Jan. 2007: Council Votes 6-1 To Hold '08 Citywide Special Election Asking Voters To Reinstate Council-Passed, Referendum-Petition Suspended Big-Box Ban

Dec. 2006: Big Box Referendum Qualifies (Barely) And LB Big Box Ban Ordinance Is Suspended; If Council Doesn't Repeal Ordinance, Voters Will Decide

Oct. 2006: Referendum Launched To Force Council Repeal, Or Public Vote, On Newly Enacted Council Big Box Ban

Sept. 19, 2006: The City Council has voted 7-2 (DeLong, Lerch dissenting) to prohibit "big box" retail stores which it defined as having over 100,000 sq. ft. that have over 10% of their floor area dedicated to non-taxable merchandise (exemptions for merchandise clubs). The item was advanced by city staff following a Council directive to review the impacts of "superstore" activity on city infrastructure and retail activity. In June, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the matter and in July unanimously recommended that the Council adopt the prohibition. At the Council meeting, Mayor Foster invited Council and public comment...but there was virtually none. Councilman Lerch moved to hold the item over until October 10 so he could study it; Councilman O'Donnel made a substitute motion to approve the ban, which under parliamentary procedure was voted first...and carried.