02/19/2008 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
February 19, 2008
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 February 19, 2008. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent
on February 13, 2008.
Mayor Margaret Hornady called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were
present: Councilmember's Brown, Haase, Nickerson, Carney, Gilbert, Ramsey, Niemann, and
Meyer. Councilmember's Zapata and Gericke were absent. The following City Officials were
present: City Administrator Jeff Pederson, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, City Attorney Dale
Shotkoski and Finance Director David Springer.
INVOCATION was given by Pastor Nick Schonlau, Third City Christian Church, 4100 West
13th Street followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
MAYOR COMMUNICATION: Mayor Hornady commented on the Law Enforcement Center
dedication and ribbon cutting this Friday, February 22, 2008 at 1:15 p.m.; Cheerleader and
Dance Competition at the Heartland Events Center this Saturday, Febniary 23, 2008; and the
Community Youth Council Talent Contest this Sunday, February 24, 2008 at the Grand Island
Mall.
Presentation by BKD. LLP Relative to Fiscal Year 2007 Electric and Water Audit Revorts.
David Springer, Finance Director introduced Roger Watton from BKD, LLP to give the 200?
electric and water audit reports. Mr. Walton stated these were clean and unqualified opinions
which were the highest ratings given. A brief overview and review of the water and electric audit
reports were given.
Highlights of the water funds were given with revenues up from last year. The electric
department revenues were up also from last year. Mr. Watton stated both funds were in excellent
financial conditions.
Update on Downtown "Vision" ,and Previous Plans: Cindy Johnson, Chamber of Commerce
President updated the council with a PowerPoint presentation on the Downtown Improvement
District. Introduced were Christa Boosma, Partnership Services Director with the Chamber and
Matt Armstrong, Chairman of the Downtown Improvement Board.
Ghrista Bosman updated the council on the following activates currently being implemented in
the downtown area:
• Design
• Historical Building Restoration & Upper Level Development
• Economic Restructuring
• Physical. Environment & Streetscape
Page 2, City Council Study Session, February 19, 2008
• Arts & Humanities Center
• Promotions
• Parking Solutions
J.L Schmidt, Director of the Nebraska Lied Main Street Program commented that Grand Island
Downtown was being nominated for a National Downtown award.
Councilmember's commented on the Kauffman & Cummings Park, businesses being closed
during special events, directional horns, parking issues, rented/reserved parking areas, awnings,
entertainment, and public transportation.
Presentation by Shonesy Associates for FY 2007 City Single Audit and General Purpose
Financial Statements. David Springer, Finance Director introduced Terry Galloway representing
Almquist, Maltzahn, Galloway & Luth who reviewed the FY 2007 City Single Audit and
General Purpose Financial Statements. A PowerPoint was presented with a detailed report of the
findings. The financial audit received a clean and unqualified rating which was the highest rating
possible.
The following areas of concern were mentioned:
• Decline of Cash Reserves in General Fund
• Debt Service, including Lease Payments
• Balanced Budget
Discussion was held concerning the appropriate level of cash reserves.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Q~~ ~~~
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk