12/09/2014 Minutes CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
December 9, 2014
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Regular Meeting 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 December 9, 2014. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand Island Independent
on December 3, 2014.
Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following City Council
members were present: Linna Dee Donaldson, Julie Hehnke, Mitch Nickerson, Peg Gilbert, John
Gericke, Mark Stelk, Mike Paulick, and Vaughn Minton. Councilmember Chuck Haase was
absent. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Mary Lou Brown, City
Clerk RaNae Edwards, Treasurer and Finance Director Jaye Monter, City Attorney Robert
Sivick, and City Engineer and Public Works Director John Collins.
INVOCATION was given by Pastor Gary Schulte, Evangelical Free Church, 2609 South Blaine
Street followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Vavricek introduced Community Youth Council members Marlena Ramirez, Allie
Richardson, and Diego Tum-Monge.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS:
Recognition of Service of Councilmember John Gericke. Mayor Vavricek presented
Councilmember John Gericke with a plaque and recognized his service to the community as
Councilmember for Ward 5.
Recognition of Service of Councilmember Peg Gilbert. Mayor Vavricek presented
Councilmember Peg Gilbert with a plaque and recognized her service to the community as
Councilmember for Ward 2.
Recognition of Service of Jaye Monter Finance Director. Mayor Vavricek presented Finance
Director Jaye Monter with a plaque and recognized her service to the community as City
Treasurer/Finance Director. Ms. Monter thanked the City for the opportunity to serve as Finance
Director.
Recognition of Service of Mary Lou Brown City Administrator. Mayor Vavricek presented City
Administrator Mary Lou Brown with a plaque and recognized her service to the community as
City Administrator. Ms. Brown appreciated the leadership and fantastic employees of the City of
Grand Island and would take many wonderful memories with her. She stated she would return to
_._ Colorado and go into retirement.
Page 2,City Council Regular Meeting,December 9,2014
SPECIAL ITEMS:
Approving Minutes of November 25, 2014 City Council Regular Meeting. Motion by Gericke,
second by Minton to approve the minutes of the November 25, 2014 City Council meeting. Upon roll
call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Approving Payment of Claims for the Period of November 26, 2014 through December 9, 2014.
Motion by Donaldson, second by Hehnke to approve the payment of claims for the period of
November 26, 2014 through December 9, 2014 for a total amount of$8,586,397.15. Unanimously
approved.
Acceptance of Election Certificate: Motion by Gilbert, second by Gericke to accept the Election
Certificate for the November 4, 2014 General Election. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion
adopted.
Comments by Outgoing Elected Official Councilmember John Gericke: Councilmember Gericke
thanked the people of Ward 4 and stated it was an exciting time to serve. Mentioned were several
projects that had been completed over his four year term.
Comments by Outgoing Elected Official Councilmember Peg Gilbert: Councilmember Gilbert
commented on the new direction of Grand Island and the new leadership. She thanked the citizens of
Grand Island for their support along with the citizens from Ward 2. Also thanked were the colleagues
on the Council,past and present, city staff, and her family.
Comments by Outgoing Elected Official Mayor Jay Vavricek: Tom O'Neill, 2017 Barbara Avenue
thanked the outgoing officials for their service. Mayor Vavricek reflected on eight years of public
service and the last four years of work. He stated there were 185 meetings and countless study
session topics. He thanked the people of Grand Island, City Council, city staff, and family.
Mentioned were the highlights of the last four years.
Recess: Motion by Gilbert, second by Paulick to recess at 7:38 p.m. for the transition to the new
governing body. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Council reconvened at 7:48 p.m.
Administration of Oath to Newly Elected Mayor and Councilmembers: City Clerk RaNae Edwards
administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Mayor Jeremy Jensen. Ms. Edwards then
administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Councilmembers Roger Steele — Ward 2 and
Michelle Fitzke — Ward 5 and returning Councilmember's Vaughn Minton — Ward 1, Mitchell
Nickerson—Ward 4 and Linna Dee Donaldson—Ward 3.
Seating of Newly Elected Councilmembers followed by Roll Call: The following members were
present: Mayor Jeremy Jensen, Councilmembers Mitch Nickerson, Mark Stelk, Julie Hehnke, Linna
Dee Donaldson, Michelle Fitzke, Vaughn Minton, Roger Steele, and Mike Paulick. Councilmember
--.-.— Chuck Haase was absent.
Comments by Newly Elected Officials:
Page 3,City Council Regular Meeting,December 9,2014
Councilmember's Roger Steele, Michelle Fitzke, Mitch Nickerson, Linna Dee Donaldson and
Vaughn Minton each thanked the citizens of Grand Island for the opportunity to represent them.
They also thanked their families, friends and looked forward to moving forward.
Mayor Jensen acknowledged his family and their support. He stated he was humbled and excited to
be here.
Election of City Council President: City Clerk RaNae Edwards reported that the City Council was
required to elect one Councilmember to the office of Council President for a term of one year and
that the Council President automatically assumed the duties of the Mayor in the event that the Mayor
was absent or otherwise unable to fulfill his duties. Nebraska law allows the election of the Council
President to be by secret ballot. The total number of votes for each candidate; however, must be
stated and recorded in the Minutes. Past practice has included a run-off election between the top two
nominees, if necessary. The City Clerk prepared and distributed ballots.
Councilmember Minton nominated Councilmember Nickerson. Councilmember Hehnke nominated
Councilmember Donaldson. There were no further nominations.
City Clerk RaNae Edwards called for the first ballot. It was reported that Councilmember Donaldson
had received 5 votes and Councilmember Nickerson had received 3 votes. Mayor Jensen case the
sixth and deciding vote for Councilmember Donaldson. Mayor Jensen declared Councilmember
Donaldson the new Council President for 2015.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearing on Request from Estanislao LLC dba La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, 2418 N.
Webb Road, Suite A for a Class "I" Liquor License. City Clerk RaNae Edwards reported that an
application for a Class "I" Liquor License had been received from Estanislao LLC dba La
Cocina Mexican Restaurant, 2418 N. Webb Road, Suite A. Ms. Edwards presented the following
exhibits for the record: application submitted to the Liquor Control Commission and received by
the City on November 13, 2014; notice to the general public of date, time, and place of hearing
published on December 3, 2014; notice to the applicant of date, time, and place of hearing
mailed on November 13, 2014; along with Chapter 4 of the City Code. Staff recommended
denial based on the Police Department report of a false application, character and reputation
issues with Gemelo Mario Leon-Garcia, spouse of Gabrielle Gutierrez — Liquor Manager
applicant, along with hidden ownership. Gemelo Mario Leon-Garchia and Gabrielle Gutierrez
were present to speak in support. No further public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Acquisition of Public Utility Easement for Hall County Sanitary Sewer
District 2 (SID 2) [Dale L. Bockmann]. Public Works Director John Collins reported that
acquisition of a public utility easement was needed for the Hall County Sanitary Sewer District
2. The easement would allow for construction, operation, maintenance, extension, repair,
replacement and removal of public utilities within the easement. Staff recommended approval.
No public testimony was heard.
Page 4,City Council Regular Meeting,December 9,2014
ORDINANCES:
Councilmember Donaldson moved "that the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by
title on three different days are suspended and that ordinances numbered:
#9513 - Consideration of Vacation of Utility Easement in Lot One (1) and Lot Two (2),
Elder 4th Subdivision
#9514 - Consideration of Creation of Water Main District 467T - Engleman Road from
Old Potash Highway, South for One-Half(1/2) Mile
be considered for passage on the same day upon reading by number only and that the City Clerk
be permitted to call out the number of these ordinances on second reading and then upon final
passage and call for a roll call vote on each reading and then upon final passage."
Councilmember Nickerson seconded the motion. Upon roll call vote, all aye. Motion adopted.
Utilities Director Tim Luchsinger reported that Ordinance#9513 would vacate a utility easement
across Lots One (1) and Lot Two (2) in Elder 4th Subdivision. He stated this easement was no
longer needed by the City and the property owner had requested it be vacated.
Ordinance#9514 would create Water Main District 467T along Engleman Road from Old Potash
Highway, south for 1/2 mile. The construction was the first phase to complete the westerly loop
of the water system and would provide future development and fire protection for this portion of
the City. The district would be constructed as a tap district where fees would not be collected
until the user connects to the main.
Motion by Paulick, second by Hehnke to approve Ordinances#9513 and#9514.
City Clerk: Ordinances #9513 and #9514 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of
these ordinances on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion
adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinances #9513 and #9514 on second and final reading. All those in favor of the
passage of these ordinances on second and final reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call
vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Mayor Jensen: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon final passage,
Ordinances #9513 and#9514 are declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
CONSENT AGENDA: Consent agenda item G-7 (#2014-366) was pulled from the agenda for
further discussion. Motion by Paulick, second by Hehnke to approve the Consent Agenda
excluding item G-7 (#2014-366). Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2014-360 -Approving Surety Bonds for Mayor and City Councilmembers.
#2014-361 - Approving City Council Meeting Schedule for 2015.
Page 5,City Council Regular Meeting,December 9,2014
#2014-362 - Approving Change Order #1 with Meylan Enterprises, Inc. of Omaha, NE for
Precipitator, Bottom Ash and Boiler Industrial Cleaning at Platte Generating Station for an
Increase of$9,931.74 and a Revised Contract Amount of$129,536.34.
#2014-363 - Approving Temporary Construction Easements for South Blaine Street Bridge
Replacements; Project No. 2014-B-1 (Country Club Holding Association, LLC).
#2014-364 - Approving Acquisition of Public Utility Easement for Hall County Sanitary Sewer
District 2 (SID 2) [Dale L. Bockmann].
#2014-365 - Approving Temporary Construction Easement for the North Interceptor Phase II;
Sanitary Sewer Project No. 2013-S-4 (Ummel & Spiehs).
#2014-366 - Approving Request from the GRACE Foundation for Permission to Use City Streets
and State Highway for a 10K Race and 2-Mile Family Fun Run. Executive Director for Race for
GRACE Angie Ziller, 324 West 18th Street spoke in support. Discussion was held regarding
insurance for special events. It was requested that the special events insurance issue be brought
back to the December 22, 2014 City Council meeting for further review.
Motion by Donaldson, second by Nickerson to approve Resolution #2014-366. Upon roll call
vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2014-367 - Approving State Bid Award for (1) 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan for the Parks &
Recreation Department with Lincoln Dodge Inc. of Lincoln, NE in an Amount of$21,543.00.
#2014-368 - Approving Bid Award for George Park Sidewalk/Trail Project for the Parks &
Recreation Department with Diamond Engineering Company of Grand Island, NE in an Amount
of$86,444.35.
#2014-369 - Approving the following State Contract Purchases for Police Department Vehicles:
3 Ford TPI sedans/ Sid Dillon Ford - State award #14148. $ 26,552.00 ea.
3 Ford Expeditions/Anderson Ford - State award#1415. $ 31,254.00 ea.
2 Ford PUV SUVs/Anderson Ford- State award#14128. $27,220.00 ea.
2 Ford Fusion sedans/Anderson Ford— State award#14117. $17,517.00 ea.
1 Dodge Pickup truck/Roy's Grand Dodge—Quote- $ 17,689.00 ea.
for a total cost of$ 280,581.00.
RESOLUTIONS:
#2014-370 - Consideration of Request from Estanislao LLC dba La Cocina Mexican Restaurant,
2418 N. Webb Road, Suite A for a Class "I" Liquor License and Liquor Manager Designation
for Gabriella Gutierrez, 112 West 1st Street, McCook, NE. This item was related to the
aforementioned Public Hearing.
Page 6,City Council Regular Meeting,December 9,2014
--- Motion by Donaldson, second by Minton to deny Resolution #2014-370 based on the Police
Department report of a false application, character and reputation issues with Gemelo Mario
Leon-Garcia, spouse of Gabrielle Gutierrez — Liquor Manager applicant, along with hidden
ownership. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2014-371 - Consideration of Approving Appointment of City Clerk RaNae Edwards MMC.
Mayor Jensen reported he was submitting the appointment of RaNae Edwards MMC as City Clerk to
coincide with the Mayor's term of office.
Motion by Paulick, second by Hehnke to approve Resolution #2014-371. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2014-372 - Consideration of Approving Appointment of City Engineer/Public Works Director
John Collins P.E. Mayor Jensen reported he was submitting the appointment of John Collins P.E. as
City Engineer/Public Works Director to coincide with the Mayor's term of office.
Motion by Hehnke, second by Minton to approve Resolution #2014-372. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Steele, Minton, Fitzke, Donaldson, Hehnke, Stelk, and Nickerson voted aye.
Councilmember Paulick voted no. Motion adopted.
#2014-373 - Consideration of Approving Appointment of Interim Treasurer/Finance Director
William Clingman. Mayor Jensen reported he was submitting the appointment of William Clingman
as Interim City Treasurer/Finance Director until such time as another appointment was made.
Motion by Stelk, second by Paulick to approve Resolution#2014-373. Upon roll call vote, all voted
aye. Motion adopted.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
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RaNae Edwards
City Clerk