City Council approves liquor licenses, harm‑reduction vending machines, Keno amendment and budget actions; several measures pass unanimously

Lincoln City Council on Aug. 25 approved a group of consent and conduct items, including liquor‑license applications, a contract to purchase harm‑reduction vending machines for the health department, and an amendment to the city’s keno contract to allow digital on‑premises wagers.

The council handled several items with little discussion and unanimous votes. Council members repeatedly emphasized support for the health department’s harm‑reduction pilot and for straightforward processing of routine licenses and contract amendments.

Among the actions taken:

- Liquor licenses and manager application: The council called items 4a–4g together and approved applications including a new Class C liquor license and manager application for Sandy's Inc. at 110 South 14th Street. Michael Tucker, who told the council he has “been general manager for over 30 years,” appeared with a part owner and answered questions about required training; the motion carried 5–0.

- Special designated licenses for outdoor event area: The council approved special designated licenses for multiple businesses to cover an outdoor area at Canopy Street on Sept. 10, motion carried 5–0.

- Report of claims: The council accepted and approved the report of new and pending claims against the city for Aug. 1–Aug. 14, 2025, motion carried 5–0.

- Harm‑reduction vending machines (Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department): Council approved a five‑year contract with You Selected Holdings Inc., d/b/a Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, to purchase harm‑reduction vending machines. Health Director Carrie Kernan described product mixes that “will include condoms, HIV take home test kits, Plan B, pregnancy test kits, Narcan, feminine hygiene products, and first aid kits.” The vote was 5–0.

- Keno amendment (EHPV Lottery Services LLC): The council approved a first amendment to the city’s keno operation contract to allow digital on‑premises keno tickets, a change the presenters said was authorized by the Nebraska Legislature in 2023. The change includes additional cybersecurity and insurance requirements; motion carried 5–0.

- Budget and administrative items: The council approved an amendment to the biennium budget reflecting final county valuations, authorized transfers of unspent capital improvement appropriations, and approved an amendment extending a Verizon site agreement; these votes passed unanimously.

Council members asked routine clarifying questions about locations, timelines and training requirements during the liquor license and vending‑machine presentations. Several council members thanked the health department for the harm‑reduction proposal and noted ongoing procurement steps for the vending machines and for the tree‑removal/planting contracting discussed elsewhere on the agenda.

Votes at a glance (selected items): - Items 4a–4g (liquor and manager applications, and special designated licenses): approved, 5–0. - Item 5a (report of claims, Aug. 1–14, 2025): approved, 5–0. - Item 5b (harm‑reduction vending machine contract, 5‑year term): approved, 5–0. - Item 5c (first amendment to keno contract to allow digital on‑premises tickets): approved, 5–0. - Item 5d (appeal regarding Goodhue Boulevard tree removal and replacement): approved (see separate article), 4–1. - Item 6a (amend 2024–26 biennium budget to reflect certified valuations): approved, 5–0. - Item 6b (transfer of unspent capital appropriations): approved, 5–0. - Item 6c (amendment to Verizon tower agreement extending term): approved, 5–0.

Several items on the agenda were informational or scheduled for later readings; the council concluded with an open‑mic public comment period on other matters.