Broken Bow council accepts consent agenda, hears police chief retirement and approves event permits, street closure and surplus sale

Broken Bow — The City of Broken Bow City Council met June 11, 2025, and unanimously approved a slate of routine items while hearing that Police Chief Steve Scott will retire Aug. 1.

The council approved the consent agenda — which included the May 27 minutes, Bills to Date and two fireworks permit applications — on a 4–0 roll call. City staff presented a bills list with line-item entries and totals showing a total of $198,898.28 in bills, bi-weekly payroll of $93,472.61 and a grand total of $292,370.89.

City Administrator David Schmidt reported on the May 17 citywide clean-up, saying the event drew the largest turnout to date and that the city collected 11,160 pounds of iron and 25,380 pounds of trash. He said the tree dump saw 187 visitors the first week and more than 200 the second week.

Administrator Schmidt also read a retirement letter from Chief of Police Steve Scott announcing his plan to retire effective Aug. 1, 2025. In the letter Scott wrote: "It is with a deep sense of gratitude and anticipation, I write to formally announce my retirement from the position of Chief of Police to be effective August 1, 2025. It has been an honor to serve the Broken Bow community for over 44 years, lead the men and women of the Broken Bow Police Department for 20 of those years. I am sincerely thankful for the trust, support and collaboration extended to me throughout my tenure. As I prepare for the next chapter, I remain fully committed to supporting a smooth and seamless leadership transition. I am available to assist in any way needed, including mentoring the incoming Chief of Police to ensure continued success for the department." Scott signed the letter "Chief of Police, Steve Scott." Mayor Rod Sonnichsen said the city will plan festivities to mark Scott’s retirement and thanked him for his service.

In new business the council unanimously deemed the Spirit of the Sandhills Summer Shootout (June 20–22, 2025) a special city event, a designation Administrator Schmidt said will allow food trucks at the tournament. The council also approved a temporary closure of South D Street between South 8th and South 9th avenues on June 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the Broken Bow Ambulance Service Drive Through Burger Fundraiser.

The council adopted Resolution 2025-12 authorizing the sale of one surplus air compressor (Serial No. 1TR1942472) to Nebraska City Utilities for $9,000 plus applicable taxes. Administrator Schmidt said the compressor had been purchased for use at the power plant but was never used and had been stored in the basement; he described the sale as a way to recoup the city’s investment and said it was consistent with state statutes.

There were no public comments recorded. During council comments Councilmember Paul Holland urged caution while driving around ongoing road construction. The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (includes Minutes of May 27, Bills to Date, Troy's Hot Rocket Fireworks LLC and Loud & Proud Fireworks LLC permits): moved by Russ Smith, seconded by Travis Kleeb; vote 4–0 (Smith, Kleeb, Wamsley, Holland). - Spirit of the Sandhills Summer Shootout: moved by Travis Kleeb, seconded by Paul Holland; vote 4–0. - Temporary street closure (South D Street, June 23, 4–7 p.m.): moved by Joe Wamsley, seconded by Travis Kleeb; vote 4–0. - Resolution 2025-12 (sale of surplus air compressor to Nebraska City Utilities for $9,000 plus taxes): moved by Paul Holland, seconded by Russ Smith; vote 4–0.

The council will not meet again on record in these minutes until its next scheduled meeting; staff said they will notify the council and public about retirement-related events for Chief Scott.