06/19/2007 MinutesOFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
June 19, 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 June 19, 2007. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on
June 15, 2007.
Mayor Margaret Hornady called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were
present: Councilmember's Carney, Walker, Gericke, Brown, Gilbert, Whitesides, Haase, and
Meyer. Councilmember Nickerson and Zapata were absent. The following City Officials were
present: City Clerk RaNae Edwards, City Attorney Dale Shotkoski, Public Works Director Steve
Riehle, and Finance Director David Springer.
INVOCATION was given by Pastor Charles Greggory, First Baptist Church, 811 West 10`h
Street followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Councilmember Zapata present at 7:05 p.m.
MAYOR COMMUNICATION: Mayor Hornady mentioned that Railroad Days would be held
downtown on June 23-24, 2007 in conjunction with the Hall County 150th Celebration. Also
mentioned was the Celebration of Progress Event at the Heartland Public Shooting Park this
Saturday, June 23, 2007.
Review of 200712008 Budget Process. David Springer, Finance Director briefed the Council on
the Budget Preparation Schedule for 2007/2008. Reviewed was what had been done and what
needed to be done to complete the 2007/2008 budget. Mentioned were the dates of upcoming
meetings and public hearings that needed to be held before the budget could be finalized. Mr.
Springer presented a PowerPoint updating the council on the various funds within the budget.
Review of 2007/2008 Outside Agencies Funding Requests: David Springer, Finance Director
reported that at the last regular City Council meeting of June 12, 2007 council requested
guidelines for outside funding. Mr. Springer stated City Attorney Dale Shotkoski and Assistant
City Attorney Wes Nespor had spent time formulating criteria for funding the outside agencies.
Wes Nespor, Assistant City Attorney reported on the findings as set out by the Nebraska
Constitution. (Attached were the suggested guidelines presented.)
Discussion was held regarding those agencies with working relationships with City departments.
Grants and matching funds were discussed. Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and
Senior Citizens Industries required matching funds otherwise they would not be able to function.
Page 2, City Council Study Session, June 19, 2007
1
Councilmember Gilbert commented that tax dollars should not be funding these agencies nor
could the city afford to fund these except for the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Councilmember Zapata suggested not eliminating them completely but gradually lowering the
funds they receive from the city. Councilmember Gericke stated those organizations serving a
city function would be more cost effective than if the city had to perform those services.
Lewis Kent, 624 Meves asked the council to hold the line on outside funding and complimented
the Finance Department on their presentation.
John Meister, 1417 Piper Street representing the Fishing Derby gave a brief background and
requested the council fund their $2,000 request.
Dianna Meyer representing the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) explained their
request of $_5,000.
Shelly Garlic, 105 Mulberry, Alda, Nebraska representing the Crisis Center explained the
services provided by the Crisis Center and those services that would be cut or reduced if not
funded in the amount of $12,000.
Marvin Anderson representing Hope Harbor and Gloriann Modson, Hastings, Nebraska
Executive Director explained the services provided by Hope Harbor. Requested was $5,000.
Terry Galloway representing the Humane Society presented the costs for the nonprofit
organization and the services they provide for the City. Requested was $225,000.
Councilmember Whitesides presented his recommendation for funding the outside agencies as
follows:
Hope Harbor
CVB
International Visitors
Crisis Center
GI Dive and Rescue
RSVP
Senior Citizens Ind.
Multicultural Coalition
Fishing Derby
Ethnic Festival
Total
Humane Society
Health Department
Clean Community
Total
~.~ I
$4,500
10,000
1,000
10,000
15,000
900
$41,400
$170,000
100,000
20.000
$290,000
$331,400
Page 3, City Council Study Session, June 19, 2007
Karen Rathke representing United Way commented that objective criteria were needed for
council to make an informed decision. Ms. Ratlike offered her services to work with the outside
agencies and the council to come up with those objectives. Discussion was held regarding
contracts with each agency.
(See attached summary of Outside Agencies funding requests and staffrecommendation.}
Council took a 10 minute break.
Review of 2007/2008 Full Time Eq_uivalent's (FTE~equests: David Springer, Finance Director
reported that at the last Regular City Council meeting of June 12, 2007 the City Council
requested more information regarding FTE's for each department.
Question was asked concerning the original requests for FTE's which were 28 additional FTE's
for 200712008. City staff reduced this amount to 12.270.
Steve Paustian, Parks and Recreation Director explained his request for 2.250 FTE's for the
Recreation and Heartland Public Shooting Park. Also explained were the hours, maintenance,
and events at the Shooting Park. Mr. Paustian stated a business plan was in the process.
Steve Lamken, Police Chief explained the request for 1.000 FTE Custodian at the Law
Enforcement Center. Out sourcing was discussed for the maintenance of the new building. Mr.
Lamken stated 1/2 of the custodial service would be out sourced. Hall Courny would be paying
rent for the space used by the Sheriff s department.
