04/21/2009 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Apri121, 2009
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 Community Meeting Room of City Hall, 100 East First Street,
on April 21, 2009. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on April 15,
2009.
Mayor Margaret Hornady called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following Councilmember's
were present: Gericke, Nickerson, Ramsey, Dugan, Carney, Haase, Gilbert, Niemann, and Meyer.
Councilmember Zapata was absent. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator
Jeff Pederson, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Assistant City Attorney Wes Nespor, and Finance
Director David Springer.
INVOCATION was given by Mayor Margaret Hornady followed by the PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE.
Presentation by SCORE Group. Brian Gallagher, Chairman of the Greater Grand Island Sports
Council presented a PowerPoint presentation explaining the benefits of recruiting, organizing, and
hosting sporting events in our community. Economic benefits as well as quality of life enhancements
were mentioned. Also mentioned was the 2010 and 2011 NSAA State Volleyball Championships to
be hosted by Hastings and Grand Island.
The following events had been hosted by Grand Island:
• National 4-H Shooting Invitational
• NE Cheer & Dance Championship
Soccer Showcase
Other possible events that could be hosted were:
• Bowling
• Basketball
• Gymnastics
• Darts/Pool
• Cycling
• Tennis
• Dog Agility
• Remote Controlled Cars
• Other NSAA Championships
Requested were funds from the city to help host these events. Discussion was held on the amount of
assistance. Mr. Gallagher stated an annual support of $100,000 handled through the Convention
Visitors Bureau was requested. Orv Qualsett commented on the importance of recognition Grand
Island was receiving through these events.
Transmission Line and Substation En ig neerin~ Study; Northern Interconnection Route Analysis.
Gary Mader, Utilities Director reported that Advantage Engineering, Inc. had been hired to do a
Page 2, City Council Study Session, Apri121, 2009
Route Study for new 115 kV Line - Substation F to St. Libory Junction. Mr. Mader stated electric
distribution substations loop were along the outer edge of the urban area. With the continued growth
of the City, future transmission lines would improve the reliability of interconnections with other
substations.
Barry Smith with Advantage Engineering, Inc. presented a PowerPoint presentation explaining the
study. The objective of the study was to find a route most advantageous to the City for the Grand
Island Utilities Department (GIUD) Substation F to NPPD St. Libory Junction 115 kV regional
transmission line interconnection.
The route recommended was Alternate Route 5 for the following reasons:
1. The route is slightly shorter and more direct than the other alternate routes.
2. This route requires the least number of angle structures.
3. This route passes near the least number of homes of any other route.
4. This route is estimated to cost less than the other four routes evaluated.
The following four phases were explained in the analysis of recommending the most suitable
transmission line route:
1. Phase 1 -Identification of the study area and exclusion areas within the study area, and a
general characterization of the major land uses within the study area.
2. Phase 2 identification of the project technical requirements including the safety
requirements, line configuration, right-of--way requirements, radio and TV interference,
audible noise, and electric and magnetic field information.
3. Phase 3 -Development of alternate transmission line routes in accordance with project
requirements, considering the exclusion areas and routing criteria.
4. Phase 4 -Evaluation of alternate routes leading to the identification of a preferred line route.
Estimated easement costs for Route 5 was $127,554 with a total of 31.89 acres and 26 new easements
required. Total construction for Route 5 was $6,975,914 which was less than the other 4 routes
evaluated.
Discussion was held regarding the vulnerability of the current loops. Underground versus overhead
lines were discussed. Mr. Smith stated cost of underground was not cost effective. Mr. Mader
answered questions regarding the process of notifying property owners in the area. Wes Nespor,
Assistant City Attorney stated Council would have to decide which route would be approved before
notification could be given.
David Springer, Finance Director answered questions concerning the payment of the project.
Currently there was enough cash to proceed with the project or the City could bond. Mr. Mader
pointed out those lines that interconnected with NPPD. Distribution feeders were mentioned.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
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RaNae Edwards
City Clerk