McCook City Council Recap:

Dec. 15, 2025

MCCOOK, Neb. — McCook City Council met Monday evening for a lengthy agenda that included housing development actions, redevelopment studies, updates on the youth sports complex, a new ordinance governing use of public spaces, and a Community Development Agency discussion regarding the St. Catherine’s property.

City announcements

City Manager Nate Schneider announced:

• City offices will close at noon on Dec. 24 and remain closed on Christmas Day.

• Repairs are underway at the McCook Public Library after a heat exchanger failure. Replacement parts were expected within several weeks, and temporary closures may occur during extreme cold.

A scheduled presentation from Nebraska Public Power District was postponed due to a family matter and will be rescheduled.

North Point Addition: final plat and vacation approved

Council held a public hearing and approved actions related to the North Point housing development north of the fairgrounds, generally located north of West “S” Street and west of West 7th Street.

Council approved:

• Ordinance No. 2025-3112, vacating portions of the existing plat to allow revisions

• Resolution No. 2025-39, approving the final plat for the Second North Pointe Addition

City staff said the revisions reflect community feedback, including larger lots in the final phase of the project.

Redevelopment areas: Blight & Substandard studies approved

Council held two public hearings and approved studies establishing redevelopment areas, a required step under Nebraska law before certain redevelopment tools can be used.

Redevelopment Area #7

Council approved Resolution No. 2025-40, accepting a blight and substandard study covering portions of the C Street corridor and surrounding areas within the city.

Redevelopment Area #8

Council also approved Resolution No. 2025-41, establishing a blight and substandard study for land located outside city limits but contiguous to existing designated areas.

City staff explained that these designations do not require development or spending but establish eligibility for future redevelopment tools if qualifying projects are proposed.

Consent agenda approved

Council approved the consent agenda on one motion. Items included:

• Receipt and filing of a City Attorney fee agreement

• Authorization related to NDOT maintenance agreements

• Approval of city donation and ACE Fund policies

• Acceptance of minutes from the Planning Commission and Senior Center Advisory Board

• Approval of claims and the 2025–26 Council radio show schedule

Sports complex update

City staff provided an update on construction at the youth sports complex, noting:

• Field grading and infrastructure work continue

• Turf installation is expected next spring

• The complex will include multiple turf and grass fields, batting cages, walking trails, and space for future amenities

Staff also discussed financing, lot sales, and long-term plans to attract tournaments and additional commercial development near the complex.

Public spaces and camping ordinance: first reading approved

Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-3111, which adds a new chapter addressing the use of public spaces, including parks, restrooms, camping, sidewalks, and rights-of-way.

City officials emphasized the ordinance is intended to regulate use of public property, not individuals, and to address ongoing issues at public parks. The ordinance will return for additional readings before final adoption.

Senior Center meal pricing updated

Council approved Resolution No. 2025-42, updating suggested donations and fees for meals served through the McCook Senior Center beginning Jan. 1.

Staff said the adjustment reflects rising food and supply costs and marks the first increase since 2022.

CDA meeting: St. Catherine’s property discussion

Following the council meeting, the McCook Community Development Agency met to discuss a proposed path forward for the St. Catherine’s and convent property.

Discussion focused on:

• Potential acquisition by the CDA to enable environmental remediation

• Eligibility for an EPA Brownfields grant to address asbestos and lead hazards

• Long-term redevelopment concepts that could include affordable and market-rate housing

City staff said the proposed structure would allow the property to be stabilized and studied without using local property tax or sales tax dollars, with future steps dependent on grant funding and redevelopment feasibility.

What’s next

• The public spaces ordinance will return for second and third readings

• Redevelopment area designations may be used if future projects are proposed

• Discussions regarding St. Catherine’s will continue through the CDA