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CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
March 7, 2017
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
February 7, 2017. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on March 1,
2017.
Mayor Jeremy L. Jensen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following Councilmembers
were present: Mark Stelk, Jeremy Jones, Chuck Haase, Linna Dee Donaldson, Michelle Fitzke,
Vaughn Minton, Mitch Nickerson, Mike Paulick and Roger Steele. Councilmember Julie Hehnke
was absent. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Marlan Ferguson,
Assistant to the City Administrator Nicki Stoltenberg, 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 Gonzalez followed by
the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
SPECIAL ITEMS:
Nebraska Communit E�ner_gy Alliance (NCEA� City Administrator Marlan Ferguson presented
information on the NCEA.
NCEA was founded in 2014 by nine Nebraska Communities to sponsor the first Nebraska
Environmental Trust (NET) grant of $403,000 to purchase electric and compressed natural gas
vehicles and a Charge Point charging station to demonstrate the economic and air quality
benefits. Today, NCEA has 26 members and the City of Grand Island has been approached to
join.
Other member communities include Hastings, Kearney, Holdrege, Minden, Lexington, and
Central City among others. The addition of Grand Island as a member provides a strategic
partner that strengthens the Nebraska alternative energy network. The cost to join the NCEA is
$1,000 and an interlocal agreement must be approved by Council.
Mr. Ferguson stated that if the City became a member, we would be eligible for grants to
purchase electric/gas vehicles and multiport public charging stations.
Brian Whiteclaf, 116 E. 8th Street, and Jeff Berggren, 3027 W Capital Avenue Suite 17, provided
some suggestions regarding the charging stations and spoke in favor of the membership.
Solar Power Update and Discussion: Utilities Director Tim Luchsinger presented an update to
Council regarding renewable energy efforts.
Page 2, City Council Study Session, February 7, 2017
The Utilities Department is considering a small piolet project that would produce one Megawatt
of capacity and provide annual production for approximately 180 homes.
Mr. Luchsinger explained that the Utilities Department is currently evaluating proposals from
developers to locate a small utility scale solar project just north of JBS next to an existing
electric substation. This, utilities oumed property appears to provide a very favorable site to
allow the department to gain first-hand experience with solar generation operations and possible
impacts or benefits to electric customers. The intent of the project is to be supported by the
Department, however, methods to allow participation by individuals or businesses are being
considered.
Brian Whitecalf, 116 E 8th Street, and Jeff Berggren, 3027 W Capital Avenue Suite 17, spoke in
favor of the Solar Farm idea.
Unpaid Delin uq ent Special Assessments Presentation and Discussion: City Attorney Jerry
Janulewicz and Finance Director Renae Griffiths presented information to Council.
Since 2006, 22 special assessment districts were created by the City of Grand Island for water,
sidewalk, sewer, and street paving projects, not including connection districts. Creation of the
districts resulted in assessments of $6,672,917.43 levied upon 923 parcels included within the
districts. Of the properties assessed, 91% have paid in full, resulting in a collection rate of 96%.
Currently, 12 assessed parcels have 1 to 5 delinquent installments, for a total of $64,692.81 plus
interest. Fifty-one assessed parcels, 24 of which were assessed for both paving and sewer, have
six or more delinquent installments, for a total of $211,433.16 plus interest.
Mr. Janulewicz covered the collection process via state statues and made mention that he would
be bringing a resolution(s) to Council for all properties that are delinquent on their payments.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
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Nicki Stoltenberg
City Clerk Pro Tem