10/18/2016 Minutes�
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CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
October 18, 2016
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
October 18, 2016. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on October
12, 2016.
Mayor Jeremy L. Jensen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following Councilmembers
were present: Mitch Nickerson, Mark Stelk, Jeremy Jones, Michelle Fitzke, Vaughn Minton, and
Mike Paulick. Councilmembers Chuck Haase, Julie Hehnke, Linna Dee Donaldson, and Roger
Steele were absent. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Marlan
Ferguson, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Finance Director Renae Griffiths, City Attorney Jerry
Janulewicz, and Public Works Director John Collins.
Mayor Jensen introduced Community Youth Council member Jackie Gonzalez.
INVOCATION was given by Community Youth Council member Jackie Gonzales followed by
the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
SPECIAL ITEMS:
Information and Discussion on Upcomin� Ballot Issue for 1/2 Cent Sales Tax. Paul Wicht, 1708
Jerry Drive spoke regarding the Sycamore Street underpass and requested the City check with
the Union Pacific Railroad for their responsibility.
City Administrator Marlan Ferguson stated that on August 23, 2016 the City Council approved
Resolution #2016-208 which placed an initiative on the November 8, 2016 General Election
ballot to increase the City's sales tax by 1/2 percent. Two issues would be on the ballot: one was
to authorize the City to generate or collect the funds and the second one was to authorize the City
to spend the funds. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss and review the Sales Tax
initiative, potential projects, and financial projections.
Mr. Ferguson explained LB 357 passed by the Nebraska Legislature would allow for an
additional 1/2% sales tax. The additional 1/2% sales tax would be used for public infrastructure
projects such as: streets, water, sewer, drainage, etc. The projected revenue per year was $5.5
million. There would be a 10 year sunset or until bonds for which revenue was pledge was paid
off. Additionally LB357 required an oversight committee with a local government agency. An
Interlocal Agreement had been approved with the Community Redevelopment Authority for this
oversight committee.
Mayor Jensen commented on upcoming projects that had been prioritized in an amount of
$133,000,000 of which the City was responsible for. Property tax was mentioned and the need
for the 1/2% sales tax to pass so the local property tax owners would not be solely responsible.
Page 2, City Council Study Session, October 18, 2016
The sales tax was a shared tax for everyone who came to Grand Island. He did not guarantee that
the property tax would not go up but without the additional sales tax it more than likely would.
Public Works Director John Collins commented on the pavement conditions within the City.
Budgeted trends and actual expenses for Capital projects were presented. He stated Adams
Street, Highway 281 and several other projects the City was committed to, some through the
Nebraska Department of Roads. The Mayor commented on the growth of Grand Island and the
amount of money that was spent for infrastructure. Aging infrastructure, additional traffic, and
safety concerns were mentioned.
Comments were made regarding the importance of passing this additional sales tax. The
additional funds would be used for specific projects.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
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RaNae Edwards
City Clerk