BROKEN BOW – The Broken Bow city council approved new regulations on Tuesday governing “Flock” style cameras, which is automated license plate readers and similar network vehicles monitoring equipment. The council also discussed proposed data center regulations, “tiny homes” requirements, police department updates and several city projects.
“Flock” Style Cameras
The council unanimously approved Ordinance 1315, which prohibits the installation, operation, or maintenance of automated license plate reader systems and similar networked vehicle monitoring equipment within the corporate limits without the prior express permission of the City Council.
City Administrator, David Schmidt said the city and police department do not currently have the cameras and have no plans to purchase them.
“It doesn’t ban anything, but what it does do is requires anybody who would want to put these type of cameras in Broken Bow to approach the City Council,” Schmidt said.
With this ordinance passed the council and public will now have an opportunity to review a proposed installation before a decision is made.
Data Center Regulations
The council also continued discussion on proposed regulations for data centers and digital asset mining operations.
“The city does not have authority to ban these, but what we can do is use our zoning authority to protect our community,” Zoning Administrator, Jacob Holcomb.
The council held a public hearing on Ordinance 1317 addressing the data center requirements some of which include guidelines for noise, water conservation, cooling systems, residential setbacks, financial transparency, criminal background checks and decommissioning.
Holcomb said the proposed ordinance is intended to establish regulations before a data center is proposed in the community.
“Right now, Broken Bow has one of the most comprehensive zoning ordinances out there that addresses all of these concerns that people have brought up,” Holcomb said. “We’ve had multiple counties reach out with cities of first class, second class, all the way down to villages, using this as their template in their community.”
The proposed regulations would require a conditional use permit for facilities using as little as 65 kilowatts of power. Nearby residents within 300 feet would receive notice, and proposal would go through the Planning Commission before reaching the City Council.
The ordinance would also require predictive noise studies, annual compliance reporting and restrictions on certain cooling systems.
Operators would be responsible for infrastructure costs associated with a facility, including potential transmission lines, water mains and wastewater systems.
The proposal also includes a decommissioning surety bond equal to 150% of estimated cleanup costs.
The council voted unanimously not to waive the three required readings of the ordinance, meaning it will go through the normal reading process allowing more time for public discussion.
Holcomb noted the proposal remains a working draft under the moratorium and could change based on additional public input.
Tiny Homes Regulations Approved
The council approved Ordinance 1316 establishing regulations for cottage developments, tiny homes and accessory dwelling units.
The ordinance was developed after the city received a request to place a tiny home within city limits but found the existing zoning regulations did not address the housing type.
The regulations limit tiny homes to the R-2 residential multifamily district and establish size, setback, parking and utility requirements.
The regulations allow units ranging from 220 to 900 square feet and requires connections to municipal utilities.
The council unanimously approved the ordinance following the public hearing.
Police Department Update
Broken Bow Police Chief Chris Anderson told the council the department has added and trained officers, upgraded equipment and is exploring additional technology.
Two officers recently completed the police academy and field training and are now working independently. Another officer is scheduled to begin academy training later this month.
The department also purchased two new patrol vehicles and new dash and body cameras.
Anderson said the department is also considering purchasing a drone for search and rescue operations, missing person cases, accident and crime scene documentation and large area searches.
From October 1, 2025 through the time of the meeting, officers had responded to 1,702 calls for service
City Projects
Overseer of Streets and Parks, Darren Marten reported several projects completed or underway, including improvements to the pickleball courts, Tomahawk bathrooms and the municipal pool.
Crews also completed 31 blocks of armor coating and continue routine work including mowing, tree trimming, gravel road grading, pothole repairs and weed control.
Marten shared the city’s plan to reconstruct approximately 300 feet of Memorial Drive where asphalt has deteriorated between sections of concrete. The project will likely take a month and a temporary traffic stoplight will be used to move traffic through the work area.
Library Sees Increased Activity
Broken Bow Public Library Director, Megan Svoboda reported that the library’s reading and event programs drew approximately 2,221 people to 39 events.
Children logged nearly 200 hours of reading with 90 prize winners recognized.
Svoboda said library circulation has increased, particularly through its digital collection. As circulation of DVDs and audiobooks on CD declines, the library is shifting additional funding toward its digital collection.
The library patio project is also on schedule, with musical instruments, picnic tables and benches planned for the outdoor space. Find Out More
Other Council Action
The council appointed Christopher Smith to the Broken Bow Housing Authority Board for a term ending in May 2031.
Council members also approved the sale of surplus property and authorized the city’s annual certification of program compliance with the Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards.
Jeremy Walton and Deb McCasLin spoke with council members about the up coming “Bicycle Safety Rally” an event scheduled for September 10, 2026 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm north of the Broken Bow square. The event will cover safety inspections, skills courses and giveaways.
The next meeting of the Broken Bow City Council is scheduled for August 25, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Broken Bow Municipal Building.
