08/08/2013 Minutes CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
August 8, 2013
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
August 8, 2013. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on August 2,
2013.
Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following Councilmembers
were present: Mike Paulick, Scott Dugan, John Gericke, Peg Gilbert, Mitch Nickerson, Julie
Hehnke, Linna Dee Donaldson, and Bob Niemann. Councilmembers Vaughn Minton and Chuck
Haase were absent. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Mary Lou
Brown, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, City Attorney Robert Sivick, City Treasurer and Finance
Director Jaye Monter, and City Engineer and Public Works Director John Collins.
INVOCATION given by Community Youth Council member Jordyn Barnett followed by the
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Vavricek introduced Community Youth Council member Jordyn Barnett.
SPECIAL ITEMS:
Wastewater Budget for 2013-2014. Public Works Director John Collins introduced Wastewater
Treatment Plant (WWTP) Engineer Marvin Strong who reviewed the operating revenue which
totaled $9,269,817. This included the sewer rate increase. General operations were $4,058.095
which included staff, operating, and debt service. The Treatment, compost and capital budget
totaled $32,627,430. Collections totaled $1,215,154 for a total expense budget of$37,900,679.
The following 2014 Capital Projects were reviewed:
• Headworks - $15,054,000
• North Interceptor Phase 1 (WWTP to Sky Park Road and 7th Street) - $1 0,362,086
• North Interceptor Phase 2b (Broadwell to Custer) - $1,450,000
• US Highway 281 Tap District- $2,410,000 (State Revolving Funds)
• Husker Highway- $250,000
• Wildwood Subdivision- $1,400,000
• Capital Outlay(Buildings, Vehicles, Machinery& Equipment) - $209,000
• Sewer Rehabilitation - $200,000
• Unknown Sewer Districts - $100,000
• Lift Station#7 Repairs/Improvements - $31,487
• Automation/Asset Management - $100,000
• Utility Billing Software Allocation- $164,931
The following 2013 Capital projects had been substantially completed:
• 4th and 5th Eddy to Vine
Page 2,City Council Study Session,August 8,2013
• Southwest Interceptor
• Lift Station#7 Repairs/Improvements
• Platte Valley Industrial Park
• Master Planning
Mentioned were savings in the 2014 projected operations and maintenance budget under WWTP
Utility service electricity, contract services for sludge disposal and one vacant position which
was eliminated.
Council complimented the WWTP staff on the progress and savings at the plant over the past
year. Mr. Strong explained the Master Plan and Asset Management.
Solid Waste Budget for 2013-2014. Public Works Director John Collins introduced Solid Waste
Superintendent Jeff Wattier who reported that the Solid Waste Division was an enterprise fund
and received no funding from the General Fund. All revenues were generated from tipping fees.
This was one of the few divisions with competition and served both residents and non-residents.
Mentioned was the Landfill Cell 3 expansion project would likely occur in 2016 or 2017. Since
2010 approximately 100,000 cubic yards of dirt had been hauled by the Landfill staff. Reviewed
were the FY 2014 Budget Capital expenditures for the Transfer Station. Total budgeted expenses
were $2,684,141 and budgeted revenues were $2,787,379. There were no FTE changes and a
proposed 3%rate increase due to increased costs. The last increase occurred October 1, 2004.
Comments were made concerning eliminating the clean up cards and the positive response from
the community.
Utility Budget for 2013-2014. Utilities Director Tim Luchsinger gave an overview of the 2014
Budgets for the Electric Department— Fund 520 and Water Department — Fund 525. Guidelines
for the proposed budget were estimated on a conservative (low) revenue forecast and a
conservative (high) operating cost. The goal was to maintain adequate cash reserves and manage
controllable operating expenses and capital expenditures. The total Capital Budget for the
Electric Capital Improvements was $39,924,846. Future consideration was the Platte Generating
Station Emission Controls planned for operation by May 2015.
Mr. Luchsinger stated there would be no rate increase in the electric department for 2013-2014.
Utilities Accountant Darrin Buettner commented on the financials of the Electric Department. He
stated we were in good shape due to cash reserves.
Mentioned were several projects completed over the past year. The total Water Capital
improvements proposed for FY 2013-2014 were $2,338,348 which included bond payments,
Wasmer cell relocation, and Central NE Regional Airport upgrade and production
improvements. No rate increases were expected in FY 2013-2014.
Mr. Luchsinger commented on the wireless meters.
Page 3,City Council Study Session,August 8,2013
2013-2014 Proposed Fee Schedule. Finance Director Jaye Monter reported on the proposed
2013-2014 Fee Schedule. Reviewed were those items in the fee schedule that were changed.
Parks & Recreation Director Todd McCoy commented on the League fees, Lincoln Park Pool
and Community Fieldhouse. Comments were made concerning the increase in fees for season
passes at the Fieldhouse. Mr. McCoy stated the Fieldhouse was really busy.
Comments were made by Council concerning a decrease in fee for the Industrial Waste
surcharges. Mr. Collins stated a rate study would be completed within the next month. It was
suggested that the fee stay the same as last year.
Fire Chief Cory Schmidt commented on the firework and burn permits. Regional Planning
Director Chad Nabity commented on the increase in fees for Blight Study Adoption,
Redevelopment Plan Adoption, and Redevelopment Plan Amendment.
City Administrator Mary Lou Brown commented on the upcoming Council meetings for the
2013-2014 budget.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
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RaNae Edwards
City Clerk