Paula J. Dennison

The board conducted elections for treasurer, chair, and secretary positions and received a financial status update. Key discussions included a review of the annual winter conference, development of a memorial policy for city parks, and planning for the upcoming Annual Gretna Tree Talk event. The board also addressed the status of a grant for 2026 tree funding, upcoming tree planting coordination, plans for the annual poster contest and Arbor Day program, and the approval of funding for a member's tree identification training course.

The board reviewed reports from the Library Director and various committees, including updates on building maintenance at the Children's Library, staffing adjustments, and grant funding received by the Foundation. Members engaged in training preparation for the accreditation process regarding the Community Needs Response Plan. Additionally, the board tabled the Library Notary Policy and Financial Policy until the following meeting and reviewed the annual impact report, noting a record-setting year for circulation.

The meeting included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered the current agenda, previous minutes from January 6, 2026, claims, and payments related to the Gretna Community Complex and Harvest Hills East Water Main Improvements. Public hearings were held regarding a request for annexation of several lots and rights-of-way for Heimes Group, LLC, and two separate requests for Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) sought by Omaha Neon Sign Company for Dingman's Collision Center and Peterbilt. The council also reviewed and approved a final plat request for the Bobette subdivision. Several ordinances were adopted: Ordinance 2190 and Ordinance 2194 for annexing specific real estate parcels; Ordinance 2195 amending zoning regulations concerning the MUC Mixed Use Commercial and Business Park Zoning District; and Ordinance 2196 rezoning land from Transitional Agriculture to Highway Commercial. Current business included approving a sewer rate reduction request for St. Patrick's Church and approving an Intern Job Description. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss contract negotiations, real estate, and personnel matters.

Key discussions included the designation of a member to assume the role of Finance Coordinator and setting the fiscal year budget. Expenses reported covered the winter NAA Conference. It was noted that a Public Works Department member will attend future meetings, and a board member successfully completed and passed the Arborist School exam. The board is finalizing processes for memorial trees and park amenities, confirming that memorial trees will be planted at designated annual ceremonies supervised by city personnel. Members will compile information for the City website, including tree recommendations and ordinances. Plans for the Annual Gretna Tree Talk in March were discussed, including securing speaker topics and local business donations. A grant submittal for tree funding along the east side of Gretna Crossing Park was planned, with planting anticipated in April, and a tree is slated for planting at the new City Hall facility after construction. Preparations for the annual Poster Contest award ceremony and the Arbor Day Program were also reviewed.

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.