01/25/2022 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
January 25, 2022
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 January 25, 2022. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand Island Independent
on January 19, 2022.
Mayor Roger G. Steele called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following City Council
members were present: Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Vaughn Minton, Bethany
Guzinski, Mitch Nickerson, Maggie Mendoza and Chuck Haase. Councilmembers Mike Paulick
and Justin Scott were absent. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Jerry
Janulewicz, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Finance Director Patrick Brown, Interim City Attorney
Stacy Nonhof and Public Works Director John Collins.
INVOCATION was given by Father pon Buhrman, St. Leo's Catholic Church, 2410 South
Blaine Street followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearin� on Proposed Bli�hted and Substandard Area 35 for approximately 3.4 Acres
located in the Northwest Part of Grand Island at Capital Avenue and Engleman Road (En lg eman
School)�Grand Island Public Schools). Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity reported that
Grand Island Public Schools had commissioned a Blight and Substandard Study for Proposed
Redevelopment Area No. 35. This study was approximately 3.4 acres of property located along
the north side of Capital Avenue and east of Engleman Road (Old Engleman Elementary School)
in northwest Grand Island. Staff recommended approval. Keith Marvin, David City and Dan
Petsch, 1734 Ingalls Street spoke in support. No further public testimony was heard.
Public Hearin�on Proposed Bli�hted and Substandard Area 36 for approximately 55.3 Acres
located in the Northwest Part of Grand Island on either side of Independence Avenue and South
of Nebraska Highwa�Empire Development). Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity
reported that FAmos Construction and O'Neill Wood Resources commissioned a Blight and
Substandard Study for Proposed Redevelopment Area No. 36. This study was approximately
55.4 acres of property located on either side of Independence Avenue south of Nebraska
Highway 2 in northwest Grand Island. Staff recommended approval. Keith Marvin, David City,
Zach Butz, 308 North Locust Street, and Amos Anson, 4234 Arizona Drive spoke in support. No
further public testimony was heard.
Public Hearin� on Redevelopment Plan for CRA No. 1 for Property located at 118 North Locust
Street (Artisan's Alle�). Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity reported that Artisan's
Ally LLC was proposing to renovate 118 West Second Street with commercial and residential
uses on the first floor and second floor apartments. The property was zoned B-3 Heavy Business
the proposed uses are permitted in this zoning district. Staff recommended approval. Amos
Page 2, City Council Regular Meeting, January 25, 2022
Anson, 4234 Arizona Drive spoke in support. No further public testimony was heard.
Public Hearin� on Zoning Change to Property located North of State Street and West of Wheeler
Avenue from B2 General Business, R3 Medium DensitY Residential and R2 Low Densitv
Residential to R3-SL Medium Density Small Lot Residential (Mesner Development Co.).
Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity reported that the owners of property east of the Five
Points Super Saver and north of Blessed Sacrament Church (Ray O'Connor and the Grand Island
Catholic Diocese) had requested that their property be rezoned pending a sale to Mesner
Development to accommodate a planned townhouse development at this location. Staff
recommended approval. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Zoning Change to Property located at 641 Cherry Street from RD Residential
Development to R3 Medium Density (John Nikod�� Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity
reported that John Nikodym representing JNIK, LLC the owners of Lot 2 of Nikodym Second
Subdivision was requesting that the zoning on property located at 641 Cherry Street be changed
from RD Residential Development Zone to R2 Medium Density Residential. Mr. Nikodym was
bringing forward a plan to create streets connecting Cherry Street and Bismark Road along with
the development of 47 lots intended for single family detached and attached housing and
duplexes. Staff recommended approval. John Nikodym, 655 South Cherry Street spoke in
support. No further public testimony was heard.
Public Hearin� on Chan�es to Chapter 36 of the Grand Island City Code Relative to 36-26;
Permitted Obstruction in Required Yards, 36-76; Commercial Development Zone, 36-77; TD
Travel Development 36-78• RD Residential Development Zone and 36-96; Off Street Parking.
Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity reported that the proposed changes to 36-26 would
allow escape windows as an allowable projection into a setbacks. The changes to 36-76 would
change the buffer yard requirements for internal lot line and right of way when the adjoining
property was zoned either CD or RD and allow residential uses in the CD zone. The changes to
36-77 would add recreational centers and sports fields to the current conditional uses. The
changes to 36-78 would change the buffer yard requirements for internal lot line and right of way
when the adjoining property was zoned either CD or RD zone and clean up some language with
the listed zoning districts. The changes to 36-96 would impact parking requirements for
collective parking serving both residential and commercial properties in certain neighborhoods.
Staff recommended approval. Amos Anson, 4234 Arizona Drive spoke in support. No further
public testimony was heard.
Public Hearin og n Acquisition of Utility Easement - 655 S. Cherry St and 1010 E. Bismark Road
(Nikodvm). Utilities Director Tim Luchsinger reported that a utility easement was needed at 655
S. Cherry Street and 1010 E. Bismark Road in order to have access to install, upgrade, maintain,
and repair power appurtenances, including lines and transformers. Due to the re-subdividing of
Nikodym Second Subdivision and to realign the current existing easement, the City would need
to vacate two (2) existing easements and acquire a new sixteen (16.0) foot wide Utility
Easement. The proposed easement would allow the Department to install, access, operate, and
maintain the electrical infrastructure at this location. Staff recommended approval. No public
testimony was heard.
Page 3, City Council Regulaz Meeting, January 25, 2022
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:
#9868 - Consideration of Approving Zoning Change to Property located North of State
Street and West of Wheeler Avenue from B2 General Business, R3 Medium Density
Residential and R2 Low Density Residential to R3-SL Medium Density Small Lot
Residential (Mesner Development Co.)
#9869 - Consideration of Approving Zoning Change to Property located at 641 Cherry
Street from RD Residential Development to R3 Medium Density (John Nikodym)
#9870 - Consideration of Vacation of Utility Easements - 655 S. Cherry and 1010 E.
Bismark — Nikodym
#9871 - Consideration of Approving Changes 36 of the Grand Island City Code Relative
to 36-26; Permitted Obstruction in Required Yards, 36-76; Commercial Development
Zone, 36-77; TD Travel Development, 36-78; RD Residential Development Zone and 36-
96; Off Street Parking
#9872 - Consideration of Vacation of Public Right-of-Way in Roberts Subdivision;
Roberts Court (South of Roberts Street)
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.
#9868 - Consideration of Approving Zoning Change to Property located North of State
Street and West of Wheeler Avenue from B2 General Business, R3 Medium Density
Residential and R2 Low Density Residential to R3-SL Medium Density Small Lot
Residential (Mesner Development Co.)
This item was related to the aforementioned Public Hearing. Staff recommended approval. Ray
O'Connor, 2335 N. Webb Road answered question regarding commercial use issues.
Motion by Nickerson, second by Stelk to approve Ordinance #9868.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9868 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 #9868 on second and final reading. All those in favor of this passage of
this ordinance on second and final reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted
aye. Motion adopted.
Mayor Steele: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon second and final
readings, Ordinance #9868 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
Page 4, City Council Regulaz Meeting, January 25, 2022
#9869 - Consideration of Approving Zoning Change to Property located at 641 Cherry
Street from RD Residential Development to R3 Medium Density (John Nikodym)
#9870 - Consideration of Vacation of Utility Easements - 655 S. Cherry and 1010 E.
Bismark — Nikodym
This item was related to the aforementioned Public Hearing. Staff recommended approval.
Motion by Guzinski, second by Haase to approve Ordinance #9869.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9869 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 #9869 on second and final reading. All those in favor of this passage of
this ordinance on second and final reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted
aye. Motion adopted.
Mayor Steele: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon second and final
readings, Ordinance #9869 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
#9870 - Consideration of Vacation of Utility Easements - 655 S. Cherry and 1010 E.
Bismark — Nikodym
Utilities Director Tim Luchsinger reported that John and Janice Nikodym were in the process of
re-subdividing Nikodym Second Subdivision into lots for single family dwellings located at
Cherry Street and Bismark Road. They had requested the vacation of two existing easements: a
sixteen (16.0) foot wide Power Easement originally platted on Superbowl Subdivision and a
twenty (20.0) foot wide Utility Easement described in Instrument Nuxnber 202004934, both
recorded in the Hall County Register of Deeds Office. A new sixteen (16.0) foot wide Utility
Easement would be acquired to cover the existing electrical services. Staff recommended
approvaL
Motion by Guzinski, second by Mendoza to approve Ordinance #9870.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9870 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 #9870 on second and final reading. All those in favor of this passage of
this ordinance on second and final reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted
aye. Motion adopted.
Mayor Steele: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon second and final
readings, Ordinance #9870 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
Page 5, City Council Regulaz Meeting, January 25, 2022
#9871 - Consideration of Approving Changes 36 of the Grand Island City Code Relative
to 36-26; Permitted Obstruction in Required Yards, 36-76; Commercial Development
Zone, 36-77; TD Travel Development, 36-78; RD Residential Development Zone and 36-
96; Off Street Parking
This item was related to the aforementioned Public Hearing. Staff recommended approval.
Discussion was held regarding parking.
Motion by Conley, second by Guzinski to approve Ordinance #9871.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9871 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 #9871 on second and final reading. All those in favor of this passage of
this ordinance on second and final reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted
aye. Motion adopted.
Mayor Steele: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon second and final
readings, Ordinance #9871 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
#9872 - Consideration of Vacation of Public Right-of-Way in Roberts Subdivision;
Roberts Court (South of Roberts Street)
Public Works Director John Collins reported that the section of Roberts Court, south of Roberts
Street had been requested for vacation by the adjacent property owner. The adjacent property
owner was working with the Planning Department to replat the six (6) lots they own on either
side of Roberts Court into two (2) lots in CGI Subdivision. The area of Roberts Court serves no
useful purpose as it had no destination points. The utilities within this area would become private
with this vacation. Staff recommended approval.
Motion by Conley, second by Minton to approve Ordinance #9872.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9872 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 #9872 on second and final reading. All those in favor of this passage of
this ordinance on second and final reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted
aye. Motion adopted.
Mayor Steele: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon second and final
readings, Ordinance #9872 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
_�
Page 6, City Council Regulu Meeting, January 25, 2022
CONSENT AGENDA: Consent Agenda item G-7 (Resolution #2022-23) was pulled for further
discussion. Motion by Stelk, second by Mendoza to approve the Consent Agenda excluding item
G-7. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Approving Minutes of January 11, 2022 City Council Regular Meetin�.
Approving Preliminary Plat for Nikodym Third Subdivision. It was noted that JNIK, Inc., owner,
had submitted the Preliminary Plat for Nikodym Third Subdivision located east of Cherry Street
and north of Bismark Avenue for the purpose of creating 471ots on 13.35 acres.
#2022-19 - Approving Final Plat for WWTP Subdivision. It was noted that the City of Grand
Island, owner, had submitted the Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for WWTP Subdivision
located west of Shady Bend Road and south of Seedling Mile Road for the purpose of creating 2
lots on 87.415 acres.
#2022-20 - Approving Final Plat for C& C Smith Subdivision. It was noted that Curt Smith,
owner, had submitted the Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for C& C Smith Subdivision
located north of Guenther Road and west of U.S. Highway 281 for the purpose of creating 1 lot
on 2.75 acres.
#2022-21 - A�proving Acquisition of Utility Easement - 655 S. Cherr�St and 1010 E. Bismark
Road (Nikod�).
#2022-22 - A�provin� Amendment No 1 to the Renewable Energ,y Credit Purchase with
Invenerg ,�nc.
#2022-23 - Approving Purchase of a 2023 Aerial Truck for the Line Division from Altec
Industries Inc. of St. Joseph, Missouri in an Amount of $224,218.00. Utilities Director Tim
Luchsinger reported that due to an estimated delivery date of 2024/2025 if was recommended to
order a replacement truck as soon as possible. Discussion was held regarding the price for the
2023 truck and that the funds would be paid out of the 2024-2025 budget.
Motion by Nickerson, second by Minton to approve Resolution #2022-23. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2022-24 - Approvin�Amendment No 1 to En ing eering Consultin� Services for Wastewater
Treatment Plant Flow Improvements• Project No 2020-WWTP-4 with HDR En ing eering, Inc. of
Omaha Nebraska for an Increase of $644177.00 and a Revised Contract Amount of
$1,082,132.00.
#2022-25 - Approvin� Bid Award for Custer Avenue- Faidley Avenue to 13th Street Roadway
Rehabilitation• Project No 2021-P-8 (Phase II) with The Diamond En in� eering Compan ��of
Grand Island, Nebraska in an Amount of $962,102.75.
Page 7; City Council Regulaz Meedng, January 25, 2022
#2022-26 - A� roving Bid Award for Moores Creek Drainage Culvert Extension; Project No.
2021-D-2(A) with The Diamond En ineerin�pany of Grand Island, Nebraska in an Amount
of $267,262.20.
#2022-27 - Approving Agreement for Preliminary Design Services for Stolley Park Roadway
and Parking Improvements for the Parks & Recreation Department with Alfred Benesch & Co.
of Grand Island, Nebraska in an Amount of $34,922.00.
#2022-28 - Approving Environmental Review Consultation for Properties Owned and/or
Managed by Hall Countv Housing Authorit�
RESOLUTION:
#2022-29 - Consideration of Approving Proposed Blighted and Substandard Area 35 for
approximately 3.4 Acres located in the Northwest Part of Grand Island at Capital Avenue and
Engleman Road (Engleman School) (Grand Island Public Schools� This item was related to the
aforementioned Public Hearing. Dan Petsch, 1734 Ingalls Street answered questions regarding
the removal of the building.
Motion by Minton, second by Conley to approve Resolution #2022-29. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2022-30 - Consideration of Approving Proposed Blighted and Substandard Area 36 for
approximatelv 55.3 acres located in the Northwest Part of Grand Island on either side of
Independence Avenue and South of Nebraska Highway 2(Empire Development). This item was
related to the aforementioned Public Hearing.
Motion by Guzinski, second by Nickerson to approve Resolution #2022-30. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Haase, Nickerson, Mendoza, Guzinski, Minton, Conley, and Stelk voted aye.
Councilmember Fitzke voted no. Motion adopted.
#2022-31 - Consideration of A�proving the Redevelopment Plan for CRA No. 1 for Property
located at 118 North Locust Street (Artisan's Alle�� This item was related to the
aforementioned Public Hearing.
Motion by Stelk, second by Guzinski to approve Resolution #2022-31. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2022-32 - A� roving Establishing a Police and Fire Personnel Stabilization Fund. Finance
Director Patrick Brown reported that the proposed Police and Fire Personnel Stabilization fund
was intended to insure that first responders are not laid off during difficult economic times.
Administration was proposing to invest $1,000,000 into a newly created Police and Fire
Stabilization Fund. If funds were used out of the Police and Fire Stabilization Fund, then
replenishment of the fund would come from Police and Fire vacancy savings but only after the
General Funds cash reserves meet the City's Fiscal Policy.
Page 8, City Council Regulaz Meeting, January 25, 2022
Police Chief Robert Falldorf and Fire Chief Corey Schmidt spoke in support. Mayor Steele
stated he brought this item forward. Discussion was held regarding this money would be used for
personnel costs only and not new positions.
Motion by Conley, second by Nickerson to approve Resolution #2022-32. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Nickerson, Mendoza, Minton, Conley, Stelk, and Fitzke voted aye.
Councilmembers Haase and Guzinski voted no. Motion adopted.
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS:
Motion by Minton, second by Mendoza to approve the payment of claims for the period of
January 12, 2022 through January 25, 2022 for a total amount of $4,245,516.06. Upon roll ca11
vote, Councilmembers Nickerson, Mendoza, Guzinski, Minton, Conley, Stelk, and Fitzke voted
aye. Councilmember Haase voted no. Motion adopted.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
�. . , � , �..
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk