Auburn Council Regulates Golf Cars, Moves Forward With Veterans Sculpture

The Auburn City Council voted Monday to move forward with a commissioned copper sculpture honoring veterans, part of a $100,000 state arts grant awarded earlier this year to the city’s creative district.
The council approved a proposal to complete a boundary survey and negotiate the purchase of a small parcel of land at the corner of 15th and Courthouse avenues, where the sculpture would be installed. The city capped its purchase offer at $5,500. A boundary survey is expected to cost between $800 and $900.
The sculpture will be created by Nebraska artist Mathew Placek and is inspired by the World War I poem In Flanders Fields. It will feature poppies as a symbol of remembrance and will be funded entirely through the Creative District Development Grant awarded to the Auburn Creative District by the Nebraska Arts Council. The project is estimated to cost $52,000.
Leslie Clark, executive director of the Auburn Creative District, told the council the project is intended to complement Auburn’s existing veterans memorials.
“Auburn has a long-standing tradition of honoring those who have served and those who gave their lives,” Clark said. “This is really just intended to create another tribute.”
Council members raised questions about traffic sight lines at the intersection before approving the proposal. Clark and Mayor Chris Erickson said the sculpture’s placement would not obstruct visibility for drivers. The purchase agreement will return to the council for final approval once land negotiations are complete and the boundary survey has been finished.
Golf Car Ordinance Approved
In other business, the council approved Ordinance 4-26 on third and final reading by a 3-2 vote. The ordinance allows and regulates the operation of golf cars on city streets and establishes definitions, operating procedures and a conflict-resolution clause. Council members Rick Janssen and Brian Lavigne voted against the measure. The ordinance takes effect upon publication and carries the following provisions; Golf cars will be limited to used between sunrise and sunset and only on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less and not on state or federal highways. Golf cars speeds should not exceed 20 miles per hour. Golf cars operated on streets must carry liability insurance and should only be driven by drivers with a valid Class O operator’s license.
The council also approved forwarding a liquor license application to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission for The Local Alibi, a proposed sports bar at 1818 Central Ave. The applicant, Cassie Brownmiller, is seeking a retail license allowing the sale of spirits for both on-premises and off-premises consumption.
Consent Agenda
Additional actions were approved through consent agenda. Special designated liquor licenses for Little Ted’s Pub on Aug. 10 and for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce on July 24 at Legion Memorial Park during the rescheduled Summer Sounds concert featuring Chad Lee. The appointment of Leslie Clark to the Auburn Library Board. A 3.5-acre ground lease to Jay Fisher for brome baling at West Cemetery through June 30, 2029, for $799. An annual membership in the Southeast Nebraska Development District for fiscal year 2027 at a cost of $3,166. Renewal of the city’s liability insurance with the League Association of Risk Management for one year under Resolution 1012-26, including a 180-day cancellation notice provision.
The council’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Aug. 17. The meeting was moved from its regularly scheduled Aug. 10 date because of the Nemaha County Fair parade.