Abby Highland

This Strategic Planning Report for the City of Bellevue outlines a plan to guide actions and decisions from 2016 through 2018, building on previous strategic plan updates. The plan is structured around three overarching strategic initiatives: Pursuing Economic and Community Growth and Development Initiatives, Increasing Efficiency and Effectiveness in all City Operations, and Promoting Comprehensive Financial Planning. It aims to foster fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, innovation, integrity, continuous growth, and economic vitality, while delivering exceptional public service and promoting community participation.

The Bellevue City Council meeting involved the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items. Ordinances were adopted, including rezoning requests for commercial development and a food bank/school facility. A public hearing was held and subsequently delayed until December for an ordinance amending the city code regarding vacant property registration. Show cause hearings were conducted on proposed condemnations at 1010 B Circle and 3605 Harrison Street, resulting in resolutions to condemn both structures. Resolutions were also adopted regarding a development project and the city's comprehensive plan and long-range transportation plan.

The Planning Commission meeting addressed several key items. The minutes from the December 2023 meeting were approved with a minor correction. All staff reports, attachments, memos, and handouts were accepted into the record, including a late email from Mr. Dan Bellinger. A consent agenda included two items: amending ordinance number 4104 regarding staff titles and amending city subdivision regulations for the same purpose. The primary public hearing involved a request to rezone lots 1 through 116 and lots A through E of Cornhusker Creek for residential and commercial development. Concerns were raised by Mr. Bellinger regarding traffic, home valuation, school district boundaries, and proximity to Offutt Air Force Base. The applicant, Cornhusker Creek LLC, presented their proposal, addressing various site challenges including topography, floodplains, easements, and power lines. The commission discussed the traffic and access study, the Offutt flight path, and the proposed zoning's consistency with surrounding areas. After a public hearing with no public comments, the commission approved the application with minor revisions to be completed before going to city council. The approved application will go to the City Council on February 20, 2024.

The Bellevue City Council meeting included discussions on the purchase of law enforcement vehicles, approval of claims and advisory committee reports, and updates on citizen communications and liquor licenses. A public hearing was held for ordinance 4166, updating the compensation ordinance, with the third reading and vote scheduled for November 6th, 2024. Ordinance 4167, amending the zoning map for commercial development, and ordinance 4168, rezoning land for a food bank and school facilities, both had second readings and public hearings scheduled for November 6th. Public hearings were also held on site plan approvals for a drive-through coffee restaurant and auto parts store (14a) and a conditional use permit for a concrete crushing, storage, and batch plant (14b), with concerns raised regarding noise, dust, and traffic.

The Bellevue City Council meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items, excluding one item that was removed. A special presentation provided an update on Grow Sarpy, highlighting their three-year strategic plan focusing on business retention and expansion, site development, workforce development (including a construction kit program), business attraction, and advocacy for transportation and infrastructure. Organizational matters included the withdrawal of a Planning Commission appointment request and acknowledgement of the passing of a former city administrator. Citizen communications and liquor licenses were not addressed. Ordinances discussed included an update to the compensation ordinance and rezoning requests for a fitness facility and a food bank.