Valentine public meetings in 2025

Economic Development

The Valentine Economic Development Board of Directors will meet to review the Director's report and approve pending invoices. The board is deciding on payments for construction and façade grant work.

• J Bar Construction Invoice ($31,000)
• Bryan Stec Façade Grant Invoice

City Council

The City Council will consider resolutions regarding water and sewer rates and fees. The body is also reviewing contracts and change orders for interceptor sewer construction and a grant application for a convention center.

• Resolution No. 1211251 and 12112522 regarding water and sewer rates and fees
• Agreement and Notice to Proceed for Carstensen Contracting Inc. for interceptor sewer construction
• CDBG Tourism Grant application for the convention center
• Workforce housing grant extension request from Gene and Catherine Darnell
• Contract and deposit approval for Franklin’s Flying Circus airshow 2026

Economic Development

The Valentine Economic Development Board will vote on two substantive actions: canceling the memorandum of understanding with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and approving a request for proposals for the 2nd Street lot. The meeting also includes routine items such as approval of prior meeting minutes, a director’s report, and standard procedural recognitions.

• Approve cancellation of the MOU with UNL
• Approve RFP for the 2nd Street lot
• Approve October 27, 2025 meeting minutes
• Director’s report
• Open Meetings Law recognition and attendance

The Economic Development Board approved the October 28, 2024 meeting minutes and approved B Squared invoices, each motion passing unanimously. The board noted the current fund balance of $889,367.09 and received updates on several development projects. The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, December 30, 2024.

• Approved October 28, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved B Squared invoices (unanimous)

City Council

The Valentine City Council will consider routine consent‑agenda items such as board minutes and financial reports, then discuss and vote on several specific actions. Key actions include adopting an agency agreement with the Nebraska Department of Transportation for an airport apron expansion, setting hangar rental rates, reviewing interceptor sewer bids and a construction engineering contract, and adjusting electric rates and wage scales. The council will also address a renewal of the Highway 20 law‑enforcement interlocal agreement and a request to deviate from utility requirements for a subdivision.

• Resolution No. 1113251 – agency agreement with ND Dept. of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics for project 3‑31‑0084‑020‑2026 (Apron Expansion)
• Resolution No. 1113252 – setting hangar rental rates per Airport Advisory Board recommendations
• Interceptor Sewer Bids – review and action
• Contract with Olsson for construction engineering services for the interceptor sewer project
• Resolution No. 1113254 – setting electric rates

The council approved a series of contracts and resolutions, including the interceptor sewer low‑bid contract, airport agreements, utility rate changes, and staff appointments. All motions passed, most unanimously; the CDARS bid was approved with one abstention. No action was taken on the Cherry County fireworks show or Tree City USA designation.

• Approved consent agenda items (minutes, reports) – unanimous
• Renewed Highway 20 Law Enforcement Interlocal Agreement – unanimous
• Adopted agency agreement with Nebraska Dept. of Transportation for project 3‑31‑0084‑20‑2026 – unanimous
• Set hangar rental rates for the airport – unanimous
• Accepted low bid of $10,330,107.70 from Carstensen Contracting for interceptor sewer project – unanimous
• Approved contract with Olsson for construction engineering services for interceptor sewer project – unanimous
• Allowed D Dub subdivision to run a two‑inch service line to lot 1 – unanimous
• Approved CDARS bid of 3.55% from Security First Bank (yes: Eggert, Arnold, Wescott; abstain: Arganbright) – carried

Cemetery Board

The Cemetery Board will review payables and discuss the building bid and specifications listed under Old Business. No new business items are scheduled. The meeting includes standard procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and citizen comment.

• Payables
• Old Business – Building bid and specs

Economic Development

The Valentine Economic Development Board will meet on Oct 27, 2025 at the Valentine Public Library. The board will consider several approvals, including a $1,000 expenditure for Daniel Martinez from the Heart City Creative District Certification Grant. It will also review a grant application for J Bar Construction façade, an invoice for SWAN T‑Shirt totaling $81.70.00, and a memorandum of understanding for a mural project.

