Planning Commission Minutes – August 3, 2026
CITY OF LOUISVILLE
PLANNING COMMISSION
August 3, 2026 Louisville, NE
The Louisville Planning Commission meeting was held on August 3, 2026 at the Louisville City Hall. Members present were Mandy Wetterberg, Colby Johnson, Andy Mixan, and Ben Barenz. Jim Ryan and Jason McClun were absent. Pro-tem Chairwoman Wetterberg stated that a copy of the open meetings act is available at the front desk for review.
Barenz moves, Mixan seconds to approve the minutes of the June 30, 2026 meeting. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote of those attending.
Mixan moves, Barenz seconds to open the public hearing at 6:01 p.m. to hear support, opposition, criticism, suggestions, or observations for the application to amend the Light Industrial zoning regulations to include ‘E-Bike Track’ as a permitted or conditional permitted use. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote of those attending. Susan Lafayette expressed concerns about the difference between e-bikes and e-motos, the latter being more comparable to dirtbikes in build and speed, increased traffic at unusual hours since the promotion of the track, and the lack of infrastructure such as proper streets and parking. Several audience members brought up questions regarding noise levels and safety measures. Mike Kastens and several others spoke about the use of social media to promote the track before steps were taken to bring it into compliance. The clerk advised that the application for zoning amendment had been withdrawn, so the e-bike track business was no longer being pursued at the moment, but the sales and servicing business would be operational on a different parcel. Barenz moves, Johnson seconds to close the public hearing at 6:35 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote of those attending.
Planning Commission was informed of a joint workshop with City Council to review the Comprehensive Plan and discuss a Future Use Plan as the city starts to experience more development. The workshop is tentatively set for September 23rd, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Planning Commission discussed amending the zoning regulations regarding lighted wall signs in the Light Industrial district. Lighted signs are currently not allowed in the zoning, but it has come to light that many businesses have installed them in the past, and when a new business inquired about installing a lighted sign, they were informed of the prohibition of such signs in their zoning. Planning Commission agreed that the restriction didn’t seem to fit the area and the clerk will organize the required hearings to amend the sign regulations for Light Industrial.
The Comprehensive Plan Section 4 was reviewed and members pointed out that new subdivisions have been built since the plan was written, new roads have been constructed, and the Highway 66 Bypass has since turned into the Highway 66 Connection. Louisville Public Schools has also begun a large addition that will change the landscape of the area of town its in, and the commission would like to see neighborhood connections emphasized in further development as there are neighborhoods in town that aren’t well connected to other residential zones.
Mixan moves, Johnson seconds to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote of those attending.
Tava Tomanek-Powell, City Clerk