The December 1 regular meeting of the Minden City Council drew a bit of a crowd as residents voiced their concerns regarding a proposed ordinance regarding the
usage of e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards on public property. During public comment Ted Griess, as an e-bike owner and rider, shared a number of concerns with the proposed ordinance. He asked why bicycles weren’t also included in the ordinance and suggested all bikes, both traditional and e-bikes, should follow traffic laws. He told the council he thinks the concerns he shared should be considered before approving the ordinance. Sam Hansen also spoke on the matter during public comment asking when the ordinance would be approved and go into effect and inquiring about the details of the ordinance. Hansen also addressed another agenda item asking if water lines and other underground utilities will be addressed during the paving projects on 7th Street, Tower Avenue, and Nebraska Avenue.
The council had several agenda items to tackle before addressing the proposed ordinance. First up was a presentation on Nebraska GSD (Get Stuff Done) by Ron Tillery. The goal of Nebraska GSD is to boost economic development in rural communities by providing additional support and resources that are often lacking outside of Lincoln or Omaha in order to help small towns succeed. Tillery told the council they are asking for a non-binding letter of interest from the City stating they are interested in learning more.
Mayor Larry Evans and City Administrator Michael
Krings told the council they would be attending the roll out presentation of Nebraska GSD in Kearney the following day. Evans emphasized he believes this is a tool for the community to do good. A public hearing for an application for a Class C liquor license and a growler secondary license for Upper Room Brewery dba 52 Taphouse was opened. No comments were given and the hearing was closed. A motion to recommend approving the licenses to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission was approved unanimously.
A condemnation hearing for the property at the southwest corner of Colorado Avenue and Highway 6/34 was opened. Richard Schwenka spoke against the condemnation. He explained to the council Uptown Grain is working to demolish the building and clean up the property, but it takes time and money. Attempting to utilize local businesses, they are working with Weaver Farm Service and A&L Leveling. Both businesses have other work as well which affects how quickly the work can be done. Furthermore he estimates the cost for the demolition to be between $50,000-60,000 and he doesn’t want that burden to be placed on the taxpayers. With no further comments the hearing was closed.
Evans told the council he wants the entryways into the city to be presentable for Minden’s upcoming 150th celebration in 2027. He has looked into available grants to assist with the cost of the demolition with limited success as the City does not own the property. Teresa Sumstine stated she believes what Schwenka says and that the cleanup will get done. She feels the City should let him continue on his time and with local businesses.
Jack Yant asked for an estimated timeline for the work. Schwenka stated they should be able to expect completion before 2027. The council opted to take no action, but the matter will be readdressed in June 2026.
The council reviewed the status of an order of condemnation for the property at 358 S. Nance Avenue. The order was issued on August 18 with repairs to be completed by November 17. The City received a letter from the property owner explaining a delay in compliance and asking for more time. The council showed compassion by rescinding the existing order of condemnation and issuing a new order with repairs to be completed and approved by March1, 2026.
Reaching the agenda item that drew residents to the meeting, Sumstine stated there is law in place regarding usage of bicycles, but she has no problem adding them to the proposed ordinance. Krings explained the City doesn’t want to over regulate, but they do want to look out for safety. City Attorney Andrew Olson added the proposed ordi- nance is meant to regulate bikes and things with a motor. If the council wants to regu- late traditional bicycles as well, he suggests doing that in a separate ordinance.
In the end the council approved Ordinance #1312 adding Chapter 70, Article V Light- weight E-Scooter, E-Bike, and Hoverboard usage on public property to the Minden Mu- nicipal Code as presented. There will be two more readings of the ordinance before it is adopted. Anyone interested in the regulations included in the proposed ordinance should contact City Hall for the information.
The City has several upcoming street improvement projects including Tower Avenue from 5th Street to the BNSF railroad, 7th Street from Brown Avenue to Tower Avenue, and N. Nebraska Avenue from 7th Street to 8th Street. These projects will include some utility upgrades as needed. The council approved an agreement with Olsson Associates for engineering services not to exceed $68,300 for these projects. The City hopes to have these projects completed this spring.
In other business the council: Approved November 17 minutes. Approved bills and claims. Approved mayoral appointment of Ted Griess as the City Forester for a term of 1-1-26 to 12-31-26, Bennett Peterson to the Board of Adjustments for a term of 1-1-26 to 12-31-28, Rita Crooks, Larry Lempka, and Tim Holman to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term of 1-1-26 to 12-31-28, Jane Lammers to the Animal Advisory Board for a term of 1-1-26 to 12-31-26, Alyssa Schneider to the Minden Development Corporation Board of Directors for a term of 1-1-26 to 12-31-26, and Connor Peterson to the Community Redevelopment Authority for a term of 1-1-26 to 12-31-30. Approved payment to Rembolt Luktke LLP in the amount of $1,686.50 for legal services. Approved NPPD project #5534967 in the amount of $22,727.89 for MWE II well and streetlight electrical. Approved the 2026 maintenance agreement with the State of Nebraska for highway surface maintenance and snow removal during January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
