News
Top Story Spotlight Topical
Sensory-friendly morning offers quieter experience for children with sensory needs
Thursday morning, July 16, families with children with special needs gathered at the Dawson County Fairgrounds for a sensory-friendly morning at the fair.
While attending the fair is a summertime tradition for many families, the loud music, flashing lights and large crowds can be overwhelming for people with sensory sensitivities.
Lexington Regional Health Center partnered with the Dawson County Fair Board to provide a quieter, more accessible experience so families could enjoy the fair together.
Barrett and Grayson Devine ride the carousel with the help of a therapist at Dawson County Fair’s sensory-friendly morning.
"At Lexington Regional Health Center, we have a really huge pediatric rehabilitation service that we offer, and we know a lot of kids with sensory difficulties can struggle in an environment like this," Brenna Bartruff, chief communications officer at Lexington Regional Health Center, said. "So, being able to do this is huge for our community. We want families to be involved as much as they can in these activities."
Bartruff said she was grateful the fair reached out to the hospital about partnering for the event.
During the sensory-friendly morning, music was turned down, ride lights were kept mostly off and only a handful of rides operated, creating a calmer, less crowded environment for families.
Lexington Regional Health Center's rehabilitation team was also on site to assist families. Some staff members even rode attractions alongside children to help them feel more comfortable.
Abbey Whittaker plays with her nieces in the sand boxes at Dawson County Fair’s sensory-friendly morning.
"Being inclusive is really important. I work with kids with autism, and I think it's really cool to see inclusion everywhere, especially in smaller towns," Abbey Whittaker said.
Whittaker brought her three young nieces to the event so her niece Meela, who has Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, could experience the fair in a calm environment.
"She wouldn't have as much fun at night at the fair because there's too much sound and too many flashing lights. Too many people can really overstimulate her, so it's good to have a time where she can hang out by herself and with her sisters," Whittaker said.
For children who preferred not to ride the attractions or needed a break, organizers provided a sensory station featuring mini sandboxes, a toy fishing pool and access to the FFA animal barn.
Jet the therapy horse gives his owner Teri Edeal a kiss.
Jet, a therapy miniature horse, was also on site to offer comfort — and kisses. His owner, Teri Edeal, has had him since he was born eight years ago and recertifies him as a therapy animal every two years.
Jet is registered with Pet Partners. Edeal said "he's very intuitive and seems to know who needs his comfort the most."
Children eagerly approached him to hug and pet him. The well-trained miniature horse shook hands and delighted some children by giving Edeal a kiss.
A second miniature horse, Bear, was also in the FFA animal barn alongside two llamas and several chickens. Children were invited to pet the animals if they wished.
Braxton Powell rides the giant slides at the Dawson County Fair during its sensory-friendly morning.
Around Town
The Around Town section of the Clipper-Herald is to notify the public of upcoming events and to publicize pertinent information from individuals, groups or service organizations.
LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS
The 32nd Annual Joe Torres Sand Volleyball tournament is set for Sunday, July 26 at 8 a.m. at Plum Creek Park. The deadline to signup is Thursday, July 23 at noon. The entry fee is $100 per team. Contact Jim Macias to register at 308-746-3100 or Henry Vogt at 308-529-0705. This year's fundraiser is to support Dorita Glaze.
Heartland Chevrolet Show and Shine Car Show Sunday, July 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Dawson County Fairgrounds.
Lexington Area Farmer's Market at 237 Hardware on Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. and Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m.
Lexington Area Christian Women's Connection presents "Happy 250th Birthday America" Tuesday, July 21 at 11:30 a.m. at Kirk's. Speaker is Linn Ann Huntington from Hays, Kansas. Reservations and cancellations by noon Monday, July 20. Call Sheri 308-320-0952 or Jonelle at 308-325-8279.
Elementary school bag Back-2-School event Thursday, July 20 from 9 a.m. to noon or until gone at 931 W. Seventh St., in Lexington. Sponsored by Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska.
Wine & Wings, Beer & Brats fundraiser night for the Blanche Senior Scholarship at Mac's Creek Thursday, Aug. 20 from 5-9 p.m.
Parkview Baptist Church holds a food pantry every third Saturday of the month at the Refuge Building (1105 Park St.) in Lexington.
The Dawson County History Museum is hosting “Coffee with Carol” the first Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Lexington Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. every fourth Monday of the month at the Lexington Grand Generation Center.
