Check out these upcoming events at Crete Public Library. Specific age groups or pre-registration details may be noted. Recurring event schedules may be altered due to holidays.) Contact library staff for more information. (Click the gallery for more images)

View/Download the latest library calendar pdf 

Upcoming Programs:

• VITA Program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), starting Jan. 31: Call the library to schedule an appointment for free tax preparation from volunteers hosted at the library.
• Adult Craft Night - Watercolor Postcards, Wednesday, March 11, 5:30 p.m. Registration required - contact the library.
• 3D Printer Class, Thursday, March 12, 5:30 p.m. Receive free training on the library's 3D printer, then schedule an appointment to make your creations. Contact the library to register.
• Library Tech Club, Wednesday, March 18, 2 - 4: p.m. Bring your device and let staff guide you through questions and answers.
• Adult Puzzle Race at the 1206 (1206 Main Ave), Wednesday, March 18, 5:30 p.m. Ages 21 and over event with a large single-topping Casey's pizza for each team. Teams of four must call the library to register. This is a State Fair qualifying event.
• Adult Craft Night - Polymer Clay Jewelry, Wednesday, April 1, 5:30 p.m. Call the library to reserve your spot - space is limited.
• Touch-A-Truck, Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the library, Kids and kids at heart can explore a variety of City of Crete vehicles up close - from fire and police vehicles to street sweepers and snowplows.

Recurring events:

• Brush and Bloom, Mondays through April, 10-11 a.m. Open to all moms, no matter what stage of the journey you're in for a relaxing hour of art, conversation, and connection with other moms—no art skills (or clean shirts) required. Little ones are always welcome, feel free to bring your baby, toddler, or stroller crew along.
• Maker Monday, first and third Mondays of the month (Sept. - April) Stop in and grab a to-go activity kit with everything you need (plus easy instructions) to make something fun at home. New kits drop the first and third Mondays of each month. Quantities are limited.
• Teen Nights, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. For teens ages 12-17. Each week, teens can drop in for a variety of fun activities—movies, crafts, science nights, game nights, and more! Come hang out, try something new, and connect with friends. No registration or sign-up required. 
• Chair Yoga Classes, 8-week session on Wednesdays, starting Feb. 4, 9 a.m. Chair Yoga for ages 55 and over is designed to improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation. $2 per class, to register, call the library at 402-826-3809.
• All Ages Chess Club, Wednesdays at 4 p.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome—whether you’re a beginner just learning the moves or an experienced player looking for a good match. Two of our chess-loving librarians will be there to teach, play, and share the fun.
• Story Times start in September for the school year (schedule may be adjusted for holidays): Toddlers (ages 0-2) on Wednesdays and Preschool (ages 3-5) on Thursdays; both at 10 a.m.

Check out the library's book clubs:

• Thursday night Murder Club, Flights of Fantasy, Timeless Tales, Whispered Pages (silent book club)

Volunteers wanted:

• The library is looking for dedicated volunteers who want to make a difference in the community. Learn more...

Current library hours:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• (Monday-Friday - Drive-thru window opens 8:30 a.m.)
• Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Crete Public Library
1515 Forest Ave.
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.3809
crete.library@crete.ne.gov

Registration forms and waivers are available during the registration dates below on RecDesk or at the Parks and Recreation office at City Hall. Participants must also have a current liability waiver signed. No late registrations will be accepted.

Registration and Coaching Notes - Sibling discount, fee waiver for parent coaches, coach registration: 

• Sibling discounts and parent coach fee waivers must be applied during program registration and will NOT be issued as a refund.
• Sibling discounts: You must pay the full registration cost for the first participant and select the sibling discount for additional siblings only.
• Parent Coach fee waiver: You must commit to coaching the activity in which your child is enrolled.
  • Contact our Recreation Coordinator BEFORE completing registration and checkout so they can complete the participant registration process with parent coach fee waiver. Please email Dan Dunaway at dan.dunaway@crete.ne.gov with the name, date of birth, grade level, and t-shirt size of your child or children.
• Coach registration/application information is available on RecDesk

Program Note - Coach contact: Participants who are not contacted by their coach by the week prior to the first game, please call the Parks and Recreation Office at City Hall, 402.826.4315, to be connected to your team.

Youth Soccer Registration open Jan. 26 - Feb. 27: 

The Youth Soccer program offers divisions for boys and girls in grades 1st & 2nd, 3rd & 4th, and 5th & 6th. Teams will play on Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. starting March 15 at Armory Park. (Dates: March 15, 22, 29 and April 12) Cost: $50

• coaching applications due Feb. 25

Micro Soccer Registration open Feb. 9 - March 13:

The Micro Soccer program offers divisions for boys and girls ages 3 & 4 and 5 & 6. Teams will play on Wednesday evenings starting April 1 at Rotary Park. (Dates: April 1, 8, 15, 22) Cost: $30

• coaching applications due March 11

City of Crete
Liz Cody, Parks & Recreation Director 
Dan Dunaway, Recreation Coordinator 

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Phone: 402.826.4315
Fax: 402.826.6412
liz.cody@crete.ne.gov
dan.dunaway@crete.ne.gov

A City of Crete permit is needed to move snow in city right-of-way. Current permits are issued to applicants for the winter season, 2025-2026.

Find this permit online in the Forms and Documents section or at the City Hall Utility Office; completed forms should be returned to the Utility Office, with a ground floor entrance on the south side of City Hall.

Residents and commercial operators should also note it is against city code to push snow off private property onto city right-of-way. Citations can be issued.

Find more information in the Winter Weather Guide. Contact the Public Works Utility Office with questions, 402.826.4312.

City of Crete
Departments of Public Works
Solid Waste Department
& No-Sort Recycling Program

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Public Works: 402.826.4312
Waste Connections 1.800.322.4272 or 402.643.2054

New in 2026: Recycling collection is every other Thursday. 

• Upcoming recycling collections days: March 5 and 19, April 2, 16, and 30, May 14 and 28, June 11 and 25, July 9 and 23;
• Waste Collections crews switched out old recycling totes for new, 96-gallon blue totes with green lids. If residents do not have a new tote or the old tote was not picked up, please call Public Works, 402-826-4312, or Waste Connections, 402-643-2054.

The City of Crete's weekly garbage collection and every other Thursday no-sort recycling collection provided to Crete residents by The Garbage Company-Waste Connections. Charges are included on utility bills. Single or multiple garbage totes are provided; a residential recycling tote is provided free of charge. With the No-Sort Recycling Program customers are not required to sort recyclable items before putting them in the tote. (Please see list of accepted items). The Garbage Company offers an optional yard service from April 1 to Nov. 30 for the disposal of yard waste. 

• Roll-off dumpster and container rental: Contact Waste Connections at the number above about renting roll-off containers for delivery to residential or commercial work sites within the City of Crete.
• Large garbage items and yard waste: The Transfer Station/Landfill on North Boswell is open twice a week for disposal of larger loads of household trash and large garbage items (all for a fee) or free disposal of yard waste and metal/iron. Recyclable items can be taken to the Transfer Station, for a fee. View more Transfer Station information.
• Curbside items: Residents who wish to offer furniture and other items that someone may want are allowed to leave it near the curb for 24 hours; after that, items need to be removed. Fines may be assessed for items left over 24 hours.
• City of Crete Annual Spring Cleanup: The Departments of Public Works holds the annual Spring Cleanup the first week of May, with Transfer Station coupons, major appliance curbside pick-up, downtown cleanup day, and Pinnacle Bank community shred event.
• Household Hazardous Materials and Electronics Collections: Other local and area agencies sponsor collections of these materials on an annual basis, typically in the spring or fall. The City will share information when it is received.

Regular Collection Schedules:

• Garbage collection is weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays (depending on address)
  • Go to the online map and select the Layers tab at left and view 'Trash Collection' or view pdf map 
• Recycling Collection is every other Thursday for all areas (new schedule in 2026)
  • Crete Residential Recycling schedule 2026 - Waste Collections (pdf) 
  • Recycling Collection Days are noted on the city's online calendar 
• Waste Connections is closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
  • On Thanksgiving Day and if New Year's Day and Christmas Day occur on Monday - Friday, trash/recycling collection will run one (1) day behind AFTER the holiday; (no change in pickup if New Year's and Christmas Day fall on Saturday/Sunday)
• On collection day or the night before, totes should be placed next to the curb, not blocking the sidewalk and away from other obstacles such as posts or vehicles. On any day not scheduled for pickup, totes should be stored adjacent to the residence and not in front yards or at the street. Fines may be assessed for containers left at the curb.
  • View tips on garbage/recycling tote placement 

Accepted Recyclable Items:

Garbage Collection Rates:

• Residential Rates - monthly (recycling tote included): 
  • Single Garbage Tote  $20.50
  • Seasonal Yard Waste  $12.00
• Commercial Garbage and Recycling Rates: Contact Waste Connections directly at 1.800.322.4272 for service and rates on totes, dumpsters, and frequency of weekly collections. Or View the Master Fee Schedule
• More information on Utility Billing and Payments...

