On the agenda: Alliance July 28, 2026 Approved Minutes - Strategic Planning — Flock camera (Jul 28)

July 28, 2026

ALLIANCE CITY COUNCIL

STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING, THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2026

STATE OF NEBRASKA )
)
COUNTY OF BOX BUTTE d§
)
CITY OF ALLIANCE )

The Alliance City Council met in a Strategic Planning Meeting, July 28, 2026 at 8:00
a.m. in the Alliance Learning Center Community Meeting Room, 1750 Sweetwater Avenue. A
notice of meeting was published in the Alliance Times Herald on July 22, 2026. The notice
stated the date, hour and place of the meeting, that the meeting was open to the public, and that
an agenda of the meeting, kept continuously current, was available for public inspection at the
office of the City Clerk in City Hall; provided the Council could modify the agenda at the
meeting if it determined an emergency so required. A similar notice, together with a copy of the
agenda, also had been provided to each of the City Council Members. An agenda, kept
continuously current, was available for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk during
regular business hours from the publication of the notice to the time of the meeting.

Mayor McGhehey opened the July 28, 2026 strategic planning meeting of the Alliance,
Nebraska City Council at 8:00 a.m. Present were Mayor McGhehey, Vice Mayor Mashburn and

Council Members Turman, Yates, and Hitchcock. Also present were City Managers Cox,
Finance Director Baker and City Clerk Bedient.

e Mayor McGhehey read the Open Meetings Act Announcement.

° City Manager Cox began the discussion by reviewing where the City stands in the budget
process. Cox presented the Council with balanced accounts and accounts that were not balanced.

City Manager Cox discussed the cuts that had been made.

Human Resources Director Johns discussed the health insurance renewal process and the
increase in the renewal rate. Johns explained that the increase was due to higher claims than in
previous years.

Council members asked whether fully funded insurance versus self-funded insurance
would make a difference in offsetting the increase.

e City Manager Cox next reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs).

July 28, 2026

Fire Chief Shoemaker explained several capital expenses, stating that some funds
from the Repeaters line item could be removed and that funding for the Fire Hall and North

Face improvements would require a larger discussion.

City Manager Cox discussed the old Power Plant and stated that the City is waiting
for results regarding potential funding.

Public Works Director Grant discussed the new cell at the Landfill, noting that the
project could be split into two phases.

Police Chief Leavitt clarified the Repeater and Getac line items for the Council.

e Mayor McGhehey called for a break at 9:28 a.m.

e Council returned to session at 9:37 a.m.
° Mayor McGhehey asked the Council to address any concerns regarding the current
budget.

Vice Mayor Mashburn asked where the Flock camera system appeared in the
budget. Police Chief Leavitt clarified that it is nota capital project because it will be a lease
agreement. Vice Mayor Mashburn also asked for clarification regarding Landfill costs per
ton for commercial refuse. Public Works Director Grant replied that the City does not
calculate the cost per ton for commercial refuse. Vice Mayor Mashburn then asked about
the notes listed by the Lakefield Addition regarding cutting the amount in half. Public
Works Director Grant replied that the note was included in case adjustments were needed

to help accommodate the budget.

Councilman Turman asked whether the purchase of a hydro vacuum trailer for the
Electric Department could be used as a revenue opportunity. Electric Superintendent
Bridge replied that it could, but he would need to review the statutes to determine whether
it would be allowed. Councilman Turman asked the department heads to calculate the
numbers and bring the information back.

Councilman Yates stated that the Landfill bathroom/breakroom should be a priority.
He asked whether the Landfill could be privatized. Public Works Director Grant replied
that it had been discussed, but no further action had been taken. Councilman Yates then
asked about cameras for Public Transit. Public Works Director Grant replied that Public
Transit had applied for funding to purchase cameras. Councilman Yates also asked about
general lighting around Laing Lake. Electric Superintendent Bridge replied that it could be
done, but the location would need to be determined.

Councilman Hitchcock inquired about the benefits of the Solar Field. Electric
Superintendent Bridge replied that the benefit is purchasing power from the Solar Field,
which results in purchasing less power from the grid, and noted that the Solar Field also

July 28, 2026

pays a lease. Councilman Hitchcock also inquired about the condition of the wells. Public
Works Director Grant stated that the wells are keeping up better than expected.

Mayor McGhehey discussed two non-revenue-producing areas, the Library and
Museums, and asked what is being done to help. Culture and Leisure Director Brown stated
that limited hours and staffing have been implemented.

e No formal action was taken.

The Alliance City Council adjourned the July 28, 2026 Strategic Planning City Council Meeting
at 10:35 a.m.

Mh uh,
< y) John McGheh€, Mayor

(SEAL)

‘

Ammj/. Bedient, City Clerk

Complete minutes of the Alliance City Council may be viewed by the public during regular work hours at the City Clerk’s
Office, 324 Laramie Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska