feeling. Hey Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. I know. Nina. Hey, hey, hey. Jimmy. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Hey everybody. Hey, Denny. I'm Heat. Heat. Hey. Row >> Fester Goodwin >> here. >> Harding >> here. >> Hug >> Mr. President >> here. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance and remain standing for opening remarks by council member Brinker Harding >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Uh, please be seated. Since we ran a little long on board, I won't take too much time. I'll just say, and this is not self-s serving, but I will say, please remember that next Tuesday, if uh you haven't had an opportunity or haven't done so yet, vote. Um, so, but please make sure you do exercise your right to vote by next Tuesday. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> An affidavit of publication is on file and a current copy of the open meeting act is posted in a white binder as well of legislative chambers. >> Good afternoon. Welcome to this meeting of the city council. As a courtesy to those in attendance and to facilitate the conduct of our business, we ask that you please silence or turn off all electronic devices. A reminder that you will have three minutes to speak on an agenda item. Please stay on topic. For those not providing in-person testimony and would like your comments entered into the public record, you can email the city clerk's office at city clerk at city of omaha.org. Council members receive these emails and read them. Finally, council members may ask members of the public backup for clarifying questions, but not for extra time to speak. I would also like to remind council members to speak clearly into their microphones so audience members in attendance and at home can hear. And those that come up to the podium as well, please do the same. Get between the two microphones so everybody can hear you. We have some proclamations today. The first one is by Council Member Goodwin for Economic Development Week, which will be followed by ALS Awareness Month proclamation by council member Harding. We're actually gonna switch to you if you don't mind. >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Lady second. Okay. >> Yeah. Lady second. >> Um, thank you. Whereas amthropic uh lateral scerosis also commonly known as Lou Garri's disease is a progressive fatal neurodeenerative disease in which a person's brain loses connection with their muscles slowly reducing a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. And whereas thousands of new ALS cases are reported every year and estimates show that every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS and someone passes away from ALS. And whereas on average patients diagnosed with ALS survive only two to five years from the time of diagnosis. And whereas the exact causes of ALS are unknown and there is no known cure for ALS. And whereas people who have served in the military are more likely to develop ALS and die from the disease than those with no history of military service. And whereas securing access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies is of vital importance to people living with ALS. And whereas clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, enhance enhancing quality of life, and fostering assistive technologies for those living with ALS. And whereas the ALS association is the largest philanthropic funer of AL research globally and has committed more than 154 million to support more than 550 projects across the United States and 18 other countries. And whereas the ALS association is committed to make ALS livable and cure it for everyone and everywhere. And whereas amo amropics lateral scerosis awareness month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the dire circumstances of people living with ALS, acknowledge the terrible impact this disease has on those individuals and their families, and support research to eradicate this disease. Now therefore, we the city council of the city of Omaha do hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as ALS awareness month and call upon all individuals to join in supporting ALS research, advocating for increased funding and standing in solidarity with those affected by this relentless disease. and witness whereof, we have set our hands and caused the official seal of the city of Omaha to be affixed on this fifth day of May, 2026. I don't believe that the gentleman was able to make it this afternoon, so we'll make sure that they get a a copy of that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Member Goodwin. You're recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. President. And if we can have the members of the economic development council come down to the podium and I will read this proclamation and we will then have a few words from our economic developers and I know we have others in the audience. So if you can please all come down and just stand up together. So May 4th m marked the hundth year for the International Economic Development Council. And so this week is economic development week. So, our proclamation reads, "Whereas more than a 100,000 economic development and related professionals worldwide are committed to creating, retaining, and expanding top tier opportunities that foster long-term equitable community growth. And whereas for generations, the economic development profession has cultivated thriving neighborhoods, championed sustainability and resiliency, strengthened economic prosperity, enhanced quality of life, and built robust tax bases. And whereas economic development professionals operate across diverse environments including rural, suburban, and urban communities, local, state, and national governments, public, private partnerships, chambers of commerce, institutions of higher education, and other similar organizations and associations. And whereas economic development professionals serve as stewards of progress connecting residents, business leaders, e elected officials, industry executives, and e educational institutions to advance job creation, community investment, infrastructure improvements, and long-term opportunity. And whereas economic developers contribute to the continued strength and vitality of Omaha and the state of Nebraska, building on past achievements while shaping a resilient and prosperous future. Whereas since 1926, the International Economic Development Council and its preceding organizations have advanced the profession globally, marking 100 years of leadership dedicated to fostering growth, innovation, sustainability, and resilience in communities of all sizes. Now therefore, be it resolved, the Omaha City Council hereby recognizes May 4th through the 8th, 2026 as Economic Development Week and celebrates 100 years of impact by reflecting on the progress achieved and celebrates 100 years of impact, excuse me, honoring the professionals who strengthened our communities today and inspiring the next century of economic opportunity and growth. In witness whereof, we have set our hands and caused the official seal of the city of Omaha to be affixed this day of May 2026 and uh 5th 2026. And before we have some of our speakers today, I just wanted to say I am a member of the International Economic Development Council and we are part of a national cohort cohort called the Economic Recovery Corps. Uh the North 24th Street Business Improvement District sets as a host site. Um and our fellow who is actually on a remote um fellowship tour in Hawaii, Chay Barnett has been with us for two and a half years where she has helped with technical assistance for economic development. And so um if we could have our speakers first and then if we could just have each person here simply say their name and the organization that they represent today. Mr. Gyn. >> Definitely. Well, it's good to see everybody. You know, exciting time to talk about economic development because I know you all like taxes um and the ability to spend them. And so, I'm Dr. Dell Gyn, chief innovation officer of the International Economic Development Council, but I am Omaha born and raised and still live. Spent 50 years of my life off 43rd Decator. Now live off 113th and State Street. Um and so I wrote work remote um in that role. For those that are not familiar with the International Economic Development Council, um we are the largest professional association of economic developers in the world. Um and we exist to celebrate and champion economic development. Two of our primary strategies through our vision and mission is share prosperity across the globe and equitable development. And we exist to empower economic developers to make places better for people to live, work, and play by leveraging the economy. Um and so in economic development week, I think it's important to celebrate what we have in Omaha. Um, Omaha has been a historically very strong economy. Used to work right up the street at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City for 12 years. Um, so I got to hear a lot of the economic reports. Um, and we have the opportunity now to move forward. Um, even despite some of the headwinds that we've been talking about, currently serve on the mayor's task force with Bridget Hadley as he stands up the department and in that particular committee, a lot of the conversations. Um, but in terms of celebrating the field, I think there's a lot of ways that we can approach it as we address the new challenges of artificial intelligence, um, the shifts in the labor market and all the other things that go on with it. Um, and one of the ways is what uh, Councilwoman Goodwin has talked about in the economic recovery corpse program and it's unprecedented in the history of America. $30 million EDA program funded under the car's act which deployed 65 highle professionals in 65 communities across the nation predominantly rural. of those 500 host sites applied to get to that 65 and 1500 fellows applied and so uh north uh 24th Business Improvement District was one of them that we were high on. I did not manipulate any of the process I guarantee that didn't even know but was excited to find out. And then of course Shay Barnett who is the fellow that has been serving is one of 65 out of 1500 individuals. And to to date in total they've unlocked $260 million of new funding across all the communities in which they serve. Um and that's just an example of the power of economic development especially as our mayor likes to call it intentional economic development. Um and I think that's important as we go forward because economic development is not what it used to be. We have to be more dynamic. We have to be more nimble. We have to be able to prepare for the the coming uh AI storm which is actually already here but it's only going to increase. Think about data center development upskilling and also how do we bring in good companies and build good companies in the city. So with that, I will just say it's exciting to celebrate our 100red-year anniversary at IEDC and economic development week because economic development is the lifeblood of our economies of our community and therefore it's what makes our places great places to live, work, and play. Thank you, council. >> Thank you, Mr. Clark. >> Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for having me and the rest of us here. I'm Gary Clark. I'm the executive director of the Omaha Inland Port Authority and really excited Councilwoman and the rest of you to really highlight the immense importance of this day. Uh economic development for us as the Port Authority shines a light on the innovative and creative pathway to connect the dots between housing, innovation, job creation and opportunity for people. So we call this uh the liberation space for economic development. And so with your support and others, councilwoman, and including the connection between the overall city impact, we look at this as an opportunity to shine a light not only on the traditional economic development space, but what port authorities can do to collaborate and support in this space. So, I'll be very brief here just to say that we really appreciate the opportunity here to proclaim this economic development week with you, Councilwoman, and the rest of the council, but also to shine a light on the fact that our North Omaha community is one that has an immense opportunity to show some excitement and energy and impact for the rest of the city through the innovative uh district that we are creating, also through the $30 million fund from the state and also the $90 million fund that is tied to the airport business park project. So with that being said, we're excited to show and prove that this connection is for the people of Omaha and specifically economic development will continue to move forward. Thank you. >> Thank you. And if you don't mind each of you just letting us know your name and your organization, we'll follow with a quick picture of the proclamation and I'll turn it back over to our president. >> Awesome. Good afternoon. My name is James Carowway. I'm senior director of real estate and industry for the Omaha Inland Port Authority. >> Hello everyone. My name is Jennifer Mchuan and I'm deputy director of economic development for the Omaha Inland Port Authority. >> Good afternoon. Aaron Evans, senior director economic development with the Union Pacific Railroad. >> Hello everyone. I'm Patrick Bole. I'm director of community engagement at Metropolitan Community College. >> Thank you. Are we standing or Okay. Yeah. Right. warm. I see it. Yeah. >> Item six to consider a class C liquor license for Lvita Nova and Alta 1897 located at 2620 North Main Street. >> Public hearing is now open on item six. I believe the applicant is on Zoom. Mr. Olsen. >> Yes, I am. >> Get your name and address for the record, please. >> Sure. It's Charles Olsen. address 4910 North 192nd Avenue in Elhorn, Nebraska. >> Thank you. Are there any other proponents here on item six? Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. Council member Harding, you're recognized. Uh Chuck Heights uh Brinker. I don't normally do this, but I'm going to give you the opportunity just to say a little bit about what you're doing with the um with the restaurant because it was such a landmark in in Oldtown Elorn and what you're doing with it, I think's very exciting. So, if you could just give us a quick update as to what you're doing and and what the timeline is for opening. >> Thank you, Councilman. I uh yeah, my wife and I um are proponents of downtown Elhorn. You know, we are the main street of Omaha since there is no other main street and we are Omaha now. Uh there was a building that was from 1897. It's a landmark. It's on the Lincoln Highway and it was sitting empty. We decided um probably foolishly to take the the adventure of starting a couple of restaurants and u it has been quite challenging. Um I would really appreciate the uh assistance of u the city a little more than we've had, but we're going to make it work. It's going to be a lot of fun. And I would encourage you all to come out and support the uh Oldtown Elhorn as it continues to to grow. Thank you, Councilman. >> Thanks. Move for approval. >> Got a motion in a second. Roll call. >> Melton, yes. >> Row. >> Fester? >> Yes. >> Goodwin? >> Yes. >> Harding? >> Yes. >> Hug? Yes. >> Mr. President, >> I. >> Motion pass seven to zero. Item seven, to consider a class C liquor license for Zasa Beer Company located at 3548 Center Street. >> Public hearing is now open on item seven. Applicants here. >> Good afternoon, uh, members of the council. I'm Bill Shell Pepper, 1541 South 18th Street. Uh Jason Sabbert, 9788 Frederick Circle. >> Uh Jason and I are based in Omaha. We've lived here for quite some time. Um I've spent most of my career leading food and consumer businesses, including serving as president of Smart Chicken under Tyson Foods. Um we spent a lot of time operating in regulated, highly regulated environments where safety, compliance, and discipline execution matter not just every day, but every minute. Uh we're here seeking approval um for a tap room license, a a class C liquor license. We want to be clear about this. Um this is a small well-managed tap room. It's not a late night bar. Um it's focused on craft beer, community, and a controlled customer experience. This use is consistent with the zoning and aligned with the surrounding area. Uh we've been intentional about creating something that fits the neighborhood rather than disrupts it. Uh we understand the responsibility that comes with the liquor license. We will run a disciplined operation. That means strict ID verification, no over service, active experience management. We're not going to be absentee owners, security cameras, defined closing procedures, controlled hours. It's not a late night concept. a noisemanaged uh not an event driven uh concept either. Parking will be evaluated. We do not expect disruption. It's a long-term investment for us. Um if any issues arise, we will address it immediately and will be held personally accountable and accessible. Uh we believe this is a lowrisk, well-managed addition that reflects well on Omaha and we respectfully ask for your support. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other proponents here on item seven? Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. This is in my district and I appreciate you coming down today. And I read your business plan, so it's going to be a little different than the bull moose, it seems. Craft beer, >> maybe a Husker game on the outside on the patio. Um, and your hours are kind of defined that maybe some shorter hours, but maybe going to as late as midnight is maybe not a common thing, but is an ongoing thing if you need to amend it. Not amend it, but you can stay open till midnight if it's or the late football game or whatever. >> I think so. I mean, we we'd want the flexibility to be I don't want to give you shoes that don't fit, but we want to be iterative, right? Um, I think the concept really is kind of three to nine in the middle of the week. Um, and then we'd be closed no later than >> 10 o'clock. Um, most days. I mean, midnight if it's a late night game or something along those lines. But we want to be cognizant and fair with the community. It's right next to the golf course. You've got some houses that are pretty close. I mean, we don't want it to be disruptive, right? Just look at the opportunity cost. I mean, we we we would value being good stewards of neighbors than we would over a few extra dollars, if you will, right? So, we'd be very careful about that. We both have young children, so earlier bedtime is important, >> right? Too old to stay up that late anyway. >> No, I I appreciate you guys sharing that. And I know the Bullmoose had outdoor music from time to time. Is that something you guys would do at all? >> We've talked about it. Uh we did not submit a uh music venue permit, but we might amend that later on. >> We we want to we want to be good stewards in the neighborhood. >> Yeah. Understand the neighborhood. There's there's a very strong neighborhood association newsletter. We really want to get involved with the neighborhood and kind of get feedback from them before we kind of define exactly, you know, th those sort of details. >> No. Yeah, that's you guys are way ahead of the game and I you have the Field Club neighborhood association and Hanscom Park reformed again. >> So, they're active on the south side of center. I I know they're going to be excited with the new venue going in and I >> can't make a motion to support this, but I'll absolutely be supportive and looking forward to coming down and checking you guys out and wish you the best of luck. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Got a motion and a second. No lights. Roll call. >> Melton. Yes. >> Row. Fester. Yes. >> Goodwin. >> Yes. >> Hardin. >> Yes. >> Hug. >> Yes. >> Mr. President, >> yes. >> Motion pass seven to zero. >> Thank you. Thank you. Item eight, to consider a special designated liquor license application for the Broketown Palace located at 8805 Maple Street for an outdoor concert on May 15th through 16th from 6:00 a.m. to 2 a.m. with music until 1:00 a.m. >> Public hearing is now open on item number eight. Hi, good afternoon. >> Good afternoon. Uh Ross Kohley 2438 South 48th Avenue um Omaha Nebraska 68106 right down the street from Bulmoose. So I look forward to a new tenant there. Thank you. Are there any proponents here today? Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. Council member Fester, Senator Fester Tones is recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. president and we had a good show in L. >> We absolutely we're looking forward to the next one. Hopefully we can get something on the books. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Uh but >> I'm not involved in this event, but I just want to say it is wellrun. Obviously, uh Ross knows what he's doing. The only reason why it's on our agenda is because it is happy music until 1 1 a.m. Uh but it's been a perennial perennial event that's gone well. I've never had any complaints. So happy to support it here today. And we had a motion to approve. >> Thank you. >> Got a motion and a second. No further lights. Roll call. Melton, yes. >> Row, yes. >> Fester, yes. Goodwin, >> yes. >> Hardin, >> yes. >> Hug, yes. >> Mr. President, >> I. >> Motion pass seven to zero. >> Thank you. I just on a personal note, I want to say I am excited to support the other um item number nine in downtown Main Street, Elorn, where my brother and my dad run a business there called Kohley Financial. I know our family will support them and just the transformation of all the small business down there and what it's done in that community I think has been a positive thing and something that should be shared. And also I just wanted to wish Mr. Harding good luck next week uh on his election and I urge people to get out and vote as well and I just want to thank all the city council members for your civic service. It's greatly appreciated. So >> thank you. >> Thank you. Yeah. Have a great day. >> Two. >> Items 9 through 11 can be considered together for Town Center West located northeast of 210th Street and West Center Road. Planning board and planning department recommend approval. Item nine, an ordinance to reszone this property from AG district to MU District. Item 10, a resolution to approve the final plat. Item 11, a resolution to approve the subdivision agreement. >> Public hearing is now open for items 9 through 11. Or is the applicant here today? Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Uh I'm Joe Foley, 3930 South 147th Street. We're the engineers on the project. Um pretty straightforward project, phase two of the development. Uh mainly multif family, a little bit of commercial, and I think we've met all the requirements of the city. So just leave it for any questions you might have. >> Thank you. Are there any proponents here today on items 9 through 11? Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. >> Second. >> Motion is second. Roll call. >> Melton. Row. >> Fester. >> Yes. >> Good one. >> Yes. >> Hardin. >> Yes. >> Hug. >> Yes. >> Mr. President, >> I. >> Motion pass seven to zero. Item 12, a resolution to approve the Douglas Street office project tax increment financing redevelopment project plan located at 2311 Douglas Street in an amount up to $95,270. >> Public hearing is now open on item 12. Mr. seat and good afternoon. >> Good afternoon. Let me uh zoom out a little. Okay, it's a bit smaller project as tiff projects go. It's on a single lot at 2311 Douglas Street. There's a vacant building on the lot currently, a little larger than 3,000 square feet. It'll be uh comprehensively rehabbed. It will serve as a new home for an expanding law office. The developers are APR Building LLC managed by Adam Ashley. Here's what will look like. Investments a little over $1.35 million. They're asking for 95,000 200 270 in TIFF support and it complies with our master plan. We ask for your approval. >> Thank you. Are there any other proponents here on item 12? >> Thank you, Mr. President, council members. Bob Griffith, 11440 West Center Road here on behalf of the applicant uh here today as well as Adam Ashley and Courtney Ruie with uh the applicant. We're here to answer your questions. Um appreciate Don laying out the project and his help as always. Um this is the former KCO legal briefs building. So, um, as a law firm moving in, it's kind of a fun fact. The, um, formerly printed some, um, US Supreme Court briefs. Um, I think the building has been vacant since 2023. My client purchased around 2024 with the intent to redevelop, stay downtown, um, hopefully increase some employment with a couple new hires um, and just kind of bring the building back to what, uh, we think it could be. So, with that, happy to answer any questions. >> Thank you. Are there any other proponents here? Item 12. >> Uh, good afternoon, members of the council. Adam Ashley, 1412 Howard Street. I just wanted to step up and introduce myself. I've uh been an attorney practicing in downtown Omaha since 2004. Councilwoman Melton and I were classmates at Kraton Law, graduated together, as was our former, one of our former applicants, Mr. Shell Pepper. He was in our class as well. Um, my partner and I, Katherine Putnham, started Ashley Putnham PC in 2017. There were two of us, one assistant and a very small office suite uh, in the old market. Since then, we've added a partner, Miss Ruie. We have just hired our first prospective graduate from Nebraska Law, who's going to start with us in the fall when he passes the bar exam on his first try, which I have every expectation that he will do. And, um, we're looking to add staff. This is an exciting opportunity for us to expand into an office that is designed uh to our specifications, to have facilities that are comfortable for our clients, secure for ourselves and our clients information uh the privacy of which we take very seriously and to have room to grow and uh cultivate new talent in uh our area of expertise which is domestic relations. So happy to answer any questions the council has. >> Thank you. Any other proponents? Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. Council, >> wait a minute. You got to look up to see people here. >> You're out of order, Larry. Thank you. >> Uh, good afternoon, Omaha City Council. Uh, Donnie R. Johnson, the Johnson Question Foundation, North Omaha Concerned Citizen Foundation, uh, 4928 North 52nd Street. You know, I I know attorneys have a lot of money and I'm wondering if we should use tax money to help them because my job with Congress right now is to put a lot of lawyers in jail starting from John Dean back. We're going to put judges and lawyers in jail. So, we spend tax money to help them. No, I don't know. But that's just a Navy joke. >> Thank you. Are there any other opponents here today? Larry Store, 5015 Lafayette Avenue, Omaha 68132. I'm ever against TIFF financing, maybe because of the lack of transparency and discussion that we get from our representatives. To me, it seems like, gee, if somebody says, but without it, it won't get done. Uh, it's apparent that you people know that this is this is a lawyer that's asking for this. Lawyers make more money than I do. I can't pay my taxes but for a break from you. But I'm not getting that break. Why should a law firm get it? You obviously building it, remodeling it for a law firm, but restaurants also make a lot of money. I don't. Do they get breaks on taxes? Yes. Do I? No. It's time to stop some of this spending and let the people that have the money spend the money instead of asking me for more tax dollars. I cannot stay in Omaha but for a tax break. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other opponents here today? Seeing none, public hearing is closed. Council member Meltton, you're recognized. >> Thank you. And Mr. Ashley or Miss Putnham, I think I saw you down there. I just can't see you on the other side. if you want to come up. I I just want to congratulate I just want to congratulate you on on doing this. And this is a building that would be very difficult to rehab and I believe has been sitting vacant for quite a while. Isn't that true? >> It has. And there's additional challenges with converting it from a light industrial facility to an office with the roof and everything else. Well, and I also note although your practice will be there, you also have additional bays flex space that could be leased to other businesses also creating maybe additional jobs in addition to just your law firm. You have the the the space there at least I see um to be able to rent to to other businesses as well or develop that space out. >> That's right. And we we don't know who that tenant is going to be yet. Uh we have yet to meet them. And I also note you're not one of the big corporate attorneys. And so us little small shack people that with a couple attorneys in our office, we don't tend to make as much money as the big corporate ones, but um we do a good service. Your name was brought up during our board of equalization meeting. So you may be dealing with a contempt action. I just thought I'd give you a little um for one in one of your cases. Um but you've done a great job and I really I really appreciate the fact that you're willing to put the investment into this to this spot. Um and so and it's actually in comparison it's a very small amount um about 95,000 in in TIF and no tax dollars are are going to you'll be paying the full taxes as you know on your property. It's just going to be able to go to pay off your TIF loan. So Mr. Store's taxes won't be paying for any of your law firm. So with that I'm I'm in support of this and I'm glad you're able to get this worked out because you've also been working on it for a couple years now. So glad to see it happen. It has been a lot. So, we appreciate the support. >> I I'll >> Thanks. We got a motion and a second. Council member Goodwin, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. President. And I just wanted to say that I'm always glad to see reuse. Um I mean, it's a part of sustainability with climate change when we can reuse uh spaces and and develop infill development. Bringing jobs back to the center city is also very important. So, um I just wanted to um speak to that as well. And as because it's economic development week, I also think it's important to point out that TIFF is an economic development tool. Uh it's one of the tools that the city has to um to catalyze development where it can be applied. And so it it this fits within the the appropriate uh tracks. It's tracks where we can utilize tiff and so when we can and it meets the test it makes sense to use those tools and so jobs uh we always talking about sprawl this is bringing jobs back to the center city and it's important so just wanted to thank you for being mindful of that >> I appreciate that I was just looking up this morning we are in your district by about 350 ft >> yes you are in my district by about 350 ft >> no that's okay >> used to be right we have to look up the addresses a not you're fine. But no, just wanted to thank you for again that that reinvestment back into the downtown and it's important that we look at how we can rehab and reuse uh our our sites like this. So, thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. We have no further lights. We had a motion and a second. Roll call. >> Milton, >> yes. >> Row, yes. >> Fester, >> yes. >> Goodwin, >> yes. >> Harding, >> yes. >> Hug, >> yes. >> Mr. President, >> I. Motion pass seven to zero. All >> right. Thank you all very much. >> Item 13, a resolution to approve the 2211 Douglas Street Senior Housing Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Project Plan located at 221 Douglas Street and amount up to 1,133,75. >> Public hearing is now open on item 13, Mr. Seed. >> Oh yeah, this is a uh mixed income senior housing tiff project. If you like the last project, I think you'll like this one even more because it has affordable housing and it's right next door to the project that he just reviewed. Uh, this project's located at 2211 Douglas Street. There had been a vacant hotel building on the site. It's been demolished. A new fivestory senior apartment complex will be constructed. There'll be 70 units. 