09/12/2017 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
September 12, 2017
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 September 12, 2017. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand Island
Independent on September 6, 2017.
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, Chuck Haase, Julie Hehnke, Linna Dee
Donaldson, Michelle Fitzke, Vaughn Minton, Roger Steele, and Mike Paulick. Councilmember
Jeremy Jones was absent. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Marlan
Ferguson, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Finance Director Renae Jimenez, City Attorney Jerry
Janulewicz, and Public Works Director John Collins.
Mayor Jensen introduced Community Youth Council member Cindy Moran and board member
Maria Lopez.
INVOCATION was given by Pastor Josh Sikes, Third City Christian Church, 4100 West 13tn
Street followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION: Motion by Minton, second by Nickerson to adjourn to the
Board of Equalization. Motion adopted.
#2017-BE-5 - Consideration of Determinin� Benefits for powntown Business Improvement
District 2013. Finance Director Renae Jimenez reported that the City Council in its capacity as
the Board of Equalization was required to determine the benefits for powntown BID 2013.
Special assessments were for the amount of $100,392.80 (70%) or $100,776.92 (100%).
Presented were two Resolutions with the 70% and 100% assessment for owner occupied
residents. Staff recommended approval of the 70% assessments.
Motion by Paulick, second by Donaldson to approve Resolution #2017-BE-5 (A). Upon roll call
vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION: Motion by Minton, second by Fitzke to return to Regular
Session. Motion adopted.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearin� on Request from Steadfast Builders LLC for a Conditional Use Permit to Allow
for Parking a Food Trailer on the South Side of the Buildin� located at 1504 North Eddy Street.
Building Department Director Craig Lewis reported that a request had been made for approval to
continue to place a mobile food trailer on the south side of the building located at 1504 North
Eddy Street for four years. Staff recommended approval for one year. No public testimony was
heard.
Page 2, Ciry Council Regulaz Meeting, September 12, 2017
Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utilitv Easement - across from 2825 N. Engleman Road (Jack
Voss . Utilities Director Tim Luchsinger reported that acquisition of a utility easement located at
2825 N. Engleman Road was needed in order to have access to install, upgrade, maintain, and
repair power appurtenances, including lines and transformers. This easement would provide for
the Utilities Department to extend, operate and maintain an underground power line and a pad-
mounted transformer for the existing property and a future development. Staff recommended
approval. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearin� on General Property, Downtown Improvement Parkin� District #2 (Ramp�
Community Redevelopment Authoritv (CRA. Tax Request for FY 2017-2018. Finance Director
Renae Griffiths reported that state statutes required the City to conduct a public hearing if the
property tax request changes from one year to the next. Property tax request for FY 2017-2018
general property tax was $11,224,018, Parking District No: 2 at $8,000, and the Community
Redevelopment Authority property tax at $670,241. Staff recommended approval. No public
testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Establishing Rates for the General Property Occupation Tax for powntown
Parkin� District No. 1 for FY 2017-2018. Finance Director Renae Griffiths reported this was the
annual Council action to establish the occupation tax for powntown Improvement and Parking
District No. 1. FY 2017-2018 occupation tax factor was $.1702 per square foot and would
provide taxes of $41,990.40. Staff recommended approval. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Proposed Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Citv of Grand Island and Communitv
Redevelopment Authority�CRA. Budgets. Finance Director Renae Griffiths reviewed changes
to the FY2017-2018 Budget. Total of all funds was $219,379,933. Staff recommended approval.
No public testimony was heard.
RESOLUTIONS:
#2017-247 - Consideration of Directing Propertv Owner to Install Sidewalk at 4194 Norseman
Avenue (Federal Home Loan Mort�a�e Cor�). Public Works Director John Collins reported that
a complaint had been received concerning a missing sidewalk on the west side of 4194
Norseman Avenue. The Public Works Department was requesting a resolution be passed giving
the property owner 15 days to obtain the sidewalk permit and 15 days from issuance of such
permit to complete the installation of the sidewalk.
Motion by Steele, second by Minton to approve Resolution #2017-247.
Discussion was held regarding sidewalk policy, cub and gutters in this area. Mr. Collins stated
the subdivision agreement required sidewalks. Comments were made by Council that a sidewalk
was needed all along Norseman Avenue.
Motion by Paulick, second by Haase to postpone this item until the second meeting in October
(October 24, 2017). Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Page 3, City Council Regular Meeting, September 12, 2017
#2017-248 - Consideration of Directing Property Owner to Remove Trees from Public Ri ng t-of-
Wa�jacent to 1805 West lOth Street (Anne Bohan). Public Works Director John Collins
reported that through the Citizen Request system, Code Enforcement received notice of small
trees that had been planted in the public right-of-way at the southwest corner of the lOth Street
and Broadwell Avenue intersection causing sight obstruction. A letter was sent to the property
owner requesting removal of such trees no later than August 7, 2017. To date no action had been
taken to correct this sight obstruction. Staff was recommending removal of the trees.
Discussion was held regarding other trees in the right-of-way and the possibility of transplanting
these trees instead of cutting them down.
Motion by Donaldson, second by Fitzke to approve Resolution #2017-248. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Paulick, Steele, Minton, Fitzke, Donaldson, Hehnke, Haase, and Nickerson
voted aye. Councilmember Stelk voted no. Motion adopted.
#2017-249 - Consideration of A�proving Labor Agreement between the City of Grand Island
and the International Association of Firefighters, Local No. 647. Human Resources Director
Aaron Schmid reported that the current labor agreement would expire as of midnight September
30, 2017. The City and the IAFF met to negotiate the terms of a new agreement. The proposed
labor agreement would begin October 1, 2017 and run through September 30, 2019. Mr. Schmid
reviewed several changes to the current contract with a wage freeze for the next two years. Staff
recommended approval.
Motion by Hehnke, second by Minton to approve Resolution #2017-249. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2017-250 - Consideration of Ap�rovin� Labor Agreement between the City of Grand Island
and Union Local No. 1597 I.B.E.W. AFL-CIO. Human Resources Director Aaron Schmid
reported that the current labor agreement would expire as of midnight September 30, 2017. The
City and the IBEW met to negotiate the terms of a new agreement. The proposed labor
agreement would begin October 1, 2017 and run through September 30, 2020. Mr. Schmid stated
the changes proposed were primarily based on comparability studies from the salary array.
Reviewed were several changes to the current contract. Staff recommended approval.
Motion by Stelk, second by Fitzke to approve Resolution #2017-250. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2017-251 - Consideration of A�proving General Property, Downtown Improvement Parkin�
District #2 (Ram�) and Community Redevelopment Authority�CRA) Tax Request for FY 2018.
This item was related to the aforementioned Public Hearing.
The following people spoke in opposition:
• Jerry Poels, 3418 0. DeAnn Road
• Kurt Dockhorn, 2703 W. John Street
• Jody Roepke, 2521 Commerce Avenue
Page 4, City Council Regulaz Meeting, September 12, 2017
Discussion was held concerning the levy amount. Ms. Jimenez highlighted the cuts made in the
budget. Comments were made regarding property tax and the wheel tax.
Motion by Minton, second by Paulick to approve Resolution #2017-251. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Paulick, Minton, Fitzke, Donaldson, Stelk, and Nickerson voted aye.
Councilmembers Steele, Hehnke, and Haase voted no. Motion adopted.
#2017-252 - Consideration of A�roving 1% Increase to the Restricted Revenues Lid Limit.
Finance Director Renae Griffiths reported that in 1998 the Nebraska State Legislature passed LB
989 which put a lid on the amount of restricted revenues a political subdivision could budget for.
The restricted revenues that the City of Grand Island included in the budget were: Property
Taxes, Local Option Sales Tax, Motor Vehicle Tax, Highway Allocation and Municipal
Equalization Funds. The additional 1% increase for FY 2017-2018 State of Nebraska budget
report would increase the prior year restricted revenues base by $305,101.45. This increase in
restricted funds authority was not an increase in budgeted revenues or authorized expenditures. It
only provided the ability to increase restricted revenues in order to budget all restricted revenue
funding sources each budget year.
Motion by Paulick, second by Minton to approve Resolution #2017-252. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Paulick, Fitzke, Donaldson, Stelk, and Nickerson voted aye. Councilmembers
Steele, Minton, Hehnke, and Haase voted no. Motion failed.
#2017-253 — Consideration of A�proving FTE's for FY 2017-2018. Finance Director Renae
Jimenez reported that there was a reduction of FTE's to the General Fund of 10.8 and an increase
of 1.2 FTE's to all other funds.
Motion by Paulick to add 2 Police Officer positions died due to a lack of a second.
Motion by Donaldson, second by Fitzke to approve Resolution #2017-253. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Steele, Minton, Fitzke, Donaldson, Hehnke, Haase, Stelk, and Nickerson voted
aye. Councilmember Paulick voted no. Motion adopted.
ORDINANCES:
Councilmember Minton moved "that the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by title
on three different days are suspended and that ordinances numbered:
#9649 (A) - Consideration of Assessments for powntown Business Improvement District
2013
#9650 - Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 13 of the Grand Island City Code
Relative to Occupation Tax for powntown Improvement Parking District No. 1
#9651 - Consideration of Approving FY 2017-2018 Annual Single City Budget and the
Annual Appropriations Bill
#9652 - Consideration of Approving Salary Ordinance
Page 5, City Council Regulaz Meeting, September 12, 2017
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.
#9649 (A)- Consideration of Assessments for powntown Business Improvement District
2013
This item was related to the aforementioned Board of Equalization.
Motion by Minton, second by Hehnke to approve Ordinance #9649.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9649 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 #9649 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 #9649 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
#9650 - Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 13 of the Grand Island City Code
Relative to Occupation Tax for powntown Improvement Parking District No. 1
This item was related to the aforementioned Public Hearing.
Motion by Steele, second by Donaldson to approve Ordinance #9650.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9650 on iirst 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 #9650 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 #9650 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
#9651 - Consideration of Approving FY 2017-2018 Annual Single City Budget and the
Annual Appropriations Bill
Page 6, City Council Regular Meeting September 12, 2017
This item was related to the aforementioned Public Hearing. Comments were made regarding the
Annual Appropriations Bill, self-insurance, and the budget process.
Motion by Stelk, second by Minton to approve Ordinance #9651.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9651 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer ro11 ca11 vote. Upon roll call vote, Councilmembers Steele, Minton,
Fitzke, Donaldson, Hehnke, Stelk, and Nickerson voted aye. Councilmembers Paulick and Haase
voted no. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9651 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,
Councilmembers Steele, Minton, Fitzke, Donaldson, Hehnke, Stelk, and Nickerson voted aye.
Councilmembers Paulick and Haase voted no. Motion adopted.
Mayor Jensen: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon second and final
readings, Ordinance #9651 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
#9652 - Consideration of Approving Salary Ordinance
Human Resources Director Aaron Schmidt reported that a salary ordinance was presented each
year as part of the budget process. Wage changes were for bargaining units according to their
respective labor agreements and negotiated wages. Discussion was held regarding the title
change and cost of living adjustment.
Motion by Donaldson, second by Fitzke to approve Ordinance #9652.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9652 on iirst reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, Councilmembers Paulick, Steele,
Minton, Fitzke, Donaldson, Hehnke, Stelk, and Nickerson voted aye. Councilmember Haase
voted no. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9652 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,
Councilmembers Paulick, Steele, Minton, Fitzke, Donaldson, Hehnke, Stelk, and Nickerson
voted aye. Councilmember Haase voted no. Motion adopted.
Mayor Jensen: By reason of the roll call votes on iirst reading and then upon second and final
readings, Ordinance #9652 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Paulick, second by Hehnke to approve the Consent Agenda.
Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Approvin� Minutes of Au�ust 22, 2107 Citv Council Regular Meeting.
I
Page 7, CiYy Council Regular Meeting, SepCember 12, 2017
Approving Minutes of August 29, 2017 City Council Special Meetin�.
Approving Re-A�ointment of Krae Dutoit to the Communitv Redevelopment Authority (CRA)
Board.
Approving Re-A�ointments of Jeff Vinson and Tim White to the Citizens Advisorv Review
Committee.
A�proving Request for Liquor Mana eg r Desi�nation for Shayla Meister, 411 Sunset Avenue for
Smoker Friendly Liquor & Tobacco 18, 710 Diers Avenue.
#2017-240 - Approvin� Renewal of Machiner�pertv Peril, Fire and Terrorism Insurance for
2017 — 2018 with Factory Mutual Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri in an Amount of
$408,542.00.
#2017-241 - A�rovin�ge Order #1 for the Utilities Vehicle Gara�e and Warehouse at
1306 West 3rd Street with Chief Construction Com�any of Grand Island, Nebraska for an
Increase of $21,833.51 and a Revised Contract Amount of $394,446.51.
#2017-242 - A�roving Acquisition of Utilitv Easement - across from 2825 N. Engleman Road
�Jack Voss�
#2017-243 - Approvin� Certificate of Final Completion for Curb Ramp Project No. 2017-CR-1
with Galvan Construction Inc. of Grand Island Nebraska.
#2017-244 - A�proving Bid Award for Phase 3& 4 Geospatial Data Collection of Grand
Island's Public Sanitary Sewer System — 2017 with EA En ing eerin�, Sciense & Techonolo�y,
Inc. of Lincoln, Nebraska in an Amount of $88,332.00.
#2017-245 - Approving Chan�e Order No. 1(Time Extension to October 1, 2017) for Curb
Ramp Project No. 2017-CR-2 with The Diamond En ing eering Company of Grand Island,
Nebraska.
#2017-246 - A�proving Change Order No. 1 for Shadv Bend Drainage Project No. 2017-D-2
with Van Kirk Bros. Contractin��of Sutton, Nebraska for an Increase of $10,750.00 and a
Revised Contract Amount of $133,154.00.
REQUESTS AND REFERRALS:
Consideration of Request from Steadfast Builders, LLC for a Conditional Use Permit to Allow
for Parking a Food Trailer on the South Side of the Buildin� located at 1504 North Eddv Street.
This item was related to the aforementioned Public Hearing.
Keith Espeland, 1710 So. Harrison Street representing Steadfast Builders spoke in support.
Page 8, Ciry Council Regular Meeting September 12, 2017
Motion by Minton, second by Stelk to approve the request. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye.
Motion adopted.
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS:
Motion by Minton, second by Hehnke to approve the payment of claims for the period of August
23, 2017 through September 12, 2017 for a total amount of $3,848,772.46. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Steele, Minton, Fitzke, Donaldson, Hehnke, Haase, Stelk, and Nickerson voted
aye. Councilmember Paulick abstained. Motion adopted.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
A, , � , �
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk