07/24/2007 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCII., REGULAR MEETING
July 24, 2007
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Grand Island, Nebraska was conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 100 East First
Street, on July 24, 2007. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand Island Independent on
July 18, 2007.
Mayor Margaret Hornady called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following City Council
members were present: Councilmember's Brown, Haase, Zapata, Nickerson, Gericke, Carney,
Gilbert, Whitesides, Niemann, and Meyer. The following City Officials were present: City Clerk
RaNae Edwards, City Attorney Dale Shotkoski, Finance Director David Springer, and Public
Works Director Steve Riehle.
INVOCATION was given by Pastor Rene Lopez, Iglesia De Dios Eben-Ezer, 2525 West State
Street followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
MAYOR CO1~~Il~IUNICATION: Mayor Hornady acknowledged Community Youth Council
member Amanda Calhoon.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS:
Recognition of 2006-2007 Community Youth Council. The Mayor and City Council recognized
the following senior Community Youth Council (CYC) members: Kasey Grim, Taylor O'Boyle,
Jodie Meis, Theresa Swezey, Amber Moreno, and Jaclynn Thuernagle. Also recognized was
Laura Wirth for going above and beyond as a CYC member. A PowerPoint presentation of the
CYC activities for 2006/2007 was presented.
ADJOURN TO THE GRAND ISLAND AREA SOLID WASTE AGENCY. Motion by Meyer,
second by Whitesides, carried unanimously to adjourn to the Grand Island Area Solid Waste
Agency.
Public Hearing on Proposed Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Annual Budget for the Grand Island Area
Solid Waste Agency. Steve Riehle, Public Works Director reported that a separate hearing was
required for the Solid Waste Agency Budget. The Agency budget was the same as the City
Solid Waste Division budget (Fund 505) which appeared in the City's Annual Budget
Document for Fiscal Year 2007-2008. A PowerPoint presentation was presented. No public
testimony was heard.
#200'1-SWA-1 - Approvinst Adoption of FY 2006-2007 Annual Budget for the Grand Island
Solid Waste Agency Discussion was held on over time hours, FTE requested, and hours of
operation. Motion by Meyer, second by Nickerson, to approve Resolution #2007-SWA-1. Upon
roll call, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION: Motion by Meyer, second by Whitesides, carried
unanimously to return to Regular Session.
Page 2, City Council Regular Meeting, July 24, 2007
ADJOURN TO BOARD OF EQUALIZATION: Motion by Meyer, second by Haase, carried
unanimously to adjourn to the Board of Equalization.
#2007-BE-4 -Consideration of Determining_Benefits for 2006 Weed Abatement Pro rg am• Wes
Nespor, Assistant City Attorney reported that under Chapter 17 of the Grand Island City Code,
the City had several properties which were not mowed of which the City contracted to have
taken care of. The City Council in its' capacity as the Board of Equalization was required to
determine the benefits for the 2006 Weed Abatement Program.
Motion by Meyer, second by Gilbert to approve Resolutions #2007-BE-4. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION: Motion by Meyer, second by Gilbert carried unanimously
to return to Regular Session.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearins on Acauisition of Utility Easement Located at 1203 Cedar Ridge Court
(4Evergreen I, LLC). Gary Mader, Utilities Director reported that acquisition of a utility
easement located at 1203 Cedar Ridge Court was needed in order to have access to install,
upgrade, maintain, and repair power appurtenances, including lines and transformers. This
easement would be used to expand the existing 10 foot easement to 20 feet due to the vacation of
part of the easement on property north of this property. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement Located at 1204 Cedar Ridge Court
(4Ever reen R, LLC). Gary Mader, Utilities Director reported that acquisition of a utility
easement located at 1204 Cedar Ridge Court was needed in order to have access to install,
upgrade, maintain, and repair power appurtenances, including lines and transformers. This
easement would be used to expand the existing 10 foot easement to 20 feet due to the vacation of
part of the easement on property north of this property. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Chance of Zonine for Land Located at 72 Ponderosa Drive from RD
Residential Development to Amended RD Residential Development. Chad Nabity, Regional
Planning Director reported the property located at 72 Ponderosa Drive north of Schimmer Drive
and west of U. S. Highway 281 was being considered for a zoning change to permit a subdivision
of a three acre estate lot into two similar size lots. Donald Dunn, 72 Ponderosa Drive spoke in
support. No further public testimony was heard.
Public Hearins on Chance of Zoning for Land Located North of Highwav 34 and East of
Highway 281 -College Park -from RO Residential Office to B2 General Business. Chad
Nabity, Regional Planning Director reported the property located north of Highway 34 and east
of Highway 281 -College Park - (Doane College) was being considered for a zoning change to
comply with the city comprehensive plan for future commercial development and for
consideration of constructing an electronically controlled digital display sign. Randy Blair, 1901
West Louise Street spoke in support. Gary Schulte, 2807 Lakewood Circle and Donna Kluck,
2829 Brentwood Bldvd. spoke in support of rezoning the west side of the property as presented.
No further public testimony was heard.
Page 3, City Council Regular Meeting, July 24, 2007
ORDINANCES:
Councilmember Whitesides moved "that the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by
title on three different days be suspended. and that ordinances numbered:
#9127 -Consideration of Assessments for 2006 Weed Abatement Program
#9128 -Consideration of Change of Zoning for Land Located at 72 Ponderosa Drive
from RD Residential Development to Amended RD Residential Development
#9129 -Consideration of Change of Zoning for Land Located North of Highway 34 and
East of Highway 281 -College Park -from RO Residential Office to B2 General
Business (Modified as presented)
be considered for passage on the same day upon reading by number only and that the City Clerk
be permitted to call out the number of these ordinances on first reading and then upon final
passage and call for a roll call vote on each reading and then upon final passage."
Councilmember Haase second the motion. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Ordinances #9127, #9128 and #9129 referred to the aforementioned Public Hearings.
Motion by Whitesides, second by Haase to approve Ordinances #9127, #9128 and #9129.
City Clerk: Ordinances #9127, #9128 and #9129 on first reading. All those in favor of the
passage of these ordinances on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted
aye. Councilmember Gilbert abstained from voting on Ordinance #9129. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinances #9127, #9128 and #9129 on final passage. All those in favor of the
passage of these ordinances on final passage, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted
aye. Councilmember Gilbert abstained from voting on Ordinance #9129. Motion adopted.
Mayor Hornady: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon final passage,
Ordinances #9127, #9128 and #9129 are declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as
required by law.
CONSENT AGENDA: Consent Agenda items G-13, G-23, and G-26 were removed for further
discussion. Motion by Gilbert, second by Whitesides to approve the Consent Agenda. excluding
items G-13, G-23, and G-26. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Approving Minutes of July 7, 2007 City Council Re>4,ular Meeting_
Approving, Minutes of July 9, 2007 City Council Joint Meeting_
Approving Minutes of July 10, 2007 City Council Re~,ular 1Vfeeting_
Approving Appointment of Dale Shotkoski as Interim City Administrator.
Approving Appointment of Bob Niemann to the City/County Communications/Civil Defense
Board.
Page 4, City Council Regulaz Meeting, July 24, 2007
Approving Re-AQpointments of Bob Loewenstein and Cindy Bennett to the Communitv
Development Advisory Board.
Approving Anointment of Lisa Heineman to the Regional Planning Commission.
Approving Appointment of Karen Bredthauer to the Interjurisdictional Planning Commission.
Approving Appointment of Lisa Norton to the Animal Advisory Board.
Approving Re-Appointment of Scott Zana to the Heartland Events Center Board.
Approving Preliminary Plat for Ponderosa Lake Estates Sixth Subdivision.
#2007-161 - Annrovinu Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Ponderosa Lake Estates Sixth
Subdivision. It was noted that Marsha M. and Donald L. Dunn, owners had submitted a Final
Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Ponderosa Lake Estates Sixth Subdivision located on a tract
of land comprising all of Block Six (6), Ponderosa Lake Estates Subdivision consisting of
approximately 3.463 acres for the purpose of creating 2 residential lots, each comprising more
than 1.6 acres on the ~=est side of the Ponderosa Subdivision.
#2007-163 - Annrovin~ Acauisition of Utility Easement Located at 1.203 Cedar Ride Court -
Cedar Ridge Apartments (4Ever r~; een I. LLC).
#2007-164 - Approving~Acquisition of Utility Easement Located at 1204 Cedar Ridge Court -
Cedar Ridge Apartments (4Evergreen II, LLCI.
#2007-165 -Approving Bid Award for Electric Underground Sho-Cara e Storage Facility Fire
Protection with Nebraska Fire Sprinkler of Alda, Nebraska in an Amount of $78,033.00.
#2007-166 -Approving Authority to Sign Documents for Farm Service Agency (FSZRegarding
Farm Leases.
#2007-167 -Approving FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget for Business Improvement District #3,
South Locust Street from Stolley Park Road to Highway 34 and Setting Date for Board of
Equalization.
#2007-168 -Approving FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget for Business Improvement District #4,
South Locust Street from Stollen Park Road to Former Park Road and Setting Date for Board of
Equalization.
