Council confirms three Omaha Municipal Land Bank appointees despite objections from Councilmember Johnson

The Omaha City Council on Feb. 24 confirmed three appointments to the Omaha Municipal Land Bank by 6–1 votes, while Councilmember Johnson opposed the nominees because they did not appear for the appointments and she said the public had no opportunity to meet them.

Why it matters: The Omaha Municipal Land Bank holds and oversees vacant property in the city, including a significant number of parcels in District 2. Appointments to the Land Bank shape how vacant property is managed, sold or rehabilitated and affect neighborhood stabilization efforts.

What the council voted on and the outcome - Item 41: Approved a nonvoting member appointment to the Omaha Municipal Land Bank. Vote: 6–1 (Johnson opposed). (Transcript: item announced at 932.75; roll call recorded at 1116.73–1126.495.)

- Item 42: Approved the appointment of Johnny Nesbitt to the Omaha Municipal Land Bank. Vote: 6–1 (Johnson opposed). (Transcript: item announced at 1128.235–1146.63; roll call recorded at 1196.92–1203.)

- Item 43: Approved the appointment of Chad Tettenborn to the Omaha Municipal Land Bank. Vote: 6–1 (Johnson opposed). (Transcript: item announced at 1213.5449; roll call recorded at 1293.4199–1308.675.)

Remarks and points of debate Councilmember Johnson opposed each of the three appointments on similar grounds: she said nominees who do not appear before the council prevent the community from meeting them and limit her ability to conduct due diligence. In the meeting she said the absence of nominees is “somewhat concerning to me” and that she would not support appointments where the nominee is not present. (Transcript excerpt: 989.62–1030.70.)

Councilmember Hardy responded that members can “do their due diligence by picking up the phone and making a call to ask those questions,” then moved approval of the appointments. (Transcript excerpt: 1068.5549–1074.895.)

Councilmember Hardy also advised the body that state statute requires at least five affirmative votes for these appointments to pass, a point made on the record during consideration. (Transcript excerpt: 1180.86–1190.505.)

What the record shows The roll-call tallies on the record show six votes in favor and one opposing vote for each of the three Land Bank appointments. The transcript captures Councilmember Johnson’s repeated objections about the nominees’ absence and the inability of District 2 residents to meet the nominees in person; other councilmembers noted process options such as phone contact to vet nominees.

Next steps and implications The new Land Bank members are confirmed and will participate in the Land Bank’s governance going forward; councilmembers and constituents concerned about vetting of nominees may seek additional public meetings or communications with appointees. The transcript does not record further conditions or remands attached to these approvals.