11/07/2017 Minutes,
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CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
November 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
November 7, 2017. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on
November 1, 2017.
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, Chuck Haase, Linna Dee Donaldson,
Michelle Fitzke, Vaughn Minton, Roger Steele, and Mike Paulick. Councilmember Julie Hehnke
was absent. The following City Ofiicials were present: City Administrator Marlan Ferguson,
City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Assistant Finance Director William Clingman, City Attorney Jerry
Janulewicz and Public Works Director John Collins.
Mayor Jensen introduced Community Youth Council member Shelby Hees.
INVOCATION was given by Community Youth Council member Shelby Hees followed by the
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
SPECIAL ITEMS:
OpenGov Presentation. Assistant Finance Director William Clingman introduced Jason Carian
and Charlie Francis representing OpenGov. Mr. Carian presented a PowerPoint explaining the
OpenGov program. He stated OpenGov was the leader in government performance management,
with easy-to-use cloud software for better budgeting, improved operational intelligence, and
comprehensive open data. The program gives governments the right tools and relevant data for
more informed decision-making and better outcomes for the public.
OpenGov provided one solution for budgeting across the organization, optimizing internal and
external reporting, and sharing performance measures. Reviewed was the budget program. Mr.
Francis commented on his experience in using this program while he was a Finance Director in
California. He answered questions regarding future forecasting.
Discussion was held regarding the accessibility of information for the Council and/or the public.
Mr. Carian stated it could be set up for both. Mr. Clingman stated the preliminary budget book
would be accessible in real time. Mr. Carian stated the interface with our current system would
take approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Mr. Clingman stated this system would save staff time, allow
more tools for everyone to use, and more accurate information. The first year cost for this system
would cost $55,264.70.
Husker Harvest Da.�ject. City Administrator Marlan Ferguson reported that Husker Harvest
Days was the World's Largest Totally Irrigated Working Farm Show and had been in Grand
Island for 40 years. They were experiencing infrastructure issues, lot size issues and lack of
Page 2, City Council Study Session, November 7, 2017
modern facility issues which amounted to 7 million dollars in upgrades. They had asked the City
to contribute 2 million dollars of the Food and Beverage tax towards the upgrades. The economic
impact of this show was estimated to be 7.5 million annually.
Farm Progress was committed and ready to start on the upgrades as soon as they were assured of
the City's participation. It was determined that the best legal process for the City to contribute
funds would be for the City to approve a redevelopment plan for the project and enter into an
Interlocal Agreement with the Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) to provide partial
funding for the project.
Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity stated as proposed the Interlocal Agreement would
authorize the City to contribute up to $200,000 per year for 10 years beginning in fiscal year
2019 to the CRA and the CRA would pay those funds to Farm Progress to cover up to
$2,000,000 of the costs of the proposed improvements at the site. The CRA would enter into a
redevelopment contract with Farm Progress for a period of 20 years. Farm Progress would agree
to continue to hold at least one 3 day farm show on the site for a 20 year period and the CRA
would forgive $100,000 of the $2,000,000 investment for each year that a show is held. The
CRA would hold a lien on the Farm Progress property at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition
Plant to protect the City and the CRA in the event that the show is canceled prior to the 20 year
term of the contract.
City Attorney Jerry Janulewicz reported on the legal authority to expend city funds in support of
a community redevelopment authority project located beyond the corporate boundaries of the
city. Nebraska State Statutes allowed this to happen.
David Plautz, 4063 Manchester Road spoke in support for Husker Harvest Days but opposed
using tax money for this project.
Comments were made by Council on the economic impact to our community from Husker
Harvest Days. Discussion was held regarding the Food & Beverage Tax and what it could be
used for. A lengthy discussion was held concerning Farm Progress and its corporate
headquarters.
Ray O'Connor, 611 Fleetwood Road spoke in support of Husker Harvest Days and the
investment to Grand Island.
Council recessed at 8:40 p.m. and reconvened at 8:46 p.m.
Fire Station No. 4 Relocation/Emergency Mana�ement Center Land Lease Purchase. City
Administrator Marlan Ferguson reported that Menard, Inc. would like to expand their facility to
include our existing Fire Station #4, which was located adjacent to the southwest corner of their
property. They proposed an agreement whereby they would assist the City in purchasing
property or provide property and construct a new fire station to the specifications agreed to by
both parties. After review the Fire Department determined that the ideal location for a
replacement would be near 13th Street and North Road.
Page 3, City Council Study Session, November 7, 2017
This past spring a 20 acre tract of vacant land came up for sale at 13th Street and North Road.
Ray O'Connor was interested in purchasing the property for a 1031 land exchange and would
sell to the city as much of the property as we would want at the price he purchased it. Staff is
recommending purchasing 3.7+ acres and retaining the right to purchase an additional5 acres for
future city purpose.
Fire Chief Cory Schmidt reported on response times from the 13�' Street and North Road
location.
Ubdate on North Road and 13th Street Improvements; Proiect No. 2018-P-1. Public Works
Director John Collins reported that roadway improvements along 13th Street from Moores Creek
to North Road, as well as intersection improvements at 13th Street and North Road were planned.
This project would get much needed drainage improvements to the 13th Street and North Road
intersection which do not exist today.
The North Road and 13th Street Improvements would support both the relocation of Fire Station
No. 4 and the Emergency Center by providing improved traffic flow and drainage for the area.
Presented was a design for a roundabout at the 13th Street and North Road intersection.
Ray O'Connor commented on the 1031 exchange, the lease agreement, and the additional5 acres
available.
Fire Chief Schmidt answered questions regarding the roundabout at this location with regards to
calls and equipment size.
City Attorney Jerry Janulewicz explained that the City would sell the property at Fire Station No.
4 to Menards for the purchase of 3.7+ acres of property at the 13th Street and North Road
location from Ray O'Connor. Menards would then build a new fire station at the new location.
These items would be on the November 14, 2017 City Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:26 p.m.
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RaNae Edwards
City Clerk