45 of those will be LITC units, affordable housing units, low-income housing tax credits, and there'll be 25 market rate units. The developer of Douglas Senior Housing, LP, managed by Jake Hoppy. This project is a little bit more than 17.5 million in terms of its investment in the central business district. They're asking for1,133,75 in tiff support. Project's been approved by the tiff committee and the planning board. It complies with our master plan. It's a good infill project for downtown. We like the affordable housing. We ask for your approval. >> Thank you. Other proponents. >> Thank you again, Mr. President. Bob Griffith 11440 West Center Road here on behalf of the applicant Hoppy Development. Um here today as well is Mr. Donell Brown. He is an emerging developer with Spark. He is partnering uh with uh Jake Hoppy to do uh this this development uh and get involved and I'm sure he's happy to speak as well if you'd like. Uh very exciting development. Um a lot of different interesting parts that go into this one. As Don mentioned, it's a mix between affordable senior housing and market rate. Um something that Mr. hobby is kind of kind of brought to the Omaha area with this concept of of mixing the two together which um kind of provides a unique uh integration for both that market rate and the litec chi health is also a partner in this project um as it is geared towards seniors. There will be some directed fund um fund raise or excuse me um programs for 55 and older whether that be um hearing and sight impaired accessibility those sort of things. Um and then also um this was awarded um from the RFP from front porch. So the capital stack is made up of um along with tiff there's there's lit there's a contribution from chi there's national trust fund housing fund. So a lot of different players went into making this this project what we hope to be a very successful one. So with that here have to answer any additional questions you may have. >> Thank you. Are there any other proponents? Seeing none. I'll give a couple words here. Uh Dell Brown, 8827 Wyoming Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68122. So glad to see you guys again. Different faces. Last time I've been here, full circle moment for me. Um originally I did four new construction homes down in North Omaha, 24th and Lake. Uh the city at that time uh sold me land for a dollar, three lots. So, I was able to convert those lots into single family homes and sell those to um low-income individuals that now have their own homes um in the area. So, this is my next step in my evolution uh with this project working with Hoppy uh being supported by Spark uh development um is for an opportunity here. So, thank you for the opportunity and I think this project has a lot of potential. We spent a lot of time with it with uh the programming, the design to help support uh the area, knowing we had City View and some other areas. Uh the lack of affordable housing in downtown um is something I will really want to address and this project helps get that done, especially in the urban core with the street car. Uh the position of this project I think fits well to uh serve the overall master plan for how we want to see the city uh be developed in the future. >> Thank you. Right. Hello, Ryan Zimmer Moss. Uh here on behalf of Spark, 1111 North 13th Street. Um we really just wanted to voice our support for this uh TIFF allocation. Um I think as we're thinking about uh what is appropriate use of TIFF, I know this is a conversation this council has had in recent uh weeks. Uh this is really a project we want to hold up as an example of um just a really good project. Um of course bringing more housing including affordable housing and the mixed income approach which we support at SparkCC uh housing in the urban core. Um Donnell Brown is a Spark Developer Academy graduate and co-development program participants. Um so we really see this as a project that also builds up the uh ecosystem of developers. We need more local housing developers um that are missional aligned that want to bring good projects to the market. Um also I was here just a couple weeks ago on behalf of age friendly Omaha and so just want to point out that this will add more uh units for our older adults in Omaha. Um and also not all of the units are uh require that you have to be um over 50. And so there's an intergenerational component which is a really um a strong component of this as well. Um, and uh, lastly, just wanted to note that uh, Spark has been involved in helping to support some of the community engagement that's gone into this. The development team has done a commendable job of really intentionally reaching out to older adults to see what design elements could be included to make this more livable. And so, um, for all those reasons, uh, we'd encourage full support of this. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other proponents here? >> Seeing none, are there any opponents? Uh, good afternoon. I'm City Council, Donn Y. Johnson, the Johnson Equestion Foundation, Northam Hawinson Citizen Foundation, 4928 North 52nd Street. I like to see this young man do a wonderful job with his new project because I heard he's done some other things. But my argument with these apartments downtown, all these apartments back in the 60s, we had a lot of retail stores, and it's kind of went away from that. And I would like to see the young man move over with my direction on 73rd and District 66 and bring those international communities here versus all these apartments downtown and people don't have res uh jobs. We're focusing on jobs and at the same time senior citizens say you can put 55 and older or not, but they're not going to be living in the little dwellings anymore. They wanted some freedom. They trying to not even go to old folks home in the first place. So, let's look at this young man who's doing a wonderful job and let's start looking at some jobs for his um the international community and that district 66 and that building up there for 8 million. >> Honey, we got to stay on 2211 Douglas Street. Yeah, but if you guys got this money, we'll take the 12 11 million for 73rd in Pacific. >> Okay, we This is Item 13 is what we're talking about today, though. >> Ain't nobody going to move in there. >> Okay. Thank you. Are there any other opponents? Item 13, >> Larry Store, 5015 Lafayette Avenue, 68132. Again, I'm generally opposed to most TIFF projects because we don't know enough about them. I hope you smile at my remarks like you smile at Donnie and you don't interrupt me because you let him talk off topic. But anyhow, I'd be curious to find out uh why we only get a debate if we challenge you. Somebody has to challenge you to find out more about these things. I would like to know who the real realtor, developer, and construction company is. Whose name will we be seeing on that building after it's completed and starting to sell space? Will it be the same people that we see in most cases around Omaha after it's built? You see that little plaque that says who's selling the uh units now and etc. I won't name them, but I think everybody knows who I'm talking about. the primary one uh just all over town and they got tiff to start with and now they're selling you know units for uh row houses 400 and some million dollars I mean4 some thousand dollar affordable housing excuse me thank you >> thank you are there any other opponents on item 13 none are let's see public hearing is closed and council member Goodwin you're recognized Thank you, Mr. President. Um, if Mr. Brown could come back up. Uh, I love this project and I love connecting the dots to economic development. Also wanted to give, uh, a shout out to Spark because I too am a graduate of the developer academy. And it, this is really showing what it takes. A project like this shows what it takes to do several things. number one um make good on a a vacant building and and turn it into 45 units of housing. Uh it also talks about the programming, the intergenerational uh component of livability. Um but also then you start looking at the capital stack. And I think that when oftenimes people throw around affordable housing or mixed income housing and we really don't know the challenge of what it takes to get there. And when you talk about tiff, the national trust fund, uh fort pro front porch investment, uh chi has a programming investment, uh litec, all of that, and then a willing developer to then partner with emerging developer uh to then help you upskill in in your project base. Um this isn't just a standard run-of-the-mill development. And yet I'm I'm for traditional development as well. Um so I just wanted to clarify that the names you'll see on this building. Well, Hoppy, you know, Mr. Brown, Chi, uh Front Porch, National Trust Front. I mean, because it's going to take and then the realtor if HobbyP decides not to be the the the primary realtor. Um this is a collaboration for a project like this. But I had a question about um the four uh the 45 affordable housing units. Uh what will they do we know what they'll rent at right now? >> Sure. So currently we have estimates around I want to say below $1,000 a month. Um so that's a preliminary estimate we have currently. Um, so how we arrived around that number and some of the targets we're looking at is we spoke and had focus groups uh kind of like Ryan mentioned with uh Evans Tower uh different individuals at towers uh different focus groups we've we've uh convened to see hey what's affordable um what can be done with the limited amount of funds we are working with u because ultimately we want to make sure you know we don't overdesign or overburden someone to move into this facility u with paying most of their income in rent. So, keep it affordable, but still make it a safe uh community and a nice social community where they have access to transportation and to some of the activities and development that, you know, we see downtown. Um, so we think this would be really attractive to our 55 and up community and the inter interg generational families that move into this area. So, >> and so thank you for that. Uh what will the 25 market rate apartment units be? And are these going to be studio to threebedrooms? Are you going to stay within one or two bedrooms? Uh what is that combination look like? >> So our initial design is a studio one bedrooms. Um and I believe uh the target right now we have about is about under $1,500 a month >> and for those units or the market rate. Um so >> and so uh CHI is a partner and I assume it's because there will be some type of health public health benefit. Uh what does that program look like? >> Sure. So how CHI is uh a part of this project is they will be supporting um how we assist the members of the community with uh getting to their regular appointments. So uh their clinic is not too far from this this address. So, you know, we're looking at a transportation option of having individuals uh attend the regularly appointments at the the clinic up the street. Um, also, do we have a a nurse or some other medical profession come into the building and use space designated for checkups, um, flu shots, wherever it may be? And then also we get more into the indiv individual units with grab bars um heart of hearing. So you have the lights so someone's ringing their doorbell other enhancements to help that individual uh live as comfortable as they can without um being independent. >> So there's some specialized design based on the the senior population. >> That's correct. >> Which is always good to hear. Um no I I think again this is innovative. We again we throw that word away around a lot but uh it's really this is a this is an example and I'll probably be following up because I want to look at the back end of because everybody wants to know how to do this and the fact that you're actually making it work um is a testament to what we're seeing happen here in the Omaha market uh as we talk about the need for uh housing and that that area you I'm not going to be a broken record but that mixed income factor is a huge factor in how we make uh neighborhoods uh viable. So, thank you for your work and I will motion to approve. >> Got a motion and a second. No further lights. Roll call. >> Melton Row. >> Yes. >> Festerain. >> Goodwin. >> Yes. >> Harding. >> Yes. >> Hug. >> Yes. >> Mr. President. >> I. >> Motion pass six to zero. Fester abstains. >> Consent agenda. Any member of the city council may cause any item placed on the consent agenda to be removed. Items removed from the consent agenda shall be taken up by the city council immediately following the consent agenda in order in which they were removed unless otherwise provided by the city council rules of order. >> Public hearings on agenda items 14 through 16 were held on April 21st, 2026. Any council discussion? >> Got a motion and a second. Roll call. >> Melton Row Fester. Goodwin. >> Yes. >> Harding. >> Yes. >> Pug. >> Yes. >> Mr. President, >> I >> motion pass 7 to zero. >> The public hearings and agenda items 17 through 38 are today. If you wish to address the city council regarding these items, please come to the microphone. Indicate the agenda item number you wish to address. Identify yourself by your name, address, who you represent, and if you are a proponent or opponent. The public hearing is now open. Are there any proponents? Seeing none, are there any opponents? >> Uh, good afternoon, Omar. City Council Dar Johnson, Johnson Equestion Foundation, 4928 North 52nd Street. You know, I I tried to share some data with you young folks. uh and time to time on like number 19. So the best way to probably teach you young folks what me and Governor Thone and Senator Dave Kins and Mayor Zinsky and all of us was working on even your friend Alve, we all worked on these programs. So as you buy this tractor, buy one more tractor and donate it to North Hall. We're going to take it to West Africa and grow some crops and bring them back and sell them generating revenue. Thank you. Are there any other opponents here on items 17 through 38? >> Public hearing is closed. >> Got a motion and a second. No lights. Roll call. >> Melton. >> Row. Fester. >> Yes. >> Goodwin. >> Yes. >> Hardin. >> Yes. >> Hug. >> Mr. President. >> I. >> Motion pass seven to zero. Item 39. A resolution to approve the 2025 tax increment financing annual report. A is the final 2025 tax increment financing annual report. >> Any council discussion? >> The final just to >> Is it that a motion to approve the final 2025A? >> Okay. >> Had a motion and we had a second. Correct. >> Motion and a second. Thank you. Roll call. >> Milton Row. >> Fester. Yes. Goodwin. >> Hardin. >> Yes. >> Hug. Yes. >> Mr. President. >> I. Motion pass 7 to zero. Item 40, an ordinance to acquire private property for the North 24th Street streetscape from Ohio Street to Sailor Street. >> Public hearing is now open on item 40. Are there any proponents? Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. >> Item 41, an ordinance to amend section 23-177 of the Omaha Municipal Code by adding the employment classification for custodian personnel board. recommends approval. >> Public hearing is now open on item 41, Miss Sanders. Good afternoon. >> Good afternoon. Um, I'm here to as a proponent for items number 41, 42, and 43. They are all classifications or revision to a classification. Here to answer any questions. >> Thank you. Are there any other proponents on item 41? You said 41, 42, and 43. >> This is for 41, Donnie. >> Oh, sorry. >> Proponents right now. >> She mentioned 43. >> She's speaking on 41, 42, and 43, but this specific is on 41 that we're talking about right now. >> Okay. Well, that just >> and this is proponents right now in 41. >> Yeah, I'm supporting that because on that Martha exit on the interstate, we had a greenhouse there and folks forgot about that indoor brewing. It was always there for all the years teaching us how to grow things inside. Right there on the exit of Martha Street there used to be a greenhouse. I don't know where they hit it at. They're growing some new stuff. >> Okay. Is there any other proponents on item 41? Are there any opponents on item 41? Public hearing is closed. Item 42, an ordinance to amend section 23-177 of the Omaha Municipal Code by adding the employment classification for budget manager. Personnel board recommends approval. >> Public hearing is now open on item 42. Are there any proponents? Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. Item 43, an ordinance to amend section 23-177 of the Omaha Municipal Code by changing the salary for greenhouse foreman. Personnel board recommends approval. >> The public hearing is now open on item 43. Are there any proponents? Seeing none, are proponents. >> Yes, sir. That's the one I was trying to tell about the green. >> She mentioned 43. So, I got confused here. She and the senior citizen club. We get confused. That's why we're not moving to our apartments. We like to be outside to get fresh air. And number 43, as I was saying, Mr. Begley, you probably remember this cuz I think you grew up in that area. >> Donnie, can we get your name and address? >> Which one? The one in Washington DC that Mr. >> Your name address. >> Name and address. >> Me and Mr. Hardy don't have a new address yet. We're working on it. >> Donnie, your address in Omaha. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Omaha, Nebraska. 4928 North 52nd Street. Thank you. Uh that's the place where we've been working to put judges. Not judges, lawyers in jail. In the meantime, I don't want to, but they want to put some in jail. >> Danny, stick to item 43, please. >> Oh, yes, sir. Uh, as we was growing up exiting um the interstate Martha Street, we had a wonderful greenhouse in the 60s and the 70s. So, I think they need more money because we're going to do a lot more indoor growing. >> Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> Are there any other proponents on item 43? Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. >> Item 44, an ordinance to approve the Omaha Downtown Improvement District Association 2026 2027 budget and work plan and levying a special tax and assessment and all lots and pieces real estate within business improvement district number 6874. >> Public hearing is now open on item 44, proponents. Miss Barrett, good afternoon. Good afternoon. Holly Barrett, 1403 Farnum Street, number 802. I'm the executive director of the Omaha Downtown Improvement District. I'm just here to answer any questions. >> Thank you. I enjoyed your meeting last week. Well attended as always. Thank you for coming. >> Are there any other proponents on item 44? Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. Item 45, an ordinance to establish a class B flammable liquid storage district number B-228 located at 2451 North 90th Street. >> The public hearing is now open on item 45. Are there any proponents? Seeing none, are there any opponents? Public hearing is closed. Item 46, Grittness Sanitation appeals the rejection of their bid from April 1st, 2026 for City of Omaha trash container service for parks. >> This is not a public hearing. Is there someone from the Greta Sanitation Company wishes to speak regarding this item? Seeing none, do we need to have title come up? Miss >> second. >> I had a motion and a second. No further lights. Thank you. Roll call. >> Melton. >> Row. >> Fester. >> Yes. >> Goodwin. >> Harding. >> Yes. >> Hug. >> Yes. >> Mr. President. >> I. >> Motion passed seven to zero. Um I believe there was a request or request for non-action items to postpone the second reading and public hearing for item 59 to the June 16th city council meeting. I >> had a motion and a second to move item 59 to June 16th. No further lights. Roll call. >> Melton. >> Row. >> Fester. >> Yes. >> Goodwin. >> Yes. >> Harding. >> Yes. >> Pug. >> Yes. >> Mr. President. >> I. >> Motion passed seven to zero. Items 47 through 65 do not require public hearing or city council consideration at this meeting, but will be placed on a future agenda for public hearing and our vote. The reason for non-action is noted after the item on the agenda as well as the date the item is expected to appear on an agenda for consideration. >> Motion and a second to adjurnn. Roll call. >> Melton Row. >> Fester. Yes. >> Goodwin. >> Harding. >> Yes. >> Hug. Yes. >> Mr. President. >> I. >> Motion pass 7 to zero. Meeting is adjourned at 3:31.