Fremont, Nebraska
Recent meetings
Utility and Infrastructure Board (June 2017 - Present)
The Utility and Infrastructure Board will consider replacing four utility rate ordinances (electric, natural gas, sewer, water) with new ones, a $662,170 contract for lead service line replacement consulting, and several equipment leases. They will also receive a quarterly financial report and consider affirming an emergency declaration for spending limits. The meeting includes consent items for minutes and accounts payable.
- Repealing and replacing Electric Rate Ordinance No. 5704 with No. 5743
- Repealing and replacing Natural Gas Rate Ordinance No. 5680 with No. 5744
- Repealing and replacing Sewer Rate Ordinance No. 5666 with No. 5745
- Repealing and replacing Water Rate Ordinance No. 5693 with No. 5746
- Consider contract with JEO for Lead Service Line Replacement Consulting Services for $662,170
City Council
The City Council will hold first readings on ordinances setting electric, natural gas, sewer, and water rates for Fremont Department of Utilities for 2026-2027. Other new business includes a $475,000 economic development award to Habitat for Humanity and a $662,170 lead service line replacement consulting contract. The consent agenda covers 24 routine items including equipment leases, an audit agreement, and a solid waste coalition withdrawal.
- First reading of ordinances setting electric, gas, sewer, and water rates for 2026-2027 (Items 32-35)
- Resolution 2026-146: $475,000 Local Option Economic Development Fund award to Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity
- Resolution 2026-164: $662,170 contract with JEO for Lead Service Line Replacement Consulting Services
- Ordinance 5747: Conditional zoning change from R1 to R2 for Washington Heights 6th Addition (first reading)
- Ordinance 5748: Emergency ordinance amending garbage hauling and occupation taxes (first reading, final reading suspended)
City Council
The City Council is considering Resolution 2026-150 to authorize Fremont as lead applicant for a federal CRISI grant on behalf of Rail Modal Group. The $10.3 million project would expand the intermodal terminal at 549 E County Rd T, with RMG providing the required $5.17 million local match. The city would initially serve as grant recipient, with administration intended to transfer to NDOT before award acceptance. The council may approve or reject the resolution.
- Resolution 2026-150 authorizing City of Fremont as lead applicant for CRISI grant application
- Project would expand Fremont intermodal export terminal, increasing capacity from 30,000 to 40,000 containers per year
- Total project cost $10,349,000; federal request $5,174,500; RMG provides matching share
- City would initially be federally responsible entity; NDOT expected to assume administration before award execution
- RMG provided deposit verification for match funds; no city funding requested
Airport Advisory Committee
The Fremont Airport Advisory Committee will meet June 19, 2026 at 8:15 a.m. at the airport terminal. They are set to vote for a new chairman and fill two vacant board seats (one due to resignation, one term-out). The committee will also receive updates on the parallel taxiway reconstruction (contract awarded, start in July), the July 3rd firework display (FAA approval secured), hangar maintenance compliance, and the budget including rent increases.
- Vote for new chairman and fill two board vacancies
- Parallel Taxiway Reconstruction Update – contract awarded to Paulsen Inc., start tentatively July
- July 3rd Firework Display Update – FAA approval obtained, special event form and council approval required
- Budget Status Update – rent increases to be discussed
- Discuss FAA Flight Pattern
Business Improvement District
The Downtown Business Improvement District Board will discuss and possibly take action on homelessness downtown, Christmas decorations, parking lots, trashcans, benches, picnic tables, the speaker system, and green space for pets. The previous meeting noted a $40,000 shortfall for Christmas decorations and the city's withdrawal from funding that and other non-core projects. The board will also receive committee reports and public comments.
- Discussion and possible action on homeless individuals downtown
- Discussion and possible action on Christmas decorations (previous meeting reported $40,000 shortfall and city ending support)
- Report from city on parking lots
- Discussion and possible action on trashcans, benches, and picnic tables (installation previously approved)
- Discussion and possible action on the speaker system (attached letter notes no ongoing service plan; per-request service at $175/hour)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider a zone change request from Mitch Sawyer-Quad County Property Management to rezone 10 lots at Washington Heights 6th Addition from R-1 (Low Density Residential) to R-2 (Low/Medium Density Residential) to allow duplexes by-right. The commission will also discuss updates to its by-laws and continue the annual review of the Comprehensive Plan Action Matrix.
- Zone change request for Lots 6A-10B, Block 1, Washington Heights 6th Addition (Westside Street) from R-1 to R-2
- Proposal to update and amend Planning Commission By-Laws and Rules of Procedure
- Annual review of the Comprehensive Plan Action Matrix continued from previous meeting
- Staff report recommends approval of the zone change as compatible with adjacent zoning and Future Land Use Map
Library Board
This meeting is largely procedural, with the board expected to adopt the agenda, approve minutes from May 18, 2026, and receive reports from the Library Director, Friends of the Library, and the library's finance expenditures for May 2026. No major decisions or public hearings are listed; the director's month-in-review and statistics will be deferred to the July meeting.
- Approval of May 18, 2026 meeting minutes
- Library Director's Report (month-in-review and statistics deferred to July)
- Finance-Library Expenditures Report for May 2026
- Board CE update: 0 of 20 continuing education hours completed as of June 3, 2026
Utility and Infrastructure Board (June 2017 - Present)
The Utility and Infrastructure Board will review several service agreements and contract amendments. The agenda includes discussions on pavement rehabilitation, streetscape revitalization, and various utility department claims.
- Agreement with CentralSquare Consultant HHTCS for services
- Agreement with Waste Management Landfill Service
- Contract amendment for North Downtown Streetscape Revitalization Project with Veenstra & Kimm, Inc.
- Award of 2026 Pavement Rehab Project to J&R Concrete and Construction LLC
City Council
The City Council will hold public hearings on a conditional use permit for a youth group home at 749 E 32nd St and on liquor license recommendations for Lakeshore Marina and Side Piece Sushi. In new business, the council will consider first reading of an ordinance authorizing up to $14.5 million in municipal improvement bonds for a new police headquarters and joint 911 center. The consent agenda includes routine items such as a $355,735 pavement rehabilitation contract and a $67,000 streetscape project amendment.
- Public hearing: conditional use permit for a group home for youth at 749 E 32nd St
- Public hearing: recommendation for Class K liquor license endorsement for Lakeshore Marina at 1440 W Military Ave
- Public hearing: recommendation for change of location of liquor license for Side Piece Sushi at 343 N Main St
- Ordinance 5742: first reading of $14.5 million municipal improvement bond for Police Headquarters and 911 Center
- Resolution 2026-148: $355,735 contract with J&R Concrete for 2026 Pavement Rehab Project
Utility and Infrastructure Board (June 2017 - Present)
The Utility and Infrastructure Board will vote on awarding the 1st Street Reconstruction Project to Sawyer Construction Company and consider placing 'No Parking Anytime' signs at Calvary Cemetery. The board will also approve minutes and accounts payable totaling $4,106,572.35 through May 26, 2026.
- Consider award of 1st Street Reconstruction Project to Sawyer Construction Company
- Consider 'No Parking Anytime' signs at both entrances of Calvary Cemetery
- Approve accounts payable totaling $4,106,572.35
- Approve minutes of May 12, 2026
City Council
The Fremont City Council and Community Development Agency are meeting jointly. The Council will decide on issuing a $268,000 Tax Increment Financing note for the RVR Bank redevelopment project and awarding a $465,032.90 contract to Sawyer Construction for 1st Street Reconstruction. A public hearing is scheduled for an ordinance to allow electronic changeable message signs along the Highway 275 corridor. The Council also considers appointments to boards, a School Resource Officer agreement with Fremont Public Schools, and a fireworks waiver.
- Resolution 2026-001/125: $268,000 TIF note for RVR Bank redevelopment (demolition and new bank building)
- Resolution 2026-127: $465,032.90 contract with Sawyer Construction for 1st Street Reconstruction project
- Ordinance 5741 (first reading): amend code to allow electronic changeable message signs on Highway 275 corridor
- Resolution 2026-131: interlocal agreement with Fremont Public Schools for a School Resource Officer
- Waiver of fireworks code (Section 7-301) for Midwest Fireworks LLC on four dates in June/July 2026
Business Improvement District
The Board will discuss utility solutions, street amenities, and seasonal decorations. The meeting includes reports from city officials regarding parking lots and various internal committees.
- Fremont Utilities input on shared business utilities
- Purchase of new flags for light poles
- City report on parking lots
- Discussion of trashcans, benches, and picnic tables
- Marketing grants and downtown farmer's market discussion
Planning Commission
The Fremont Planning Commission will consider a staff‑recommended amendment to the Unified Development Code, adding “along the Highway 275 corridor” to Section 11‑708 to permit off‑premises electronic changeable message signs. The commission will also continue its annual review of the Comprehensive Plan Action Matrix, a discussion item with no formal action requested. The meeting includes routine approval of the April 20, 2026 Planning Commission minutes.
- Amend Section 11‑708 to allow off‑premises electronic changeable message signs along Highway 275 corridor
- Continue annual review of the Comprehensive Plan Action Matrix (discussion only)
- Approve minutes of the April 20, 2026 Planning Commission meeting
Library Board
The Keene Memorial Library Board will discuss a proposed increase to the non-resident library card fee to $45 annually (up from $35). The board will also hear the Library Director's report covering April statistics, a board continuing education update, and review April expenditure reports.
- Non-Resident Fee discussion: proposed $45 annual fee for a 12-month card
- Library Director's Report: month in review, statistics, board CE update (0 of 20 hours completed)
- Finance-Library Expenditures Report for April 2026 (YTD $907,489.24 spent of $1,673,664 budget)
- Friends of the Library Report
- Approval of April 20, 2026 meeting minutes
Airport Advisory Committee
The Fremont Airport Advisory Committee will discuss updates on the parallel taxiway reconstruction, the Nebraska State Fly-In scheduled for June 20, 2026, and the July 3rd firework display. The committee will also consider board vacancies and a maintenance item for a ramp light. No action items are on the agenda.
- Parallel Taxiway Reconstruction Update
- State Fly-In scheduled June 20, 2026, with free breakfast and youth flights
- July 3rd Firework Display Update
- Discuss Board Vacancies
- Maintenance: Ramp light near Civil Air Patrol is out
Utility and Infrastructure Board (June 2017 - Present)
The Utility and Infrastructure Board will vote on a consent agenda including minutes and accounts payable totaling over $3.8 million. Regular agenda items include accepting a board resignation, renewing SolarWinds help desk software for three years, approving an amendment with HDR Engineering for the LDW Power Plant, and adopting the Safe Streets 4 Fremont Safety Action Plan.
- Accept resignation of board member Maggie Lipsys
- Consider three-year renewal of SolarWinds Help Desk Software
- Consider amendment with HDR Engineering services for LDW Power Plant
- Consider adoption of Safe Streets 4 Fremont Safety Action Plan
- Approve accounts payable and claims totaling $3,855,615.19
City Council
The council is deciding on the adoption of the Safe Streets 4 Fremont Safety Action Plan, committing to zero roadway fatalities and serious injuries by 2036. They will also consider reappointments to several boards, approve routine claims totaling over $6.3 million, and authorize contracts for police department training management and power plant engineering services. Several resolutions authorize grant applications and software renewals.
- Resolution 2026-121: Adopt Safe Streets 4 Fremont Safety Action Plan
- Resolution 2026-118: Contract with PowerDMS for police training management, $9,074.65 first year
- Resolution 2026-123: Amendment to HDR Agreement for power plant water transport lines, $15,139
- Resolution 2026-120: Three-year renewal of SolarWinds Help Desk software, $19,841.82
- Resolution 2026-122: Fire Department participation in Nebraska Rural Health Workforce Incentive Program
Park & Recreation Board
The Fremont Park & Recreation Board meets for a routine business session including approval of prior minutes and administrative reports. The meeting includes a Director’s Report covering facilities, parks/forestry, and a Capital Improvement Plan update. No specific action items or public hearings are detailed; the agenda is largely procedural.
- Reading and approval of April 6th, 2026 meeting minutes
- Recreation Report – Spring Recreation update from Schwanke
- Director Report – facilities, parks/forestry, and Capital Improvement Plan from Hansen
- Next meeting scheduled for June 1st, 2026
Utility and Infrastructure Board (June 2017 - Present)
The Utility and Infrastructure Board will consider several contracts and appointments, including a new Street Superintendent, a contract for the Airport Parallel Taxiway Reconstruction Project with Paulsen Inc., and a bid award to McGill Restoration for Downtown Parking Lot Reconstruction. Also up for discussion are final pay for the Kavich Parking Garage project, purchase of police mobile computer replacements, and the annual Master Fee Schedule update.
- Appointment of Cari Hoffart as Fremont Street Superintendent
- Contract with Paulsen Inc. for Airport Parallel Taxiway Reconstruction Project
- Award of bid to McGill Restoration for Downtown Parking Lot Reconstruction Projects
- Final pay application from Vogt Enterprises for Kavich Parking Garage Project
- Annual Master Fee Schedule Update
Local Option Review Team
The Local Option Review Team will discuss proposed revisions to the LB840 economic development eligibility matrix, including changes to job creation tiers and assistance caps. They will also consider a draft housing tier matrix for funding housing-related projects. Two applications from Quad County and Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity are up for consideration.
- Consider revisions to eligibility tier matrix (job creation tiers 2 and 3, assistance caps)
- Consider draft housing tier matrix for LB840 housing applications
- Consider application from Quad County
- Consider application from Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity
- Review LB840 fund balance (approx. $4.6M total, $3.46M uncommitted)
Citizens Advisory Review Committee
The Citizens Advisory Review Committee will discuss proposed updates to the LB840 economic development program's eligibility tier matrix, including switching to total compensation, adjusting job creation thresholds, and reducing assistance caps for Tiers Two and Three. They will also consider a new housing tier matrix and two funding applications from Quad County and Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity.
- Proposed revisions to eligibility matrix: switch to total compensation, Tier Two job creation 6-15 with cap $175,000, Tier Three 16-50 with cap $300,000
- New Housing Tier Matrix for LB840 housing applications, with tier caps up to $750,000
- Application from Quad County (details not specified in agenda)
- Application from Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity (details not specified in agenda)
- Review of LB840 fund balance: $4,619,939.23 total assets, $1,158,307.45 committed, $3,461,631.78 uncommitted
City Council
The council will hold a public hearing on Resolution 2026-111 declaring the 23rd and North Cedar Street area blighted and substandard, which would allow a redevelopment plan and use of tax increment financing. Other major items include awarding a $3.13 million contract for Airport Parallel Taxiway Reconstruction, a $460,343 contract for Downtown Parking Lots Reconstruction, and a $369,904 contract for collector vault and manhole rehabilitation. The council will also vote on an annual Master Fee Schedule Update affecting various city fees.
- Public hearing on blight/substandard designation for 23rd and N. Cedar St area (Resolution 2026-111)
- Resolution 2026-112: $3,130,133 contract with Paulsen Inc for Airport Parallel Taxiway Reconstruction
- Resolution 2026-101: $460,343.36 contract with McGill Restoration for Downtown Parking Lots Reconstruction
- Resolution 2026-102: $369,904 contract with Ace Pipe Cleaning for collector vault and manhole rehabilitation
- Resolution 2026-109: combined City and Utilities annual Master Fee Schedule Update
Business Improvement District
The Board will discuss downtown issues including homelessness and city parking reports. Members may take action on items regarding trashcans, benches, picnic tables, a speaker system, and Christmas decorations.