#2007-169 -Approving FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget for Business Improvement District #53
Downtown and Setting Date for Board of Equalization.
#2007-170 -Approving Funding of Economic Development Corporation Request for Hall
County Airport Authority for the Air National Guard Facility (NWPS Rate Agreement Funds) in
the Amount of $26,000.00.
Yage 5, t;ity ~:ouncil tZegular Meeting, July 24, 2(107
#2007-171 - Ap~rovingLAmendment to the Interlocal Agreement with the Central Nebraska
Health Department.
#2007-173 -Approving Continuation of Sanitary Sewer District No. 525; Lots 8 & 9 of
Westwood Park Subdivision-
#2007-174 -Approving Bid Award for Installation of Final Clarifier Launder Covers, Project
2007-WWTP-2 with A & D Millwright, Inc of Alda, Nebraska in an Amount of $58,313.00.
#2007-162 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for MJ Subdivision. It was noted
that Mud Jockies, L.L.C., Owner had submitted a Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for MJ
Subdivision located on a tract of land comprising all of Lot 1, Grand Island Farmstead Project
Third Subdivision in the NE 1/4 NE 1/4 in Section 34-11-9 consisting of approximately 2.000
acres for the purpose of creating 2 lots.
Discussion was held concerning water and sewer availability. Chad Nabity, Regional Planning
Director reported water and sewer was approximately 1 mile away and would cost approximately
$2 million to extend to this property.
Mation by Whitesides, second by Haase to approve Resolution #2007-162. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmember's Brown, Haase, Zapata, Nickerson, Gericke, Carney, and Whitesides voted aye.
Councilmember's Gilbert, Niemann, and Meyer voted no. Motion adopted.
#2007-172 - Approving City of Grand Island Affirmative Action Plan. Brenda Sutherland,
Human Resources Director reported there were several plans looked at and this plan modeled the
City of Lincoln's plan. Discussion was held on classification and upward mobility.
Motion by Whitesides, second by Haase to approve Resolution #2007-172. Upon roll call vote,
all voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2007-175 - Ap~roving_Agreemern with Olsson Associates of Grand Island, Nebraska for
Update, to Groundwater Study in an Amount not to exceed $3,250.00. Steve Riehle, Public
Works Director gave a history of the groundwater study by Olsson Associates. Discussion was
held on funding and costs of the survey. Gary Mader, Utilities Director commented on water
contamination, treatment and discharge.
Motion by Whitesides, second by Haase to approve Resolution #2007-175. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmember's Brown, Haase, Zapata, Nickerson, Carney, Gilbert, Whitesides, Niemann, and
Meyer voted yes. Councilmember Gericke voted no. Motion adopted.
Mayor Hornady welcomed Boy Scout Troop # 14 to the meeting.
RESOLUTIONS:
#2007-176 -Consideration of Changes to the City Health Insurance Plan to Include Wellness
Package. Brenda Sutherland, Human Resources Director reported the idea of a wellness package
had been looked at for several years. Mentioned was the health insurance committee consisting
of representatives from all unions, non-union, and management personnel within the city. It was
Page 6, City Councii Regular Meeting, July 24, 2007
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the committee's recommendation to include a wellness program and changes to the current
health plan. Ms. Sutherland reviewed the changes to the plan stating claims had increased over
the past year and that the city was self insured and increases were necessary.
Introduced were Brad Utoft with Mutual of Omaha and Cassandra Kats with Healthways.
Presented was a PowerPoint explaining the wellness program. A lengthy discussion was held on
the benefits of the program, cost to the city, employee premiums, and incentive for employees to
be a part of the plan.
Motion by Nickerson, second by Whitesides to approve Resolution #2007-176.
Motion by Gericke, second by Carney to table Resolution #2007-176 until the August 7, 2007
City Council meeting. Upon roll call vote, Councilmember's Gericke, Carney, Gilbert, and
Meyer voted yes. Councilmember's Brown, Haase, Zapata, Nickerson, Whitesides, and Niemann
voted no. Motion failed.
Motion by Whitsides, second by Niemann to call the question. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmember's Brown, Haase, Zapata, Nickerson, Gericke, Carney, Gilbert, Whitesides, and
Niemann voted yes. Councilmember Meyer voted no. Motion adopted.
Upon roll call vote of the original motion to approve Resolution #2007-176, Councilmember's
Brown, Haase, Zapata, Nickekson, Carney, Gilbert, Whitesides, and Niemann voted yes.
Councilmember's Gericke and Meyer voted no. Motion adopted.
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS:
Motion by Brown, second by Haase to approve the Claims for the period of July 11, 2007
through July 24, 2007, for a total amount of $3,170,537.94. Motion adopted unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk