04/03/2007 MinutesOFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
NIINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
April 3, 2007
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Study Session of the City Council of the City of Grand
Island, Nebraska was conducted in the Community Meeting Room of City Hall, 100 East First
Street, on April 3, 2007. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on
March 29, 2007.
Mayor Margaret Hornady called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were
present: Councilmember's Walker, Cornelius, Nickerson, Gericke, Brown, Gilbert, Whitesides,
Haase, and Meyer. Councilmember Pielstick was absent. The following City Officials were
present: City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Finance Director David Springer, and City Attorney Dale
Shotkoski.
INVOCATION was given by Reverend Royce Rinehart, Trinity Lutheran Church, 212 West 12a'
Street followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Community Appearance Plan Presentation. Paul Briseno, Assistant to the City Administrator
reported that City Council had requested the development of a Community Appearance Plan as
one of their Council Retreat goals. This plan would strategically address issues that cause
negative appearances of properties throughout the community, primarily residential properties.
Presented were preliminary goals and objectives for the following categories: Problem
Resolution Team, Residential, Commercial, Code Enforcement Program, Repeat Code Violators,
Cleanup Budget, Funding, and Residential Resources.
Problem Resolution Team (PRT):
Mission -address situations of immediate concern as well as long term recurring
problems, targeting properties and situations that need amulti-resource approach.
Goals -pursue abatement/condemnation/rehabilitation of abandoned and dilapidated
properties that meet the PRT requirements; establish funding sources to address PRT properties;
develop an efficient process for resolution of properties that streamline and expedite the process;
and report successful resolution of properties.
Residential:
Mission -reduce the number of dilapidated/dangerous properties that cause a nuisance or
blemish neighborhoods by utilizing available resources.
Goals -perfect the PRT Established Community Standard; create a list of counter
actions/resources available for major problems for staff and residents; and create a sytem of
communication for collaborative efforts.
Page 2, City Council Study Sesaion, Apri13, 2007
Commercial:
Goals -promote Business Improvement Districts and Neighborhood districts
Code Enforcement:
Goals - continue a no bias re-active approach to code enforcement, and work toward a
proactive approach; outline code enforcement process and procedure to be followed; research
technology -research and study the cost/benefit of utilizing software and mobile hardware;
communication -Community Service Officer's (CSO's) and Legal Department meeting every 2
months to increase communication/ relationship and effectiveness of cases going to court,
dismisses, concerns, etc.; update/review city codes; conduct an in-house study to evaluate the
number of CSO's needed, service areas, and work schedule to create the most efficient CSO
program.
Repeat Code Violates:
Mission -expedite the abatement process and identify a procedure for reoccurring
problem properties.
Goals - create a process that speeds up the resolution process and eliminates repeat
offenders.
Cleanup Budget:
Mission -identify funding for immediate demolition and cleanup of properties.
Goals - 1~` year -identify local, state, and federal funding available, identify resources
within community; 2°d year -reevaluate budget for future years.
Residential Resources:
Mission - create a single place for residents to find multiple resources available from the
city and other agencies.
Goals -empower residents to help neighborhoods/community appearance by utilizing
resources available, and help facilitate a clean appearance plan for neighborhoods; education of
residents is key in the success of the Community Appearance Plan; create a Clean Neighborhood
Award/Certificate for owners who go above and beyond to work with SCO's and other
neighbors/organizations to clean their property and neighborhood and promote current programs
including the Regional Planning Commission and the Community Beautification Award.
1Vir. Briseno stated anyone who had questions concerning the Community Appearance Plan could
contact him at 385-5444 Ext. 149. If it was a code compliance issue they should contact the
Police Department of 385-5400, building issues should contact the Building Department. Craig
Lewis, Building Department Director explained the process of building permits. Steve Riehle,
Public Works Director explained Adopt a Street Program.
Police Sgt. Dennis Osterman explained trash, garbage, and health hazards are dealt with by the
Police Department daily. February 2007 statistics: 307 calls, 229 cleared. Enforcement was
discussed regarding time, legal issues, etc.
Lewis Kent, 624 East Meves commented on the process and lack of enforcement.
Page 3, City Cout~il Stay Session, A.pri13, 2007
Downtown Main Street Presentation: Cindy Johnson, President of the Chamber of Commerce
reported that in its efforts to improve the health of the downtown, the Business Improvement
District Board became a "Nebraska Lied Main Street Community" effective January 1, 2007.
The Main Street philosophy encouraged a four pronged approach to downtown redevelopment:
1) organization; 2) economic restructuring; 3) design and 4) promotions.
K.C. Hehnke, representing the downtown Business Improvement District commented on train
noise in the downtown area. Requested was that the city budget for directional horns for eight
railroad crossings.
Steve Riehle, Public Works Director reported an estimated cost of $365,000 for quiet zones and
wayside horns in the downtown area.
Victor Aufdemberge, 403 East 17~` Street and Mark Stelk, 3117 Brentwood Drive spoke in
support of funding for directional horns along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
Craig Hand, 4220 Calvin Drive requested that council consider the return on the investment of a
vibrant downtown.
ADJOI:JI~NMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk