City Council Approves Agenda Policy After Lengthy Debate

The Bellevue City Council unanimously approved a policy change on July 21 that gives council members a more direct path for placing proposed ordinances, resolutions and other matters on future council agendas.

Under the amended policy, a proposal submitted by one council member and supported by a second council member must undergo administrative, legal, financial and departmental review. Even if city staff recommends against the proposal, the sponsoring council members may still request that it be placed on the council agenda for public discussion and a vote.

Councilman Thomas Burns said the change reinforces the council’s role as Bellevue’s legislative body and prevents a city administrator from becoming the sole gatekeeper for council proposals. He emphasized that the measure was not directed at the current city administration but was intended to protect the council’s authority under future administrations.

Several council members debated whether the change was necessary because they had not experienced problems getting matters considered under the existing system. Councilwoman Kathy Welch expressed concern that the new procedure could allow poorly developed or financially impractical proposals to reach the agenda. She also questioned whether proposals rejected by legal, financial or administrative staff should automatically proceed to public consideration.

Supporters said the policy contains several safeguards. A proposal must have support from at least two council members, receive review from the appropriate city departments and ultimately win approval from a majority of the council. Councilman Don Preister said the change reflects the separation of powers by ensuring elected legislators have the ability to introduce legislation.

The council ultimately approved the policy amendment unanimously.

In other business, the council approved Bellevue’s 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant action plan and a budget of up to $307,019. Representatives of the Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership discussed plans to redevelop Bellevue’s former library building into a significantly larger food pantry and community resource center.

The planned facility would expand the pantry from approximately 1,052 square feet to 21,500 square feet and include a 3,000-square-foot client-choice store, meeting rooms, showers and space that could be used to distribute supplies during community emergencies. Grant funding would help replace and add concrete around the building and improve exterior lighting.

The council also approved an ordinance prohibiting off-road recreational vehicles on Bellevue streets, alleys, sidewalks, trails, bikeways and other public property, subject to listed exceptions. This ordinance was part of a lengthy debate at the council’s earlier meeting in July.

Council members approved the rezoning and preliminary plat for Quail Crossing near South 45th Street and Highway 370 for single- or multifamily residential development. Other approved expenditures included up to $28,501 for a replacement wash-bay garage door, $39,650 for renovations to the Haworth Park north and south ballfields and up to $20,000 for a new employee wellness program through Navigate Wellness.

The council’s next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Aug. 4, an earlier start time because of National Night Out activities.