KLKN-TV
The Council passed two widely talked about amendments and ordinances.
February 22, 2021 10:25 pm
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) Two important items were on the agenda for Lincoln City Council Monday night.
First, the council would vote on an amendment that would change an ordinance put in place back in the 90’s.
It would allow first responders killed in the line of duty to receive both their pension and workers compensation.
The idea of the amendment was sparked by the tragedy the Herrera family faced in September when Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera was killed in the line of duty.
The amendment passed with out hesitation from the council.
KLKN-TV
Council votes to postpone discussion on ending Lincoln mayor’s emergency powers
The Lincoln City Council was split Monday on whether to table a discussion about ending Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird s emergency powers.
January 11, 2021 5:17 pm
Gaylor Baird declared a state of emergency in March related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The declaration was approved the same day by the City Council, which also approved an extension beyond the 72-hours allowed by city code.
Councilman Bennie Shobe said he thinks there’s confusion among Lincoln residents about what the emergency declaration allows the mayor to do.
“We tend to see people in our community confusing the power of the DHM and the federal funding,” he said. “I was hoping for a public hearing so we could teach the public the difference. The emergency declaration doesn’t affect the DHM and most people don’t understand that.”