02/24/2015 Minutes CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
February 24, 2015
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 February 24, 2015. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand Island Independent
on February 18, 2015.
Mayor Jeremy L. Jensen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following City Council
members were present: Mitch Nickerson, Mark Stelk, Jeremy Jones, Chuck Haase, Julie Hehnke,
Linna Dee Donaldson, Michelle Fitzke, Vaughn Minton, Roger Steele, and Mike Paulick. The
following City Officials were present: City Administrator Marian Ferguson, City Clerk RaNae
Edwards, Interim Finance Director William Clingman, City Attorney Robert Sivick, and Public
Works Director John Collins.
INVOCATION was given by Pastor Richard King, Solid Rock Baptist Church, 3221 West 13th
Street followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Jensen introduced Community Youth Council members Grant Bednar and Miranda
Keiper.
PRESENTATION AND PROCLAMATIONS:
Convention Visitors Bureau Presentation by Executive Director Brad Mellema. Executive
Director Brad Mellema introduced Jody Lamp and Melody Dobson from Montana who gave a
presentation of the American Door Stop Project. They highlighted the history of the Grand Island
Horse and Mule Market here in Grand Island in the early 1900's.
ADJOURN TO BOARD OF EQUALIZATION: Motion by Donaldson, second by Hehnke,
carried unanimously to adjourn to the Board of Equalization.
#2015-BE-1 —Consideration of Detentiining Benefits for 2010, 2013 & 2014 Weed/Nuisance
Abatement Program. Assistant City Attorney Stacy Nonhof reported that City Code contains a
procedure for abating nuisances on properties such as excessive growths of weeds or litter. The
Council was to deteiniine the benefits for nuisance and weed abatement for the growing seasons
of 2010, 2013 and 2014. Staff recommended approval.
Discussion was held concerning the number of years in this assessment. Ms. Nonhof stated there
were a few years where weeds were not mowed because of a lack of money. Mr. Sivick stated
the last assessment was in 2009 which was during the recession and budgets were tight. Ms.
Nonhof explained the process of mowing and billing.
Motion by Donaldson, second by Haase to approve Resolution #2015-BE-1. Upon roll call vote,
all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Page 2,City Council Regular Meeting,February 24,2015
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION: Motion by Donaldson, second by Paulick carried
unanimously to return to Regular Session.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearing on Request from Midland Ag Services, Inc. on behalf of Verizon Wireless for a
Conditional Use Permit for a 133' Monopole for Wireless Telecom located at 1203 South Stuhr
Road. Building Department Director Craig Lewis reported that Midland Ag Services, Inc. on
behalf of Verizon Wireless was requesting a Conditional Use Permit for a 133' monopole for
wireless telecom located at 1203 South Stuhr Road. Staff recommended approval with the
condition that the tower be lighted in conformance with FAA Advisory Circular AC 70/7460-1K
and that the tower be designed and certified that upon failure the fall zone would be limited to an
80' radius from the base of the tower protecting the transmission lines. No public testimony was
heard.
Public Hearing on Request from The Diamond Engineering Company on behalf of Verizon
Wireless for a Conditional Use Permit for Construction of an 88' Wireless Telecom Monopole
and Radio Shelter located at 3000 Garland Street. Building Department Director Craig Lewis
reported that The Diamond Engineering Company on behalf of Verizon Wireless was requesting
a Conditional Use Permit for an 88' wireless telecom monopole and radio shelter located at 3000
Garland Street. Staff recommended approval. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan, a Portion of CRA Area 1, for
Downtown Upper Story Residential Life Safety Grant. Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity
reported that an amendment to the redevelopment plan for CRA Area 1 would authorize the
CRA to create a grant program to subsidize and encourage the development of upper level
housing in a specified area of Redevelopment Area 1. The program would not exceed 5 years.
Staff recommended approval. Amos Anson, 4234 Arizona Avenue spoke in support. No further
public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Amendment to the 2014-2015 Budget. Interim Finance Director William
Clingman introduced Solid Waste Superintendent Jeff Wattier. He reported that due to the severe
weather and hail stoiiiis last spring and summer a significant impact was created at the Solid
Waste Division. The budget amendment would allow the Solid Waste Division to hire a
temporary, full-time employee through a staffing agency for assisting transfer station and landfill
staff with the increased work load. Staff recommended approval. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on the One & Six Year Street Improvement Plan (Continued). Public Works
Director John Collins presented a detailed listing of the street improvement projects with their
corresponding years in which each project was scheduled. The One & Six Year Street
Improvement Plan was presented at the Grand Island/Hall County Regional Planning
Commission meeting on February 18, 2015, in which a recommendation of approval was
brought forth. Staff recommended approval. Paul Wicht, 1708 Jerry Drive spoke in opposition of
stripping Stolley Park Road. No further public testimony was heard.
Page 3,City Council Regular Meeting,February 24,2015
- 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:
#9519 — Consideration of Amending Salary Ordinance Relative to FTE Title Changes
from Public Works Project Manager and Wastewater Project Manager to Engineer I for
the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department
#9520 - Consideration of Assessing Benefits for 2010, 2013 & 2014 Weed/Nuisance
Abatement Program
#9521 —Consideration of Vacating Regents Park Subdivision
#9522 - Consideration of Amendment to the 2014-2015 Budget
#9523 - Consideration of Amending Chapter 15 of the Grand Island City Code Relative
to Electricity
#9524 - Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 30 of the Grand Island City Code
Relative to Sewers and Sewage Disposal
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 voted aye. Motion
adopted.
#9519 — Consideration of Amending Salary Ordinance Relative to FTE Title Changes
from Public Works Project Manager and Wastewater Project Manager to Engineer I for
the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department
This item related to the aforementioned Public Hearing. Discussion was held concerning
qualifications for these positions.
Motion by Paulick, second by Minton to approve Ordinance #9519 on first reading. Upon roll
call vote, Councilmembers Steele, Minton, Fitzke, Donaldson, Hehnke, Haase, Jones, Stelk, and
Nickerson voted aye. Councilmember Paulick voted no. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9519 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance#9519 on final passage. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on final passage, 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,
Ordinance#9519 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by law.
#9520 - Consideration of Assessing Benefits for 2010, 2013 & 2014 Weed/Nuisance
Abatement Program
Page 4,City Council Regular Meeting,February 24,2015
This item related to the aforementioned Public Hearing. Discussion was held concerning
administrative costs and the notification process.
Motion by Haase, second by Paulick to approve Ordinance #9520 on first reading. Upon roll call
vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9520 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance#9520 on final passage. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on final passage, 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,
Ordinance#9520 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by law.
#9521 —Consideration of Vacating Regents Park Subdivision
Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity reported that this property was located east of Adams
Street and north of Stolley Park Road and no development had taken place. The Grand Island
Public School System had purchased the property and was planning on building a new
elementary school at this site. Vacating this subdivision would facilitate that new building.
Motion by Minton, second by Hehnke to approve Ordinance #9521 on first reading. Upon roll
call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9521 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance#9521 on final passage. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on final passage, 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,
Ordinance#9521 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by law.
#9522 - Consideration of Amendment to the 2014-2015 Budget
This item related to the aforementioned Public Hearing. Discussion was held concerning the
reconciliation versus a budget amendment.
Motion by Haase, second by Donaldson to approve Ordinance #9522 on first reading. Upon roll
call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9522 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Page 5,City Council Regular Meeting,February 24,2015
City Clerk: Ordinance#9522 on final passage. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on final passage, 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,
Ordinance#9522 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by law.
#9523 - Consideration of Amending Chapter 15 of the Grand Island City Code Relative
to Electricity
Utilities Director Tim Luchsinger reported that with the new Utility Billing Customer
Information System it was necessary to clarify City Code Chapter 15 with regards to regulations
for electric rates. Mr. Luchsinger answered questions regarding commercial deposits.
Motion by Hehnke, second by Donaldson to approve Ordinance #9523 on first reading. Upon
roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9523 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance#9523 on final passage. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on final passage, 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,
Ordinance#9523 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by law.
#9524 - Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 30 of the Grand Island City Code
Relative to Sewers and Sewage Disposal
Public Works Director John Collins reported that in an effort to streamline and simplify the
sanitary sewer billing process changes to City Code Chapter 30-79 were needed. This change
would remove the lower of the two (2) winter quarter water consumption readings for a twelve
(12) month sanitary sewer basis.
Motion by Haase, second by Paulick to approve Ordinance#9524 on first reading:Upon roll call
vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9524 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance#9524 on final passage. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on final passage, 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,
Ordinance#9524 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by law.
Page 6,City Council Regular Meeting,February 24,2015
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Paulick, second by Minton to approve the Consent Agenda.
Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Approving Minutes of February 10, 2015 City Council Regular Meeting.
Approving Appointment of Chris Rosacker to the Downtown Business Improvement District
2013 Board.
#2015-42 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Grand Island Public Schools
Subdivision. It was noted that Hall County School District 2, owner, had submitted the Final Plat
and Subdivision Agreement for Grand Island Public Schools Subdivision for the purpose of
creating 1 lot located east of Adams Street and north of Stolley Park Road containing 30.71
acres.
#2015-43 - Approving Bid Award - 2016 Truck with Digger Deirick - Line Division Unit 77
with Altec Industries, Inc. of St. Joseph, MO in an Amount of$223,273.00.
#2015-44 - Approving Bid Award - Distribution Protection Relays. This item was pulled from
the agenda.
#2015-45 - Approving Continuing Disclosure Agreement and Certificate of Participant
Agreement with OPPD for 2015 Series A Bonds.
#2015-46 - Approving Scott Sekutera as Alternate Designated Representative for the EPA Acid
Rain Program.
#2015-47 - Approving Increase to the City's Share of the US Highway 34 Improvements from
US Highway 281 to South Locust Street — NDOR Project No. STP 34-4(126); Control No.
41994. It was noted the City's total share would be $158,912.84.
#2015-48 - Approving Bid Award for Hot-Mix Asphalt for 2015 with Gary Smith Construction
Co., Inc. of Grand Island, NE; Constructors, Inc. of Lincoln, NE; and J.I.L. Asphalt Paving Co.
of Grand Island, NE for various types of asphalt per ton.
#2015-49 - Approving Bid Award for Concrete Pavement and Stori_ii Sewer Repairs for 2015
with OK Paving of Hordville, NE in an Amount of$880,905.00.
#2015-50 - Approving Bid Award for Concrete Ready-Mix for 2015 with Gerhold Concrete Co.,
Inc. of Grand Island, NE in an Amount of$85.50 per cubic yard.
#2015-51 - Approving Award of Proposal for Aerial Photography of the Grand Island
Metropolitan Planning Organizations Planning Area — 2015 with Kucera International Inc. of
Willoughby, OH in an Amount of 17,900.00.
#2015-52 - Approving Agreement with Olsson Associates for Construction Engineering Services
for Capital Avenue Widening—Webb Road to Broadwell Avenue.
Page 7,City Council Regular Meeting,February 24,2015
#2015-53 - Approving Subcontractor County Line Striping of Grand Island, NE for Annual
Pavement Marking Contract 2015 — Streets Division of the Public Works Department.
#2015-54 - Approving Change Order No. 1 for Faidley Avenue Paving Improvements; Project
No. 2014-P-1 & Faidley Avenue Water Improvements; Project No. 2014-W-14 with The
Diamond Engineering Co. of Grand Island, NE for an Increase of $49,028.57 and a Revised
Contract Amount of$974,321.27.
#2015-55 - Approving Demo and Installation of New Bathroom Fixtures at Island Oasis Water
Park with Sewer Rooter & Plumbing Co, Inc. of Grand Island, NE in an Amount of$45,540.90.
REQUESTS AND REFERRALS:
Consideration of Approving the Request from Midland Ag Services, Inc. on behalf of Verizon
Wireless for a Conditional Use Permit for a 133' Monopole for Wireless Telecom located at
1203 South Stuhr Road. This item related to the aforementioned Public Hearing. Discussion was
held concerning lighting the tower.
Motion by Nickerson, second by Haase to approve with the conditions as set forth in the Public
Hearing. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Consideration of Approving the Request from The Diamond Engineering Company on behalf of
Verizon Wireless for a Conditional Use Permit for Construction of an 88' Wireless Telecom
Monopole and Radio Shelter located at 3000 Garland Street. This item related to the
aforementioned Public Hearing.
Motion by Donaldson, second by Paulick to approve. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion
adopted.
RESOLUTIONS:
#2015-56 - Consideration of Approving the Grant Application to Civic and Community Center
Financing Fund regarding Island Oasis Expansion. Community Development Specialist Charley
Falmlen reported that the Community Development Division was proposing to submit a grant
pre-application to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's Civic and Community
Center Financing Fund requesting $800,000 to assist in funding the proposed $1.6 million
Children's Wet Playground at Island Oasis Waterpark.
Motion by Paulick, second by Minton to approve Resolution #2015-56. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
_ #2015-57 - Consideration of Approving the Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan, a Portion of
CRA Area 1, for Downtown Upper Story Residential Life Safety Grant. This item related to the
aforementioned Public Hearing. Comments were made regarding the importance of these
projects. Amos Anson commented on the importance of developing downtown and an easy
Page 8,City Council Regular Meeting,February 24,2015
process to help developers. Mr. Nabity answered questions regarding Tax Increment Financing
(TIF) on these projects. Council President Donaldson stated she would like to see TIF as a part of
this process from the beginning. It was recommended to bring that topic back to a future council
meeting.
Motion by Haase, second by Hehnke to approve Resolution #2015-57. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2015-58 - Consideration of Approving Resolution Recognizing IBEW Local #1597
Service/Clerical as Labor Representative for the Community Service Officers. City Attorney
Robert Sivick reported that the Community Service Officers were seeking labor representation
from IBEW Local 1597 Service/Clerical. It was recommended that the City voluntarily
recognize the IBEW as the labor representative of the Community Service Officers and amend
the present contract with the IBEW Service/Clerical.
Motion by Paulick, second by Nickerson to approve Resolution #2015-58. Upon roll call vote,
all voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2015-59 - Approving Lease of Gas Power Motorized Golf Cars and Trade-In for Jackrabbit Run
Golf Course. Parks and Recreation Director Todd McCoy reported that Jackrabbit Run Golf
Course currently owned and operated 53 electric Club Car golf cars for patron rental. Request for
Proposals were received for the Lease of Gas Power Motorized Golf Cars and Fleet Trade-In. It
was recommended that Masek Distributing, Inc. of Gering, NE be awarded the lease in an
amount of$18,250.00 per year for five years. Doug Sweeney answered questions regarding gas
storage.
Motion by Haase, second by Minton to approve Resolution #2015-59. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2015-60 - Consideration of Approving the One & Six Year Street Improvement Plan. This item
related to the aforementioned Public Hearing. It was mentioned that Stolley Park would come
back to Council before final action was taken.
Motion by Stelk, second by Hehnke to approve Resolution #2015-60. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2015-61 - Consideration of Approving FTE Title Changes from Public Works Project Manager
and Wastewater Project Manager to Engineer I for the Engineering Division of the Public Works
Department. Public Works Director John Collins reported that the department was experiencing
difficulty hiring some positions within the Engineering Division. In order to attract more
qualified applicants it was recommended that a title change be made for Public Works Project
Manager and Wastewater Project Manager to Engineer I for both positions.
Motion by Hehnke, second by Minton to approve Resolution #2015-61. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Steele, Minton, Fitzke, Donaldson, Hehnke, Haase, Jones, Stelk, and Nickerson
voted aye. Councilmember Paulick voted no. Motion adopted.
Page 9,City Council Regular Meeting,February 24,2015
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS:
Motion by Donaldson, second by Nickerson to approve the Claims for the period of February 11,
2015 through February 24, 2015, for a total amount of$4,764,484.18. Unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk