Broken Bow Mayor Rod Sonnichsen called the City Council meeting to order Tuesday night with the absence of council members Paul Holland and Chris Myers.
Two conditional use permits and a liquor license were approved during the meeting.
Carmen Bumgarner with Tumbleweed Cafe had a liquor license application for the Tumbleweed Cafe approved. Bumgarner is in the process of collaborating with Axe Kickers to establish an axe throwing area on the west end of the café that would include alcoholic drinks and an original food menu. Her hope is to eventually host Christmas parties and similar events.
The conditional use permit for 44100 Memorial Drive, for Industrial Tower West to replace and upgrade the Viaero cell phone tower on the fairgrounds, came back before council for discussion and a decision. Deputy Clerk Jacob Holcomb and Water and Sewer Superintendent Bryan Jones emphasized that the asking for more time to verify more information regarding trenching for the Eagle Crest subdivision was helpful. The conditional use permit was approved, with the new tower area remaining the same as the previous.
A conditional use permit was approved for Burwell Livestock Market, which would allow them to operate an office for online auction services in a residential district at 625 North B Street. Holcomb stated it would be an office building with a phone and a desk, with no extra traffic or equipment being anticipated. The permit will last through the length of time the property is owned.
Mayor Sonnichsen had a public comment brought to his attention after a previous meeting about the meeting procedures. Ordinance 1204 Item J states, “Any person wishing to address the Council shall first come to the podium and state their name and address…” The Mayor said it was by the ordinance and the law, not harassment by any means. The ordinance was stated by a previous Mayor, and Sonnichsen plans to adopt it.
The council members set August 27 at 2:30 p.m. as their budget workshop day, with Schmidt highlighting it will be on a city council night. The council also approved the signature for the Municipal Annual Certification of Program compliance to the Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classifications.
The council heard the Annual Audit report for the year ending September 30, 2023. Jeff Oeltjen with Dana F. Cole told the council that the audit was completed later because of changes in city personnel. He also described the audit as “clean”.
City Administrator David Schmidt thanked Jennifer Waterhouse and LeeAnn Taylor for their contributions to the city so far. Mayor Sonnichsen adjourned the meeting at 6:46 p.m. and the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27.
