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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
March 31, 2026 - 7:00 PM
Public Hearing – 6:30 PM
City Council Chambers 400 East Military, Fremont NE
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Sookram called the
Regular City Meeting to order and stated that a copy of the open meeting law is posted continually
for public inspection located near the entrance door by the agendas.
ROLL CALL Roll call showed Councilmembers Ganem, Lathrop, Vaughan, Marsh, Jensen,
Horner, Peterson present. Von Behren Absent. 7 Members present. 1 Member absent.
MAYOR COMMENTS: There will be no discussion from the Council or the public regarding
comments made by the Mayor. Should anyone have questions regarding the comments, please
contact the Mayor after the meeting
1. Motion to adopt agenda for the March 31, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Motion
made by Horner, seconded by Jensen to adopt the agenda for the March 31, 2026
Regular City Council Meeting. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh,
Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0.
APPOINTMENTS:
2. Resolution 2025-068 accepting and approving the reappointment by the Mayor of
the members of the Port Authority Board of Commissioners whose terms expire
April of 2026 Motion made by Vaughan, seconded by Horner accepting and approving
the reappointment by the Mayor of the members of the Port Authority Board of
Commissioners whose terms expire April of 2026. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan,
Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Motion to consent to the Mayor’s appointment of Jasmine De Luna to the Business
Improvement District #1 Motion made by Ganem, seconded by Jensen to consent to the
Mayor's appointment of Jasmine De Luna to the Business Improvement District #1. Voting
Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren.
Motion carried 7-0.
4. Motion to consent to the Mayor’s reappointment of Lisa Leonard to the Dangerous
Animal Appeals Commission Motion made by Horner, seconded by Ganem to consent
to the Mayor's reappointment of Lisa Leonard to the Dangerous Animal Appeals
Commission. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson.
Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0.

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5. Motion to consent to the Mayor’s appointment of Dan Witthuhn and reappointment
of Mark Coulter, Juan Garcia and Clayton Timperley and removal of Scott Brown
from the Building Code Advisory and Appeals Board Motion made by Lathrop,
seconded by Marsh to consent to the Mayor’s appointment of Dan Witthuhn and
reappointment of Mark Coulter, Juan Garcia and Clayton Timperley to the Building Code
Advisory and Appeals Board and removal of Scott Brown from the Building Code Advisory
and Appeals Board. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner,
Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
6. Resolution 2026-067 making a recommendation for a Class C liquor license
application of Debbie Fortner, new owner of Dugout Bar at 239 E 6th St Mayor
Sookram opened the public hearing, after receiving no public comments, Mayor Sookram
closed the public hearing. Motion made by Horner, seconded by Marsh to make no
recommendation on a Class C liquor license application of Dugout Bar at 239 E 6th
St. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Voting Nay: Vaughan.
Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 6-1.
7. Motion to authorize the Mayor to sign form 50G for the Dugout Bar for Satellite Keno
Operations Mayor Sookram opened the public hearing; after receiving no public
comments, Mayor Sookram closed the public hearing. Motion made by Jensen, seconded
by Horner to authorize the Mayor to sign Form 50G for the Dugout Bar Satellite Keno
Operations. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson.
Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0.
8. Resolution 2026-085 authorizing a conditional use permit allow an Institutional
Residential for more than eight occupants at 749 E. 32nd St Motion made by Jensen,
seconded by Ganem to continue Resolution 2026-085 to the May 12, 2026 City Council
meeting. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson.
Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0.
9. Resolution 2026-087 approving a Conditional Use Permit to allow an Indoor
Recreation (Boxing/Fitness Club) at 346 S. Broad St, Fremont, Dodge County,
Nebraska Operations Mayor Sookram opened the public hearing; after receiving no
public comments, Mayor Sookram closed the public hearing. Motion made by Horner,
seconded by Ganem to approve a Conditional Use Permit to allow an Indoor Recreation
(Boxing/Fitness Club) at 346 S. Broad St, Fremont, Dodge County, Nebraska. Voting Yea:
Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren.
Motion carried 7-0.
10. Ordinance 5739 Change of zone from AG – Agricultural to LI – Light Industrial
District on property generally located at PT TL 20 2.48A Sec 35-18-8 (First Reading –
Request to suspend rules and hold final reading) Operations Mayor Sookram opened
the public hearing; after receiving no public comments, Mayor Sookram closed the public
hearing. Motion made by Horner, seconded by Lathrop to hold first reading of
Ordinance 5739 for a change of zone from AG – Agricultural to LI – Light Industrial District
on property generally located at PT TL 20 2.48A Sec 35-18-8. Voting Yea: Jensen,
Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried
7-0. City Clerk provided first reading of Ordinance 5739. Motion made by Horner,
seconded by Jensen to suspend the rules and move Ordinance 5739 to final
reading. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson.