Roll-off dumpsters and containers: Contact Waste Connections at the number above about renting roll-off containers for delivery to residential or commercial work sites within the City of Crete.

Next year’s Crete Reads is already taking shape. The library is pleased to share our list of 10 books under consideration for Crete Reads 2026. The titles span a range of genres—take a look and see which stories catch your interest! You can vote for your favorite book at https://bit.ly/CreteReads2026

1. Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe
2. The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
3. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
4. Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey
5. The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey
6. Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Lisa Unger
7. The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
8. The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin
9. Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett
10. How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

Voting Stages

• Round 1: January 2 to February 15
• Round 2: February 16 to March 15
• Semifinals: March 16 to April 5
• Finals: April 6 to May 4

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe (Contemporary)

From New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe comes her highly anticipated Where the Rivers Merge, the first of two epic and triumphant novels celebrating one intrepid woman's life across multiple generations in the American South.

The Astral Library by Kate Quinn (Fantasy & Historical)

From New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn comes a gorgeously written fantastical adventure that poses the question: Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Welcome to the Astral Library, where books are not just objects, but doors to new worlds, new lives, and new futures.

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner (Historical & Magical Realism)

In 1791 London, Nella, a once-respected apothecary, secretly sells poisons to women seeking freedom from oppressive men, carefully recording each transaction in her hidden register. Her world is upended when a curious twelve-year-old, Eliza Fanning, becomes entangled in her dangerous trade. Centuries later, modern-day historian Caroline Parcewell discovers an old apothecary vial and begins unraveling the mystery of the long-forgotten “apothecary murders,” uncovering a powerful connection between her own life and the women of the past.

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey (Romance)

In Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey, free-spirited gardener Hallie Welch is hired to revamp the gardens at the Vos family winery—home to her teenage crush, Julian Vos. Years after their almost-kiss, Hallie’s chaotic charm collides with Julian’s rigid, professor-like order, creating instant tension and undeniable chemistry. When Hallie drunkenly leaves Julian a secret admirer letter, their worlds intertwine even more. As Julian tries to focus on writing his novel, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Hallie, the woman who’s bringing color—and chaos—back into his carefully controlled life.

The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey (Romance & Historical)

This “masterfully woven…literary home run” ( New York Journal of Books ) follows four women across generations, bound by a beautiful wedding veil and a connection to the famous Vanderbilt family from the New York Times bestselling author of the Peachtree Bluff series.

Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Lisa Unger (Suspense)

In this high-stakes thriller, extreme adventurer Maverick Dillan’s invitation to a daring game of hide-and-seek on Falcao Island turns deadly when a storm traps the players and a hidden threat begins hunting them. Among the contestants is Adele, a single mother fighting to survive and return to her children. As the game devolves into a brutal struggle for life, Adele must navigate deception, danger, and the thin line between reality and performance—discovering that survival may depend on trusting no one but herself.

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren (Romance)

Felicity “Fizzy” Chen, a successful romance novelist, realizes she’s never actually experienced true love despite writing about it for years. Meanwhile, documentary filmmaker and single father Connor Prince is tasked with creating a reality dating show to save his job. When he meets Fizzy, she reluctantly agrees to star—on her own terms. As The True Love Experiment unfolds, both discover that real love might not be scripted after all, and Fizzy’s long-awaited happily ever after could be closer than she imagined.

The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin (Contemporary)

The Music of Bees follows three lonely people in rural Oregon—Alice, a grieving widow and beekeeper; Jake, a rebellious paraplegic teen; and Harry, a socially anxious young man—whose lives unexpectedly intertwine on Alice’s honeybee farm. As they form a healing friendship and confront a pesticide company threatening the local bees, they discover resilience, purpose, and the power of starting over. This heartwarming debut explores grief, connection, and second chances.

Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (Magical Realism)

Unlikely Animals follows Emma Starling, a once-promising healer who returns to her New Hampshire hometown to care for her dying, hallucinatory father amid the town’s opioid crisis. As Emma grapples with family tensions and her own lost dreams, she becomes drawn into the mystery of her missing childhood friend—whom no one else seems willing to search for. Blending humor, heartbreak, and a touch of the supernatural, the novel explores family, forgiveness, and the unexpected ways healing can take shape.

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood (Contemporary)

How to Read a Book follows three people whose lives unexpectedly intertwine in a Portland bookstore: Violet, a young woman recently released from prison after a fatal accident; Harriet, a retired teacher struggling with loneliness; and Frank, the grieving husband of Violet’s victim. Through their unlikely connection and the shared love of books, they each find forgiveness, redemption, and the courage to begin again.

Crete Reads is a community-wide, year-long series of events, activities, and learning opportunities related to the content and themes of one book chosen by the public. Community members are encouraged to read the book and participate in programming centered around themes of the book throughout the year.

There are two main goals for Crete Reads: 1) encourage reading among people of all ages; and 2) bring the community together through a shared, common experience. Multiple copies of each year's selected book will be available at the library in a variety of formats: regular print, large print, Spanish, AudioBook, eBook, and eAudioBook. If a book club would like multiple copies, contact the library and staff can reserve them.

Previous Crete Reads! Selections:

2025: God of the Woods by Liz Moore

2024: No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister

2023: The Orphan Collector by Ellen Marie Wiseman

2022: This Tender Land by WIlliam Kent Krueger

2021: News of the World by Paulette Jiles

Crete Public Library
1515 Forest Ave.
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.3809
librarystaff@crete.ne.gov

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.

• Questions about agendas or meeting minutes should be directed to the City Clerk.
• Meeting minutes are published in The Crete News (local newspaper)
• Each regular city council meeting agenda also contains the minutes of recent council, committee, and board meetings

The next Crete City Council regular meeting will be on Tuesday, March 3

Condensed Minutes for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, Feb. 17:

View this Meeting Agenda and attachments, entire copy of minutes available at the office of the City Clerk. 

Mayor Dave Bauer called the meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 p.m.  Answering roll call were the following Council Members:  Crisman, Strehle, Papik and Fitzgerald Absent: Ashley Newmyer and Kyle Frans 

The following actions were taken at the meeting:

Approved the Consent Agenda items: Unanimous

• Meeting Minutes: February 3 City Council, February 3 Public Works Committee, February 3 Finance Committee  
• Treasurer’s Report 
• Claims against the City $575,375.75

Approved the BNSF Railway Company Supplemental Agreement No. BN-256 Project No.: RRX-76(51). Unanimous 

Approved the Amendment No 2 To Task Order 240578. Unanimous 

Approved the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,639.56. Crisman: Aye, Strehle: Aye, Fitzgerald: Aye, Bauer: Aye, Abstained: Papik

Tabled Ordinance 2266 Amending 2-1514 Dead or hazardous tree removal. Unanimous 

Approved the Engineer's recommendation for the hangar project to Publish the Notice JEO will be providing. Unanimous 

Approved to authorize the City of Crete to apply for the The U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. Unanimous 

Enacted Ordinance 2268 amending sewer and water deposits. Unanimous 

Approved the Zuercher Addendum#3 Extending The Expiration Date For The Interlocal Agreement. Unanimous 

Approved the Application for a Permit to Occupy City of Crete Right-of-Way from Justin Truong with Black Hills Energy at W 12th & Arizona-extending roughly 275' East of Arizona. Unanimous

Approved the Application for a Permit to Occupy City of Crete Right-of-Way from Justin Truong with Black Hills Energy at Alley between Juniper and Ivy from 7th Street to 10th Street. Unanimous 

 Approved the Application for a Permit to Occupy City of Crete Right-of-Way from Justin Truong with Black Hills Energy Between 13th & 14th St and Boswell & Hawthorne Ave. Unanimous 

 Approved the Application for a Permit to Occupy City of Crete Right-of-Way from Justin Truong with Black Hills Energy at Alley between 13th/12th St and Juniper/Boswell Ave. Unanimous 