Lexington Rotary Club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at Dawson County Annex Building at noon. For more information or to join call 308-325-7006.
The Dawson County Democrats meet at 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at the Los Jalapeños Restaurant.
American Legion in Lexington meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles.
WIC Clinic Sites, Dawson County: Lexington – Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Building, 931 W. Seventh St., Tuesday through Thursday the first 4 full weeks for each month.
RYDE Transit — Public Transportation is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a ride in Dawson County or Lexington call 308-324-3670. Public Transportation is easy to ride and open to everyone.
COZAD HAPPENINGS
"Stacks for a Cause" pancake fundraiser free will donation for the Dawson County Sheriff's Office Sunday, July 19 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cozad Grand Generation Center.
Stop by Security First Bank every Thursday in July for Root Beer Float Day.
Armchair Travels: Kevin and Mariann Boyd of Gothenburg, will talk about a recent trip to Peru and Machu Picchu Tuesday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
Crafternoon: Join the Wilson Public Library Tuesday, July 21 at 4 p.m. to make fabric bowls. Ages 15 and up. Register at the library by Friday, July 17.
Teen Crafternoon: Join the Wilson Public Library Tuesday, July 28 at 4 p.m. to make diamond art bookmarks. For ages 13-18. Register by July 24.
Wilson Public Library book sale begins July 27 to Aug. 7. Free will donation.
Star Party Friday, Aug. 7 at dusk on the north end of Cozad High School football field.
Maker Market every Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. starting June 16 at The Green Space, east of 222 Hardware.
The Writing Society meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library. Open to all writers of all levels and genres.
Blood Pressure Clinic at the Cozad Grand Generation Center the third Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center has Home Delivered Meals to the Community Monday — Friday. If you would like to receive Home Delivered Meals or would like to pick up a Curbside Meal at 410 W. Ninth St. from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m., please call us at 308-784-2747 by 9:30 a.m. that morning, so we can arrange everything for your convenience.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center Bus is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule a ride in Cozad call 308-784-2747.
GOTHENBURG HAPPENINGS
Tropical Sno Gothenburg 10th Anniversary Bash Sunday, July 19 at 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Axe throwing, Budda’s Meats food truck, yard games and prize wheel. Located at 605 10th St., Gothenburg.
Free swimming pool admission, sponsored by Gothenburg Health, on the following Saturdays: July 25. For all ages.
Livin' Out Loud is set for Aug. 15-16 at Lake Helen.
ELWOOD HAPPENINGS
Elwood Lions Club - Gosper County Fair golf tournament Wednesday, July 22 at 10 a.m. The 3-person scramble has registration at 9:30 a.m. at Lakeside Country Club at Johnson Lake.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $6, Students/Senior Citizens $5, Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Moana" (PG) - July 18-19, 22; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
“Supergirl” (PG-13) - July 24-29; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (PG-13) - July 31 - Aug. 2, 5 and Aug. 7-9 and 12; Fridays/Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
COZAD
Fox Theater, 100 E. Eighth St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $9, Student/Seniors/Military $8, 5 and under $6.50, Matinee (all ages) $6.50
SHOWTIMES:
"Minions and Monsters" (PG) - July 18-23; Saturday/Sunday at 2:10, 4:30 and 7:20 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"Odyssey" (R) - July 18-23; Saturday/Sunday at 2:20 and 7 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
“Moana” (PG-13) - July 18-23; Saturday/Sunday at 4:40 and 7:10 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"Young Washington" (PG-13) - July 18-19; Saturday/Sunday at 2 p.m.
"The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants" (PG) - Wednesday, July 22 at 2 p.m.
"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" (PG) - Wednesday, July 29 at 2 p.m.
GOTHENBURG
Sun Theatre, 404 10th St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Child (12 and under) $3, Senior Citizen $4
SHOWTIMES:
"The Odyssey" (R) - July 17-19, 24-26; Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m.
“Minions & Monsters” (PG) - July 31 - Aug. 2; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
“Fun Pianos” - Saturday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
The Lexington Public Library hours are: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. — 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m., Sunday: Closed. Watch for lots of fun programs and activities this summer. Also, we are continuing curbside services; call the library at 308-324-2151 for information.
Novel Stitchers meets on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. in the Board Room of the Library.
Storytime meets at the Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
The Wilson Public Library normal hours are: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. — 6 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. Public and private meetings have resumed, with 24-hour notice appreciated. Limits to how many attendees based upon room need, what equipment is available and other restrictions can be found by calling us at 308-784-2019 or stopping at the front desk. Normal policies about room rental can be found under Policies at wilsonpubliclibrary.org.
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER
The exercise room is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
MONDAY
10 a.m. - Frog
12:45 p.m. - I've Got It
TUESDAY
12:45 p.m. - Pool
1 p.m. - Bunco
2:30 p.m. - Hot Cookies
WEDNESDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
THURSDAY
12:45 p.m. - Farkle
12:45 p.m. - Pool
FRIDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Homemade bread every day. Choice of skim, 2% or chocolate milk. No reservations are needed except for large groups. Serving time: 11:30 a.m. Please call 308-324-2498 by 10 a.m. for delivery or carryout meals.
MONDAY
Cook's Choice Soups, Cheese Cubes, Potato Salad, Pickled Beets, Peaches
TUESDAY
Baked Chicken, Fresh Yams, Corn and Broccoli Casserole, Applesauce
WEDNESDAY
Beef Stroganoff, Red Diced Potatoes, Stewed Tomatoes, Pineapple
THURSDAY
Mayo Chicken or Fish, Potato Casserole, Lima Beans, Pears
FRIDAY
Potato Bar, Meat Sauce, Baked Potato, Broccoli and Cheese, OJ Cup, Bread Stick, Dessert
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER
When Cozad schools are closed due to inclement weather, the center will also be closed. Check KRVN or the TV for weather related closings.
SUNDAY
8 a.m. - Dawson County Sheriff's pancake fundraiser
MONDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
TUESDAY
Noon - Rotary
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:30 p.m. - Pinochle
THURSDAY
1 p.m. - Tai Chi
FRIDAY
1 p.m. - Noodle Party
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Salad Bar is available daily with meals served from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
MONDAY
Sirloin Tips over Noodles, Peas, Applesauce, Apple Tartlets
TUESDAY
Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Peach Salad, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Potato Bar, Chili, Broccoli, Mixed Fruit, Dessert
THURSDAY
Oven Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Mandarin Oranges, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
Fish, Tater Tots, Corn, Pears, Pie
FARNAM SENIOR CENTER
The center will be closed on Fridays until further notice. When Eustis-Farnam Schools are closed due to the weather, the Senior Center will also be closed. Call ahead by 9:30 a.m. to get a meal 308-569-2359.
MONDAY
BBQ Meatballs, Cheesy Potatoes, Peas, Apple Salad, Dinner Roll
TUESDAY
Pizza Casserole, Broccoli Salad, Corn, Applesauce, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
French Dip, French Fries, Carrots, Peas
GOSPER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
All meals are served with vegetables, fruit and a sweet item. All meals are subject to change without notice. Please call by 10 a.m. for your reservation 308-785-2500. Suggested meal price is $8 for 60 and above and $9 for under 60.
MONDAY
Mexican Lasagna
TUESDAY
Chicken Alfredo
WEDNESDAY
Liver and Onions or Hamburger Steak
THURSDAY
Closed
FRIDAY
Closed
ORGANIZATIONS
It Works Group: AA meetings are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. at 303 E. Sixth St., in Lexington.
First Christian Church NA: meets Sundays at 7 p.m., Tuesdays at 8 p.m. 1206 N. Erie St., in Lexington.
Westside Group: AA/NA: open meeting on Monday and Friday nights from 7-8 p.m. Meetings are held at Grace Lutheran Church, 105 E. 17th St., Lexington, use the south door.
Women's Group: meets every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. on the second floor lounge at the Dawson County Courthouse (700 N. Washington St.)
Celebrate Recovery: Meetings at 7 p.m. on Fridays at Parkview Baptist Church’s Refuge Building (1105 Park St., Lexington) Contact: 308-324-4410.
Four Roads Group AA: meetings are held on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m., Fridays from 7-8 p.m. and Sundays from 7 p.m. at 1801 W. 18th St., in Lexington.
Grupo Lexington AA (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Saturdays from 8-9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon at 114 W. 6th St. in Lexington.
Group Nueva Vida Lexington (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. at 114 W. Eighth St., in Lexington.
Full of Grace: Meetings from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Nazarene Church at 919 H St., in Cozad.
Southview Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1804 Papio Lane in Cozad.
SMART Recovery meets at St. Peter’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, 905 East 13th St., Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m., Saturdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sumner AA Group: meets Sundays and Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m. at 205 E. Fifth Avenue, in Sumner. For more information call 308-325-5827.
Bertrand Thurs Night Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Thursdays at Hope Lutheran Church, 74094 Road 436 in Smithfield. Call 308-785-3567 or 308-472-3376.
Odie Group AA/NA: meetings at 8 p.m. on Sundays in Elwood at 501 Calvert Avenue.
Pony Express Group AA: meetings are held from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Gothenburg Evangelical Free Church (515 18th St.) in Gothenburg.
Thirsty Thursday by the Cemetery: Meetings held on Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church (2002 27th St.) in Gothenburg.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meetings are held the second Thursday each month at 2 p.m. at Lexington Regional Health Center (1201 N. Erie St., Lexington). For more information contact Dixie Menke at 308-325-5350.
Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Immunization Clinic, first and third Mondays every month: Open 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. by appointment at 931 W. Seventh St., Lexington. Previous vaccination records required. Contact 308-325-3436 or 308-325-3169.
Dawson/Gosper County CASA: seeking Volunteers. CASA Volunteers are everyday people from all walks of life, who advocate through the court system in the interests of children. Contact 308-324-7364.
News
Top Story Spotlight
Business continues as commissioners accept Richeson's resignation
Business continued as usual in the Dawson County Commissioners chambers Wednesday, July 15, despite the absence of Commissioner Joe Richeson, whose resignation was formally accepted by the board.
Richeson, a Gothenburg native, had served as a county commissioner for several years. His reason for resigning has not been publicly announced. Chairman P.J. Jacobson thanked Richeson for his service and wished him well.
The board accepted Richeson's resignation and voted 4-0 to appoint a committee to fill the vacancy. The committee consists of County Clerk Michaela Arndt, County Attorney Darlene Shafer and County Treasurer Kaitlyn Woltemath.
Arndt said an advertisement for the District 1 commissioner position will be published in the newspaper. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 12, with interviews scheduled for Aug. 18. The appointment of a new commissioner is expected Sept. 1.
Public Defender Patrick Tarr returned to the board to request approval for a U.S. Bank purchasing card after discussion on the request was postponed from the previous meeting because it was not listed on the agenda.
"We want a credit card to save money on supplies," Tarr said. "There's significant savings that can be brought about."
Tarr told commissioners some office equipment available locally was significantly more expensive than online. He said Eakes had quoted approximately $500 for desktop equipment that could be purchased online for about $200. He also said shredders and filing cabinet supplies needed by the public defender's office were available at lower prices through online retailers.
If approved, the purchasing card would allow Tarr to buy supplies through vendors such as Amazon. Jacobson said the county prefers to support local businesses whenever possible but also has a responsibility to spend taxpayer dollars wisely.
"There is a point where we have to consider that we are using taxpayer dollars," Jacobson said.
The board approved 4-0 Tarr's request and said he would be added to the county's Amazon account once the card is issued.
Highway Superintendent Mark Christiansen asked commissioners to approve a bridge inspection agreement with Oak Creek Engineering.
"Regulations are changing constantly on bridge inspections," Christiansen said. "Now you have to have two bridge inspectors. We technically can't even do our own inspections the way it is right now."
Under the agreement, Oak Creek Engineering will conduct bridge inspections using licensed inspectors. Christiansen said he is currently the county's only licensed bridge inspector, and updated regulations no longer allow him to perform inspections alone.
He said the increasing workload has become difficult to manage as more bridges move to annual inspection schedules and licensed inspectors are required to attend monthly meetings while also completing continuing education to maintain certification.
The board approved the agreement 4-0 and authorized Jacobson to sign it.
Sheriff Mark Montgomery and Deputy Sheriff Edd Albrecht reported the sheriff’s department has served several distress warrants but is still attempting to collect on others because property owners — or, in some cases, the property itself — were not present when deputies arrived.
Montgomery said he believes the situation is related to the Tyson Foods plant closure, which has caused some families to relocate.
He also reported the sheriff's department is doing well and will have a booth at the Dawson County Fair. He encouraged residents to stop by the booth and attend the pancake feed in Cozad on Sunday.
Commissioners also approved the signing of an audit engagement letter, which begins the annual audit process.
Prior to the commissioners meeting, the Dawson County Board of Equalization approved the July 1 meeting minutes, reports of damaged real property and tax list corrections.
Community
Variance application causes disagreement between council and citizen
A disagreement between citizens and city officials unfolded Tuesday night, July 14, as the Lexington City Council met as the Board of Adjustment to consider a variance application submitted by Jeanette Kraus on behalf of the Dean Martin Trust.
After a lengthy discussion, the board unanimously denied the application. Much of the debate centered on whether Kraus' request even qualified as a variance under city code.
Kraus, trustee for the Dean Martin Trust, filed the application after a windstorm damaged the support posts of two trust-owned billboards on the east side of Plum Creek Parkway, north of Days Inn motel. The signs are among several older billboards in the area and the variance was filed for both of the downed billboards.
Kraus told the board the trust wanted to rebuild the two billboards, which were blown down after high winds damaged their posts. She argued the signs should be allowed to remain because their loss creates a hardship for the small businesses that lease them.
Current city zoning regulations prohibit billboards from being located within 600 feet of one another. Rebuilding the damaged signs would violate that requirement, City Manager Joe Pepplitsch said.
Mayor John Fagot also questioned whether the signs could legally be rebuilt because of the extent of the damage. City Clerk Bill Brecks told the board the billboards were considered nonconforming because they were originally constructed less than 600 feet apart. He added that because the structures sustained damage exceeding 50%, city code would not allow them to be rebuilt.
Kraus argued the billboards should be grandfathered in because they were erected roughly 30 years before the current regulations were adopted. To support her argument, she cited a 1987 U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
"It was in 1987 that the Supreme Court, in the case of importance to local zoning officials, ruled that property owners must be compensated when new restrictions are placed, even temporarily, on the use of their land," Kraus said. "By a vote of 6 to 3, the Supreme Court said just compensation is required by the Constitution's Fifth Amendment for any taking of private property for public use, which applies to zoning laws or other regulations which impose new limits on the owner's use of land."
Fagot questioned whether the ruling applied to billboards, and several council members also questioned whether the hardship described in the application met the legal standard for granting a variance.
Kraus said the billboards are important to the trust's clients because they attract travelers from Interstate 80 to locally owned businesses.
One of the destroyed signs was leased by Bargain John's Antiques, and Kraus said the business still had a year remaining on its lease. Denying the request, she argued, would have a financial impact on the tenant.
Pepplitsch told Kraus, "You have no standing on a variance." He added that if she believed an injustice had occurred, she should consult an attorney.
Council member John Salem described the discussion that followed as "emotional" and questioned whether the board was drifting away from the issue of the variance itself.
Joni Ostrom, who said she married into the Bargain John's Antiques family and was representing the business at the meeting, told the board the damaged billboard had helped customers find the store. She argued that refusing to allow the signs to be rebuilt showed the city did not care about small businesses.
"It has nothing to do with small businesses," Pepplitsch said. "It's about the signs themselves. It's about sign regulations."
Ostrom questioned why 600 feet had to be "the magic number" for the required distance between billboards. Pepplitsch responded that the regulation was intended to prevent sign pollution.
Council member Jeremy Roberts agreed.
"I think the sign pollution piece is a valid argument," Roberts said. "Six hundred feet is what it's set at, and that's what we have to follow."
Fagot said he was concerned that allowing the two damaged signs to be rebuilt could create a precedent for additional requests, eventually resulting in what he described as "a boulevard of signs."
Roberts suggested Ostrom create or update Bargain John's Antiques' Google Maps business listing so travelers could locate the store more easily.
Before closing the public hearing, Fagot asked whether the board even needed to vote because several members questioned whether the request qualified as a variance. City Attorney Brian Copley advised that a vote was still necessary and said pursuing a variance was the proper process for the Dean Martin Trust.
Salem then moved to deny the variance, and the board unanimously approved the motion.
The council then held a public hearing on proposed updates to the city’s zoning regulations.
Pepplitsch said the city's current zoning regulations were adopted in 2014 and that most of the proposed revisions involve planning and development.
Changes include adding a definition for data centers, updating permit requirements for adult day care centers and reducing setback requirements for certain accessory structures by 5 feet.
"A lot of what we were doing wasn't fitting the metro type of development," Pepplitsch said. "We're guessing this won't be the last change we'll ever make. It's not dramatic, but we had a lot of annotations and we just wanted to clean that up."
Officials clarified that existing structures made nonconforming by the ordinance would be allowed to remain. However, if those structures were ever destroyed and rebuilt, they would have to comply with the updated regulations.
The council unanimously approved the ordinance on first reading. It will return for a second reading at a future meeting.
The council concluded the meeting by entering executive session to discuss contract negotiations. No action was taken following the closed session.
