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Individuals and media outlets are encouraged to contact the City Administrator for additional details or clarification on the following material. Regular meetings of the Crete City Council are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall; Council Standing Committees may meet prior. View a list of City Officials and current council and committee meeting agendas.
The next Crete City Council regular meeting will be on Tuesday, June 17
Summary for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, June 3
View this Meeting Agenda and attachments.
The council approved the Consent Agenda items:
The Council held a Public Hearing on the proposed Zoning Change Request for CRETE PRCT PART SW 1/4 NE 1/4 SEC. 33-8-4 36.34 ACRES R-3 to C-2. City Administrator Tom Ourada explained this property is on south Arizona Ave. where the owner asked why this wouldn’t also be rezoned with another area; this will make it contiguous with surrounding areas.
The Council held a Public Hearing on the proposed future land use Zoning Map Amendment for CRETE PRCT PART SW 1/4 NE 1/4 SEC. 33-8-4 36.34 ACRES R-3 to C-2. This would amend the future land use map in the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Zoning Change Request for CRETE PRCT PART SW 1/4 NE 1/4 SEC. 33-8-4 36.34 ACRES R-3 to C-2
The Council voted 6-0 to approve the future land use Zoning Map Amendment for CRETE PRCT PART SW 1/4 NE 1/4 SEC. 33-8-4 36.34 ACRES R-3 to C-2.
The Council held a Public Hearing on the proposed Zoning Change Request. CRETE CITY LOT 19 BLK.102, PT BLK. 105 &VAC. ALLEY & 15TH AVE, & PT BLK 106 & VAC. ALLEY & PINE AVE BETWEEN BLK. 105-106 Commonly Known AS 1530 Pine Ave from I-2 to I-1. Ourada explained this is the Enerlux Windows property currently zoned I-2, which has very large setbacks of 50-75 feet and if changed to I-1 the setbacks go to 5-10 feet and they would have more usable property.
The Council held a Public Hearing on the proposed future land use Zoning Map Amendment. CRETE CITY LOT 19 BLK.102, PT BLK. 105 &VAC. ALLEY & 15TH AVE, & PT BLK 106 & VAC. ALLEY & PINE AVE BETWEEN BLK. 105-106 Commonly Known AS 1530 Pine Ave from I-2 to I-1. This would amend the future land use map in the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
The Council voted 6-0 to approve Zoning Change Request. CRETE CITY LOT 19 BLK.102, PT BLK. 105 &VAC. ALLEY & 15TH AVE, & PT BLK 106 & VAC. ALLEY & PINE AVE BETWEEN BLK. 105-106 Commonly Known AS 1530 Pine Ave from I-2 to I-1.
The Council voted 6-0 to approve future land use Zoning Map Amendment. CRETE CITY LOT 19 BLK.102, PT BLK. 105 &VAC. ALLEY & 15TH AVE, & PT BLK 106 & VAC. ALLEY & PINE AVE BETWEEN BLK. 105-106 Commonly Known AS 1530 Pine Ave from I-2 to I-1.
The Council voted 6-0 to approve Ordinance 2244 electrical rates on its third and final reading.
The Council voted 6-0 to approve the health insurance provider and premiums for 2025/2026 enrollment.
The Council voted 6-0 to approve forwarding a claim to the League Association of Risk Management (LARM) regarding a tree that fell on a vehicle on Redwood Ave.
The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Crete Housing Study Proposed Scope of Services from JEO Consulting. Ourada said this includes basic and additional services; the city’s last housing study was done in 2018. Recent housing grant applications by the city have been unsuccessful and a more current housing study could increase its eligibility for future grants.
The Council voted 6-0 to approve Resolution 2025-07 authorizing the mayor and city attorney to e-sign agreement for 2025 FAA grant for Crete Municipal Airport. Ourada explained this agreement is for a double box hanger for $1.4 million, using a grant the city has already been awarded.
