McCook City Council Approves Public Spaces & Camping Ordinance

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook City Council approved a new ordinance Monday night establishing rules for camping, sleeping, and use of public spaces across the city.

The ordinance passed on second reading, with council voting to suspend the statutory requirement that it be read on three separate occasions before final passage.

City Attorney Nate Mustion reminded council that the ordinance is intended to regulate behavior — not a person’s housing status.

“These ordinances are meant to address behavior, action, not status,” Mustion said. “It applies to me. If I were to go out and tailgate on the sidewalk next to B Street, it would apply to me just like anyone else.”

Background

Based on ongoing coverage of City Council meetings following the temporary closure of Karrer Park in July 2025, discussion and development of public-space and camping regulations has been underway for several months. The ordinance approved this week follows that extended period of review and is not the result of any single individual situation.

What the Ordinance Covers

Ordinance No. 2026-3111 amends Title IX of the McCook City Code and establishes rules addressing:

• Camping and sleeping in public areas

• Use of Karrer Park

• Sidewalk obstructions

• Personal property left in public spaces

• Appropriate use of public restrooms

City officials said the ordinance is part of the process to safely reopen Karrer Park, which has remained closed since July due to safety and misuse concerns. The park is expected to reopen in the spring, though no specific date has been set.

Other Council Business

Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, including:

• Recovery of nuisance abatement and demolition costs for the property at 807 W. 1st Street, placing a lien of $17,263.98.

• An amended lease agreement with Cingular Wireless for equipment at the West Water Tower, increasing the city’s monthly rent by $200.

The council also heard a presentation from Nebraska Public Power District, which reported:

• $1.3 million returned to the City of McCook in lease payments in 2024

• $145,000 in local sales tax

• $500,000 in gross revenue tax paid to Red Willow County

• About $15,000 returned to McCook customers through energy-efficiency incentives

Council discussed a request to vacate a short section of gravel roadway on East “A” Street between East 9th and East 10th Streets. No action was taken, and the matter will return at a future meeting.

An update was also provided on progress toward a new Comprehensive Plan, zoning regulations, and subdivision regulations, with staff indicating the plan is scheduled for review by the Planning Commission in February.