Alan Gavin

The Planning Commission addressed several public hearings and agenda items. Key actions included the approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an acupuncture business in an R-1 Low Density Residential Zoning District. A Zoning Text Amendment was approved to increase the maximum height and size of on-premise pole signs for properties abutting Interstate 80 in the Good Life District. The Commission also approved a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Preliminary Plat, and Rezoning for a subdivision named Linoma Industrial from Transitional Agriculture and Residential Estates to Light Industrial and Residential Estates. A Final Plat for the Redwood 192 subdivision was approved. Additionally, a Preliminary Plat and Rezoning for Iron Wheel Estates was approved, and a Rezoning request for Lot 1 Nelson's Corner from Residential Estates to Medium Density Residential was approved despite opposition from nearby property owners concerning traffic and utilities.

The board reviewed the Library Director's report, circulation report, and informational reports. The director discussed the upcoming installation of care cabinets in library restrooms and the progress of the new Young Adult Services Librarian. The board also discussed the hoopla cost and usage and decided not to renew the subscription after it expires. An update was given on the Community Complex project. The Collection Development Policy and Personnel Policy were approved with changes. The board re-elected officers and committee members and approved the proposed Holiday Hours for December 2025.

The meeting included updates on financials, noting the close of the fiscal year and approval for additional funds next year. The 2025 NRD Grant was discussed, focusing on replacing trees in Gretna Crossing Park. The Annual Tree Giveaway was reviewed, with plans to improve registration, publicity, and care instructions. Grant funding was received through the Trees for Towns program, and trees were planted. The board discussed using social media for public information and education, and the annual winter conference with the N.A.A. was mentioned. The board also discussed scheduling and presenters for the Tree Talk.

The meeting included discussions on the Memorial Tree Program, the Annual Gretna Tree Talk, and the N.A.A. Arborist School. The board discussed topics and speakers for the Tree Talk, and Amy will work on lists of donors for door prizes and food. Dan Hansen agreed to take on the role of financial contact, and John offered to work on the grant submittal for the NRD for the 2026 tree funding program. The board also discussed using social media to inform the public and education on tree care and selection. Five members plan to attend the annual winter conference with the N.A.A. in January 2026.

The Planning Commission meeting involved discussions and decisions on several zoning and platting requests. These included a zoning text amendment to allow digital billboards in the Interstate Corridor Overlay District, an amendment to off-street parking requirements for office buildings, and another to allow Cottage Cluster Developments in High Density Residential areas. Additionally, the commission reviewed and approved final plats for subdivisions known as Woodland and Capehart Ridge Phase 2, as well as a preliminary plat and rezoning for a subdivision to be known as Redwood 192.