Auburn City Council Approves Chamber of Commerce Support, Extends Special Use Permit

The Auburn City Council approved a series of financial, infrastructure and property-related measures during its regular meeting Feb. 9, 2026, including support for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, payments for storm sewer work, annual stipends for volunteer firefighters, and multiple land and easement agreements.
No public comment was offered, and there were no proclamations or public hearings.
Council members unanimously approved the consent agenda, followed by authorization of claims and expenditures for routine city expenses.
The consent agenda included approval of the city’s financial report and authorization for city staff to attend the Nebraska Tourism Conference on Feb. 10, the Nebraska Municipal Clerks Academy March 18–20 in La Vista, and the Nebraska Chamber Go Big Future Launch Forum on Feb. 24, also in La Vista.
The council also approved financial support for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, including $2,000 for marketing and promotions; $13,000 for executive director salary support; and $12,000 in annual funding for expanded services related to the Creative District, community events, tourism, business training, and the 250th Fourth of July celebration. In addition, the council approved $15,000 in support of the Summer Sounds Concert Series for band bookings and event marketing.
Among the key action items, the council unanimously approved Pay Application No. 3 for MC Wells in the amount of $42,000. MC Wells is the contractor handling storm sewer-related work for the city’s Highway 75/J Street culvert project.
The council also approved annual stipends for 12 members of the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department. The motion passed unanimously, with Council Member Shawn Clark abstaining due to his membership in the department.
In infrastructure-related business, the council authorized a storm sewer detention pond easement and right-of-way agreement with property owners Theodore and Melba Davidson near the intersection of Q and 19th streets. City officials said the detention ponds were constructed to address drainage issues tied to nearby development and will require ongoing maintenance by the city.
City Attorney Angelo Ligouri explained that rather than transferring the property outright, they agreed to grant a permanent easement and right-of-way, providing the city with maintenance access while avoiding the cost of a formal land survey.
The council also approved a corrected renewal of Maintenance Agreement No. 51 with the Nebraska Department of Transportation. City Clerk Sherry Heskett said the state submitted an updated agreement after discovering the original amount was incorrect. The revised agreement totals $11,965.80, an increase of $325.60 from the version approved at the December 2025 meeting.
Council members approved an extension of Resolution No. 14-25, granting a temporary extension of a home-occupation special use permit for Council Member Johnny Curttright’s business. Curttright is constructing a new building at 2617 O St. to relocate his business but requested additional time due to contractor delays. The extension moves the permit expiration from March 31 to June 22, 2026. Curttright abstained from the vote due to a conflict of interest.
In land-use matters, the council approved Resolution No. 02-26, authorizing the transfer of right-of-way property along 16th Street associated with the Westgate Third Addition. City officials said the transfer fulfills conditions of previous development agreements, including landscaping and irrigation requirements.
The council also approved Resolution No. 01-26, accepting the transfer of a dilapidated property at 1110 13th St. to the city for nuisance abatement. Ligouri said the owner lacks the funds to demolish the structure, which contains asbestos. By accepting the transfer, the city will be eligible to pursue grant funding for asbestos removal and demolition. The owner paid all outstanding back taxes prior to the transfer.
The meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m. with the next one set for March 9 at 7:00 p.m.