- Discussion on homeless individuals in Downtown
- City report on parking lots
- Possible action on trashcans, benches and picnic tables
- Possible action on the speaker system
- Possible action on Christmas decorations
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will review a blight and substandard study for about 22.1 acres near North Cedar Street and East 23rd Avenue North, which could enable a redevelopment plan and tax increment financing. Also on the agenda is a preliminary plat for 47 duplex lots near Pathfinder Drive and Wilmont Street, as well as discussions on potential annexation areas and the annual review of the Comprehensive Plan Action Matrix.
- Consider blight and substandard designation for 22.1 acres near North Cedar Street and East 23rd Avenue North
- Preliminary plat for 47 duplex lots (46-R2 district) near Pathfinder Drive and Wilmont Street
- Discussion of potential annexation areas to city limits
- Annual review of Comprehensive Plan Action Matrix
Library Board
The Keene Memorial Library Board will convene to adopt the agenda, approve the March meeting minutes, and receive the Library Director's report covering recent programs, new software (LibraryIQ and CloudLibrary), and attendance statistics. The board will also review the Finance-Library Expenditures Report for March 2026. No votes on policy or spending are scheduled.
- Library director reports CloudLibrary digital service (eBooks/eAudiobooks) expected to go live in May 2026
- Plant It Forward Seed Library checked out 270 packets of seeds from March 9-31
- Eggstravaganza annual egg hunt saw 500 total attendees, nearly double last year
- Finance report shows $780,470.70 spent of $1,673,664.00 original budget through March 31, 2026
- Board CE requirement: 20 hours needed by December 7, 2028; zero completed as of April 13
Airport Advisory Committee
The Fremont Airport Advisory Committee will review updates on the parallel taxiway reconstruction, hangar maintenance, and compliance inspections. Members will discuss preparations for the June 20 State Fly-In and the July 3 firework display. These items cover airport infrastructure, upcoming public events, and facility maintenance that affect local airfield operations and community gatherings.
- Parallel Taxiway Reconstruction Update
- Hangar Maintenance and Compliance Inspection Update
- Updates for the June 20 State Fly-In
- July 3 Firework Display Update
- Street Department removal of runway indicators for decommissioned RW1-19 and rail maintenance for hangars F1-F4
Utility and Infrastructure Board (June 2017 - Present)
The Utility and Infrastructure Board will consider items including audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, presented by FORVIS LLP, a purchase of a 2026 Ford F-250 XLT pickup, a contract with Ace Pipe Cleaning Inc. for collector vault and manhole rehabilitation, payment of $53,564.96 in additional tariff fees for a substation transformer, and authorization to issue a purchase order for savings identified through a telecommunications audit. The board will also consider a bid award for utility incident response and supplemental dispatch services.
- Receive audited financial statements for FYE September 30, 2025
- Consider purchase of 2026 Ford F-250 XLT pickup from Woodhouse Ford
- Consider contract with Ace Pipe Cleaning Inc. for collector vault and manhole rehabilitation
- Consider payment of $53,564.96 additional tariff fees to Virginia Transformer Corporation for substation transformer
- Consider bid award of utility incident response management and dispatch services to Daupler Inc.
City Council
The Fremont City Council will vote on applying for a $5.1 million FAA airport improvement grant with a $192,750 local match and authorize a $591,604.64 contract for turbine and generator inspection at the Lon D. Wright Generating Station. The council will also consider first reading (with a request to suspend rules for final reading) of Ordinance 5740 adjusting utility salaries. Routine consent items include appointments to the Planning Commission and Dangerous Animal Appeals Commission, approval of $7.7 million in claims, and several special event permits for street closures.
- Resolution 2026-093: Authorize application for $5,103,000 FAA airport grant with $192,750 local match
- Resolution 2026-094: Contract with HPI for turbine/generator inspection at Lon D. Wright Generating Station for $591,604.64
- Ordinance 5740: Utility Salary Ordinance – first reading with request to suspend rules for final reading
- Resolution 2026-095: Payment of $53,564.96 for additional tariff fees on a substation transformer from Virginia Transformer
- Resolution 2026-097: Agreement with Prairie Mechanical to replace library humidifier and add water softener for $26,050