08/27/2013 Resolutions 2013-292 RESOLUTION 2013-292
WHEREAS, veterans today and generations before have served honorably with
bravery, courage and dedication to support the freedom of this land and community; and
WHEREAS, this community made possible 640 acres of land as the home of the
Grand Island Veterans Home, which, in the estimation of many in our community, became
"hallowed ground"with approval of state statute LB247 on March 4, 1887; and
WHEREAS, efforts to move the Grand Island Veterans Home to Kearney cast aside
with little or no regard the pioneer spirit, generosity, initiative and 126 years of service from our
community; and
WHEREAS, a recent state wide request for community offerings supporting a new
Central Nebraska Veterans Home used a proposal process that remains in doubt, a process that did
not take into account proximity of adjacent and available resources such as the Veterans Hospital,
camaraderie of the membership of veterans' organizations,land readily available for member access
and residency, nor did it solicit suitable involvement from members or employees of the Grand
Island Veterans Home, or conduct a public hearing to ascertain facts; and
WHEREAS, based on the unprecedented show of support at the August 20th city
council meeting and public comments made at that time; and
WHEREAS, the City of Grand Island, Hall County, Grand Island Area Economic
Development Corporation and the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce have representatives
serving as members of the Home for Our Heroes Committee; and
WHEREAS,the City,County,Economic Development Corporation and Chamber of
Commerce along with the entire Grand Island area community have an interest in retaining the Grand
Island Veterans Home and will be affected by the loss of that Home; and
WHEREAS,the Chamber of Commerce plans to engage Donald L. Dunn of the law
firm of Rembolt Ludtke,LLP to analyze the legal situation regarding the decision to move the Home,
to analyze the legal options available to retain the Home in Grand Island, and to offer advice to the
Home for Our Heroes Committee regarding the legal situation and available options regarding the
State's decision to relocate the Home; and
WHEREAS, the total fee for Mr. Dunn's and Rembolt Ludtke's services is
$15,000.00 with Hall County contributing$5,000,Economic Development Corporation contributing
$2,500 and Chamber of Commerce contributing$2,500; and
WHEREAS, at the request of The Home For Our Heroes Committee, the City of
Grand Island is contributing$5,000.00 to assist it in paying Mr. Dunn and Rembolt Ludtke only to
research, analyze and evaluate matters concerning the Veterans Home relocation recommendation;
and
Approved as to Form °
August 26,2013 l G +rney
WHEREAS,the following council acknowledgements are also made: since federal
funding of the project would benefit veterans regardless of the Home's location, federal funding is
essential and will be supported; a reasonable and respectful dialogue is expected; other actions,
including the possibility of state-wide legislative action,maybe warranted;timely communication of
research will be extended to the council through the Mayor; and if future financial assistance is
needed to address this community concern, any action is dependent upon council approval with the
hope the same four community partners would participate in a similar manner as this initial effort.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND,NEBRASKA,that the City of Grand Island is hereby authorized
to disburse $5,000.00 to the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce to assist it in retaining the
professional services of Donald L. Dunn and Rembolt Ludtke, LLP and for paying the fee for those
services.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, August 27, 2013.
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ay avric:k, Mayor
Attest:
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i P.
RaNae Edwards, City Clerk
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