English RM News —
North Platte City Council Concludes Year with Early Adjournment, Key Decisions Postponed
The North Platte City Council wrapped up its final meeting of the calendar year on Tuesday, opting for an early adjournment due to a notable absence of several council members. The unexpected departure from the usual schedule meant that at least two significant agenda items were deferred to the council’s next session, slated for January 6, 2026.
Mayor Brandon Kelliher addressed the assembly, explaining the circumstances leading to the shortened meeting. “You may have noticed that we’re shy a few council members tonight due to illness, largely,” he stated. “And as a result of that, the gentleman putting in the application prior — number three — asked me to move this to the next week’s or next council meeting’s agenda. So number three is removed from tonight’s agenda and will be on the first meeting in January.” This decision directly impacted the proceedings, necessitating a shift in the meeting’s planned progression.
Solar Farm Proposal and Leadership Election Delayed
Among the items strategically removed from Tuesday’s agenda was a contentious application that had already been tabled two weeks prior. This proposal sought a conditional-use permit for the construction of a commercial solar farm, slated for the intersection of Victoria Lane and East State Farm Road in the southern reaches of North Platte. The applicant themselves initiated the request for this postponement, and consequently, the council took no definitive action on the solar farm proposal during their Tuesday session. The future of this significant development now hinges on the deliberations at the upcoming January meeting.
Furthermore, the council also opted to table the crucial election of a council president for the upcoming year, 2026. This leadership role has been consistently filled by Ward One representative Jim Nisley for the past several years, highlighting the customary nature of this selection process. The delay in this election means that the council will need to address both the solar farm proposal and the selection of its next president at their first meeting of the new year.
Looking Ahead to January’s Session
The North Platte City Council’s commitment to thorough deliberation is evident in its decision to postpone these key items. By deferring the solar farm application and the election of the council president, the council ensures that all members, when present and healthy, will have the opportunity to fully participate in these important decisions.
The council is officially scheduled to revisit all postponed items, including the commercial solar farm proposal and the election of the 2026 council president, at its next convened meeting on January 6, 2026. This rescheduled session will be critical for addressing the deferred business and setting the stage for the council’s activities in the new year. Residents and interested parties are encouraged to stay informed about these developments as the council prepares to tackle these matters in early 2026.