Officers’ Reports

• Chief of Police Gary Young stated the following:
  • Officer Noah Zach has been awarded the Nebraska American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. The Crete Police Department has had two previous winners one of them being a national winner. Zach’s name will be forwarded for regional consideration, if chosen then national consideration. Having three officers’ awarded in a small department is great is and their actions speak for themselves. The Department is very proud of Officer Zach. 
• Library Director Jessica Wilkinson stated the following:
  • The Crete Public Library was granted a gift from the Carnegie Foundation in the amount of $10,000. Some of those funds will be used for more storage in library. 
  • The Nebraska Library Commission awarded the Library a $1,000 internship award. Will be going through the hiring process to hire an intern for the summer.    
  • $1,000 Youth Grant was awarded and Youth Services Librarian Maridza Vasquez will be purchasing more items for the Library of Things. 
  • $500.00 grant was awarded for continuing education and Librarian Zoraida Ramos will be attending the American Library Association Conference in Chicago. 
  • Touch A Truck Event will be on April 25. 
• Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody stated the following:
  • Met with Crete Public Schools fourth graders for a mystery reader event about Nebraska Pilot and national hero Jack Knight. Debuted a City of Crete paper plane. 
  • Food Bank of Lincoln will be at Tuxedo Park on February 26. 
  • Youth Soccer registration is open until February 27 and Micro Soccer is open until March 13. 
  • Still in need of youth soccer coaches and referees. 
  • Doane University students looking for volunteer opportunities. Cody thanked the Doane University Football Coach for his help. 
• Building Inspector Trent Griffin provided the January Permit Log and stated there were about 20 permits taken out. 
• City Council member Tom Crisman asked City Administrator Tom Ourada if the tar pot is running and Ourada stated that yes, it is. 
• City Council member Dale Strehle stated that the Runzas that he provided were a thank you to everyone for their work and effort. 
• City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • Thanked Strehle for the Runzas 
  • The northside paving project has commenced. Trees removal is moving along fast. 
  • Will be meeting with Dr. Sarah Brown. 
  • City Staff has been working really hard on grants. 
  • Partnering with Burlington Northern Santa Fe on applying for two grants, including the BUILD Grant just approved. 
  • The tar pot is working. They would ordinarily be using it but there was a water main rupture that happened on 9^th street and Boswell Ave. It took out half a block of paving on 9^th street. The Street Department has been working there. 
• Mayor Dave Bauer thanked the employees that worked on that. Ourada added that the Tuesday before at the City Council meeting it was approved to move one of those employee positions to salary. He then spent all night working on that water main rupture. Ourada stated that he will be allowed consideration for those hours worked. 

The meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.

Condensed Minutes for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, Feb. 3:

View this Meeting Agenda and attachments, entire copy of minutes available at the office of the City Clerk. 

Mayor Dave Bauer called the meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 p.m.  Answering roll call were the following Council Members:  Crisman, Frans, Papik and Fitzgerald Absent: Ashley Newmyer and Dale Strehle 

The following actions were taken at the meeting:

Approved the Consent Agenda items: Unanimous

• Meeting Minutes: January 20 City Council, January 20 Public Works Committee , January 20 Finance Committee, January 20, Legislative/Development Committee, January 20 Public Safety Committee 
• Treasurer’s Report 
• Claims against the City $1,423,842.36

Adjourned City Council to a meeting of the Community Development Agency (CDA). Unanimous 

• Adopted Resolution 2026-01 Second Amendment to Redevelopment Agreement to Redevelopment Agreement Cardinal Ventures Redevelopment Project. Unanimous 

Adjourned the Community Development Agency (CDA) to the City Council. Unanimous 

Enacted Ordinance 2265 Amending Section 5-402 of Bureau of violations process. Unanimous 

Tabled Ordinance 2266 Amending 2-1514 Dead or hazardous tree removal. Unanimous 

Approved Zuercher Addendum#2 Adding The City of David City, The City of Crete, and Butler County 911 As Parties to The Interlocal Agreement. Unanimous 

Held Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the proposed one and six-year Street Improvement Plan. Unanimous 

Approved the one and six-year Street Improvement Plan. Unanimous 

Enacted Ordinance 2267 Amending Salaries and Wages in Ordinance 2257 and 2263. Unanimous 

Approved to authorize the Crete Volunteer Fire Department to apply for a donation from Pinnacle Bank's foundation for the possible Rescue Truck replacement. Unanimous 

Approved the CDBG Grant No.24PWI004 Letter for Contract Amendment Request. Unanimous 

Accepted of Pine Ridge 3rd addition improvements and dedication pending City Engineer’s final approval. Voting Aye: Crisman, Frans, Papik, Mayor Dave Bauer, Abstained: Fitzgerald 

