06/13/2023 MinutesCITY OF �
GRAND�ISLAND
City Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
June 13, 2023
1.
CALL TO ORDER 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 June 13, 2023. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand
Island Independent on June 7, 2023.
Mayor Roger G. Steele called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The following City Council
members were present: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick,
Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck
Haase. The following City Officials were present: City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Interim City
Administrator Laura McAloon, Finance Director Patrick Brown and Interim Public Works
Director Keith Kurz.
2.
INVOCATION Pastor Jeff Pedersen, St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 1515 South Harrison Street.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
5.
SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
6.
RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS
7.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
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8.
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
a. #2023-BE-2 — Consideration of Determining Revisions for Connection Fees for Water Main
District 398T.
Motion by Mike Paulick, second by Doug Lanfear to adjourn to the Board of Equalization. Roll
Call: Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke,
Page 2, City Council Regular Meeting, June 13, 2023
Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion
adopted.
Interim Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported that Water Main District 398T was completed
in March of 1992. The construction provided the installation of a 20" diameter water main in
North Road between Old Potash Highway and Stolley Park Road. The western part of this tract
was purchased and platted as Jaxson Subdivision so the re-configuration of the original
assessment now has four subdivided lots and two parcels of land adjacent to Old Potash
Highway and North Road. To provide equity in repayment of the connection fees this item was
brought forward for Council's approval. Staff recommended approval.
Motion by Mitch Nickerson, second by Doug Lanfear to approve Resolution #2023-BE-2. Roll
Call: Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke,
Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion
adopted.
Motion by Michelle Fitzke, second by Doug Lanfear to reconvene to regular session. Roll Call:
Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion
adopted.
9.
CONSENT AGENDA
Consent items g, h and n(Resolutions #2023-139, #2023-140, and #2023-146) were pulled from
the consent agenda for further discussion. Motion by Mark Stelk, second by Jack Sheard to
approve the Consent Agenda excluding items g, h and n. Roll Call: Ayes: Maggie Mendoza,
Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson,
Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion adopted.
a. Approving Minutes of May 23, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting.
b. Approving Minutes of Special Study Session (Council Retreat) of June 3, 2023.
c. Approving Payment of Claims for the Period of May 24, 2023 through June 13 2023 for a
total amount of $6,032,388.10.
d. #2023-136 — Approving Changing the Name of Gold Core Drive to Gold Core Road.
e. #2023-137 — Approving the Re-allocation of Utility Electrician to Instrument Technician.
f. #2023-138 — Approving Revisions for Connection Fees for Water Main District 398T.
g. #2023-139 — Approving Purchase of FARO Crime Scene Mapping Tool for Police
Department from ZNET TECH, LLC of Olney, Massachusetts in an Amount of
$73,250.69.
Police Chief Kevin Denney reported that the Grand Island Police Department did not
have the resources to accurately map a major crime scene. They must request and wait for
assistance from outside their jurisdiction. Kearney Police Department and the Nebraska
State Patrol were the only two agencies that had this technology. This was all based on
availability from these outside agencies. Purchasing the Faro Laser Scanner would
increase the efficiency and effectiveness of how they investigate major crime scenes.
Page 3, City Council Regular Meeting,lune 13, 2023
Discussion was held regaxding training the 12 officers who would then train other
officers.
Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Maggie Mendoza to approve Resolution #2023-139.
Roll Call: Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick,
Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent:
Chuck Haase. Motion adopted.
h. #2023-140 — Approving Purchase of TruNarc Drug Detention Equipment for the Police
Department from Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments, Inc. of Boston,
Massachusetts in an Amount of $36,779.57.
Police Chief Kevin Denney reported that currently the Grand Island Police Department
did not have the resources to test the various controlled substances encountered on the
street. Purchasing TruNarc handheld narcotics analyzer from Thermo Fisher Scientific
would increase officer safety as they are seeing more and more substances containing
Fentanyl, allow officers to easily and quickly identify the material without having to
physically take a sample or open certain packaging, and have a more accurate
identiiication for criminal charging purposes.
Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Maggie Mendoza to approve Resolution #2023-140.
Roll Call: Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick,
Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent:
Chuck Haase. Motion adopted.
i. #2023-141 — Approving Interlocal Agreement with Hall County for 2023 Asphalt
Resurfacing for sections of 13�' Street and Capital Avenue.
j. #2023-142 - Approving Bid Award for Annual Supply of Road Deicing Salt 2023-2024
with Blackstrap, Inc. of Neligh, Nebraska in an Amount of $54.55 per ton off-peak and
$57.25 per ton peak.
k. #2023-143 - Approving Agreement with NDOT for the Grand Island Area Metropolitan
Planning Organization (GIAMPO) for the 2024 Fiscal Year Transportation Planning
Program.
1. #2023-144 - Approving Change Order No. 4 for Eddy Street Underpass Rehabilitation;
Project No. 2019-U-1 with The Diamond Engineering Company of Grand Island,
Nebraska for a time extension for completion to September 1, 2023.
m. #2023-145 — Approving Request for Contract/Document Management Software from
SHI in an Amount of $19,710.24.
n. #2023-146 - Approving Proposal for Life, AD&D, and Supplemental Life Insurance
Provider from Securian Life Insurance Company of St. Paul, Minnesota in an Amount of
$51,804.00 Annual Premium.
Human Resources Director Aaron Schmid reported that the City provides all regular
status employees who work an average of at least thirty (30) hours per week City-paid
life/accidental death insurance coverage. The current vendor proposed a 16.79% increase
at renewal. An RFP was conducted with six (6) bids received. The Securian proposal
offers more coverage at a lower price.
Page 4, City Council Regular Meeting, lune 13, 2023
Motion by Bethany Guzinski, second by Maggie Mendoza to approve Resolution #2023-
146. Roll Call: Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick,
Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent:
Chuck Haase. Motion adopted.
10.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Public Hearing on the Semi-Annual Report by the Grand Island Area Economic
Development Corporation/Citizens Advisory Review Committee on the Economic
Development Program Plan
Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Mary Berlie gave a
presentation on the Semi-Annual Report. Staff recommended approval. No public testimony was
heard.
#2023-147 - Consideration of Approving Semi-Annual Report by the Grand Island Area
Economic Development Corporation/Citizens Advisory Review Committee on the Economic
Development Program Plan.
Motion by Bethany Guzinski, second by Doug Lanfear to approve Resolution #2023-147. Roll
Call: Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke,
Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion
adopted.
b. Public Hearing on Proposed Blighted and Substandard Area 37 for Approximately 9
Acres Located in central Grand Island south of Faidley Avenue between Carey Avenue
and White Avenue (Phil Beckett and Stephen Steck)
Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity reported that Phil Beckett and Stephen Steck had
commissioned a Blight and Substandard Study for Proposed Redevelopment Area No. 37. This
study was approximately 9.1 acres of property south of Faidley Avenue between Carey Avenue
and White Avenue. Staff recommended approval. Phil Becket spoke in support. No further
public testimony was heard.
#2023-148 - Consideration of Approving Proposed Blighted and Substandard Area 37 for
Approximately 9 Acres Located in central Grand Island south of Faidley Avenue between Carey
Avenue and White Avenue (Phillip Beckett and Stephen Steck)
Phil Becket answered questions concerning the project. Executive Director of the O'Neill &
Omaha Valley Hope and Lori Cleveland representing CHI spoke in support.
Motion by Mitch Nickerson, second by Bethany Guzinski to approve Resolution #2023-148.
Roll Call: Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle
Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase.
Motion adopted.
Page 5, City Council Regular Meeting, June 13, 2023
Public Hearing on Request from GSI Engineering, LLC for a Conditional Use Permit to
Continue Operations of a Remediation System to Address Petroleum Contamination
located at 2028 East Highway 30
Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity reported that GIS Engineering, LLC had submitted a
request to allow for the use of a trailer at the site of 2028 East Highway 30 to clean up
groundwater. Staff recommended approval. No public testimony was heard.
#2023-149 - Consideration of Request from GSI Engineering, LLC for a Conditional Use
Permit to Continue Operations of a Remediation System to Address Petroleum
Contamination located at 2028 East Highway 30
Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Mike Paulick to approve Resolution #2023-149. Roll Call:
Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion
adopted.
11.
REQUEST AND REFERRALS
12.
RESOLUTIONS
a. #2023-150 - Consideration of Approving Economic Development Incentive Agreement
with GIX Logistics, Inc.
Interim City Administrator Laura McAloon reported that GIX Logistics, Inc. had submitted the
required LB-840 application for a forgivable loan in the amount of $465,000.00. Proposed was
the creation of 18 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees with an average hourly wage of $35.00.
Requested was $465,000.00 for job creation, job training and infrastructure to be paid over four
years. Staff recommended approval. Jim Pirnie answered questions regarding the GIX renovation
due to growth.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Bethany Guzinski to approve Resolution #2023-150. Roll
Call: Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke,
Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion
adopted.
13.
ORDINANCES
a. #9929 - Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 35 of the City Code - Water.
Motion to suspend the rules was moved by Bethany Guzinski, seconded by Doug Lanfear. Roll
Call: Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke,
Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion
adopted.
Page 6, City Council Regular Meeting, June 13, 2023
Interim Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported that the proposed City Code changes to Chapter
35 - Water included revisions to applicable sections of the code that provide for the Utility and
Building Departments to allow the use of HDPE pipe in installations requiring 2" pipe or smaller
that fall outside of the boundaries of documented Groundwater Control Areas in the City. Staff
recommended approval.
Motion by Michelle Fitzke, second by Bethany Guzinski to approve Ordinance #9929. Roll Call:
Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion
adopted.
b. #9930 - Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 15 of the City Code - Electricity
Motion to suspend the rules was moved by Doug Lanfear, seconded by Mike Paulick. Roll Call:
Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion
adopted.
Assistant Finance Director Brian Schultz reviewed the following changes to Chapter 15 of the
Grand Island City Code regarding Electricity:
• The recommendation would be to make a change from 24 months to 12 months of good
payment history to be eligible for a refund. This includes no more than one delinquent
payment.
• Unless the account is being finalized, the standard process would be to issue a credit to
their account.
Deposits historically have only been applied to accounts when they get finalized before
they are eligible for a refund. We do not have to rely on them because of a bad payment
history.
Motion by Bethany Guzinski, second by Mike Paulick to approve Ordinance #9930. Roll Call:
Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion
adopted.
c. #9931 - Consideration of Approving Salary Ordinance
Motion to suspend the rules was moved by Doug Lanfear, seconded by Michelle Fitzke. Roll
Call: Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke,
Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion
adopted.
Interim City Administrator Laura McAloon reported that Administration was recommending
three changes to the organizational structure. The first was the addition of an Assistant City
Administrator classification with a salary range of $69.3040 -$90.3360 per hour. The second
change was the renaming of the Planning Director to the Community Development Director. The
final proposed change was to remove the Building Director classification and replace it with a
Chief Building Official classification. Staff recommended approval.
Page 7, City Council Regular Meeting, June 13, 2023
Darwin Barnes spoke in support of the changes to the Planning Director becoming the
Community Development Director and taking over the Building Department duties. Discussion
was held regarding the need for an Assistant City Administrator.
Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Michelle Fitzke to approve Ordinance #9931. Roll Call:
Ayes: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Chuck Haase. Motion
adopted.
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The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
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RaNae Edwards
City Clerk