Jon Rosenlund, Emergency Management Director commented on his request of 1.004 FTE in
which the county would pay for half of this position as it pays for half of all costs through the
Emergency Management department.
Gary Mader, Utilities Director commented on using consultants for some of the engineering
services. Explained were the benefits of having those services in house. Mr. Mader explained the
request for 3.000 FTE's in the Utilities Department.
The question was asked if adding the requested FTE's and Outside Agencies would increase the
tax rate. Finance Director David Springer stated these would not raise the tax rate but cash
reserves would decrease.
Steve Fosselman, Library Director commented on the request of 2.000 FTE's for the Library.
Part-time versus full-time was discussed. Mr. Fosselman stated the Library was meeting
minimum standards.
Lewis Kent, 624 East Meves spoke in opposition to hiring new employees.
Steve Riehle, Public Works Director explained the revenue projection for the Solid Waste
Division with regards to the 1.000 FTE requested.
Page 4, City Council Study Session, June 19, 2007
{See attached summary of FTE requests.)
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
~O~QIZ L01 ~~u/ ~o~.
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk
Page 5, City Council Study Session, June 19, 2007
1
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: DAVID SPRINGER
FROM: WESLEY' D. NESPOR
SUBJECT: FUNDS TO NON-PROFITS FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES
DATE: 6/27/2007
CCc RANAE EDWARDS
The Nebraska Constitution prohibits lending or giving credit in aid of any individual, association, or
corporation. Courts have held this to mean lending credit which is not used for a public purpose. What
constitutes a public purpose must be decided on a case by case basis focusing on the object sought to be
accomplished and the degree and manner in which that object affects the public welfare. Unsolicited
requests for money should be from non-profit entities because for-profit companies should go through the
competitive bid/proposal process.
Suggested guidelines
1 Council should prepare a written statement of the public purpose and how the entity will
accomplish it. This is absolutely necessary because the Supreme Court has stated
repeatedly that °it is for the Legislature (aty council) to decide in the first instance what is and
what is not a public purpose... ". State v. Cometl, 53 Neb. 558.
2 There should be a contract with the entity setting forth the purposes/services and itemized
costs to accomplish those purposes (Humane Society for example).
3 There should be an annual accounting of how the funds were used. (see Chase v County of
Douglas, 195 Neb. 838 regarciing contract and accounting as measures to ensure
expenditures are being used for a public purpose}.
4 Some general guidelines to use in determining if the expenditure is for a public purpose.
a. Is the general public benefited or only a small group? {e.g. if funds are given to a private
entity for buses, the service must be available to the entire public and not just for use by
members or patrons of the entity).
b. If benefits redound to individuals, are those benefts only incidental to the benefits to the
general public. (e.g. funds given to the chamber of commerce to "advertise the city" may
benefrt the members of the chamber but that is only incidental to the broader purpose of
attracting tourists and industry for the benefit of the entire community}.
c. Is real estate being purchased or improved which will house a private entity? Case law
disapproves this practice specifically.
d. Are fixed assets being purchased or human resources acquired which will be used by the
entity for other purposes? (e.g. Government funds are used to pay 100% of the costs of
an employee or equipment but only part of the employee's/equipment's time is spent or
used for the public purpose).
Page 6, City Council Study Session, June 19, 2007
Counci} fiorlntGraalicxrdl Viailtxs :~ 1,000
C:ris'is C«itcx S 12,000
C, I. Dive ~ Rescue Teane -Trailer $ 2,500
ltttittxi and Serriar Vc7lzmixr 1'rc>grata (RSVP) S 10,000
Senior Ci[iscns Indttsi!ics.lrc, ~ 15!}0[}
Mtdtira~ltural Coalition
Fia}mng Dctby f 2000
('.cdral NehrasJra Ethnic Festival {Sc>,ne in kind, postal di
Third Cety Commtnrity Genic
Heartland CAS.a {Cv,ut App~ied Spxiai advocata}
TWs13 ,004
AGENCIES WITH WdRKINC RELATION3QI~.'4111
OR(;Ai;TIZATION~EQ
Ca~lral Nev~~a 1iun~ane Scn:i~y $1~O,OW
Central Nt~ra9kn llcalth Depattmtsi $133,000
Chan Cor~amunity Sbste~ 5 24,000
T'olals $303,040
'TOTAL OUTSIDE AG~CIBS ~362;fl00
S 1,000 t 1,000
~ 12,000 $ 12,000
~ ~ a,n4~
$ }O,Q00 $ }it,OCv
$ } 5,000 ;~ 1 S 00()
s lolxx} ~ 14,400
$ 2,4M} ~ 2,000
:.)
