Omaha Council approves liquor licenses, plats and routine contracts; chicken ordinance laid over

The Omaha City Council approved a slate of routine agenda items on unanimous votes and postponed consideration of a proposed ordinance on wildlife and backyard chickens.

During the meeting the council granted Class C liquor licenses for multiple businesses, including Cloverleaf House (1412 Howard St.), Jay Gorats Deli and Market (1220 South 203rd), Tessie’s Casual Grill (9229 Mormon Bridge Road) and others after applicants appeared in person or by Zoom and no opponents spoke. Applicants confirmed ownership and plans to maintain existing operations; Jennifer Zhang, the new owner appearing by Zoom, told Councilmember Festersen she would keep the neighborhood restaurant’s name and menu.

Planning matters advanced: the council approved preliminary plats for Serenity Estates townhomes (2240 Skyline Drive) and Ginger Creek (south of 165th and Pinkney Streets), and approved rezoning, final plat and subdivision agreements for the Westbury Creek 3 final phase. Planning Board and the Planning Department recommended approval on these items.

The council removed item 25 (an ordinance to amend sections of Chapter 6 of the Omaha Municipal Code regarding wildlife, chickens and other fowl) from consent and voted to lay it over to Dec. 9 for further consideration.

Other routine actions included a resolution to approve a purchase order and facilities waiver with OPPD to install three-phase permanent power for the compost relocation project, consideration of contracts for sewer maintenance, and approvals related to employee benefits and a municipal code typographic correction. Items 19 through 24 were approved en bloc after a motion to approve the consent agenda.

Votes on the passed items were recorded by roll call, most passing 6 to 0. Council adjourned at 2:34 a.m.