April 8, 2026
CITY COUNCIL
April 8, 2026 Louisville, NE
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Louisville was held on April 8, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Present were Mayor Rod Petersen, Council Members Jerry McClun, Paul Pankonin, Justin Barnes, and Jamion Biesterfeld. Also, present were City Attorney Roger Johnson, Public Works Director Joel Jones and guests. Mayor Petersen stated that the Open Meetings Act is posted at the rear of the room and a copy of all meeting materials is available with the clerk.
Notice of the regular meeting was given in advance thereof by posting in three (3) public places as shown by the certificate attached to these minutes. Notice was simultaneously given to all council members. Their acknowledgement of receipt of notice and the agenda is attached to these minutes. All proceedings thereafter were taken while the convened meeting was open to the public.
Mayor Petersen called the meeting to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was said. Biesterfeld moves, McClun seconds to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Jen Rose reported for the library. Some items discussed: The library gives their thanks for starting the rehabilitation project, they will be closed for two months during construction, and after construction, they will be changing their hours to 9am to 5pm. The library would also like the city to consider certain safety measures that could be implemented.
There was no report for the Louisville Ball Parents Association.
Mark Patton, a candidate for the Lower Platte South NRD District 2, was present to discuss an organization he is part of called Cass County Our Water Our Future (CCOWOF). The organization was formed in response to the City of Lincoln’s $1.3 billion water pipeline project that would run through Cass County from the Missouri River. This pipeline is not planned to supply any Cass County residents with water, and Lincoln cannot confirm that any future connections will be possible for Cass County. CCOWOF is focused on finding a regional solution that benefits both Lincoln and Cass County, while remaining as transparent as possible. Information can be found on their website and social media.
Josh Charvat from Cass County Economic Development Council gave an organizational update. Their board has shrunk is size, and they will be holding an investor’s meeting soon.
Dave Wedekind was present to share his plan for a subdivision South of Cherry and Main Streets. The project would produce 37 lots with houses estimated to range in price from $450,000 to $600,000. Tax Increment Financing was discussed, but it is not popular with residents at this time. Mr. Wedekind will consider the feedback and return should he pursue a preliminary plat.
Joel Jones presented a plan to change the intersections of 2nd and Main Streets and 3rd and Main Streets to four-way stops. With the drastic increase in construction in and around town for the foreseeable future, concerns have been raised about non-local traffic using Main Street as a “shortcut” to avoid the Highway 50 Viaduct bridge redecking. The Main Street crosswalks are vital routes for residents and children that need to access the West side of town and the risk of traffic accidents will increase with drivers who may be unfamiliar with Louisville. The goal is to slow drivers down and deter them from attempting to beat the traffic from the lane closure on the highway, which makes the crossings safer and keeps the flow of vehicles moving. Council would like to see those two intersections as four way stops, and they proposed the addition of a traditional two way stop at 5th and Main Streets rather than the special right turn exception that is currently there. Mr. Jones will gather the materials necessary.
Joel Jones presented the plan for a temporary sidewalk from 4th and Walnut Streets to 5th and Maple Streets to maintain ADA standards during construction of the 5th Street bridge. This is a required accommodation by the state and the solution presented is the quickest and most cost effective of the options given to the City. After some discussion, Mr. Jones will notify the necessary parties of the building of the temporary sidewalks using barricades along 4th Street from Walnut to Maple Streets, and down Maple St from 4th to 5th Streets.
Council would like to see different bond options for the water and wastewater upgrades, as well as the Eastwood Culvert construction. The clerk will contact the bond company to request options at $250,000 and $300,000 to present for decision.
A letter will be sent to all Main Street businesses requesting their help in an initiative to beautify Main Street. There are handful of buildings needing improvements, some that are not conforming to the zoning uses in the area, and some that seem empty. The city would like to pursue the establishment of a Creative District that will show off the different retailers and services provided in town.
A property at 422 Maple Street had a lien placed on it for cleanup work performed by city crew, and it was recently foreclosed upon, effectively voiding the lien.
The Southridge turnaround is being replated and the lot is listed for sale by Terri Scholting, a local realtor.
The possible relocation and refurbishment of the Louisville State Champion sign will be postponed until Joel Jones returns from his absence next year.
Joel Jones reported for Streets/Water/Wastewater. Mr. Jones has prepared city staff and projects contacts for his absence, and he feels confident in Public Works Foreman Joshua Magee’s leadership in his absence.
Written sheriff, fire, and rescue reports were circulated. The clerk will contact Cass County Sheriff’s Office to request heightened police presence in the area as construction projects increase traffic through town.
An internal audit was conducted verifying checks to invoices by the council members.
McClun moves, Barnes seconds to approve Resolution 2026-03; A resolution to publish for sale the 700XS Acrow Panel bridge, also known as the 6th St bridge. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Mayor Petersen adjourned the meeting at 9:01 pm.
I, the undersigned clerk, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the proceedings had and done by the Mayor and City Council of Louisville. To the best of my knowledge, the agenda was kept continually current and available for public inspection; and the minutes were in written form and available for public inspection within 10 working days. The minutes are published in summary form. Upon request a complete copy is available at City Hall.
Tava Tomanek-Powell, City Clerk