fi h4,500 $ 6G,5{}6
T$ CI`T'Y DEPAIRTMI
~ ~
~~ ~
5157,500 5157,.~W
5135 (1<J6 'Fl 31,004
$ 20,0[10 ~ 20,000
31?,504 5312,504
5.77^,,QUKi 5".179,000
s I,[704 ~ >,t}tx~ ~ 1,1100
$ 12,004 $ 13,0(}0 $ I2,{}tHi
$ 2,040 $ - $ -
$ t0;0ii0 $ 14,000 f IO,t;~lt;
$ 15,4(}0 S } 4,004 Ti 15,40Q
s 10,060 s looau s l0~044
S 2,000 S 2,000 ~ Z,~1
S 900 $ yon
$ 1,000 4
$ 5,{l00 0
$ GG,54U S 71,4U0 S 65,4()0
x~5
~ ~ SfA1gF
i ]3 Quccv~a~kHr
5167,500 $ 223:OOC1 $ 1lfi,~04
S i 25,004 S } 2_1.404 ~ 125,04[Y
$ 20,000 $ ?1),111?() $ 24,400
5312,500 S 370.000 `~ 312.504
5.374100 S 441,000 S 377,J00
Page 7, City CcNmcil Study Seasiou, June 19, 2007
1
SUMMARY OF REQUESTED FTE'S, F{SCAL YEAR 2007-2008
( Five Year Finanaal Impact )
PERSONAL COST
Dept FTE Changes 2008-9 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
_No. Department Name Recommended Estimate Estirr~e Estimate Estimate
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
114 Finance
Less: Accounting Clerk (0.580} ($16,377} ($16,$68) ($17,374) ($17,896) ($18,432)
'.1
PUBLIC SAFETY
223 Police
Custodian 1.000 $36,307 $37,3.96 $38,518 $39,674 $40,864
School Crossing Guard 0.350 $5,242 $5,399 $5,561 $5,728 $5,900
Police Offer (Add in December) 1.000 $44,494 $58,871 $60,637 $62,456 $64,330
Total Police Services 2.350 $86,043 $101,6'66 $104,716 $107,858 $111,094
226 Emergency Management
Emergency Management Coordinator 1.000 331,556 332,503 $33,478 $34,482 $35,517
Emergency Management Clerk (1.000) ($x,459) ($31,373) ($32,314] ($33,283) ($34,282)
Communications Specialist 1.000 $43,648 $44,957 $46,306 $47,695 $49,126
Total EmergencyManagemsnt 1.000 $44,745 $46,087 $47,470 $48,894 $50,361
COMMUNITYENVRONMENT & LEISURE
443 Library
Library Assistant - Fuil Time 2.000 $81,828 384,283 386,811 $89,416 $92,096
Total Library 2.000 $81,828 384,283 3$6,811 $89,416 $92,098
445 Recreation Administration
Recreation Coordinator (Split with Shooting Park) 0.750 $14,786 $15,230 315,686 316,157 316,642
448 heartland Shooting Park
Seasonal Worker 2.000 $33,586 $34,594 $35,631 $36,700 $37,801
Recreation Coordinator (Split with Recreation Dept) 0.250 $6,917 $7,125 $7,338 $7,558 $7,785
2.250 40,503 34,594 36,631 36,700 37,801
PROPERTY TAX REQUIREMENT
GENERAI- GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT & LEISURE
GENERAL FUND PROPERTY TAX REQUIREMENT
(0.5801 ($16,377) ($16,868} ($17,374) ($17,896) ($18,432)
3.350 $130,788 $147,754 $152,186 $156,752 $161,456
5.000 $137,117 $134,106 $138,129 $142,273 $146,541
7.770 $251,528 $264,992 $272,941 $281,129 5289,563
r . ~ ~ _;.
Page 8, City Council Study Session, June 19, 2007
SUMMARY QF REQUESTED FTE'S, FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008
( Five Year Firlanaal Impact )
PERSONAL COST
Dept FTE Changes 2008-9 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
No. Department Ntiume Reconrnended Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate
ENTERP~SE AlNDS
505 Sanitary Landfill
Equipment Operator 1.000 $33,686 $34,697 $35,737 $36,810 $37,914
510 Golf Course
Seasonal Fart-Time 0.500 $10,140 $10,444 $10,758 $11,080 $11,413
Maintenance Worker II (1.000) ($58,881) ($60,647) ($62,467} ($64,341) ($66,271)
Total(idfCourse (0-500) ($48,741) ($50,203) ($51,709} ($53,261) ($54,858)
520 Electric Utility
Electrical Engineer 9.000 $61,39;1 $63,235 $6,5,132 $67,086 $69,098
Wirewarker ft 1.000 $58,893 $60,660 $62,480 $64,354 $66,285
Lineman Apprentice 1.000 $53,540 $55,146 $56,801 $58,505 $60,260
Total Electrical Utility 3.000 $173,826 $179,041 $184,412 $189,944 $195,643
53+A Sewer Uti1Ry
Maintenance Mechanic f or N 1.000 $48,960 $50,419 $51,931 $53,489 555,094
Total Sewer Utility 1.000 $48,950 $50,419 $51,931 $53,489 $55,094
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUND 4.500 $207,721 $213,953 $220,371 $226,962 $233,792
TOTAL CITY 12.270 5459,249 x478,944 5493,312 $508,112 5523,355