The Council voted 6-0 to approve Resolution 2025-08 authorizing the mayor to sign agreement waiving receipt of non-primary entitlement funds for Crete Municipal Airport. Ourada said the city had FAA funds from 2022 that went unused and the Nebraska Department of Transportation is asking for those funds back, but the city would have a credit for future years.
The Council voted 6-0 to waive three readings and adopt Ordinance 2245 Amending irrigation service season and removing unused electric rate classifications. Ourada explained this changes the end of the irrigation season from October to September to align with other rate classes and removes electric rate classes the city is no longer using.
The Council voted 6-0 to approve amending the master fee schedule. Ourada said this eliminated electric street light types and classes no longer in use and changed rates to reflect newer street light types, as well as updated customer utility classes and deposits.
The Council voted 6-0 to waive three readings and adopt Ordinance 2246 Deeding a minority share of the Isis Theater to Blue River Arts Council (BRAC).
The Council voted 6-0 to approve forwarding claim to the League Association of Risk Management (LARM) regarding damaged asphalt lane on County Road 2400.
Petition - Communication - Citizen Concern:
Officer Reports:
Reports may be given by Officers, Departments, Committees, or Council members concerning the current operations of the City. No action can be taken on matters presented under this title except to answer any questions or to refer the matter for further action.
Meeting adjourned.
Individuals and media outlets are encouraged to contact the City Administrator for additional details or clarification on the following material. Regular meetings of the Crete City Council are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall; Council Standing Committees may meet prior. View a list of City Officials and current council and committee meeting agendas.
The next Crete City Council regular meeting will be on Tuesday, June 3
Summary for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, May 20
View this Meeting Agenda and attachments.
Council member Tom Crisman was absent.
The council approved the Consent Agenda items:
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Application for Prohibited Animal Exception PA25-02 for the Saline County Fair. Mayor Dave Bauer explained this is an annual request from the Saline County Fair Board to hold animal exhibitions at the county fair. These animals are not allowed in the city normally and require this exception application.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Application for Special Event Permit SE25-05 for the 4-H and Open Archery Contest. Mayor Bauer explained this activity is not allowed in the city and requires this special event approval to operate for the Saline County Fair.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve Ordinance 2244 - Electric Rates on its second reading. City Administrator Tom Ourada said the city has had no communications within the last two weeks since the first reading.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Walnut Creek Sewer Crossing Final Closeout Documents. Ourada said these include the final inspection and punch list created by the engineer, contractor, and the city.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Contractor's Application for Payment from JEO Consulting Group, Inc. for Judd Bros Construction Co. for the Walnut Creek Sewer Repair in the amount of $180,522.00.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the LB840 Application from Crystal Alarcon for Crystal's Bakery. Ourada said this application is for some exterior work on the building. The owner is planning on a downtown revitalization application for some other work. This item and the following both went to the LB840 Economic Development Advisory Board and the Council’s Legislative and Economic Development Committee.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the LB840 Application from Valerie Cochnar for Uneta Boutique.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2025-06 authorizing Mayor Dave Bauer to execute a Lease/Purchase Agreement with TYMCO, INC for Street Sweeper. Ourada explained this process was previously authorized by the council; this is the agreement.
The Council voted 4-0 (Papik abstained) to approve approving the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,622.92.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Application for Special Event Permit SE25-04 Rooted Movement Bounce Party. Anthony Fitzgerald said the Legislative and Economic Development Committee recommended this item with the added information that a portion of 12th Street will be closed as a place for the bounce houses.
Petition - Communication - Citizen Concern:
Officer Reports:
Reports may be given by Officers, Departments, Committees, or Council members concerning the current operations of the City. No action can be taken on matters presented under this title except to answer any questions or to refer the matter for further action.
Meeting adjourned.
Summary for Crete City Council special meeting - Friday, May 9
View this Meeting Agenda and attachments.
Summary for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, May 6
View this Meeting Agenda and attachments.
Council member Ashley Newmyer was absent.
The council approved the Consent Agenda items:
New Crete Police Officer Lisa Wiedemeyer was sworn in by City Clerk Nancy Tellez and received her badge from Mayor Dave Bauer.
Chief of Police Gary Young also introduced Zach Funk, a non-commissioned conditional officer, who will attend the police academy at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island in early September. He is currently in training activities with the Crete Police Department.
Adjourned the City Council to a meeting of the Community Development Agency (CDA), with Chairperson Dan Papik.
Adjourn the CDA to the City Council meeting.
The Council held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the Zoning Change Request from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area. Ourada said this was a recommendation from the city which started as a single property owner asking for rezoning. The city found a number of properties in this area were noncompliant, such as storage units and liquor licenses, and further looked to how they could help the area conform to zoning regulations. The Planning Commission sought input and made a recommendation to the council to change the zoning. They could not find any adverse effects to included properties and the Planning Commission hearing dispelled several concerns by property owners.
The Council held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the future land use Zoning Map Amendment from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area. This would amend the future land use map in the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the proposed Zoning Change request from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the proposed future land use Zoning Map Amendment from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area.
The Council voted 5-0 to table the Application for Special Event Permit SE25-04 Rooted Movement Bounce Party. Council member Anthony Fitzgerald said the Parks and Recreation Committee talked about having the applicant work with the City Administrator and Parks and Recreation Director to adjust their plans in City Park. Ourada said the significance is they did not receive permission to place bounce houses on park grounds.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the proposed Ordinance 2244 setting municipal electric rates on its first of three readings. John Krajewski, of JK Energy, talked about electric rates: based on analysis, he recommends two, 7% rate increases over the next two years; the first increase for most customers would occur in October 2025 and the second in October 2026; large power rates would raise in January to 2026 and 2027 to coincide with their fiscal years and budgeting processes; proposed overall rate increases of 7% for residential and 5.8% for smaller general service, 6.9% for smaller general service demand (ex. Walmart), and 7.4% for large power (ex. Nestle, Bunge); even with these rate changes, Crete’s rates are reasonably competitive with neighbors; the city provides fund transfers to the general fund unlike some other cities; many entities are facing the same cost increases as well.
The Council voted 4-0 (Papik abstained) to approve approving the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $79.86.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve Airport Rules and Regulations. Ourada said officials have been working on this with the Airport Advisory Board and was heard by the Public Works committee, which had some concerns. It’s been modified and further researched for another draft.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve the final reading and adopted Ordinance 2242 Sale of 1209 and 1211 Main Ave.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve amending the Master Fee Schedule. Ourada said changes include rates in the building permit fees and inspections section.
The Council voted 5-0 to grant the Special Exception Application from Andrew Hardenburger for Northern Natural Gas.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2025-4 metering of solar generation facility. Ourada said this is required from Nebraska Public Power as an agreement with the city, MEAN (Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska), and Sandhills on requirements for metering the 1.6MW solar generation facility on the southeast edge of Crete.
The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2025-5 NPPD Agreement.
Petition - Communication - Citizen Concern:
Officer Reports:
Reports may be given by Officers, Departments, Committees, or Council members concerning the current operations of the City. No action can be taken on matters presented under this title except to answer any questions or to refer the matter for further action.
Meeting adjourned.
The City of Crete Department of Public Works, in partnership with its wholesale electric power supplier, the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, is continuing to provide five energy efficiency programs to assist in lowering energy costs for local utility customers through energy efficiency improvements.
All five programs offer cash incentives to make energy efficient upgrades in the areas of insulation, cooling systems, home thermostats, high efficiency heat pump, and commercial lighting. Here is a rundown of the four programs:
These programs are available to customers of the City of Crete through its wholesale power partnership with the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska. For more information on these programs, contact the Utility Office at City Hall, 402.826.4312, or go online to download program guidelines and application forms.
City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
(Utility Office ground floor main entrance on south side)
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.4312
701 East 4th Street, Crete, Nebraska
(4th Street and Grove Ave.)
