05/03/2011 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
May 3, 2011
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 Council Chambers of City Hall, 100 East First Street, on
May 3, 2011. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on April 27,
2011.
Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following Councilmember's
were present: Chuck Haase, Larry Carney, Bob Niemann, Kirk Ramsey, Peg Gilbert, Mitch
Nickerson, Linna Dee Donaldson, and Randy Gard. Councilmember John Gericke and Scott
Dugan were absent. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Mary Lou
Brown, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Interim City Attorney Jason Eley, and Public Works
Director John Collins.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was said.
MAYOR COMMUNICATION: Mayor Vavricek introduced Community Youth Council
members Ava Mackey, Jessica Wiens, Michael Hollman, and Jackson Buck. Mayor commented
on CIR reform legislation to be heard before the Legislature tomorrow.
OTHER ITEMS:
Update on Lincoln Park Pool & Readout from Lincoln Park Neighborhood Meeting. Regional
Planning Director Chad Nabity reported that on August 12, 2010 the City Council charged the
Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) with studying the impact of the Lincoln Park Pool
on the surrounding neighborhood of the pool. On November 30, 2010 over 60 people attended a
meeting held at Lincoln School. Presented were reasons for the meeting and results from that
meeting as they related to living in the neighborhood.
Parks and Recreation Director Steve Paustian presented plans and projected costs for renovation
of the pool.
The following improvement costs were presented:
• Filter System & Chemical Treatment $ 261,000.00
• Circulation System & Deck Renovation $ 505,000.00
• Zero Depth Addition $ 165,000.00
• New Pool $1,462,000.00
• New Slide $ 277,000.00
• Remodel Bathhouse $ 213,000.00
• New Bathhouse $ 561,000.00
Page 2, City Council Study Session, May 3, 2011
Discussion was held concerning moving the pool to Lions Club Park. Mr. Nabity stated it was
not discussed at the neighborhood meeting. Mr. Paustian answered questions concerning wading
pools.
The following options were presented:
• Renovate Existing Bathhouse & Pool Basin $1,421,000.00
• Renovate Existing Basin with New Bathhouse $1,794,000.00
• New Pool & Bathhouse $2,371,000.00
• Wading Pool Integration $2,371,000.00
• Lions Club Park Relocation $2,440,000.00
The following seven financing options were presented:
1. Do Nothing
2. Pay from Cash Balance
3. Put General Obligation Bond Issue on May 2012 General Election
4. Put General Obligation Bond Issue on Special Election
5. Grand Island Facilities Corporation Issues Bonds
6. Grand Island CRA Issue TIP Bonds
7. Private Donations /Fundraising
Discussion was held concerning uses of the pool. Mr. Paustian stated swimming lessons, pool
parties, evening swimming lessons, and life guard training/certification were the main uses.
Recreation Superintendent Todd McCoy answered questions concerning the number of
swimmers. Stated were approximately 6,500 swimmers and 900 lessons each summer. Revenues
were approximately $30,000 with the City subsidizing approximately $25,000. Lincoln Park
Pool prices were $2.25 per person and Island Oasis was $6.00 per person. The life of a new pool
would be between 25 to 30 years.
City Administrator Mary Lou Brown commented that the next step would be for council to make
a decision early in the budget process. All recreational activities would be taken into account at
that time.
Comments were made by Council concerning the importance of a pool in this area. Putting this
issue to a vote of the people was recommended which would increase taxes. Needs and wants
were mentioned relative to the budget constraints. An indoor pool was also mentioned.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
P�as' �QU
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk