Council tables vote on $3.3 million amended redevelopment contract for North Platte Mall

The North Platte City Council on Tuesday deferred action on a proposed amendment to the mall redevelopment contract that would have authorized an additional $3,300,000 in Economic Enhancement Area (EEA) bond authority to fund site improvements on the mall’s east side.

The item was introduced as a motion to adopt the resolution approving the amended redevelopment contract. Mike Works, representing the mall project, told the council the request would fund site work and infrastructure on the “backside” of the mall, including utilities, paving and stormwater work, and would support a mixed-use project with 71 apartments on the southeast corner. Works said the amendment would not extend the original EEA term or raise the existing 1.95% occupation tax: “We are here asking for an increase in the original bond amount of $3,300,000,” he said.

Council members pressed Works and city staff for specifics about timelines, deliverables and financial mechanics. Works said the $3.3 million would not be distributed as a lump sum; the developer must first spend eligible amounts and then seek reimbursement under EEA rules. He said site improvements would permit private financing for the apartment building and make other retail leases feasible. Works also said about $200,000 of the additional funds would be granted to the city to enlarge a storm pipe that serves the mall site.

Council members asked whether the amended contract contains enforceable milestones. Councilmember Pete and others asked for “teeth” in Exhibit A to ensure specific work is completed; Lane (city staff) pointed to contract provisions that require certified expenses and compliance with sections 3.03 and 3.05 before funds could be drawn. Works said variability in tenant interest and financing makes firm, detailed deliverables difficult to specify but noted the contract already limits eligible uses to statutory EEA items.

Members also questioned the project’s cost estimates and whether the original tax-increment financing and EEA spending met initial expectations. Works said the west side of the mall represents the bulk of prior spending, that roughly 70% of the primary mall building has been remodeled, and that construction costs have risen “easily 30 to 40%” since initial planning. He told the council the developer expects to start the mixed-use apartment project in March if financing closes and estimated construction at 10–12 months in a best-case scenario.

After extended discussion, a council motion to table the item for future consideration was offered and approved; the council did not vote on adopting the amended redevelopment contract at this meeting.

The council record shows no formal vote tally for the tabling motion in the transcript; the meeting minutes will record the official vote count.