and the statutory rule was declared suspended for the consideration of said Ordinance.

Said Ordinance was then read by title and thereafter, Councilmember Smith moved for final passage of
Ordinance 1319, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Wamsley. Roll Call vote: Voting aye:
Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion Carried. The final passage and adoption of
said Ordinance having been concurred by a majority of all members of the Council, the Mayor declared
the Ordinance adopted.

Mayor Sonnichsen introduced Ordinance 1320, entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BROKEN
BOW, CUSTER COUNTY, NEBRASKA, AMENDING CHAPTER 31: APPOINTED POSITIONS —
AMENDING SECTION 31.15 RENAMEING “UTILITIES CLERK” TO “UTILITY CLERK & SERVICES
COORDINATOR”; AMENDING SECTION 31.16 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, CITY OFFICES;
REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.”
Moved by Wamsley, seconded by Smith to open a public hearing at 6:14 pm regarding said Ordinance.
Roll Call vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried. City
Administrator David Schmidt explained that this item goes with the budget. He said that when he started, he
left staffing as it was until he better understood the work that was taking place and that some of those items
have now been addressed in the approved budget. He further explained that Katie’s wages are currently being
paid 100% from utilities and he feels that it does not match her actual duties, which include both utility

billing and some city work. Under the approved budget, her pay would shift to 70% utilities and 30% city,
and her title would be updated to reflect that mix. She would keep her utility duties and also take on city
tasks such as vendor, peddler, and mobile food vendor permits.

He also mentioned that the new appointed administrative assistant position would do similar work on the city
side, with the split reversed, 70% city and 30% utilities and because both are appointed positions listed in
municipal code, an ordinance is required to make the change. Moved by Kleeb, seconded by Smith to
close public hearing at 6:17 pm. Roll Call vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays:
None. Motion carried.

Moved by Smith, seconded by Holland that the statutory rule requiring reading Ordinance 1320 on
three different days be suspended. Roll Call vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland.
Nays: None. Motion Carried. The motion to suspend the rules of said Ordinance was adopted by three-
fourths of the Council and the statutory rule was declared suspended for the consideration of said
Ordinance.

Said Ordinance was then read by title and thereafter, Councilmember Wamsley moved for final passage
of Ordinance 1320, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Kleeb. Roll Call vote: Voting aye:
Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion Carried. The final passage and adoption of
said Ordinance having been concurred by a majority of all members of the Council, the Mayor declared
the Ordinance adopted.

Mayor Sonnichsen introduced Ordinance 1321, entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROKEN BOW, NEBRASKA, AMENDING THE SALARIES OF
OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES; PAY PLAN FOR ALL CLASSIFICATIONS WITHIN THE CITY; AND
MONTHLY SALARY OR HOURLY WAGE RANGES FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL CLASSIFICATION.”
Moved by Smith, seconded by Kleeb to open a public hearing at 6:19 pm regarding said Ordinance.
Roll Call vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried. City
Administrator Schmidt explained that the wage ordinance follows the approved budget. He pointed out that
the city negotiated a 3% cost-of-living increase with the union for union employees and that council had also
previously approved a 3.5% cost-of-living increase for appointed employees. He said the wage scale is being
updated to reflect those increases, add the new administrative and paramedic positions, and incorporate
housekeeping changes for items that had been missing. Moved by Wamsley, seconded by Holland to close
public hearing at 6:20 pm. Roll Call vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays:
None. Motion carried.

Moved by Kleeb, seconded by Wamsley that the statutory rule requiring reading Ordinance 1321 on
three different days be suspended. Roll Call vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland.
Nays: None. Motion Carried. The motion to suspend the rules of said Ordinance was adopted by three-
fourths of the Council and the statutory rule was declared suspended for the consideration of said
Ordinance.

Said Ordinance was then read by title and thereafter, Councilmember Smith moved for final passage of
Ordinance 1321, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Wamsley. Roll Call vote: Voting aye:
Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion Carried. The final passage and adoption of
said Ordinance having been concurred by a majority of all members of the Council, the Mayor declared
the Ordinance adopted.

Moved by Kleeb, seconded by Smith to open a public hearing at 6:21 pm regarding Resolution 2026-23,
One and Six Year Street Plan. Roll Call vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays:
None. Motion carried. Administrator Schmidt explained that the one-and-six-year plan before the
council is the same plan Mr. Parr has presented previously; nothing has changed. He said that the city
must have this plan in place to remain eligible for state highway allocation funds and the resolution
would formally adopt that plan. He also reminded council that the plan is a living document, and the
city can drop a project, move one forward, or otherwise change course. The state simply requires a plan

on file and adopting the resolution checks that box. Moved by Wamsley, seconded by Smith to close
public hearing at 6:22 pm. Roll Call vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays:
None. Motion carried.

Moved by Smith, seconded by Wamsley to approve Resolution 2026-23, One and Six Year Street Plan.
Roll Call Vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Moved by Kleeb, seconded by Wamsley to approve Resolution 2026-24, authorizing the City
Administrator to close the City of Broken Bow bank account ending in 409 at Bruning Bank. Administrator
Schmidt explained that the account had been used as overflow account previously but has been unused
for several years. He said that staff transferred the balance into the general fund so it can be applied
toward Darren’s loader payment and the unused account can now be closed. Roll Call Vote: Voting aye:
Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Moved by Holland, seconded by Kleeb to approve Resolution 2026-25, approving a permanent sanitary
sewer easement and temporary construction easement granted by Gerald Pirnie for the municipal sanitary
sewer extension project of the City of Broken Bow. Mayor Sonnichsen explained that the resolution is the
result of extensive work by city staff and legal counsel to reach an agreement with Mr. Pirnie. Under the
agreement, the city will pay $20,000 for a permanent sanitary easement and $5,000 for a temporary
construction easement. He noted that the small lift station west of the Eagle Crest Subdivision is
undersized for the number of homes it serves. That station will be removed, and flows will instead
gravity-feed to the lift station at the fairgrounds. The agreement with Mr. Pirnie makes that project
possible. Roll Call Vote: Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: None. Motion carried.

There were no public comments.

During Mayor and Council comments, Mayor Sonnichsen commended the staff members that helped
with the budget process and Councilmember Holland gave an overview of the National Incident
Management System (NIMS) emergency management class that he recently took with Administrator
Schmidt in Grand Island.

Moved by Holland, seconded by Smith, to adjourn the City Counc}

meeting at 6:30 pm. Roll Call vote:
Voting aye: Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, and Holland. Nays: i

yCarried.

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