Council OKs growth plan

McCOOK, Neb. - It was a short night in the City Council chambers as the McCook City Council met Monday evening. Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order with all members present. No recognitions or announcements were made at the outset of the meeting.

A public hearing was opened regarding the adoption of the City of McCook’s 2026–2036 Comprehensive Plan. Craig Bennett and Jason Combs of Miller & Associates addressed the council on the planning process, noting multiple public input opportunities and long-range goals related to housing, infrastructure, transportation and land use.

As Combs walked the audience through the document, he paused on the land-use and annexation sections to note that several maps and data tables had been updated since the draft was prepared. Supporting tables and figures were also revised to ensure that demographic, infrastructure, and utility data match current conditions. Those edits, he said, ensure the plan accurately reflects the community’s current position before it is used to guide next steps.

While the plan’s structure and required components are set by state statute, Combs emphasized its practical purpose. By comparing existing and future land-use maps and identifying potential annexation areas tied to infrastructure and growth patterns, the document is intended to help local officials evaluate proposals—such as subdivisions, redevelopment sites, or service extensions—against an agreed long-term vision. In that sense, he said, the comprehensive plan is less a static report than a working guide for day-to-day planning decisions over the next decade.

In a broader discussion of population attraction and retention, Combs emphasized the “power of place,” suggesting the community’s history and identity can be leveraged to market McCook and attract residents and investment. He also highlighted amenities, saying, “In terms of today, hike and bike trails, park and rec — that is a driving factor for communities across the country. It is a huge community asset in terms of attracting the next generation… so many younger folks, our kids, for example…that’s what they’re after.” Combs then noted that the sports complex “just adds to the mix.”

Turning to areas identified in the plan as suitable for possible future annexation, Combs described them as “what areas make sense to annex,” but clarified that “what areas make sense to annex doesn’t mean that you have to or that you should.” Outlining the criteria behind those designations, he said, “Some of this is infrastructure driven… most cost efficient, if you will,” describing the maps as a framework for considering “what areas make sense to annex as McCook thinks about what’s next.”

Combs also cited survey results and a strengths-weaknesses analysis from well-attended meetings, noting that the document reflects statistically meaningful local feedback rather than consultant preference. The resulting goals range from broad needs such as housing to specific redevelopment opportunities, reinforcing the plan’s role as a practical, community-driven guide for future decisions. That emphasis on locally shaped direction led to closing remarks recognizing the time and effort contributed by city staff, volunteers, and residents throughout the multi-year process.

Bennett praised city staff, saying, “We work with a lot of different communities,” but noted that McCook staff’s flexibility allowed the team to “be able to connect and decide and solve problems,” concluding that their input has “really helped make it more impactful.” He added, “Sometimes we felt like maybe we could almost be McCook staff, employees.”

No members of the public spoke in opposition. The public hearing was closed, and the council approved Resolution No. 2026-05 adopting the 2026–2036 Comprehensive Plan for the City of McCook on a 5-0 vote.

Monday’s consent agenda included routine items as well as a resolution adopting and affirming compliance with Title VI non-discrimination requirements; awarding the bid for one refuse transport trailer for the transfer station to KNL Holdings, LLC, in the amount of $106,513; approving the request for proposals (RFP) for Fixed Base Operator services at McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport with a submission deadline of April 1, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. CDT; approving specifications for the North Pointe Phase III Paving and Utilities Project and setting a bid opening of March 10, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.; accepting the minutes of Senior Center Board and Planning Commission meetings; and adopting Resolution No. 2026-06 authorizing a loan agreement with First Central Bank to finance refurbishment of a 1996 E-One Navistar Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle on an International chassis. The consent agenda passed on a 5-0 vote without discussion.

In the semi-monthly sports complex update, City Manager Nate Schneider told the council that site design and construction are advancing, including discussions addressing aesthetic details and signage, as well as practical considerations such as emergency vehicle access. Construction, Schneider explained, has benefited from favorable weather, with work on the championship softball field beginning earlier than anticipated and turf installation expected this spring.

Schneider said the complex remains on track for a summer opening. Infrastructure work on sewer, water, and power is progressing, with utility partners reporting their phased improvements on schedule. Overall, Schneider described the project as moving steadily forward and “on track.”

With no further business to discuss, Mayor Taylor called for council comments, at which time Council Member Gene Weedin reminded the council that April 2–22 is the period designated for McCook residents to choose a natural gas provider and strongly recommended the Alliance of Communities for Energy Services (ACE). Emphasizing that ACE provides a cash rebate to participating communities, Weedin said that, over the years, McCook has benefited from public support for ACE. Weedin said, “We have gotten back over $243,000 from ACE.”

Weedin said that of that figure, $190,000 had been spent on community projects over the years and that, between the unused balance and this year’s $19,380 award, the fund currently holds approximately $61,000 available for public use.

Then, on a motion and majority vote, the council entered executive session for discussion of potential litigation involving the Jaycee Complex. Upon conclusion of the closed session, the meeting was adjourned.