12/13/2016 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
December 13, 2016
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 13, 2016. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand Island Independent
on December 7, 2016.
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 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 Myah Mattke.
INVOCATION was given by Pastor Nathan Frew, Abundant Life Christian Center, 3411 West
Faidley Avenue followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
SPECIAL ITEMS:
Reco�nition of Grand Island Wastewater Division Awards at Fall Conference. Mayor Jensen and the
City Council recognized the Grand Island Wastewater Division for receiving the Nebraska Water
Environmental Association (NWEA) Scott Wilbur Outstanding Facility Award, Scott Wilbur Large
Facility Best in Class Award, Scott Wilbur Innovative Award, and the Silver Safety Award during
the 2016 American Public Works Association (APWA), Nebraska Water Environment Association
(NWEA), and American Water Works Association (AWWA) Fall Conference. Wastewater
Treatment Plant Supervisor Marvin Strong was present to explain the awards.
Approving Minutes of November 22, 2016 Citv Council Re�ular Meeting_Motion by Donaldson,
second by Hehnke to approve the minutes of the November 22, 2016 City Council meeting. Upon
roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Approving Minutes of December 6, 2016 City Council Study Session. Motion by Paulick, second by
Minton to approve the minutes of the December 6, 2016 City Council Study Session. Upon roll call
vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Acceptance of Election Certificate: Motion by Donaldson, second by Nickerson to accept the
Election Certificate for the November 8, 2016 General Election. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye.
Motion adopted.
Administration of Oath to Re-Elected Councilmembers: City Clerk RaNae Edwards administered the
Oath of Office to re-elected Councilmembers Jeremy Jones — Ward 1, Mark Stelk — Ward 2, Julie
Hehnke — Ward 3, Mike Paulick — Ward 4, and Chuck Haase — Ward 5.
Page 2, City Council Regular Meeting, December 13, 2016
Comments by Re-Elected Officials:
Councilmember's Jeremy Jones, Mark Stelk, Julie Hehnke, Mike Paulick, and Chuck Haase
commented on the upcoming year and balancing next year's budget, the opportunity to serve another
four years, and thanked the support of the community.
Election of Citv Council President: Mayor Jeremy Jensen 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 Haase nominated Councilmember Minton. Councilmember Hehnke nominated
Councilmember ponaldson.
Motion by Paulick, second by Stelk to close the nominations for Council President. Upon roll call
vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk RaNae Edwards called for the first ballot. It was reported that Councilmember Minton had
received 5 votes and Councilmember ponaldson had received 5 votes. Upon the second ballot,
Councilmember Minton received 6 votes and Councilmember ponaldson received 4 votes. Mayor
Jensen declared Councilmember Minton the new Council President for 2017.
Motion by Haase, second by Stelk for unanimous support for Councilmember Minton as Council
President for 2017. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearin o�quisition of Utilitv Easement located at 3820 Warbler Road (JoAnn K. Oseka).
Utilities Director Tim Luchsinger reported that acquisition of a utility easement located at 3820
Warbler Road was needed in order to have access to install, upgrade, maintain, and repair power
appurtenances, including lines and transformers. This easement would allow the Utilities
Department to continue to have the right to operate and maintain the electrical infrastructure as it
presently exists. Staff recommended approval. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement located at 235 Roberts Street (Steve Nd Beckie
Glause . Utilities Director Tim Luchsinger reported that acquisition of a utility easement located
at 235 Roberts Street was needed in order to have access to install, upgrade, maintain, and repair
power appurtenances, including lines and transformers. This easement would allow the Utilities
Department to install, operate, and maintain the pad-mounted transformer and high voltage
power lines necessary to serve the Verizon Wireless facility. Staff recommended approval. No
public testimony was heard.
Public Hearin� on Acquisition of Utility Easement located at 163 "A" Road (Galen and Tamera
Gerdes . Utilities Director Tim Luchsinger reported that acquisition of a utility easement located
Page 3, City Council Regulaz Meeting, December 13, 2016
at 163 "A" Road was needed in order to have access to install, upgrade, maintain, and repair
power appurtenances, including lines and transformers. This easement would allow the Utilities
Department to install, operate, and maintain the high voltage power lines and transformer
necessary to serve the new home in rural Merrick County. Staff recommended approval. No
public testimony was heard.
I:�1►:►�7.�
Councilmember ponaldson moved "that the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by
title on three different days are suspended and that ordinances numbered:
#9615 - Consideration of Amending the Salary Ordinance
#9616 - Consideration of Amending Grand Island City Code Chapter 17-35, Disposal by
Unlicensed Person
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.
#9615 - Consideration of Amending the Salary Ordinance
Human Resources Director Aaron Schmid reported that Ordinance #9615 would reclassify the
non-union position of GIS Coordinator-PW from non-exempt to exempt. The pay scale would
remain unchanged. Discussion was held regarding comparing this position with other cities.
Motion by Stelk, second by Fitzke to approve Ordinance #9615.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9615 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 #9615 on second and final reading. All those in favor of the passage of
this ordinance 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 second and final
readings, Ordinance #9615 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
#9616 - Consideration of Amending Grand Island City Code Chapter 17-35, Disposal by
Unlicensed Person
Police Chief Robert Falldorf reported that Ordinance #9616 would change the Grand Island City
Code Section 17-35 with regards to disposal of waste at the City disposal facilities by unlicensed
persons to assist with effective enforcement and clarify vague language. Comments were made
regarding enforcement.
Page 4, City Council Regulaz Meeting, December 13, 2016
Motion by Haase, second by Hehnke to approve Ordinance #9616.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9616 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 #9616 on second and final reading. All those in favor of the passage of
this ordinance 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 second and final
readings, Ordinance #9616 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
CONSENT AGENDA: Consent Agenda items G-9 and G-13 (Resolution #2016-300 and #2016-
304) were pulled for further discussion. Motion by Jones, second by Stelk to approve the
Consent Agenda excluding items G-9 and G-13. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion
adopted.
#2016-292 - A� rp oving Acquisition of Utilit_y Easement - 3820 Warbler Road (JoAnn K. Oseka).
#2016-293 - Approving Acquisition of Utilit�Easement - 235 Roberts Street (Steve and Beckie
Glause .
#2016-294 - Approving Acquisition of Utilitp Easement - 163 "A" Road - 1/2 Mile East of
Gunbarrel Road (Galen and Tamera Gerdes�
#2016-295 - Ap rp oving Bid Award for Auxiliarv Boiler Re-Tube at Platte Generating Station
with Rasmussen Mechanical Services, Inc. of Council Bluffs. Iowa in an Amount of
$310,309.00.
#2016-296 - Approvin� Bid Award for Gas Turbine #3 Bearin� Replacement with General
Electric International, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska in an Amount of $87,848.07.
#2016-297 - A�provin� ARC Flash Hazard Analysis - 2017 at Platte Generatin� Station and
Burdick Station with JEO Consulting Group of Norfolk, Nebraska in an Amount of $29,171.00.
#2016-298 - Approvin� Bid Award for Control Room HVAC at Platte Generating Station with
Rutts Heating and AC, Inc. of Hastin�s, Nebraska in an Amount of $309,348.00.
#2016-299 - A�proving Certificate of Final Completion for Water Main Project 2015-W-1 - Pine
Street at the UP Tracks with Van Kirk Brothers Contracting of Sutton, Nebraska.
#2016-300 - A�proving Lease Purchase of Three (3) Heav�v Tractors for the Streets
Division of the Public Works Department with Titan Machinerp of Grand Island, Nebraska in an
Amount of $260,426.12. Public Works Director John Collins reported that proposals had been
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Page 5, City Council Regulaz Meeting, December 13, 2016
received for three heavy duty tractors. Comments were made by Council regarding the cost.
Public Works Superintendent Shannon Callahan answered questions regarding the cost and
maintenance. She stated that by buying three tractors at one time there was a cost savings. She
also commented on the ag market and that next year these tractors would cost more.
Motion by Paulick, second by Steele to deny Resolution #2016-300. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Paulick, Hehnke, and Stelk voted aye. Councilmembers Steele, Minton, Fitzke,
Donaldson, Haase, Jones, and Nickerson voted no. Motion failed.
Motion by Minton, second by Nickerson to approve Resolution #2016-300. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Steele, Minton, Fitzke, Donaldson, Hehnke, Haase, Jones, Stelk, and Nickerson
voted aye. Councilmember Paulick voted no. Motion adopted.
#2016-301 - Ap�rovin� Amendment to Maintenance Services for Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition (SCADA) Pro�ramming at the Wastewater Treatment Plant with Interstate Industrial
Instrumentation, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska in an Amount of $18,910.07 and startup costs not to
exceed $6,295.00.
#2016-302 - A�provin� Award of Sanitarv Sewer Collection System Mobile Flow Meters for the
Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department from the Minnesota State bid from gpm of
Blair, Nebraska in an Amount of $19,802.00.
#2016-303 - Approving Bid Award for Adams Street Paving Project No. 2016-P-2 with The
Diamond En ing eerin� Co. of Grand Island, Nebraska in an Amount of $1,050,993.15.
#2016-304 - A�proving CDBG Contract #2016-4 with Downtown Business Improvement
District for Small Business Rental Assistance Pro�ram. Community Development Specialist
Charley Falmlen explained the Small Business Rental Assistance program. Discussion was held
regarding the process of the CDBG contract and what it covered. Ms. Falmlen stated that the
rental assistance would be made available to qualifying businesses in Blighted and Substandard
Area #l, which included the Downtown Business Improvement District.
Motion by Nickerson, second by Donaldson to approve Resolution #2016-304. Upon roll call
vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2016-305 - Ap rp oving CDBG Contract #2016-6 with Grand Island Habitat for Humanit�
Lot Acquisition Su�port.
#2016-306 - A�provin� Bid Award for the Furnishing and Installation of a New
Restroom/Concession Buildin� for the Veteran's Athletic Soccer Field with Mid Plains
Construction Company of Grand Island, Nebraska in an Amount of $239,750.00.
REQUESTS AND REFERRALS:
Consideration of Forwarding Bli�hted and Substandard Area #20 (Pat O'Neill - O'Neill Wood
Resources) to the Hall County Re�ional Planning Commission. Regional Planning Director Chad
Page 6, City Council Regulaz Meeting, December 13, 2016
Nabity reported that Pat O'Neill — O'Neill Wood Resources had submitted a Blighted and
Substandard Study for an area west of Grand Island at the Cornhusker Army Aminunition Plant.
Mr. O'Neill has an existing business (O'Neill Transportation and Equipment) on the site and
would proceed with further development of the property if the area could be declared blighted
and substandard.
Ron Depue, 308 North Locust Street, attorney for Mr. O'Neill spoke in support. Comments were
made regarding the notification of the School District. Mr. Nabity explained the process of
contacting the School District.
Motion by Minton, second by Fitzke to approve the request from Pat O'Neill to forward Blighted
and Substandard Area #20 to the Hall County Regional Planning Commission. Upon roll call
vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
RESOLUTIONS:
#2016-307 - Consideration of Transferrin� Funds from the General Fund to the Golf Course
Fund. Finance Director Renae Griffiths reported that the golf course fund as of September 30,
2016 had a negative cash balance of $58,000 and would increase due to the winter months with
little cash flow. It was recommended to transfer from the general fund to the golf course fund
$200,000 based on prior year cash activity.
Discussion was held regarding the amount of money being transferred. Parks and Recreation
Director Todd McCoy answered questions regarding the expenses for the golf Course. He stated
during the winter months they didn't have the revenue coming in like during the summer months
but still had to pay expenses such as salaries. This past year they did not have the amount of
revenues as in previous years due to the cold spring. He suggested that the Council look at this
fund during budget discussions to decide whether it should stay as an enterprise fund.
Motion by Steele, second by Haase to approve Resolution #2016-307. Upon roll ca11 vote,
Councilmembers Steele, Minton, Fitzke, Haase, Jones, Stelk, and Nickerson voted aye.
Councilmembers Paulick, Donaldson, and Hehnke voted no. Motion adopted.
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS:
Motion by Donaldson, second by Minton to approve the Claims for the period of November 23,
2016 through December 13, 2016 for a total amount of $5,831,012.06. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Steele, Minton, Fitzke, Donaldson, Hehnke, Haase, Jones, Stelk, and Nickerson
voted aye. Councilmember Paulick abstained. Motion adopted.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
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RaNae Edwards
City Clerk