• Approve $1,000 Heart City Creative District expenditure for Daniel Martinez
• Approve J Bar Construction façade grant application
• Approve payment of SWAN T‑Shirt invoice for $81.70.00
• Approve memorandum of understanding for mural project

The Economic Development Board approved the September 22, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved invoices for a Daniel Martinez performance, a SWAN T‑shirt purchase, and a façade grant for J Bar Construction. The board approved a memorandum of understanding for the UNL mural project. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved September 22, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved invoice for Daniel Martinez performance at Gritty Coffee (unanimous)
• Approved J Bar Construction façade grant application (unanimous)
• Approved SWAN T‑shirt invoice of $81.70 (unanimous)
• Approved MOU for the mural project with UNL (unanimous)

Airport Advisory Board

The Valentine Airport Advisory Board will discuss hangar lease rates and after‑hours snow removal. It will review the current Sandhills Aero fixed‑base operator (FBO) management proposal. It will also consider a Thrifty FBO management proposal. No decisions are indicated as finalized in the agenda.

• Hangar lease rates
• After‑hours snow removal
• Review of current Sandhills Aero FBO management proposal
• Review of Thrifty FBO management proposal

The Advisory Board voted to raise hangar lease rates effective Jan 1 2026, setting Tee Hangar at $140 per month and all other hangars at $80 per month, with land lease increased by 25%. The board also renewed the existing snow‑removal contract with Travis Worth. The meeting minutes were approved as read, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Increase Tee Hangar lease to $140/month (unanimous)
• Increase other hangar leases to $80/month (unanimous)
• Raise land lease by 25% (unanimous)
• Renew snow‑removal contract with Travis Worth (unanimous)
• Approve meeting minutes as read (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council will adopt routine consent‑agenda items including board minutes, meeting minutes, financial reports, receipt reports, and payroll claims. They will discuss wholesale power provider bids, electric and airport janitorial wage rates, an airport layout plan update, a Tree City USA designation proposal, and repurposing CDBG funds for sidewalks. They will consider agreements with the Central Nebraska Economic Development District for administration and construction‑management services on the CDBG Repurpose 2025 Public Works Project and a resolution to sell two surplus fire hydrants. Finally, the council will take the second reading of Ordinance No. 2025‑2301M, which would amend the municipal code to make the city council serve as the Board of Adjustment.

• Second reading of Ordinance No. 2025‑2301M to make council the Board of Adjustment
• Agreement with Central Nebraska Economic Development District for administration services for CDBG Repurpose 2025 Public Works Project
• Agreement with Central Nebraska Economic Development District for construction‑management services for CDBG Repurpose 2025 Public Works Project
• Resolution authorizing sale of two American Darling 62B fire hydrants (surplus personal property)
• Presentation of Airport Layout Plan Update and Narrative Report by Curt Christianson (Olsson)

The council unanimously approved several actions, including starting negotiations with Heartland Energy to become the city’s power provider on Jan. 1 2027. It also approved the airport/gym janitorial wage rate, repurposed CNGD rehabilitation funds for sidewalk construction, and approved two agreements with the Central Nebraska Economic Development District for administration and construction management of the CDBG Repurpose 2025 Public Works Project. The council voted 4‑1 to suspend the three‑reading rule and then 4‑1 to adopt Ordinance 2025‑2301M, which makes the council the Board of Adjustment and repeals conflicting ordinances. Finally, it approved the donation of two surplus fire hydrants to the Cherry County Ag Society.

• Approved negotiations with Heartland Energy to become power provider (unanimous)
• Approved airport/gym janitorial wage rate equal to library custodian (unanimous)
• Repurposed CNGD owner‑occupied rehabilitation funds to sidewalk construction (unanimous)
• Approved agreement with Central Nebraska Economic Development District for admin services for CDBG Repurpose 2025 Public Works Project (unanimous)
• Approved agreement with Central Nebraska Economic Development District for construction‑management services for CDBG Repurpose 2025 Public Works Project (unanimous)
• Donated two surplus American Darling 62B fire hydrants to Cherry County Ag Society (unanimous)
• Suspended three‑reading rule for Ordinance 2025‑2301M (4‑1)
• Adopted Ordinance 2025‑2301M making council the Board of Adjustment (4‑1)

Economic Development

The Valentine Economic Development Board will vote to approve five invoices. The invoices cover a CDS inspection ($625.00), CNEDD membership ($4,212.80), SWAN services ($300.00), a Loughran façade grant ($8,000.00), and a laptop computer for economic development ($1,199.99). Approving these items will allocate the specified funds.

• Approve CDS Inspections Invoice – $625.00
• Approve CNEDD membership invoice – $4,212.80
• Approve SWAN invoice – $300.00
• Approve Loughran Façade Grant invoice – $8,000.00
• Approve laptop computer invoice – $1,199.99

The Economic Development Board approved the minutes from the August 18, 2025 meeting. It also approved payments for SWAN dues, CNEDD dues, a CDS inspection invoice, an $8,000 grant for the Loughran façade, and the purchase of a laptop computer. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved August 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved payment of annual SWAN dues $300.00 (unanimous)
• Approved payment of annual CNEDD dues $4,212.80 (unanimous)
• Approved payment of CDS Inspections invoice $625.00 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of ED laptop computer $1,199.00 (unanimous)
• Approved payment of $8,000.00 for the Loughran façade grant (unanimous)

City Council

The Valentine City Council will consider routine consent items such as board minutes and financial reports. Major actions include adopting the annual appropriation bill for FY Oct 1 2025‑Sep 30 2026 and setting the property tax request of $399,000 for FY 2025‑2026. The council will also update the city fine schedule, amend the municipal code to make the council the Board of Adjustment, and review rate bids for new and renewing CD/ CDARS accounts.

• Ordinance No. 2025-2300M to adopt the Annual Appropriation Bill for FY Oct 1 2025‑Sep 30 2026
• Resolution No. 0911251 setting the property tax request for FY 2025‑2026 at $399,000.00
• Resolution No. 0911252 updating the fine schedule for ordinance violations
• Ordinance No. 2025-2301M amending Chapter 33 to make the City Council the Board of Adjustment
• Review of rate bids for new and renewing CD’s/CDARS

The City Council of Valentine met on September 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Library Meeting Room. Public hearings were held on the proposed 2024‑2025 fiscal year budget and on setting the final tax request for fiscal year 2025‑2026, following a presentation by the City Manager. The hearings closed at 6:07 p.m. and the meeting was adjourned with no further business.

City Council

The City Council will hold two public hearings to collect comments on the proposed 2025-2026 fiscal year budget. A second hearing will gather input on setting the final tax request for the same fiscal year.

• Public hearing on proposed 2025-2026 fiscal year budget
• Public hearing on final tax request for fiscal year 2025-2026

The council approved the consent agenda items unanimously. It adopted the Annual Appropriation Bill for FY 2025‑26 and set a $399,000 property tax request, both unanimously. It updated the fine schedule (4‑1) and approved a landfill CD/CDAR contract with Security First Bank (4‑0, 1 abstention). A motion to change the Board of Adjustment ordinance failed.

• Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑2300M – Annual Appropriation Bill (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 0911251 – $399,000 property tax request (unanimous)
• Suspended three‑reading rule for Ordinance No. 2025‑2300M (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 0911252 – updated fine schedule (4‑1)
• Motion to suspend three‑reading rule for Ordinance No. 2025‑2301M failed (2‑3)
• Accepted Security First Bank bid for landfill CD/CDAR 12‑month term; other CD/CDARs 24‑month term (4‑0, 1 abstention)
• No action on Valentine Cat Rescue presentation

Airport Advisory Board

The Airport Advisory Board will meet to discuss hangar leases and airport manager policies. The board will also consider the approval of meeting minutes from September 8, 2025.

• Hangar leases
• Airport manager policies
• Approval of 9-8-25 meeting minutes

Cemetery Board

The Cemetery Board approved the minutes from the August 7, 2025 meeting by unanimous consent. It also approved the final draft of the Cemetery Rules, again unanimously. Board members assigned tasks: Reece will forward the updated rules to the city office, and Joseph will discuss the budget and possible surplus lawn equipment with Siewert, noting a tree grant that will be split between Mount Hope and Harmony cemeteries.

• Approved August 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved final draft of Cemetery Rules (unanimous)
• Tasked Reece to forward updated rules to city office
• Tasked Joseph to discuss budget and surplus equipment with Siewert
• Noted tree grant; trees to be split between Mount Hope and Harmony cemeteries

Economic Development

The Valentine Economic Development Board of Directors will meet to review a director's report and approve meeting minutes. The board will also take action on a specific grant application for a building façade.

• Action on Craig Beman Façade Grant Application

The Economic Development Board approved the July 28, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. No other actions were approved, denied, or tabled during the session. The board also noted a current Economic Development Fund balance of $1,408,732.19 and provided updates on several projects.

• Approved July 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved Resolution 0814251 to request state financial aid for the Miller Field airport development. It also approved the golf‑course budget, amended the Affordable Housing Trust Fund grant, and extended the city‑attorney contract. Additional actions included extending a walking‑trail sidewalk project and accepting a security‑service bid.

• Approved Resolution 0814251 to seek state grant for Miller Field (4‑yes)
• Approved golf‑course budget (3‑yes, 1‑no)
• Amended Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund grant to extend end date (4‑yes)
• Amended professional service agreement with Central Nebraska Economic Development District (4‑yes)
• Extended walking‑trail sidewalks on 3rd Street (4‑yes)
• Approved Bike Walk Nebraska request (3‑yes, 1‑no)
• Accepted CD/CDAR bid from Security First Bank (3‑yes, 1‑abstain)
• Extended offer to Aisha Carr for city‑attorney position (3‑yes, 1‑no)

Cemetery Board

The Cemetery Board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 3 meeting. The final draft of the Cemetery Rules was moved to the September agenda for approval. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved July 3 minutes (all in favor)
• Moved final draft of Cemetery Rules to September agenda

Economic Development

The Economic Development Board approved the meeting minutes from June 23, 2025. It unanimously approved several invoices, including a $16,000 façade grant project and multiple $100 mowing invoices. The board also approved the Bryan Stec façade grant application.

• Approved June 23, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $16,000 invoice for Robert Joseph’s façade grant project (unanimous)
• Approved $100 invoice to Justin Hartmann for mowing 117 N. Edna St (unanimous)
• Approved $100 invoice to Mark Hagge for mowing 117 N. Edna St (unanimous)
• Approved registration invoice for cost of complacency workshop (unanimous)
• Approved Bryan Stec façade grant application (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved several items, including a $70,000 budget for a new police unit, a one‑time waiver of the police hiring policy, and a wayfinding signage design pending landowner, DOT, and funding approval. It also adopted three resolutions covering a $7,000 hiring bonus, authorizing alcohol on Valentine Library property, and continuing participation in the LARM insurance pool through September 30 2028. Additionally, the council approved the pursuit of a property acquisition and adjusted a retention‑bonus repayment.

• Approved wayfinding signage design (4-1)
• Approved one-time waiver for police hiring policy (3-2)
• Approved $70,000 budget for new police unit (4-1)
• Approved prorated retention bonus repayment of $600 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 0710251 to replace retention bonus with $7,000 hiring bonus (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 0710252 to allow alcohol on Valentine Library property (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 0710253 to continue LARM insurance pool participation through Sep 30 2028 (unanimous)
• Approved pursuit of property acquisition as discussed in executive session (unanimous)

Airport Advisory Board

The board agreed to let Thrifty Rental Car install a small sign on the fence east of the terminal building. A motion by Bob, seconded by Luke, approved the meeting minutes. No other formal actions were taken; future agenda items include reviewing spray‑plane agreements and continuing capital‑improvement planning.

• Allowed Thrifty Rental Car to install small sign on fence (agreed)
• Approved meeting minutes (motion passed)

Economic Development

The Economic Development Board approved the April 28, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. The board also approved the Otocast invoice for $500 and the Outback invoice for $400, each with unanimous support. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved April 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Otocast invoice for $500 (unanimous)
• Approved Outback invoice for $400 (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑2295M annexing about 319 acres to the city limits and adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑2298M rezoning lots 20‑28, Block 4, Kautz Addition from Business (C‑2) to Limited Industrial (I‑1). It also approved a liquor license for Mi Toro Supremo, a FAA grant for airport apron expansion, a trade agreement for a sewer easement, and upgraded meter‑reading software. Additionally, the council declared portions of the city blighted and purchased a John Deere wheel loader.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑2295M annexing 318.93 acres (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑2298M rezoning lots 20‑28, Block 4, Kautz Addition from C‑2 to I‑1 (unanimous)
• Approved liquor license for Mi Toro Supremo, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved FAA grant agreements for airport apron expansion (unanimous)
• Declared portions of the city blighted and substandard (3‑yes, 1‑no)
• Approved trade agreement with Danco, Inc. for interceptor sewer easement (unanimous)
• Upgraded meter reading software to Sensus Analytics (unanimous)
• Purchased one 2020 John Deere wheel loader Model 524L (unanimous)

Economic Development

The Economic Development Board approved the minutes from the April 28, 2025 meeting. The board also approved a retainage invoice of $18,441.50 for 217 N. Ray Street. Additionally, invoices totaling $3,000 for Vic Rouleau, Joseph Krings, and Michael Fluent were approved. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved April 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved retainage invoice for 217 N. Ray Street $18,441.50 (unanimous)
• Approved invoices for Vic Rouleau, Joseph Krings, Michael Fluent totaling $3,000 (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved a grant of up to $100,000 to Gene and Catherine Darnell for public works improvements. It also approved a Class D liquor license for RMA Market, LLC dba A & M Liquor. The council changed the interceptor sewer route to north of “C” Street. Additional actions included authorizing bids for a replacement wheel loader, surplus of a digger truck, a $1,500 contribution to the Ag Society fireworks, and leasing grazing parcels B & C.

• Approved up to $100,000 grant to Darnell (5-0)
• Approved liquor license for RMA Market, LLC dba A & M Liquor (5-0)
• Changed interceptor sewer route to north of “C” Street (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Authorized invitation for bids for replacement wheel loader (5-0)
• Adopted resolution to surplus 2001 International Digger Truck (5-0)
• Contributed $1,500 to Ag Society for Fourth of July Fireworks (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Accepted $20 per acre lease bid for Parcels B & C grazing (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (4-0, 1 abstain)

Economic Development

The Economic Development Board unanimously approved the March 31, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved a façade grant application, a $1,000 invoice and $500 award for Stoney Creek Landscapes, and a partnership on a Nebraska Arts Council mini‑grant. The board approved a 50/50 cost‑share grant, not to exceed $100,000, with the Darnell family for infrastructure on their trailer‑court redevelopment.

• Approved March 31, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Mandi Loughran façade grant application (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 Stoney Creek Landscapes invoice and $500 Peoples Choice award (unanimous)
• Approved partnership with Ken Fisbeck on Nebraska Arts Council mini‑grant (unanimous)
• Approved up to $100,000 50/50 split grant with the Darnell’s for infrastructure redevelopment (unanimous)

City Council

The council voted to fund Open Plains Transit services with a $38,000 contribution over two years. It also approved a Class C liquor license for Bull Market Valentine LLC and adopted an ordinance setting fireworks discharge rules. Additional actions included approving a street closure for a dance event and hiring a new city clerk.

• Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
• Approved Corner Pub street closure for dances (unanimous)
• Approved $38,000 transit contribution (4-1)
• Approved liquor license for Bull Market Valentine LLC (unanimous)
• Approved final subdivision plat for Darnell Subdivision (unanimous)
• Suspended three‑reading rule for Ordinance No. 2025‑2296M (4-1)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑2296M regulating fireworks (4-1)
• Hired Bobbi Johnson as City Clerk/Treasurer (3-2)

Economic Development

The Economic Development Board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 24, 2025 meeting. It then approved three invoices: B Squared for $80,838.73, CDS Inspections for $175.00, and the Casey Foster façade grant for $7,694.50. No other actions were taken and the next meeting was scheduled for April 28, 2025.

• Approved February 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved B Squared invoice $80,838.73 (unanimous)
• Approved CDS Inspections invoice $175.00 (unanimous)
• Approved Casey Foster façade grant invoice $7,694.50 (unanimous)
• Set next meeting for April 28, 2025