11/01/2011 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
November l, 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
November l, 2011. Notice of the meeting was given in the GYand Island Independent on October
26, 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, Randy Gard, and John Gericke. Councilmember Scott Dugan
was absent. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Mary Lou Brown,
City Clerk RaNae Edwards, City Attorney Bob Sivick, and Interim Finance Director Jaye
Monter.
INVOCATION was given by Community Youth Council member Kaitlin Hehnke followed by
the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
MAYOR COMMLTNICATION: Mayor Vavricek introduced Community Youth Council
members Kaitlin Hehnke and Andrea Voss.
OTHER ITEMS:
Discussion Concerning Closed Sessions. City Administrator Mary Lou Brown introduced
Executive Director Lynn Rex with the Nebraska League of Municipalities for a presentation
concerning Closed Sessions and the Open Meetings Act.
Ms. Rex complimented Grand Island for the excellent job the city does with its agenda's and
conducting meetings with regards to the Open Meetings Act.
Reviewed were State Statutes §84-1410 Closed Session. Mentioned was the following two
reasons to go into closed session: 1) protect the public interest; or 2) for the prevention of
needless injury to the reputation of an individual and if such individual has not requested a public
meeting.
Mentioned was that no vote could be taken in closed session but council could give
direction/guidance on negotiating issues. Confidentiality of closed sessions was discussed.
Discussion was held concerning what constituted public records.
, Discussion Concernin�; Amendin� the Citv of Grand Island Police Officer's and Firefi ters'
Retirement System Plan and Trust for Changes in the A�plicable Tax Laws. Interim Finance
Director Jaye Monter introduced Greg Anderson Vice-President Trust Officer with Wells Fargo.
Mr. Anderson clarified the role of Wells Fargo as trustee for 6oth the Police Officer's and
Page 2, City Council Study Session, November 1, 2011
Firefighters' Retirement System Plans. Mentioned was that the amendments to the plans were
required by the Federal Tax Code.
Mr. Anderson stated the amendment as presented would have no change to the current plans. Ms.
Monter stated this item would come before the City Council on November 8, 2011.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
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RaNae Edwards
City Clerk