04/04/2017 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Apri14, 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
April 4, 2017. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on March 29,
2017.
Mayor Jeremy L. Jensen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following Councilmembers
were present: Mitch Nickerson, Mark Stelk, Julie Hehnke, Linna Dee Donaldson, Michelle
Fitzke, Vaughn Minton, Roger Steele, and Mike Paulick. Councilmembers Chuck Haase and
Jeremy Jones 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 Sarah Sugita.
INVOCATION was given by Community Youth Council member Sarah Sugita followed by the
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
SPECIAL ITEMS:
Discussion on City Sidewalks. Public Works Director John Collins reported that in July and
August, 2016 the City Council discussed the sidewalk repair process and requested the issue of
sidewalks be studied for potential changes to policy. Concern was expressed by Council about
how sidewalk issues were identified (complaint based), as well as the cost to the property
owners.
Mr. Collins stated there were three types of issues with sidewalks: Absent — no sidewalk present;
ADA — fails to meet federal American Disabilities Act standards, and Deficient — broken or
uneven sidewalks.
The following Absent Actions were presented:
• Sidewalks added as properties are developed
• Sidewalks added as streets are brought up to current standards (except for some industrial
streets)
• Sidewalk Districts (last was in 2007)
• Gap Sidewalk Projects (funding discontinued FY 2015)
ADA actions would allow for an annual $165,000 program to add ramps to curbs where projects
were recently completed. Ramps and driveway slopes were required as property was developed.
Property owners were to correct deficiencies as they became award of them and/or the City
would take action to require owners to correct deficient sidewalks. Issues with the current policy
were the City taking action on a complaint basis and the cost to the property owners.
Page 2, City Council Study Session, Apri14, 2017
The following Cost Sharing Options were presented:
• Budget $25,000/year for Sidewalk Rehabilitation program
• Establish reimbursement at 50% of ADA unit bid
• Exclude owners who refuse to cooperate and require Council resolution
Discussion was held regarding complaints, property owner request, ADA project areas, and other
areas identified. Comments were made concerning funds available through Habitat for Humanity
for people who needed help with their sidewalks. Mr. Collins answered questions regarding State
Statute language of "reasonable condition". The Public Works Department follows ADA
requirements. Mentioned was educating the public regarding sidewalk repair and identifying
only the deficient areas that needed repaired.
Discussion was held regarding a reimbursement program. Mentioned was using the homeowners
homestead exemption, if there was one, to figure a reimbursement amount. Sidewalk
improvement districts were discussed.
Discussion on Complete Streets: Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity introduced Amy
Roberts from the Central District Health Department (CDHC). Ms. Roberts explained what
complete streets were and the benefits to the city. She stated the CDHC had received a grant in
2015 related to the Walkable Communities Initiative sponsored by the Nebraska Department of
Health and Human Services. As part of the process they sponsored a walking and biking summit
and several public meetings with citizens and interested parties in Grand Island. One of the goals
from the summit was to create a complete streets policy for the City of Grand Island. A complete
streets policy recognizes that all modes of transportation (motor vehicles, transit, walking, &
biking) are important to a community.
Mr. Nabity reviewed the complete streets policy for the City of Grand Island. He mentioned the
reasons to have a complete street policy were for consistency, clear direction, sustainability, and
long term impact. Discussion was held regarding the enforcement of the policy, gaps, and
retrofitting.
Discussion on Citv Owned Parking Lots: Public Works Director John Collins reported that the
City currently had 10 public lots, 2 YMCA lots, Grand Generation Center lot and city employee
lot. Based on the August 1, 2016 report provided by Olsson Associates there was $2,390,000.00
in necessary repair costs to the parking lots evaluated. Reviewed were the results from the study.
The following alternatives were presented:
• Increase assessments
• Contribute Other City funds
• Divest/Sale
• Lease
Amos Anson, 4234 Arizona Avenue spoke in support of the City being a partner in downtown.
Mentioned was the possibility of acquiring parking lots and charging for parking.
Page 3, City Council Study Session, April 4, 2017
Mr. Collins stated there was $750,000 in this year's budget that could be used on the parking
lots. Discussion was held concerning the costs of repairing the parking lots. It was recommended
that the Public Works start working on those parking lots that were used the most and proceed
with the repair work.
Director of Downtown BID Cara Lemburg, 1507 West 1 St Street answered questions regarding
where the employees of the businesses in downtown park. President of the Downtown BID Tom
Ziller, 324 West 18�' Street spoke concerning a parking management strategy that they were
working on.
Comments were made concerning the downtown assessments not being equitable.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
. � � � t �-
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk
��
I
II