Approved the Dorchester Crete Agreement for Electrical Services. Unanimous 

Approved to amend the Master Fee Schedule. Unanimous 

Officers’ Reports 

• Chief of Police Gary Young stated the following:
  • Human Resource Coordinator Jody Fiehtner and Civil Service Commission member Sarah Brown are helping on Saturday, February 7^th, 2026 there will be testing of candidates for the hiring of Police Officers. Then on Saturday, February 21^st there will be additional candidates being tested. 
  • Council member Tom Crisman asked how many Police Officers need to be hired and Young stated two officers. 
  • Council member Anthony Fitzgerald asked Young about cruiser replacement. Young stated that the department has allotted for one this year and he is working on the quote for that one. Fitzgerald added that Ram has changed their manufactures warranty and he has seen Ram 1500 fitted as Police trucks. Young stated that that has not been explored due to size and fuel economy. Ourada stated that it is worth taking a look. 
• Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody stated the following: 
  • Youth soccer registration open until Feb. 27 2026 and the fee is now $50. Micro soccer opens Feb. 9 2026 and the fee is $30.
  • Coach waiver, sibling discount & Doane Equity Registration Assistance.  
  • Added duties at city park & tree related activities. A Parks and Rec Groundskeeper position is open. 
  • Submitted final fund request for $21,064 for our 2024 IRA UCF grant for completion of tree removal, tree planting and tree care, and tree inventory and tree management plan efforts. These have significantly benefited in ongoing planning for the next 3 years of tree work. Completed all grant activities and spent down the full $24,855 awarded.
  • Two UNL students will begin forestry activities in Crete as volunteers as part of UNL’s urban forestry program. 
  • Council member Anthony Fitzgerald asked if the City is able to keep that person that will be hired if grant funds are not in the picture down the road in five years. City Administrator Tom Ourada stated grants are our new reality and over half of this new person’s time will be grant funded over the next three years. There are no guarantees but this person knows they have a landing spot for the next three years. More grants in park and rec will be required to accomplish what we need to accomplish. Ourada added that he spoke to Mayor Bauer and this position would replace a couple part-time park and rec positions
• City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • The weather hasn’t been horribly bad but it has been really cold and the City has bought four tanker loads of diesel fuel and burned through all of it. We burned 26,000 gallons and ran for 66 hours over the last week or so and generated at 406,000 kilowatt hours. All of that was because Southwest Power Pool who we are a member of was requiring additional energy because of their renewables going offline. 
  • Our lease rate went up $0.50 per kilowatt hour per month per year for our lease generation. That’s an extra $36,000 per year. That benefited us to an extend since we get reimbursed for our generation efforts. This was a new break in for our new person that the City hired from NPPD. He got to see first hand how we went round clock on operation. Gordon Bridges did some of it and Tyler Schmidt did some of it and they both did very well. 
  • Ourada explained that the Board of Adjustments can’t proceed with the variance they were consider at this time because there are unresolved floodplain issues. The floodplain issues have to be addressed first. The City Council does not have any control over floodplain. Only FEMA can grant that. There has to be a FEMA resolution before other issues can be addressed. The meeting that was scheduled for February 12^th, 2026 will not be canceled until sometime in the future. 
  • Ourada stated that with the north side and alley paving the contractor came in over a week ago and stated they wanted to start taking trees out. Ourada reminded them that the contract says June 1^st, 2026 and April for tree removals. They have to remove trees by April 30^th, 2026 and Ourada stated a pre-construction meeting needs to take place and the public engagement has to be done. The contractor is responsible for notifications. They have not done that and they stated they marked some trees. Ourada stated that people were really upset having people on their property. The end result is that we did have a pre-construction meeting and the guidelines are clear they have a notice to proceed for next week and with the community engagement with the contractor and engineer. The engineer is going to do a change order since they are doing some of it. We are good to go with that. Ourada stated that he asked Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody to weigh in on some of the trees and there was one tree that was top tree in the United States and had protected status that is significant. 
  • The first Burlington Northern grant for a feasibility study will be submitted this week. We are applying for $1.1 Million in funds with a 10% match. 
  • The BUILD grant will be due at the end of the month. We will be applying for preliminary design and quiet zone. 
  • Ourada reminded that incumbents have until February 15^th, 2026 to file for office. There are four incumbents in here. 
  • Council member Tom Crisman asked City Administrator how many crossings are in the quiet zone and Ourada stated that there are between seven and nine depending on the limits. Ourada stated that the RTSD is a county wide function. 
• Mayor Dave Bauer stated that the Mayor’s Chili Feed is on Wednesday, February 11^th, 2026 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the College Heights Country Club. 

The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.