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Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0. City Clerk provided final reading of Ordinance
5739. Mayor Sookram called for final vote on Ordinance 5739. Voting Yea: Jensen,
Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried
7-0. Ordinance 5739 is approved.
CONSENT AGENDA: All items in the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the City
Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items
unless a Council Member or Staff so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the
consent agenda and considered separately.
Motion made by Jensen, seconded by Vaughan to approve the consent agenda items 11, 12, 14-
21, 23-31. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von
Behren. Motion carried 7-0.
11. Motion to approve March 11, 2026 through March 31, 2026 claims and authorize
checks to be drawn on the proper accounts
12. Motion to dispense with and approve March 10, 2026 Formal City Council Study
Session and Regular City Council Meeting
13. Motion to receive and file Fire Department Annual Report Motion made by Vaughan,
seconded by Jensen to receive the Fire Department Annual Report. Voting Yea: Jensen,
Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried
7-0.
14. Motion to receive Animal Control Report
15. Motion to approve the House Movers license applications as presented subject to
fulfillment of all licensing requirements
16. Motion to approve the Cement/Asphalt/Excavate workers license applications as
presented subject to fulfillment of all licensing requirements
17. Resolution 2026-069 approving an extension request to the Nebraska Department of
Economic Development for the Downtown Façade Improvements Program (23-DTR-
007) and authorizing the Mayor to sign the extension request letter
18. Resolution 2026-070 recommending approval to the Nebraska Liquor Control
Commission for a Manager Change Amendment for Pizza Hut at 1781 E 23rd Ave S
19. Resolution 2026-071 authorizing the request of Five-0-Five Brewing Company for an
outdoor SDL and street closures for a tailgate at Heedum Field at Midland University
on May 1, 2026
20. Resolution 2026-072 authorizing the request of Waste Connections of Nebraska Inc
for a party at Clemmons Park on May 2, 2026
21. Resolution 2026-073 authorizing the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet 3500 with a dump
bed and snowplow in the amount of $73,625 for the Parks and Recreation
Department
22. Resolution 2026-074 authorizing the Mayor to sign the contract for the 19th Street
Asphalt Overlay project in the amount of $273,405.80 with Hawkins Construction

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Motion made by Vaughan, seconded by Lathrop to authorize the Mayor to sign the
contract for the 19th Street Asphalt Overlay project in the amount of $273,405.80 with
Hawkins Construction. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Peterson.
Absent: Von Behren. Voting Nay: Horner. Motion carried 6-1.
23. Resolution 2026-075 authorizing Staff to issue purchase orders to Great Plains
Communications in the amount of $33,000 for initial construction and authorize the
Mayor to sign the 60-month fiber lease agreement with Great Plains
Communications in the amount of $60,000 over the term of the contract
24. Resolution 2026-077 authorizing the Mayor to sign the change order with Hydro-
Klean LLC in the amount of $299,100 for additional storm sewer clean out
25. Resolution 2026-078 awarding contract for installation of electrical conduits to
Wiese Plumbing & Excavating Inc in the amount of $420,000
26. Resolution 2026-079 authorizing the Mayor to sign a change order with Mauer Fence
Company, LLC to install Christensen Field Ballfield additional concrete for dugouts
and backstops in the amount of $42,000
27. Resolution 2026-080 authorizing the Mayor to sign the contract with CivicPlus for
CivicRec software in the amount of $11,725.75
28. Resolution 2026-081 authorizing the Mayor to sign the renewal contract with
Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging for Friendship Center staff reimbursement
29. Resolution 2026-082 authorizing the Mayor to sign the advanced life support
intercept contract with Nickerson Fire Department
30. Resolution 2026-084 authorizing the Mayor to sign the agreement with Engineered
Controls for the replacement of the HVAC Building Management System controller
for the Keene Memorial Library in the amount of $3,060
31. Resolution 2026-086 authorizing the Mayor to sign the to sign the change order
addendum to the contract for Well Pump Servicing with the Cahoy Group in the
amount of $95,026.70
NEW BUSINESS: Requires individual associated action
32. Resolution 2026-076 authorizing the Mayor to sign the contract with JMN
Construction LLC in the amount of $2,508,584.43 for the North Broad Street Viaduct
Rehabilitation project Motion made by Horner, seconded by Jensen to authorize the
Mayor to sign the contract with JMN Construction LLC in the amount of $2,508,584.43 for
the North Broad Street Viaduct Rehabilitation project. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem,
Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0.
33. Councilmember Peterson Item - Consider approval of a full waiver of the facility and
rental fees for Christensen Arena, Kitchen and Meeting Room for April of 2026
Motion made by Vaughan, seconded by Jensen to approve a full waiver for of the facility
and rental fees for Archbishop Bergan High School and Fremont High School Post Prom
for April 17-19, 2026. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner,
Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0.

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34. Ordinance 5735 regarding sale of City Property located in Saunders County to Kevin
and Lori Yount in the amount of $1,000,000 (first reading - request to suspend rules
and hold final reading) Motion made by Vaughan, seconded by Jensen to hold first
reading of Ordinance 5735 regarding sale of City Property located in Saunders County to
Kevin and Lori Yount in the amount of $1,000,000. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan,
Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0. City Clerk
provided first reading of Ordinance 5735. Motion made by Horner, seconded by Vaughan
to suspend the rules and move Ordinance 5735 to final reading. Voting Yea: Jensen,
Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried
7-0. City Clerk provided final reading of Ordinance 5735. Mayor Sookram called for final
vote on Ordinance 5735. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner,
Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0. Ordinance 5735 is approved.
35. Ordinance 5736 regarding sale of City Property Parcel ID 270136118 to Seth Coates
in the amount of $4,100 (first reading - request to suspend rules and hold final
reading) Motion made by Horner, seconded by Ganem to hold first reading of Ordinance
5736 regarding sale of City Property Parcel ID 270136118 to Seth Coates in the amount of
$4,100. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson.
Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0. City Clerk provided first reading of Ordinance
5736. Motion made by Jensen, seconded by Vaughan to suspend the rules and move
Ordinance 5736 to final reading. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh,
Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0. City Clerk provided final
reading of Ordinance 5736. Mayor Sookram called for final vote on Ordinance
5736. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent:
Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0. Ordinance 5736 is approved.
36. Ordinance 5737 regarding sale of City Property, Parcel ID 270136131 to Victor
Roeder (first reading - request to suspend rules and hold final reading) Motion made
by Ganem, seconded by Jensen for Ordinance 5737 regarding sale of City Property,
Parcel ID 270136131 to Victor Roeder in the amount of $38,000. Voting Yea: Jensen,
Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried
7-0. City Clerk provided first reading of Ordinance 5737. Motion made by Jensen,
seconded by Marsh to suspend the rules and move Ordinance 5737 to final
reading. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson.
Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0. City Clerk provided final reading of Ordinance
5737. Mayor Sookram called for final vote on Ordinance 5737. Voting Yea: Jensen,
Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried
7-0. Ordinance 5737 is approved.
37. Ordinance 5738 regarding sale of City Property located at the corner of 9th and
Luther Road to William Chamberlain in the amount of $11,000 (first reading - request
to suspend rules and hold final reading) Motion made by Horner, seconded by Ganem
for Ordinance 5738 regarding sale of City Property located at the corner of 9th and Luther
Road to William Chamberlain in the amount of $11,000. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem,
Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0. City
Clerk provided first reading of Ordinance 5738. Motion made by Horner, seconded by
Vaughan to suspend the rules and move Ordinance 5738 to final reading. Voting Yea:
Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren.
Motion carried 7-0. City Clerk provided final reading of Ordinance 5738. Mayor Sookram
called for final vote on Ordinance 5738. Voting Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop,
Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion carried 7-0. Ordinance 5738 is
approved.

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ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Jensen, seconded by Ganem to adjourn; time: 8:28 PM. Voting
Yea: Jensen, Ganem, Vaughan, Lathrop, Marsh, Horner, Peterson. Absent: Von Behren. Motion
carried 7-0.
Agenda posted at the Municipal Building on March 25, 2026 and online at www.fremontne.gov.
Agenda distributed to the Mayor and City Council on March 25, 2026. This meeting is preceded by
publicized notice in the Fremont Tribune on the last Thursday of the preceding month and the
agenda, including any notice of study session or public hearing, is displayed in the Municipal
Building and is open to the public. The official current copy is available at City Hall, 400 East
Military, City Clerk’s Office. The City Council reserves the right to go into Executive Session at any
time. A copy of the Open Meeting Law is posted in the City Council Chambers for review by the
public. The City of Fremont reserves the right to adjust the order of items on the agenda.
APPROVED AND ACCEPTED AS THE OFFICIAL COPY OF THE FREMONT, NEBRASKA
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes for March 31, 2026.
Michael Chatterson, City Clerk Dev Sookram, Mayor