Pool: 402.826.3500 (Seasonal: May-August, during pool hours)
Parks & Recreation at City Hall: 402.826.4315
creteparks@crete.ne.gov
Wildwood Pool and Park is located in the southeast portion of the city. The public swimming pool includes men’s and women’s restrooms and lockers, zero entry, two slides, swimming lanes, and two diving boards. The splash area was replaced in 2022. Pool season passes, swimming lessons, youth swim team, and pool parties are available; see below for registration dates and more information.
The park area includes two tennis courts, a playground, picnic area, green space, parking, and public restrooms. Tennis courts include pickleball lines. (Click the photo for a gallery of pool and park images.)
(Go to Parks and Recreation Department Main Page)
See more information below on when and where to register for pool passes, pool parties, swimming lessons, swim team, and water aerobics.
See schedule below.
2025 Pool Season Information
View/Download pool informational flyer: English | Espańol
Pool Admission & Season Passes | |
Season pool passes for individuals and families will be available online (RecDesk) and at the pool during open hours. Purchase passes in person at City Hall, 243 East 13th Street, until the pool opens. Seniors 55+ are eligible for a season pass that includes unlimited Water Aerobics Classes for only $40. |
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Daily Individual Fees: | Season Passes: |
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Swim Suit Policy: All patrons who want to swim MUST wear a commercially purchased swim suit. NO street clothes are allowed in the pool, including, but not limited to: jeans, gym shorts, cotton t-shirts, leggings/joggers. ALL infants must wear a swim-approved diaper. Weather Policies:
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Monday - Friday |
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Swimming Lessons |
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Swim Team Practice |
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Friday & Saturday |
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Pool Parties
Private pool parties are held on Fridays and Saturdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m., and Sundays, 5:00-7:00 p.m. during the season. Cost is $250 per party and includes a non‐refundable $50 deposit. Applications are available on RecDesk, at City Hall, or the pool during open hours. A completed application and non-refundable deposit is required for reservation.
Interested patrons can register on RecDesk or at the pool after opening day; cost is $40 for all classes through the season. Senior participants age 55 and over registered for the season will receive a pool season pass at no additional cost. Drop-ins are welcome with a fee of $4 per class and includes that day's pool admission.
Crete RipTide Swim Team, for ages 6-18, competes in the Kansas-Nebraska swim league, which consists of five scheduled meets, held on Saturdays. Each community hosts a swim meet so travel is necessary. Competitive events include backstroke, freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, individual medley, and relays.
Parent Information Meeting - Wednesday, April 16: Crete Carrier Community Room at Crete Public Library, 1515 Forest Ave.; open to all and highly encouraged for parents of swim team participants.
More Parks and Recreation information and online program signup can be found on RecDesk when registration opens.
City of Crete - Nebraska
Parks and Recreation
Swimming Lessons
Forms for Levels 1-6, Infant and Toddler, and Individual lessons are available on RecDesk or at the Parks and Recreation office at City Hall. Participants must also have a liability waiver signed.
Find more information for the 2025 season at Wildwood Pool.
Level 1-6 lessons for ages 4 and up
Three sessions of swimming lessons for Levels 1-6 (ages 4 and up) are offered on weekday mornings through June and July with rolling registration deadlines for each. Each session is two weeks long.
Program details:
Infant and Toddler lessons for ages 6 months - 4 years
One-week evening sessions of Infant and Toddler swimming lessons will be held in July.
Program details:
Classes provide water exposure, swimming and water safety skills, and activities to practice at home.
Individual Lessons
Individual swim lessons are available for swimmers of all ages and abilities who would like a 1-on-1 approach to review swimming skills. Find time slots in the RecDesk registration section.
Water Aerobics will start at Wildwood Pool on June 9. There is no pre-registration necessary; participants may attend as many sessions as they would like. Interested patrons can purchase a full season pass on RecDesk or at the pool after opening day.
City of Crete - Nebraska
Liz Cody, Parks and Recreation Director
City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Phone: 402.826.4315
liz.cody@crete.ne.gov
Calendar Week of June 8 - June 14, 2025