Bellevue council accepts Ward 4 resignation, swears in new members and approves liquor licenses, contracts

Bellevue City Council accepted the resignation of Ward 4 Councilwoman Kathy Welch and completed several routine approvals at its Dec. 3, 2024 meeting in the council chambers, while also swearing in newly elected council members and honoring outgoing Council President Paul Cook.

The actions matter because they change the council's membership and officers ahead of 2025 and authorize federal and local spending and contracts that affect city streets, parks and grant-funded programs.

The council voted to accept Welch's resignation (motion by Councilman Paul Cook; second by Councilman Thomas Burns). Welch abstained; the mayor announced the result as five yes votes and one abstention. The body then recessed to administer oaths to newly elected members and later elected Councilman Rich Casey as the 2025 council president (nomination by Councilman McCall; second by Councilman Burns; motion carried, all in favor).

The council recognized outgoing Council President Paul Cook with a certificate and remarks from members noting his 12 years on the council and additional county service. Cook told the chamber, "It has been an honor to be here for 12 years," and listed public safety progress and street projects among achievements during his tenure.

On regulatory and permitting matters, the council recommended approval to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission of two license additions: an expanded Class C license for Tight Cuts Barber and Beauty LLC at 1308 S. Fort Crook…